Forum Members

[waconut]

Does anyone know why or care that there are currently 348 Forum Members and from this group, 67 are USSMA  members?  I could count some Administrators as USSMA Members (I assume they are though they are not specifically identified as such.)  I do not know the current USSMA Membership roster, as there are probably USSMA Members who are not USSMA Forum Members nor have I found a current published list, so 67 it is...

Why are all  of the USSMA Friends (or most of them) not USSMA Members? Money? (35$ seems reasonable).
Lack of interest in Scale Masters as an organization?  Unwillingness to actively participate at the local and/or national level?

We need a program (maybe there is one?) to educate and recruit the Forum Members as well as canvassing our local clubs, giving the old sales pitch at local scale "fun flys - Golden Age - Dawn Patrols - etc. There are some beauties out there, the 4 amigo's fun fly held at Hemet CA a few weeks ago is an example.  Sad, but of the 30 or so scale airplanes at the fun fly, only 3 had previous USSMA qualifier experience.

Anyway, we really need a program which addresses recruitment for not just the current Officiers, but for us USSMA Members as well.  Maybe a lsit of things to do/what to present and things to do to spark interest in Scale Masters.
...................
/waconut

[bwboland]

Great observation! I have been talking with my advisors and industry professionals about this problem. My take is the "Value" of being member is lacking. People join just before the Championships and depending on where the event is they may not join each year.

I am working to grow our Area Director for USSMA. My vision is to have the Area Directors working the streets at the club meetings events and so on. So far we have added a few (Area Directors are chosen by the East and West Vice Chairman). This problem has been around forever and it is sad. We all love scale RC aircraft we just need to figure out how to excite people to join.

Bernie

[Jeffrey Pike]

Make membership a requirement to attempt to qualify.

[waconut]

I doubt that would work with the current entry fees hovering around 25-35 bucks at most Qualifiers.  However, I recently read a flyer for the British Columbia Scale Classic where they offered to an entrant a $5.00 off discount for signing up for USSMA membership. 
Not a bad idea!!  Maybe Bernie has some further thoughts on this idea.
/waconut-chuck

[rcphotog]

I think Bernie might be right.

Some people may say what's the point or "value" of joining?
The reason I don't "join" is - no job .....no money. The ONLY reason I want to join is so I can take the Judges test. I've been studing for the test and did serve as a "fill-in" judge at HEMET two years ago. But I need to renew A.M.A = $60.00 and join USSMA = $35.00 just so I can take the test

I think that anyone who is dedicated as I am at helping to promote and provide assistance should not have to "join" in order to simply take a test and be a judge. If I'm not flying IN the contest then why do I need to provide current A.M.A. and USSMA membership???

Respectfully,
Ken Young.

[Mitchell Baker]

However, I recently read a flyer for the British Columbia Scale Classic where they offered to an entrant a $5.00 off discount for signing up for USSMA membership. 
Not a bad idea!!  Maybe Bernie has some further thoughts on this idea.
/waconut-chuck

This has been in place for several years.  All qualifiers have been offered the same thing.  Any USSMA member get $5.00 off entry fee.  If the qualifier wants, they can send the names in, and get a retund for those folks.  So if you join USSMA at the qualifier or before, you should be able to get the $5.00 discount.

See-ya
Mitch

[waconut]

Another secret exposed.  I have attended qualifiers since 1998 and NEVER heard any CD make that announcement or say anything at sign up.
Maybe since I have been a USSMA member since my day 1, nobody felt it necessary to say anything.
Does that apply (5 buck discount) to renewing (just funnin)??
/chuck

[Mitchell Baker]

I'll have to look it up, but I do believe is was put in the guide when we started it.  I know it was published shortly after it was implemented. --Mitch

[Flyfast1]

Hello,

As a new member to this forum and a future member of USSM, I have two suggestions:

1.  Make the link on the main page to join USSM more conspicuous and easy to find.  Perhaps use a colored box or graphic up at the top of the page and/or embed the link in the USSM graphic at the top left of the main page.  Also, the "donate" link does not work for me, but there may be an issue with my browser.

2.  Provide a banner and printed materials at non-USSM events.  Over the last several years I've attended many warbird fly-ins and other events and don't recall ever seeing anything about USSM.  I found out about USSM by flying with a few guys at events who were members of USSM.  Our club has hosted "Warbirds Over Livermore" for two years and as the event founder and director, I will be happy to display a USSM banner and provide written materials starting next year. 

Cheers,

-Ed B.

[bwboland]

Hello Ed,

You are correct about our web page and the problems. Mitch is working on a plan to update our page soon. As to the best kept secret "USSMA" sorry about the poor support in education on USSMA info to-date. The last 5+ years the USSMA has been a steady decline due to many reasons and my team seem ready and excited to step it up and help fix the void that his in our control to help growth start once again. As the Chairman I have heard things like this more and more and I am working with my team to help close on these issues ASAP. Please feel free to shoot me a PM anytime with great feedback like this.

Best regards,

Bernie Boland
USSMA Chairman

[Mitchell Baker]

Thanks Ed..

We are more than willing to provide information to anyone who asks.   We have in the past posted links to events at the request of CD's on the calendar.  At one time I had copies that info for download, I'll have to check again to see if that might have gotten lost.. Kind of a catch 22.. we can't keep up with all the events and just "SPAM" CD's with USSMA info, but then, if they don't know to come here and download an information pack..  the information age can be a fickle thing...

And yes, soon there will be a big button like the new "Donate" button which can be used to join.. 

Again thanks for the suggestions and let me know if there are other suggestions you have...

See-ya
Mitch

[Mitchell Baker]

Hello,

As a new member to this forum and a future member of USSM, I have two suggestions:

1.  Make the link on the main page to join USSM more conspicuous and easy to find.  Perhaps use a colored box or graphic up at the top of the page and/or embed the link in the USSM graphic at the top left of the main page.  Also, the "donate" link does not work for me, but there may be an issue with my browser.

Hi Ed,

I have done some re-arranging on the front page..  Let me know if that's better for the Join/Renew location..

See-ya
Mitch

[Flyfast1]

Hi Mitch,

That looks better to me, thanks.

If I join now, does that include both the rest of 2012 and 2013?

-Ed

[Mitchell Baker]

Yes, USSMA membership officially runs 1 Nov thru 31 Oct, But anytime after the champs would qualify for the next year.

See-ya
Mitch