SLASH Members Unite!

[Chris Abbott]

I am glad to see a reboot of the HELP program and would love to see a tweak or two with the CDP. My main concern is when a person completes the 3 frag obligation but all 3 end up in the raffle. Currently the person receives no points when this happens. This has a negative effect on that persons ability to contribute to the CDP in the future. I would like to propose that they receive a point for completing that obligation and contributing to the raffle. This will allow them to receive a new coral to grow out and offer back to the club.
I can't add to the pizza night convo because I have always been to busy, I hope that changes with graduation coming up. Facebook and tweeter are excellent ways to get the word out.

 

[Tradewinds]

Low attendance at one event doesn't mean SLASH has met it's demise.

I've been to get-togethers of both SEASL and SLASH, and much prefer SLASH's format.

The SLASH FB page comes up in the first page of Google search results for "St. Louis Marine Aquariums" and "St. Louis Saltwater Clubs." What other keywords would people search for?

I've never heard any of the LFS mention either club in general discussion with customers. Is there a reason for that? It seems like LFS would be our best allies in growing club membership. However, calling them out in public forums after stating people can speak freely doesn't endear them to our cause.

 

[MONGER]

JMO

way back when we started the pizza night thing it was fun and a large event,lots of people showed up and we gave deep discounts and had a lot of good times talking saltwater stuff, i was taken buy the club as fun people that have common interest. then drama...... clubs split up ect you know the story. I think LFS have always supported the clubs, i know i have , i took one to the home show to do that very thing and they started a store instead lol. doing this a long time (18yrs at an LFS) i have done 100's of systems and used 100's of products, from that i determine what products to sell in my store and works best by experience. to see someone who is new in the hobby struggle to get answers about there set up, find your club and get info from someone who has just started themselves or has a 24gal and knows everything about setting up a 300......I like how the older members that have been around do help the new ones out, sometimes i know i feel like the answer is not to listen to the LFS or shop there because they are a business owner here to rip you off because you know you can get it somewhere else for $5 cheaper and all the help i gave you is worthless. So help me understand how i can benefit from your clubs awareness?

 

[TanksDad13]

JMO

way back when we started the pizza night thing it was fun and a large event,lots of people showed up and we gave deep discounts and had a lot of good times talking saltwater stuff, i was taken buy the club as fun people that have common interest. then drama...... clubs split up ect you know the story. I think LFS have always supported the clubs, i know i have , i took one to the home show to do that very thing and they started a store instead lol. doing this a long time (18yrs at an LFS) i have done 100's of systems and used 100's of products, from that i determine what products to sell in my store and works best by experience. to see someone who is new in the hobby struggle to get answers about there set up, find your club and get info from someone who has just started themselves or has a 24gal and knows everything about setting up a 300......I like how the older members that have been around do help the new ones out, sometimes i know i feel like the answer is not to listen to the LFS or shop there because they are a business owner here to rip you off because you know you can get it somewhere else for $5 cheaper and all the help i gave you is worthless. So help me understand how i can benefit from your clubs awareness?

Exactly the point I was trying to make. LFSs can be one of our largest assets to spreading the word, but it has to be worth it to them. They are, in fact, a business trying to turn a profit and take care of their families and employees. I think we start there.

 

[mudcat1]

Ask yourselves a few questions.
I thought I would make my comments and observations in the suggested format below.

1) Where do new people entering the hobby go to ....well....enter the hobby? I originally joined SLASH because I was new to the hobby and wanted to learn more about marine aquariums from more experienced reefers, to save myself time, money and aggravation by eliminating many of the mistakes that inexperienced reefers make. I thought SLASH was a good choice because the club was local and their was always a lot of activity in their forum on Reef Central. I think I originally found out about SLASH from Reef Central.

2) Will people hear about your group from this avenue? Yes Why? and Why Not? But only if they happen upon the forum on Reef Central. I also learned about SLASH because someone in a LFS told me about their frag swaps.

3) List five ways people find out about this group?
1. From the SLASH forum on Reef Central.
2. From other reefers by word of mouth.
3. From advertisements of their frag swaps.

These questions will try to provide insight as to how is the Club being marketed.

4) Why did all memberships sold decide to join? I originally joined SLASH because I was new to the hobby and wanted to learn more about marine aquariums from more experienced reefers, to save myself time, money and aggravation by eliminating many of the mistakes that inexperienced reefers make. I thought SLASH was a good choice because the club was local and their was always a lot of activity in their forum on Reef Central.
A) Were these expectations met? No Why? Why Not? They did not hold any meetings to discuss the hobby. The pizza nights were more of a social gathering. Most of the information that I gathered about the hobby was from Reef Central, so in hindsight I probably did not need to join the club.

