Mitch: Perhaps we should continue the discussion over the course of the week? There have been some good ideas thrown out and it would be a shame to see them dropped. At the end of the week, there could be a call for resolutions and a vote at the next meeting???
I've been trying to think of ways to increase our influence with eBay, but I don't see that happening through this organization specifically. Not right now at any rate. It's hard enough for the philatelic Big Leagues to have any influence. Perhaps a better tactic would be to unite with various other groups of disgruntled eBay users. That won't address concerns specific to philately, but it might help with general eBay problems. Other than that, some of us have a little influence through personal connections with other philatelists and through individual effort, but that's about it. But that doesn't stop us from continuing to be vocal.
Encouraging children to take up the hobby--that's tough. I speak as a mother of a 20 year old whom I couldn't interest in stamps, despite my best attempts. Even his best friend, whom he considers a bit of a nerd thinks stamps are boring.
We might try something like a collectibles thread for kids and stamps or even try starting an ebay group (does that part of ebay still exist?) Juana, one of our old posters, started a stamp club at her son's school, and had some success. She might have some suggestions. This topic is worth a discussion in and of itself.
There are lots of other things we can do to revitalize club activities. The idea of "guest posters" from local clubs or possible experts in specific areas is a good one, although I'm a little afraid of what he/she might encounter from some of our regulars. I tried something like that when I was President, but my guest never showed. That doesn't mean that it couldn't be done successfully however.
Final thoughts: The big thing that underlies all of this stuff is the need for publicity. If no one knows about us, no one will come.
Anne (exiting stage right before she's physically dragged off)
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on Apr-22-07
at 22:30:57 PDT
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on Apr-22-07
at 18:52:08 PDT
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