Posted by Bruce Beveridge on August 30, 1999 at 00:59:23 in 199.179.170.57:
In Reply to: Whats In a Name? posted by Bob Read on August 29, 1999 at 19:52:17:
The name would have to include the words Titanic, Model, and International.
Perhaps TMI "Titanic Modelers International" or "International Titanic Modelers Association" Dedicated to Titanic Modeling as well as other great Ocean liners. Basically mirroring the THS or Titanic Int. only this would be about modeling and Titanic research.
I think this is a great idea! Whenever I send out letters to museums I have to write out "I am a part of a group of Titanic researchers that can be located at Titanic-model...........bla bla bla" . A real name would be great. I would love to get involved with this but I don't have the time to jump into major feats. I will help out as much as possible if I am needed.
If a fee was charged, there would have to be a product to give in return ala membership certificate, membership card and newsletter. I bet many of us could write articles for a news letter. There would then have to be someone who decides what makes the paper and what doesn't. Sean could make a internet subscription newsletter like Navis Magazine does where a password has to be put in for access. This is a members only type thing. I would prefer paper however because internet memberships require credit cards and that is a mess in itself. Mike Pells guide could be printed and available either for sale or as a membership gift. (This only takes a trip to Kinkos folks,all of the color stuff could be relocated to one or two sheets and the whole cost of printing would be less than $5.00. The most of the money is involved with color copies. Of course, who said you have to use color. )
You would be able to solicit advertisers for the newsletter if needed. Other problems that exist would be what happens if a profit starts to exist? then you would need a tax number and an account.
To simplify this whole thing. Just think of a name, maybe officers and then put one of the officers in charge of putting together a news letter. Membership would be a low cost that covers the newsletter and a membership card. Since this board belongs to Sean, I think he should be the deciding factor as to who should be solicited for officer candidates. He should be the president or at least the permanent secretary since he is the web page owner. An on line vote could be taken.
We could offer help to people with a more professional look like the THS or Titanic Int. only we would handle model problems and could give information of the Titanic herself much like Mark said. Besides Ken Marschall, who else knows about the fairlead rollers for the most part?
Finally a newsletter about something other then the usual sinking theories or who's related to Archibald Butts wife or some survivor interview.
Just think of the cool stuff Mike Pell could write in a newsletter.
Bruce