Like others, I have read the posts in a last couple of weeks and I'm dismayed that some members are completely writing off the youth as future hobbiest. Sure, we're not going to get kids in the club, but I don't believe there is any place for minors in a club about gambling memorabilia anyways. And perhaps the 20s and early 30-somethings will be too busy with their families and limited on hobby funds.

But people, to say this club is a lumbering dinosaur just waiting to die is SO pessimistic.

Here is my opinion, if the club stays like it is now, it will surely die a slow death. If we start to take this club into the next generation, I feel there is hope. Look, in my opinion, this club is being run like it was 20 years ago with very little change or update. For us who have been there that long, we like it. IT'S COMFORTABLE! For the younger generation, we look like a bunch of oldtimers at a Grand Pooba Lodge Meeting.

Why don't young people join clubs? Because their dads did that and it looked BORING. They are online all the time, constantly refreshing content. The last thing they want is something that is stale - like a quarterly print magazine.

Someone mentioned that the youth is only interested in their electronics. SO USE THAT! Push the hobby onto those electronics.

I've said it for YEARS that the CCTN is a great resource, but holding it strictly to a bound magazine is insane these days. Put it online for EVERYBODY! The main reason we don't - "someone would get it for free and not pay their dues." SO WHAT??? Are we more interested in losing a few club members or growing the hobby? I think the entire magazine (or at least one issue back) should be available for anyone. Do you really think someone who stumbles into the club site is going to take the time to write an email to the membership officer and wait a couple of weeks to get a copy in the mail. NO WAY! They are GONE! Catch them immediately or lose them to the next thing.

And the conventions? I LOVE THEM, but someone new walking in is going to feel the lack of energy and walk right out. We need something to hook them. We need some excitement!

There have been some fantastic ideas posted in the last couple of weeks and I hope we end up making some of them work. Westen has posted some incredible talking points and I hope he and others continues to keep us thinking.

All I ask is that we don't give up so easily!

Ed
(19 Year Proud Member)