Re: Huh? I don't get it.

[Neil Frank <nfrank@mindspring.com>]

>>>He (and I guess many other folks) do not understand the
>>>difference between an "official AGA meeting" and an advertised
>>>local/regional aquarium club meeting which offers AGA members a chance to
>>>get together. 
>>
>>I'm not sure I do either.  As far as I know, we have never had the former.
>>We have always, to my knowledge, piggy backed any of our gatherings on
>>another regional group's convention.  AGA simply doesn't have the man-power
>>in any one location to pull off its own event.

I certainly agree that we DO NOT have the manpower or the will to put on
our own convention... and don't get me wrong... I am VERY HAPPY that NEC is
having this meeting. That is why I and others are flying in! Karen, I have
come to learn, accept and APPRECIATE the fact that there are not many other
regions of the country capable or interested in sponsoring an AGA get
together that will draw non-regional people.... and NEC may be the best
magnet of all.  However, I am also absolutely convinced that AGA members
may not understand the difference between a nation/intl group who is
invited to participate in another organization's regional meeting and the
PERCEPTION that such an activity is an "official" AGA meeting.  Whether we
like it or not, that perception is out there and it APPEARS that AGA only
wants to meet in the N.East. 


I suggest that we work to change that perception. Like Karen said, we do
this by 
>>publicizing the fact that AGA IS WILLING to become involved with and help
>>out with regional activities if that's what our members want.... .., ,
AND if the LOCAL AGA members are willing to be involved
>>in a physical sense.[this means financial support....but not for
non-regional people to do the work.]

I suggested that we include a statement in our announcements like:

>>>"AGA
>>>encourages regional gatherings of AGAers and with sufficient lead time, we
>>>will gladly advertise these events in TAG. Please submit details to TAG
>>>editor."

Does anyone support this idea or suggest alternative wording?

>>As I've mentioned when this subject has come up before, I have a problem
>>with down-playing the good stuff that is going on in active areas of the
>>country just to avoid having other people feel "left out".
>>  I guess the big question is
>>whether or not AGA wants to receive some of the credit, or whether it will
>>all go to NEC.

I do not suggest that we DOWN-PLAY what NEC has
accomplished, and is offering AGA,...
On the contrary, I want them to have TOP BILLING! I also think it is
appropropriate that the NEC-AGAers get maximum credit. You are doing all
the behind the scenes work, will do lots of work during the weekend and
will proudly wear both of your hats at the convention. I am also grateful
that you want to give AGA credit. It would be stupid for us not to take
advantage.

However, I feel uncomfortable when people FEEL that they are "left out." We
all know that AGA is not intentionally leaving them out.... but if people
FEEL that they are left out, then that is not good either.

I think that the middle ground is to continue to publicize these piggy back
events and clearly say that AGA encourages other groups and regional
members to similarly provide opportunities for AGAers to get together. If
anyone still complains, I will have no sympathy!

--Neil











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