K-factor- overseas members perspective

[Koenig, Tom]

Hi all,

I've been reading the threads regarding the K-factor with great interest and
finally decided to put in a short burst myself.

I've only been a member since 95 and have actually managed to get several
others signed up down here, but for various reasons retaining those members
is/was another story.

With the utmost of respect to the NSRCA but for the overseas members I see
the K-Factor being the only 'real commodity' that the NSRCA possesses. There
is little else the NSRCA can do for 'us' unless the it takes on a more
'Global' role, which is something I hope to see. Think outside of your own
backyard.

We have our own national bodies etc and our own newsletters, but because of
our small relative size(s) we have never attempted something along the scale
of the K-factor. So why not take on a world leadership role?

Something that you MUST consider is the cost. ALL the guys I had signed up
gave the number one reason as cost v what they got.
You must consider exchange rate here...over the years an average membership
for me has cost between 80 to 100 Aussie big ones. This is not cheap...I
realise the exchange rates are no-ones fault but when you consider that as
overseas members we really get nothing else but the K-factor. We get no
voting rights (not that important anyway ) but I  find it humerous when I
see some people complaining about their 'local' U.S cost.

The number two problem that seems evident in retaining OS members was
'content' of the K-factor. Everyone conceded that it is first and foremost
there for the local American members..it has to be, it is afterall your
national body, but contest listing/report after contest report proved to be
what everyone down here got bored with.
So I asked more questions..what do they want. As overseas members they
wanted the following:

*	More of a "Global" attitude...lets see some worlds  and continental
reports containing lots of information, pictures, trends analysis etc. lets
face it, the major magazines do nothing, when the K-factor did little or
nothing...you lost at least 4 OS members down here that I know of.
*	The ads and suppliers are vital..all wanted more and actually listed
this as a major factor in joining the NSRCA to read the ads and see whats
available to us pattern freaks. INFORMATION.

*	lets keep the cost realistic,  some of the ideas mentioned before,
like CD's sound quite feasible.
*	guys down here wanted to see more technical content.. I seem to
remember Brian Clemmons wanted to do a plane feature every month...surely he
had some volunteers??
*	More pictures... and finally.. more of a global outlook( again)

While on cost....there aren't going to be any OS members left if the
K-factor is as irregular as it is. Maybe that wont matter to the NSRCA but I
think it would be a shame...lets face it... pattern flyer's are the same all
over the world, no matter where you come from, we are all hopelessly devoted
to it, which is why I see this as an opportunity for the NSRCA to unite
pattern flyers around the world. There has to be a way to bring us all
together and I see the K-factor being the tool to do it with. Lets become so
strong that the FAI shakes in their boots!!!

Sorry for this to be written by a 'scatterbrain' but I'm in a hurry at
work!!

Just some food for thought.

Tom
Canberra, Australia


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