This is a club run by volunteers. I have recently read through all the surveys conducted at the convention and I am quite disappointed at the results. There are too many members asking for MORE than they as individuals are willing to GIVE.

I would LOVE to see a suggestion like, "Here's what we should do for the club/membership AND this is how I will oversee it to make sure it gets done." The point is, that someone needs champion the effort! And don't expect anyone, especially a board member to do it for you just because you think it's a good idea. They may support you, but they won't do it for you.

The work that Greg, Neil, Marty, Gene, Howdy, and a few others do are not for themselves, but they do those things for the passion they have for the hobby. I'm sure they feel good for helping too.

Does it sound that I'm irked by the comment? Well I am! I've gone through over 300 surveys and less than 5 people have offered to do something for the club. Can those things be done? Sure, it doesn't take a whole lot to run an auction, take bids, oversee the process, distribute lots, prep files for pdf, etc. BUT WHO IS GOING TO DO IT??? Who has the valuable asset of TIME. I don't hear anyone offering, let alone offering to write about a particular collecting interest they have.

SO, here is the challenge. I expect that the 30 or 40 people who have the time to write on this board and contribute their interest to the bulletin board audience will also submit to me an article suitable for the general membership. I can't tell you how many people tell me there's nothing in the magazine for me. But just think how much more improvement there will be if someone with your same collecting interest takes the time to submit an article.

Again, the club is what YOU make of it. If you're not willing to give, don't expect much in return.

There... I've said my piece.