5) How comfortable do new comers to this group feel about ......
A) asking questions - I was comfortable about asking questions on the SLASH forum on Reef Central, but never had the opportunity to ask questions face to face because there were no regular club meetings that I was aware of.
B) gaining knowledge - Any knowledge that I gained was on Reef Central or from knowledgeable staff at LFS.
C) the interactions that go on here -
D) description of the groups the reputation....."Brand Name" (is this what's desired?) - The SLASH club is more of a social club. I joined the club for 2 years but did not remain because I was looking for more knowledge and not to add to my social calendar. :celeb3:

6) How does the general public know SLASH? Probably from the frag swaps.

See I'm quite sure that there was a significant increase in Membership #'s from the Spring Swap.
But how many of those have been "active" either in the club or on here? Why? or Why Not? I was not active in the club because I found it difficult to meet the members. I actually met more of the members at LFS outside of SLASH events. I attempted to attend a pizza night and met at a LFS, a lot of people showed up but no announcement was made about who were members of the club and who were just customers so when everyone left for the pizza night I was not able to attend because I did not know where they were meeting. :headwally: Hopefully that was just my unfortunate experience.

These questions should help provide insight as to the groups PR, and it's presence in the community.

Also when answering these questions, consider these same questions for:

Are there other groups in the area? How would they measure up on their own? As a "competitor".

I decided to join SEASL and have had a better experience because I think it was more of what I was looking for. They meet at a restaurant and have formal presentations, share experience and reefing tips, giveaways and raffles during meetings. The members were very friendly and took the time to introduce themselves and also gave me the opportunity to introduce myself to the other members. I meet all of their board members during my first meeting they were very engaging. I think SEASL was a better fit for me, for these reasons.

Thanks for the opportunity to provide some constructive criticism. I did not attend either of the SLASH frag swaps this year, but I intend to again in the future, because I do enjoy them.

 

[mudcat1]

Ask yourselves a few questions.

1) Where do new people entering the hobby go to ....well....enter the hobby?

2) Will people here about your group from this avenue? Why? and Why Not?

3) List five ways people find out about this group?

These questions will try to provide insight as to how is the Club being marketed.

4) Why did all memberships sold decide to join?
A) Were these expectations met? Why? Why Not?

5) How comfortable do new comers to this group feel about ......
A) asking questions
B) gaining knowledge
C) the interactions that go on here
D) description of the groups the reputation....."Brand Name" (is this what's desired?)

6) How does the general public know SLASH?

See I'm quite sure that there was a significant increase in Membership #'s from the Spring Swap.
But how many of those have been "active" either in the club or on here? Why? or Why Not?

These questions should help provide insight as to the groups PR, and it's presence in the community.

Also when answering these questions, consider these same questions for:

Are there other groups in the area? How would they measure up on their own? As a "competitor".

U4ick, those members you mention that long for SEASL can sign on up over there, we don't want them Once a month meetings in church basements or libraries is not what we are about. If you want to stir up chit instead of actually helping then take your LFS and bow-out, your BS won't be missed:hammer:

If you truly want to help, then you have to understand our club before you can criticize it. We aren't LFS groupies/loyalists, we are hobbyists first and foremost. Most LFS businessmen don't want educated and informed customers like the ones that are lucky enough to find forums like this, because we are conscientious aquarists that have been schooled on a lot of things that LFS folks can take advantage of on newcomers to the hobby.

All due respect, you're just here because it's a customer base and you like to network. I get it, but your grasp of the club is just your usual theories gone haywire.

Dave, I agree with part of your comment. In America we have the freedom to choose the club that best meets our needs. I was actually a member of SLASH first and decided to join SEASL later because it was a better choice for my needs. We are fortunate to have more than one choice for clubs and LFS for that matter.

I am shocked at the second part of your comment though, because u4ick was actually one of the people who suggested that I join the SLASH club when I first got into the hobby. I also know he has donated two containers of Aquavitro Salinity salt as prizes to the SLASH frag swap (I only remember because that was the type of salt mix that I was using at the time and I was hopeful to win it). I thought that was a very generous donation considering the price of the salt mix.

