Posted by Bob Read on August 30, 1999 at 10:44:54 in 208.142.225.59:
In Reply to: Titanic Modeling Entusiast Association - An Idea posted by Jerry Davidson on August 30, 1999 at 03:47:02:
Jerry:
At the outset let me say that I am 100% opposed to an organization that is separate from the website.
Yours is not necessarily a bad idea. I just think it has the potential for too many unintended consequences. The primary problem I see is that
as a separate organization I can forsee a day when
the desires of the organization might conflict with those of Sean. I can see the organization
trying to exert influence on Sean to change HIS website to meet the oganization's needs.
That is absolutely the last thing I would like to see happen. If a separate organization is where
this would be headed then I would disassociate myself from it. I would also drop my original idea for just putting a name to our group.
Thanks for bringing the subject up because it is an issue that really needs to be addressed early.
Regards,
Bob Read
: Gentlemen,
: Lets not get too far into this until we really think about WHY we would form an organization.
: First off, I personally believe that we must remain seperate from the web site so not to step on Seans toes in any way. Sean would make a great President and I would support his nomination but keep the site seperate. I liked Sean's idea of "home Of the Titanic Modelers Association" as an insert to the page. We would have absolutely no control or want any control over the site. We should just use the site as we have always done.
: Secondly, THE reason to form an organization is to unite in our ideas, support companies that support us, encourage and get the word out on how much fun it is to create these works of art and most importantly have CLOUT with companies like H&W or RMS Titanic Inc etc. We are here to build models and attain access to information that will forward that cause. An association of people will be taken far more seriously that one or two individuals seeking information from one source or another. It just may open doors to archives that remain closed to the idividual. That may be the most important aspect of this. An example would be a group of individuals from our site getting access to the files and videos at Woodshole or Harland and Wolff. There is much to be learned about the subject that we choose to spend our free time with. The association may be the ticket for finding out much more about the subject.
: Hell we could even try to throw a convention somewhere and have a few brews while swapping war stories. We could invite guest speakers so we all would learn from their experiences, stories and knowledge. Sort of like the Titanic Historical society for modelers. But don't make it over complicated. The more complicated it gets, the more chance there will be for individuals to posture or get on power trips. If we do this.......Lets make it FUN!
: I will remain available to help in anyway you see fit. I have a masters in education and have access to educational materials as I am a HS teacher with some good contacts. I don't want to do anything but be of assistance to those that we elect as officers....if we need some.
: Keep it going guys, we are onto something here. And thanks Bob Reed for bringing this to the attention of all the people here. Sean, keep up the great work and rest assured that there should be no intent to upstage the website in any way.
: Just some thoughts of mine,
: Regards to all,
: Jerry