I think the "members only" until Saturday policy is provide members the
opportunity to meet and yes, buy vehicles and parts before they are
opened to all comers. It is an ADVANTAGE of membership. By being a
member and supporting the organization, you get an opportunity other
non-members don't get. Seems strange however that it isn't enforced
considering the degree to which MVPA publicized it. That brings up
another point. Maybe the never planned to enforce it, but by so stating, it
keeps the people flow to a manageable level. Some folks from nearby
may come out simply because they have nothing to do. They have no
real interest in Mil Vehs. They see the MEMBERS ONLY posting and they
decided not to attend. So perhaps, crowd control is the issue.
I know of another organization that has a members only policy, but it is
handled completely differently. The Experimental Aircraft Association
(EAA) has a few hundred thousand members and about 1500 affliated
chapeters around the world. Each summer in the end of July and
beginning of August, they hold their international convention in Oshkosh,
WI. Attendance over the week long event will run several hundred
thousand. NOT ALL are members. Membership is encouraged and
offered at the gate. What is limited is ACCESS depending upon
membership. Full flightline access is restricted to EAA members,
personnel holding an airman's certificate (pilot's license) or members of
other similar type groups, ie Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
(AOPA), International Helicopter Pilots Association (IHPA), etc. I don't
recall every recognized group.
Non-members are not completely restricted. They however are not
allowed full access to the flightline. They must remain behind a fence
and can't get into get "up close and personal" with the aircraft. To do so,
they must join EAA.
There are, I submit up front, big differences here however. EAA has
several hundred thousand members world wide. They are however, still
interested in recruiting members. MVPA is much smaller, but still, I think
has the same goal. Increased numbers equates to increased pull in
furthering the MV agenda with legistatures, etc.
Jst my .02.
Jim Rice
>>> Dave Cole <DA_Cole@compuserve.com> 08/08/98 01:31am >>>
Message text written by INTERNET:hooterdog@worldnet.att.net
>It's this simple. You can complain about the problem ie "open letter" or
you can fix the problem ie join the organization.<
Come on, you can't really believe that is how the MVPA should answer
commentary/criticism towards the organization do you?
An analogy: If you had democratic party beliefs, would you join the
republican party so you could fix it. No, you'd find a party that you
agreed with. If the MVPA wants popular support, then they should
listen
to comments made about the group and not shove it down the
commentators
throat. Do you really think that Mike is now going to join the MVPA so he
can "fix" it. Does Mike feel like dedicating a percentage of his life to
fix the organization? I don't know, but I doubt it.
I haven't heard anyone tell Mike or anyone else why the convention is not
open to the public everyday. All I have heard is reactions such as shut
up, don't criticize unless you want to join, don't send open letters, etc.
Perhaps there is a rational explanation as to why it is not open
everyday,
and if not, perhaps the MVPA should consider changing it.
Does anyone know why the convention is not open everyday to the
public?
That seems like a pretty simple question. (And I don't think I should have
to join the MVPA just to ask that question also (;->)
Dave
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