Historically speaking, people are quick to point out the problems, but few are willing to allocate the time and energy into creating solutions.
I call it little Red Hen syndrome. I'm sure many are familiar with that little tale- who will help me sow the wheat, harvest and mill it, make the bread, bake it- no one. Who will help me eat the bread- everyone.
So a few things that will help in my opinion. I write as an ex-member, so you can take or disregard what I write without any bias.
1. Current membership list. I don't recall one being published in over a decade. Also helpful to know the skill set of members, and whether they'd be willing to offer their time in areas of expertise, either to help fellow members or the group as a whole. That will require members to complete some sort of form/questionnaire. Some may wish to do this, others won't. Carrot- perhaps offer a prize draw for those submitting a fully completed questionnaire, and call the draw once a certain number of members have joined. This would place a small cost on the group, but may improve engagement.
2. A good look at the finances to see how resources can be allocated to improve the appeal of the group to current, past and prospective members. A group needs a bit of cash in reserve, but I don't think it needs $20k plus when things are where they are.
3. Complete rebuild needed of the main website, which looks dull, like you're selling office furniture or something. and not much content. Forum needs to be fully open as exclusivity hasn't worked IMO, and the sections reduced to a bare minimum as many rarely if ever get posted to, and the whole page looks fragmented. Chapter, members only and vendor sections should be merged in with other sections, and every effort made to reduce the bloat in other sections. Think back to the early days of the forum, when there were half a dozen or so sections, all very active.
4. Try and secure vendor discounts for members.
5. If 3d printing is going to help the hobby grow consider creating a simple design that can be printed on an entry level machine e.g. Ender 3, that enables newcomers to get into the water without too much fuss. Something like the X1 sub would be a good candidate, a scale look but excellent shape with large control surfaces, no fussy details and will work well as a dynamic diver.
6. Publish forward looking statements. What the goals are. Anyone who has tried to get anything done will appreciate some of the goals will fall short- I'd say if you can achieve fifty percent of your aims you'd be doing well- but a plan of action is needed if anything is to be done at all.
Finally, you'll be very lucky indeed if you don't make some enemies along the way. It'll only take one or two people to make life difficult, as it takes less effort to foul things up than to put things right. Individuals can get spiteful and unpleasant in ways they wouldn't in their workplace for fear of losing their livelihood. Most will see reason and compromise, but some won't, and they're the tricky ones to handle.
I call it little Red Hen syndrome. I'm sure many are familiar with that little tale- who will help me sow the wheat, harvest and mill it, make the bread, bake it- no one. Who will help me eat the bread- everyone.
So a few things that will help in my opinion. I write as an ex-member, so you can take or disregard what I write without any bias.
1. Current membership list. I don't recall one being published in over a decade. Also helpful to know the skill set of members, and whether they'd be willing to offer their time in areas of expertise, either to help fellow members or the group as a whole. That will require members to complete some sort of form/questionnaire. Some may wish to do this, others won't. Carrot- perhaps offer a prize draw for those submitting a fully completed questionnaire, and call the draw once a certain number of members have joined. This would place a small cost on the group, but may improve engagement.
2. A good look at the finances to see how resources can be allocated to improve the appeal of the group to current, past and prospective members. A group needs a bit of cash in reserve, but I don't think it needs $20k plus when things are where they are.
3. Complete rebuild needed of the main website, which looks dull, like you're selling office furniture or something. and not much content. Forum needs to be fully open as exclusivity hasn't worked IMO, and the sections reduced to a bare minimum as many rarely if ever get posted to, and the whole page looks fragmented. Chapter, members only and vendor sections should be merged in with other sections, and every effort made to reduce the bloat in other sections. Think back to the early days of the forum, when there were half a dozen or so sections, all very active.
4. Try and secure vendor discounts for members.
5. If 3d printing is going to help the hobby grow consider creating a simple design that can be printed on an entry level machine e.g. Ender 3, that enables newcomers to get into the water without too much fuss. Something like the X1 sub would be a good candidate, a scale look but excellent shape with large control surfaces, no fussy details and will work well as a dynamic diver.
6. Publish forward looking statements. What the goals are. Anyone who has tried to get anything done will appreciate some of the goals will fall short- I'd say if you can achieve fifty percent of your aims you'd be doing well- but a plan of action is needed if anything is to be done at all.
Finally, you'll be very lucky indeed if you don't make some enemies along the way. It'll only take one or two people to make life difficult, as it takes less effort to foul things up than to put things right. Individuals can get spiteful and unpleasant in ways they wouldn't in their workplace for fear of losing their livelihood. Most will see reason and compromise, but some won't, and they're the tricky ones to handle.
Comment