I happen to shop at all of the LFS locally and I believe they all have some knowledgeable staff members, although each LFS probably has junior staff members who may not have as much experience as others, but in my experience I don't feel like they attempt to sell me equipment or livestock or give me bad advice and I have never felt pressured to purchase anything that I did not feel was necessary. And given all of the differences of each person's setup, their livestock, equipment and water parameters, it is often for us to decide what to do with the advice given to us by the LFS staff or the forums. U4ick has been very helpful to me in the past with his advice and help with my aquarium and he went above and beyond when my air conditioner failed this summer. He even gave me advice about how to repair it and get a chiller up and running so I did not loose any livestock.

I don't think you or the club should decide how a LFS should do business. If a LFS chooses to give a club a discount or not should be their decision. We don't know what the LFS balance sheet looks like any particular month and as a business person you have to be concerned with making a profit or you won't remain in business for very long. I decide which LFS to purchase from based upon the livestock and equipment they make available to me and I am grateful that we have so many choices available to us. A 10% SLASH discount is not going to make or break my bank account. I noticed that Marine Solutions is offering a 30% discount on coral this week which is much better than the SLASH discount anyway.

I hope u4ick and Marine Solutions does not severe his relationship with SLASH or any other club, but after your post, I would not blame him after your attack on his motives and character. Hopefully the other members of SLASH (or ex-SLASH member) do not feel the same way that you do. I for one do not.

 

[Scubareefman]

I think moving this to the SLASH site might be better.
Publishing a two month out club calendar might be something handy. I wouldn't mind heading up the social media in my spare-time. I think its key to getting new blood, and if it takes me doing it I'm available.

 

[Nanook]

Since SEASL's forum is dead we have their members chiming in here There's no doubt that the library meeting works for some. SLASH is a social club, or at least was founded on that premise. It's nice when LFS support the club, but it's not necessary. Perhaps I was too pointed in my criticism of u4ick, but there has been some tension between his store and our current club leadership, and I think that strained relationship showed through in u4ick's reply.

Really good suggestions and energy from this thread:thumbsup: We can take the discussion to our .org site members area if that is the consensus.

 

[Ryan2428]

Since SEASL's forum is dead we have their members chiming in here There's no doubt that the library meeting works for some. SLASH is a social club, or at least was founded on that premise. It's nice when LFS support the club, but it's not necessary. Perhaps I was too pointed in my criticism of u4ick, but there has been some tension between his store and our current club leadership, and I think that strained relationship showed through in u4ick's reply.

Really good suggestions and energy from this thread:thumbsup: We can take the discussion to our .org site members area if that is the consensus.

So let me get this right . You don't need the Lfs . And you are going to move this to members only forum were only members can answer . Makes no since to me at all if you are looking for feed back would it not be better too keep it here. So the people who are thinking of joining can give there input. And as for not needing the Lfs I know for a fact marine solutions has went out of there way to promote slash . At the spring swap I personally worked are table and promoted the heck out of slash. Don't believe me ask smack and Ebius . U4rick went out of his way to help get everything for the new tank at the science center and the radions to light it . All at cost not a dime was made at marine solutions . I repeat not a dime off of the tank stand or lighting . Yes it is fun to party it is fun to learn . But slash is a group and if you are not part of the core group or you do not bend too the core groups ways you get what you have now he said she said crap . Stop the clicks open everything up to everyone . Have a real pizza night were new members and old members may learn something then go party have a good time . I'm sure I will get backlash for this I don't care it is a open forum Ty

 

[Nanook]

Ryan, it sounds like you're a huge SLASH supporter, thank you for that. Haven't seen you at one of the SLASH Pizza Nights in a couple years, but hope you can make one again. I know it must be tough working at one of the many LFS here in the area to get out and see other stores, so no worries there. It would be nice if the stores would post some pamphlets for SLASH where they would be seen, but I understand this may not be good for business. You're just one representative of one of 10 plus stores here in the metropolitan Saint Louis Area, so it would be nice to hear from other owners/workers as well. However, our main focus here should be on what our membership wants, not the businesses.

I do agree with mpcart that where we are at is fine and nothing is broken. I think finding ways to increase the popularity of the CDP program would be nice, but I'm not sure what would be most helpful there. For folks reading this thread that are current members, we will be talking on our .org site about some of the ideas generated here. Brainstorming is great, but our BOD will be the folks steering the actions behind the scenes. For the record, all of our Pizza Nights are real, and always open to everyone. They are announced here on this forum in advance and all, even non-members are welcome to attend. Learning is done in many ways, the once a month library meeting didn't cut it for me. But when we started doing Pizza Nights with tank tours, that's where the real learning, questions/answers and networking takes place. That's the magic of a club like SLASH, often imitated, but never duplicated.

