Southwestern Missouri Smallmouth Alliance

[eric1978]

I usually try to just let this stuff roll off my back, but when I see a guy step up and try to get something going, only to be kicked in nuts on a public forum, I get to typing.

As well you should, Ness. You're one of the voices of sanity around here.

[Gary Lange]

I will welcome with open arms anyone who wishes to attend one of our meetings and will listen to whatever they have to say. The meetings are going to be open but then again making it to several will be looked at differently.

Trav. Mentioned the Free membership. The idea of MSA is to further conservation and the Dues collected is used for conservation. Without the dues we have nothing for conservation.

[Trav]

Trav: you made your point. Cutting and pasting from the dictionary pretty much insures people will scroll right on past your post. Just like you should have done when you saw a few too many posts from Gary.

I didn't breach Gary's intentions. I was only confirming with Drew....I think he said something about it being "almost" spam and I was letting him know that actually it "is" spam due to it's repetitve nature and the fact it is asking for our money. It isn't really very difficult or complicated.

Now..."get a life" is a complicated statement....hehe...

[Wayne SW/MO]

I was letting him know that actually it "is" spam due to it's repetitve nature and the fact it is asking for our money. It isn't really very difficult or complicated.

Now..."get a life" is a complicated statement....hehe...

Like in a donations or what, its an organization, non profit, like many others. While I think the fact that trout have survived in Crane is great, they are of no more importance than smallies are. We had a long discussion about having a meeting here in the southwest part of the state, and apparently some weren't paying attention. There was a meeting and with some attention hopefully it will grow. Not everyone on here is obligated to make a choice, give money, or even read the thread.

He's not asking for you money, he putting out an invitation. I don't understand the mentality that dictates that every thread has to be interesting to all or it shouldn't be allowed.

[Trav]

He's not asking for you money, he putting out an invitation. I don't understand the mentality that dictates that every thread has to be interesting to all or it shouldn't be allowed.

The issue of it being for a worthy cause is not being debated. The way it was mass presented is the original fuss of this thread. Not it's location(s), nor it's initial subject matter. We should be happy that enough people pay attention to the forum enough to call a ham a ham. We call things as we see them and in a sense it makes a better forum because of this, even though we can be less than diplomatic in our approaches at times.

As far as the spam being an "invitation".....I personally took it as an invite and found it quite interesting until it became evident membership required a donation/fee. In "my" opinion, (opinions are subjective), an invitation crosses the line to being a solicitation when funds are the primary objective to it being offered.

I agree with Gary's cause and don't condemn his method of advertising nor am I surprised or offended by it. In fact, it is logical to expect this on the internet. Personally, I would have spammed it all over the place myself if I had been the one looking for support. I know the world of marketing and exposure is the key. Plus my instinct to scream from the rafters so everyone can here me would have naturally taken control. Who cares if it is popular?

Now, My thoughts that a free membership would collect more funds (in the long run) than having a cover charge at the door was only an observation toward a different approach that could be taken and not at all critical to Gary's purpose. Of course I am in the mindset that time is money and should be considered with as much value if not more. None the less, Gary is not making the rules of engagement for this organization's practices and I can respect his limitations. He is chapter building.

Yet, this concept does bring up questions to me. I wonder how much of the money this new chapter brings in is actually going to remain in this new chapter. As a participant of a couple nonprofits myself I know how it works. A person might have the idea it is helping to improve our home water when in effect it is also spreading the money elsewhere. Example being, If you think your 10 bucks donated for Haiti relief won't in part end up in Africa your gravely mistaken. This is why I feel a nonprofit should make room for donations of time as well. People are more willing to participate if it is going to directly benefit them. It is a proven fact. With that time, “free members” will be spending money for them to be present. Actions speak louder than words and no action comes without a price.

To defend the idea of chapter building though, a young chapter like this will benefit from the funding and experience the other chapters have to offer it. A perfect example is the cost of their website's overhead and its numbers balance needs.

OK

Was spamming it all over the place necessary? Probably not, But it did create some unexpected attention and a few fiery debates. Controversy attracts attention and this got noticed. So I say it was an effective spamming campaign.

Even if we were less than diplomatic about what was said to each other. I bet a few guys paid for the membership just to choose a side in the argument.

It did cut the boredom of my late winter itchiness.

[Wayne SW/MO]

The issue of it being for a worthy cause is not being debated.

Then what is? He's not asking for money, he's letting everyone know that the MSA is trying to establish a chapter here, a little closer for many that count smallmouth as their main pursuit. The first year in the MSA is virtually free with the value received, so money is hardly the issue. If you knew what the thread was than why not pass it by?

It was only spam if you and drew are the sheriffs of the thread, given the fact you're guest like the rest of us and not, perhaps you could find something really worthwhile to add to the forum.

[Flysmallie]

It was only spam if you and drew are the sheriffs of the thread

You mean like these guys?

:D:D:D:D:D:D

[fishgypsy]

For all your concern over internet etiquette Trav, you play the bit of forum troll awfully well. Look it up.

I agree with Gary's cause and don't condemn his method of advertising nor am I surprised or offended by it. In fact, it is logical to expect this on the internet. Personally, I would have spammed it all over the place myself if I had been the one looking for support. I know the world of marketing and exposure is the key. Plus my instinct to scream from the rafters so everyone can here me would have naturally taken control. Who cares if it is popular?

So you agree with Gary's cause, you don't condemn his method of advertising the MSA meetings, it doesn't offend you, and you'd do the same thing if you were in his position?

What are you arguing about? What is it you're so upset about? What is your point?

[eric1978]

As far as the spam being an "invitation".....I personally took it as an invite and found it quite interesting until it became evident membership required a donation/fee. In "my" opinion, (opinions are subjective), an invitation crosses the line to being a solicitation when funds are the primary objective to it being offered.

Dude, seriously...It's 20 bucks. They're not asking you for your life savings. It's a pittance. And if "time is money," like you so frequently point out, how much did it cost you to sit and type that epic post? I'd say about half your membership fees.

[eric1978]

you play the bit of forum troll awfully well. Look it up.

Didn't know that one. I'd say that's quite accurate. I learned something today.