Posted by Mark Darrah on August 29, 1999 at 21:24:32 in 12.75.164.245:
In Reply to: Whats In a Name? posted by Bob Read on August 29, 1999 at 19:52:17:
You know Bob, the same thing occurred to me quite a while back. At the time, it wasn't so much to give our group clout as much as it was a wish that I could meet some of you fine folks in person in some sort of formal get-together. That would probably be impractical for most at this point, but I think we ought to at least get the ball rolling, and the best way would be to start some sort of an organization.
I think that what would make our group unique is the fact that we don't concentrate on all the myth and lore of Titanic (who got in what boat, what was for dinner on Saturday), but on the physical appearance and construction of her. Other than Ken Marschall and the people here, no one has put a concerted effort into revealing her true form.
Unlike the other Titanic organizations, the members here are ready and willing to share their ideas, resources and knowledge.
I agree that we don't want to get bogged down in bureaucracy. How to deal with that is a whole different subject. I think what we should discuss now is just what we could hope to achieve. What are the advantages to doing this?
I'm intrigued by some of the posts by James Pepper. He seems to have access to some very interesting documents. It would be a shame not to pursue this further. We also have friends in England. There's got to be a WEALTH of information over there that lies untouched. With a network like this, we have an opportunity to collect a wealth of information from all over the world and put it in one place where anyone can access it.
As far as a name, I know it's a little early, but I think we've evolved past just modeling.
Something like "Titanic Engineers International" might work. It should be something respectable, not "Titanic Fanatics" or "The Thomas Andrews Fan Club". Just a thought.
I hope this turns out to be a LONG thread. Comments?
: Jerry Davidson and James Pepper sparked an idea that I have never seen discussed here before. Often the members here need information from outside sources or we seek to influence model companies, H&W, museums, aftermarket manufacturers, etc. How do we now do that?
: Well, somebody knows a guy who knows a guy and we try to do things by proxy. Why is that? I think one of the primary reasons is that we are nobody. I don't mean that as a put down. What I mean is that I find myself referring to the association of members who frequent this site as "a group of modelers who discuss things related to the Titanic on an internet website".
: Not very compact or impressive is it? What if I said
: I was a member of TMI (Titanic Modelers International)?
: The name says it all and it sounds more official. When you are trying to talk to bureaucratic types at the institutions mentioned above it couldn't hurt to have a name and perhaps officers. The last thing I'm advocating is some kind of stodgy bureaucracy of our own. I'm just wondering if something like an official organization with a name (I just made the other one up) might advance some of our causes and make getting answers to some questions easier. My hope is that this
: post will perhaps spark some discussion, debate and other ideas.
: Regards,
: Bob Read