I was also under the impression if we were private that we could have auctions again without a licensed auctioneer but if this is not true
Nope still have to be licensed in WV.
A private club has more control over how it operates and does not have to worry as much about outside sources (stores)regulating it because they do not like how the club is empowering hobbyists to "grow their own"
That's why we have our supporting LFS list. Either way you will have LFSs that are for and against us and what we do, it wont matter, we just ignore the bad ones and reward the good ones.
Membership may be smaller initially but members would probably be more active in the club.
Debatable, I doubt it really, no one wants to cook the pie but a lot of people want a piece.
It seems to me most of the council and officers have always did what was best for the club and did it because they really love the hobby and helping others. I doubt most people would have the time or desire to do their jobs.
It was offered no one wanted it and I refuse to let it die because we have helped a lot of new hobbyist in this area and beyond. Before this group came into existence there was no local knowledge base available to hobbyists we have helped hundreds directly and indirectly. We saved a shark found it a new home at Newport Aquarium, we managed to help a major Aquarium by sending them frags, and had within a week mobilized a major operation with other reef clubs to send frags to another hurricane ravaged aquarium (they declined our help but we did it). The point is we have have done far more together than we could separately. All we see or hear are negative issues lets focus on the positives. We need to get this thing back on track before it's to late and we will.
I have really enjoyed the club over the years and learned tons from the founders of the club but lately I feel no one new has stepped up to help with anything and all the newbies show up for is to get cheap frags and do not return until they need more.
Phil I dont know if you remember or not but back when we had the auctions people would show up in droves and ask and demand at times "When will the auction would start?" They did'nt care about learning anything. Thats why we started doing the demos before the auctions in those days. If you wanted to stay for the auctions you were going to learn something one way or the other.
I like the idea foxesreef had of having different groups discussing various topics.
As do I , I believe Jason brought up the idea of "stations" and a schedule of events back in the Californian days. The demos we did in those days were great IMO, we had individuals who were really into sharing what they knew.
People think the demos are boring, that's fine with me. If you do not like the demos then ask to do one yourself. But remember to actually do a demo you have to know what you are talking about.
Phil I have seen people nodding off during your demos but at least you do them. I also think it may have been miss-interpreted a bit when I said "Phil is in charge of demos." That just means he is in charge of making a schedule for the demos, contacting, reminding whoever volunteers in order to make sure the demo happens as planned etc. It does not mean that he has to do them for you.
I also understand what you are saying here Phil, you want the same as we (me and the council) want, a way to improve our meetings. I think others may be reading other things into it. Which is fine, we need to know where everyone stands, after this week there will be new changes that will affect every member new and old.
Thank you all for the valuable input.
All of these issues will be resolved shortly.
