SoCal Area Marine Hobbyist Clubs

Yup... And because of all the work OF that one committed person, well...

(TOTALLY PREDICTABLE PUN ALERT!!)

That person in turn should BE committed...

So sorry... I could NOT resist...

:p
 
I personally do not see working a show booth as an endorsement of an event/promoter. I have worked many shows in past years selling land and that didn't mean that I endorsed the rv association or the fred whomever that puts on those fishing conventions.

Stating that the club is seen as endorsing an event is allowing personal prejudice and politics to come into play as a reason for boycotting said events.

Working a booth at a fish, boat, rv, travel (etc.) show is just that, nothing more or less. Furthermore, when the space is offered for free, it really doesn't even begin to make sense unless personalities are now factored into the mix, which they should not be.

Of course, if you own a business and wish to take a personal stand by boycotting a show for whatever your reason (you think the guy's a jerk, you hate pink table drapes) that would be totally your decision as the business owner.

No harm intended, just my opinion.

Joyce
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11098105#post11098105 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tankslave
No, I totally agree. Personally, I didnt even know that that offer was out there. I went to RAP, and will probably go to CFM and MAX. If we had a booth there, I'd totally help out. I think that new members are usually more enthusiastic about the club and more likely to come out. Its a bit of a catch 22; no one wants to do all the work, but if we had more people, we'd have more volunteers, and hence the job would be easier.

If the offer is still up, PM me and let me know what we need to do to get a booth.
Better take him up on that booth offer. He never offered one to SCMAS. I guess that happens in divorce. It's all good though.
 
Yes, I think will.... :)

I dont know if we even have a banner or anything. Might have to look into that. Sometimes I feel like we're just a "good-ole-boys" type club. I'd like to see some new faces though...
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11144026#post11144026 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tankslave
Sometimes I feel like we're just a "good-ole-boys"
Nothing wrong with being a "good-ole-boys" club. As long as none of the "good-ole-boys" don't have ulterior motives. But your club knows what that's like from experience.
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11144148#post11144148 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gcarroll
Nothing wrong with being a "good-ole-boys" club. As long as none of the "good-ole-boys" don't have ulterior motives. But your club knows what that's like from experience.

When I think of the phrase "good-ole-boys", my mind doesn't conjure up very positive images.

That being said, I have not found that to be an anywhere near accurate description of the SoCal club leadership NOR it's members.

As for their club wanting a booth, that's their decision. Our club has spoken about it (at least at the leadership level) and the desire was a unanimous NO.

Joyce's argument about personalities is a valid one. Although I believe the issue is an ethical one, I will admit that there are personal issues that are also a part of my position.

So, in an effort to be objective, we'll do what any democracy does and present it to the membership for their input. If they want it, fine.

What ever happened to the good old days? You know, when a handshake and an understanding meant something? I'm SO sick of the "me" generation...

Anyway...
 
Better take him up on that booth offer. He never offered one to SCMAS. I guess that happens in divorce. It's all good though.

On the contrary, I am still a full SCMAS member and will continue to be in the years ahead. My departure as president has nothing to do with my membership status or my love for the club.

In any case, your timing is ironic. I am just now finalizing the free booth locations, logistics, etc. and yes, SCMAS and IEMAS are on that list. I have not yet sent out official announcements and/or offers due to censorship restrictions here on RC. I am trying to find a way around that. I guess club officers could contact me directly if they wish to petition for a booth: info@MarineAquariumExpo.com

I wish to offer at least a half dozen FREE booths to reef clubs throughout California; possibly a few from Nevada or Arizona as well). I can only do this on a case-by-case basis at the moment due to space restriction. The inside floorplan is nearly sold out, but I still have space in the courtyard. (I only recently received the CAD drawing for it) Obviously I have to prioritize, so the following clubs have first "dibs" so to speak:

1) SDMAS
2) NCRMAS
3) MASLAC
4) MASVC
5) SCMAS
6) IEMAS

I have already received confirmation that the first three will participate. The last three pending
If IEMAS has indeed elected to bow out (?) then that leaves at LEAST ONE available immediate opening.
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11098369#post11098369 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Captain Quirk
Discussion was had within our club regarding taking a booth at these events. Although we are undecided as of yet, the general consensus is that we will be attending RAP and CFM. Although club exposure IS critical, we believe that our presence may be seen as an endorsement, and we are unable to endorse the other event.

You could have a membership of, say, 10 people, and if they're committed, they can help the club accomplish anything. It's not the numbers that are important IMO: it's the willingness and commitment of the members and leadership that will determine the boundaries any club will have.

With that said, I'll admit I'll pretty much take all the help I can get. As long as I can sleep at night, that is...

FWIW, YMMV...


Does that mean you made your will known to the general membership so you (your club) wont be there. Or does it mean unless someone else (other members) work it your club won't be represented?

The longer this goes on the worse it looks. Sorry, that's the way I see it.

