Unfortunately, I have yet to step p to the plate with a membership commitment so my opinion is of very little meaning here.
I know I helped get a basic plan for the DSM tank tour and I enjoy working with you folks and obviously love seeing other set ups. The problems I have are personal though. Aside from work, my time commitments are great in other aspects of my life.
I can devote more time to my motorcycle hobby because that is also my primary source of transportation. I can devote time to my building hobby as that improves my standard of living and my enviroment.
As it is now, though, my tank is my only sole hobby I have. It serves no purpose other than to entertain, educate, and relax me. Which is a HUGE thing. The problem is, My resources don't allow me to spend as much time or money as I would like on it. I have to prioritize things and beyond making sure my fish are healthy and happy, I tend to ignore the tank for a couple of days at a time.
This isn't a reflection of the group or club at all. It is more an insight into my mindset and I am sure other's mindsets when it comes to prioritizing different aspects of their lives.
Unfortunately, this means that aquariums and the associated involvement sometimes takes a hit. This also spills over to related activities such as a club organization.
Personally, I would love to be able to devote the time to being a secretary for the club. I enjoy organizing things and keeping track of who is doing what and planning events that bring other people enjoyment. But in a busy life, such things sometimes have to be pushed onto the back burner.
The club dues ammount is more than fair. The club as a resource is worth every penny one would invest. The problem lies in investing in something and then seeing little if any return. I am refering to once a board is selected and dues are paid, what is to say that suddenly, there is little interest to continue forward? Intentions being what they are, it is hard to forsee personal problems arising and time contraints increasing so that one is unable to focus on duties related to a hobby over more serious life tasks.
I have reached the point in my diatribe where I am rambling. I guess my big point is, what has held me back from commiting my membership dues is that there is the posibility that I invest my money and then suddenly due to circumstances none really can forsee, either leadership falls apart or can't maintain the task at hand to keep the club interesting.
Bah. I am too fatalistic sometimes. I would love to see the club be active and to take a role that helps get the club to that point. But I also don't want to step up to the proverbial plate and fail because something else in my life takes presidence, thus effecting others besides myself.
Ramblin' Ryan
I know I helped get a basic plan for the DSM tank tour and I enjoy working with you folks and obviously love seeing other set ups. The problems I have are personal though. Aside from work, my time commitments are great in other aspects of my life.
I can devote more time to my motorcycle hobby because that is also my primary source of transportation. I can devote time to my building hobby as that improves my standard of living and my enviroment.
As it is now, though, my tank is my only sole hobby I have. It serves no purpose other than to entertain, educate, and relax me. Which is a HUGE thing. The problem is, My resources don't allow me to spend as much time or money as I would like on it. I have to prioritize things and beyond making sure my fish are healthy and happy, I tend to ignore the tank for a couple of days at a time.
This isn't a reflection of the group or club at all. It is more an insight into my mindset and I am sure other's mindsets when it comes to prioritizing different aspects of their lives.
Unfortunately, this means that aquariums and the associated involvement sometimes takes a hit. This also spills over to related activities such as a club organization.
Personally, I would love to be able to devote the time to being a secretary for the club. I enjoy organizing things and keeping track of who is doing what and planning events that bring other people enjoyment. But in a busy life, such things sometimes have to be pushed onto the back burner.
The club dues ammount is more than fair. The club as a resource is worth every penny one would invest. The problem lies in investing in something and then seeing little if any return. I am refering to once a board is selected and dues are paid, what is to say that suddenly, there is little interest to continue forward? Intentions being what they are, it is hard to forsee personal problems arising and time contraints increasing so that one is unable to focus on duties related to a hobby over more serious life tasks.
I have reached the point in my diatribe where I am rambling. I guess my big point is, what has held me back from commiting my membership dues is that there is the posibility that I invest my money and then suddenly due to circumstances none really can forsee, either leadership falls apart or can't maintain the task at hand to keep the club interesting.
Bah. I am too fatalistic sometimes. I would love to see the club be active and to take a role that helps get the club to that point. But I also don't want to step up to the proverbial plate and fail because something else in my life takes presidence, thus effecting others besides myself.
Ramblin' Ryan