 

[Tradewinds]

What are we not doing as a club to grow, or maintain our membership? Speak freely

Since SEASL's forum is dead we have their members chiming in here

Speak freely, just don't mention that "other" club or frequent LFS of which one or two people don't approve.

Our club branched out from SEASL because that club wasn't willing to change with the times...

Any club can learn from another. Incorporate the best aspects of all of them and your changing with the times. However, to be closed minded, cite bad blood, or speaking ill of others gives the impression of being stuck in the past.

 

[Markk96]

Long time lurker here, and used to be poster.

I was there from day 1 before SLASH became SLASH, it was formed not to be a formal club, not to have stuffy meetings. Pizza Night was in effect before SLASH and I am happy to see it is still around, even though I have not attended one if a long time.

I contributed many free hours into the building of SLASH.ORG for those who wanted to have a "CLUB". Many members have come and gone as Nanook has stated for one reason or another, SLASH is fine the way it is, no Drama was the biggest moto of the day back then.

 

[Nanook]

Long time lurker here, and used to be poster.

I was there from day 1 before SLASH became SLASH, it was formed not to be a formal club, not to have stuffy meetings. Pizza Night was in effect before SLASH and I am happy to see it is still around, even though I have not attended one if a long time.

I contributed many free hours into the building of SLASH.ORG for those who wanted to have a "CLUB". Many members have come and gone as Nanook has stated for one reason or another, SLASH is fine the way it is, no Drama was the biggest moto of the day back then.

The members that have come and gone from the hobby in the time I've been on these forums is just staggering. The club we put together is geared towards the social gathering, tank tours and hanging out as friends. Definitely not everyone's cup of tea and I am glad the others that don't care for this format have something they can attend as well. That being said, like Mike related, we can incorporate the best aspects, learn from their mistakes and make SLASH even better. Mark, you did a LOT for SLASH, wish you could make a Pizza Night again:beer:

 

[Chris Abbott]

I think there is room for the variety of ideas and attitudes exhibited by different members. The existing drama should be frowned upon by all. I am looking forward to future pizza nights, it should be great to find so many with common interest. Man up and move on, if was interested in extra drama I can always check out Lifetime!

 

[mpcart]

I'm curious about the size of the reefkeeping population in the St. Louis area. We have so many LFS that we must have a sizeable hobbyist population to support it. Either that or a lot more dentist offices have reef tanks than I would have thought.

However, I don't know a single person who has a reef tank other than those I've met through SLASH. What would we guess is the population of reefers in the area and how does that compare to SLASH forum participants (not just members).

If we have maybe 100 people in the club or who participate even once on this forum, is that 1%, 10%, or 50% of the reefing population in the area?

I think we have one of the more active club forums on RC and if we are only 1% of the local reefing population, wouldn't it be great to have 2% of the population participating in the forum and then a small portion of those active in the club?

What do you guys think about the local reefers? Do you know other people who don't know about RC or SLASH?

-Mike

 

[chucklez]

I have been trying to recruit several locals (to me) to the club. They want to join but just haven't had opportunity

 

[Chris Abbott]

I do not know a single person with a reef tank. I have noticed RC cars and planes in the background of pictures in the past though. Anyone race at SmacTrac?

 

[Scubareefman]

I'm curious about the size of the reefkeeping population in the St. Louis area. We have so many LFS that we must have a sizeable hobbyist population to support it. Either that or a lot more dentist offices have reef tanks than I would have thought.

However, I don't know a single person who has a reef tank other than those I've met through SLASH. What would we guess is the population of reefers in the area and how does that compare to SLASH forum participants (not just members).

If we have maybe 100 people in the club or who participate even once on this forum, is that 1%, 10%, or 50% of the reefing population in the area?

I think we have one of the more active club forums on RC and if we are only 1% of the local reefing population, wouldn't it be great to have 2% of the population participating in the forum and then a small portion of those active in the club?

What do you guys think about the local reefers? Do you know other people who don't know about RC or SLASH?

-Mike

+1 to all of this.
I still think a cheap zip-code based social media campaign would bring in some locals. Typically you spend a few dollars a day for a set period, say $5 a day for a week and have it target Facebook users within 150 miles of STL who are a member of any Facebook marine group or aquarium group.

 

[South City]

Here's an even better example of the type of cart that I was suggesting earlier as a potential equipment purchase for the club.

I think having one of two of these available in the club would be great. I'm not sure how much they cost or what kind of budget we have for new purchases, but I suspect they'd be popular items for tank moves.

 

[mpcart]

That's a nice tank. I like the cart idea as long as it isn't stored in my house. Maybe the last guy to use it has to keep it until needed again.

-Mike