SteveU
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11358919#post11358919 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gtrestoration
Does that mean you made your will known to the general membership so you (your club) wont be there. Or does it mean unless someone else (other members) work it your club won't be represented?

The longer this goes on the worse it looks. Sorry, that's the way I see it.

SteveU

I made my position clear on it, that's all.

I think "will" is a misrepresentation ("will" implies force, IMO). It was brought up for discussion with the membership, just as it should be. I only have a vote; whatever the membership wants is what will happen.

The club is a democracy, Steve. Whatever the votes support is what we'll do...

I actually thought this was a dead issue (meaning "picking scabs"). I was enjoying the peace and quiet...

Also, it's "my" club only in that I'm one of the founders, a member, and at this point I'm helping to run it. It is not something I "own"... I just want to be clear on that. Sometimes when I say "my" club people (incorrectly) assume that I think it's "mine"...

I'll also say how genuinely happy I am with the group of people that have been participating in steering committee meetings as well as the attendants (AND ATTENDANCE!) of the meetings. A lot of great people have stepped up, and it's really exciting and rewarding to see so many good people working so hard to make a difference. I'm thankful to be a part of it, frankly. I'm seeing 2008 as a fantastic year for the club. Among other things I'm hopeful that the club becomes a registered NPO in 2K8. I also expect the by-laws to be more clearly defined, as well.

All in all, LOTS Of good things are happening for the club right now... And I couldn't be happier with the way things are going.

:D
 
Ok
I'm happy you're happy.
If you say it's a dead issue I'll believe it until I see otherwise.


SteveU
 
If there's enough of an interest, just form your OWN club.

It doesn't even have to be formal; it could just be a bunch of people who get together to talk reefing and help each other out...

Being "orphaned" from the big clubs can happen; some areas are more populated than others, obviously. The biggest club nearest us, really, is the Orange County club (SCMAS), however not that many of us that live in the Inland Empire wanted to deal with that drive. So... We built our own club. We not only face the challenges of being a new club (getting steam takes a lot of work!), but we're also spread across a HUGE geographical area... We've thought of even splitting it up more, but that idea lacks a lot in practicality.

Just put some feelers out as to who lives where, then take it a step at a time. If you DO decide to start your own club, drop me a note and I'll forward you a copy of our bylaws and try to give you some tips on what to do (and NOT!).

Bruce

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12223445#post12223445 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Marcelostank
So where are those of us in the South Bay area supposed to go?... Encino?.... Santa Ana?....
 
Sounds like starting a club is WAY to much work for me right now... I'd love to join and support one if anyone around here is interested... but with a kid on the way and my wife and I with brand new companies... don't know if I can invest that much time!....

Captian Quirk...thanks for the info and who knows...maybe this time next year I might have a whole new game plan!!
 
SoCal club listings - as of 5/16/2008

SoCal club listings - as of 5/16/2008

Southern California Marine Enthusiast Clubs
Southern California Marine Aquarium Society (SCMAS):
www.scmas.org
Meets the 3rd Friday of every month at 7:00 PM at the IHOP restaurant at 1001 E. 17th. St., Santa Ana
Dues are $30.00 per year. Associate Membership for other club members is $15.

Inland Empire Marine Aquarium Society (IEMAS)
http://www.iemas.us
Meets at 7 PM the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the IHOP near Ontario Mills Every 3rd month an off-site meeting is held; check the site for details.
Membership Dues are $20.00. Associate Membership for other club members is $15.
Membership email: membership@iemas.us
Marine Aquarium Society of Los Angeles County (MASLAC):
www.maslac.org
Meetings are the second Saturday of every month at 6:30 in San Fernando Valley.
Encino Glen Golf Course
16821 Burbank Blvd
Encino, California 91436
(East of Balboa â€"œ Park on upper level.)
Membership Dues $30/yr. Associate Membership for other club members is $15.
Membership email: membership@maslac.org
Marine Aquarist Society of Ventura County (MASVC):
www.masvc.org
Meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 PM
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
4726 Telephone Rd
Ventura, CA
Dues are $25 a year.

San Diego Marine Aquarium Society (SDMAS):
www.sdmas.com
San Diego, CA
$35 Dues
We meet once a month, meetings are announced at www.sdmas.com/forums

North County Reef and Marine Aquarium Society (NCRMAS):
http://www.ncrmas.com
North San Diego County, CA
$0 Dues
We meet the 2nd Friday of every month at a different members house.
email: ncrmas@ncrmas.com

Southern California Nano Reef Society (SCNRS)
www.scnrs.com
General location of the membership is in Los Angeles and Orange Counties
$0 dues
Meets once every two months
 
Please update MASVC's listing. We change our meeting place fairly regularly. It should probably read like SDMAS's listing:

We meet once a month, meetings are announced at www.masvc.org

Thanks!
 
Any other changes to this?

We'll be printing and handing out these fliers at RAP in October, so I want to get as current as I can before we print them up.

???
 
Yes, our dues will be lower for next year. Let me find out what they are....wait, doesn't that sound weird coming from the treasurer? :D
 
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