Mailing lists and our future in general.

[Koenig, Tom]

Eric and all,

As an international member for ten years I agree, I agree, I agree!

This is the first year in which I am seriously re-considering as to wether I'll renew. Strange thing is-the K-Factors have been superb lately.

I've been on the 'list' since it more or less began ( and in all its incarnations) and have 'met' and made some great 'friends'-but I agree, to me the list now seems 'lifeless'. But I guess it had to be tried.

On another note- I think pattern is in trouble everywhere, the world over. Even down here we are facing a few problems which we need to address somehow.

Goodluck with it all-I'm trying to do my bit for pattern down under-but its hard these days!

Tom

-----Original Message-----
From: discussion-request at nsrca.org
[mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]On Behalf Of Grow Pattern
Sent: Thursday, 3 November 2005 9:11 AM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: Mailing lists and our future in general.


I, just like many of you have already commented, have noticed quite a
reduction in traffic on this list. This list being the NSRCA discussion
list.

I use my pattern4U with a  pen-name of Grow pattern for the NSRCA list.  I
also belong to quite a few of the district lists but I use eric.henderson as
my e-mail address. (I often travel and it is handy to be able to see what is
going on outside of NSRCA D-1)

What this does is allow me to clearly see the all the district traffic in
one e-mail account verses the National traffic in the other e-mail account.

I think that there is an overall reduction in traffic because of several
factors.

1. The district lists are the list f choice for contest traffic and local
banter.

2. We have les s and less new people needing answers from experienced
pilots.

3. Experienced pilots and in eth majority and have sub issues such as their
own way of doing things and are not willing to get into an argument over the
b=best way

4. Other vehicles such as RCU are superior in functionality and data
organization, For example history tracks and builds of answers in threads
that can be followed. The ability to attach files like articles and
pictures.

The NSRCA was way behind the curve in having a discussion list, way way
behind in accepting the need for a web site. It is also highly resistant to
change. Just say "On-line K-factor" and watch the e-mail count go up. Even
if you say the paper one will not go away the resistance is there
immediately.


On a different topic, Are we stuck in a rut!!!!

There was a time when we were the leaders in what we did. We were a society
full of experimenters and adventurers. Yet, today, when faced with available
and new enabling technology I see us shrinking away.

On our web site we could have a ton of down-loadable word-files, photos,
ads, you name it. Imagine an optional CD (for a small fee of course) with
all past and present pdf K-factors. On-line or CD versions that could
contain all of  the source documents/pictures/ads so that you could build
your own files on items such as painting, building xyz, trimming, radio
programming, contests etc.

I wonder if you realize that we could charge you as little as $10 a year
membership fee, WORLDWIDE, if you had an electronic K-factor and still have
more working capital left over than with $30 a year and the paper
newsletter. Electronic would be all in color, much much more current and
available earlier.

In all the time that I have known the NSRCA I have never seen any $$'s
available to support and sustain promotional and growth activities. Sure
there has been a point of light here and there in the darkness but no beacon
to follow, no headlight to show us the way. Every year the age bandwidth
goes further and further upward. How long before we become the SPA mark-2.
(no offense intended to the SPA, just an example of what happens when your
numbers decline)

How many of you would come forward and make the electronic K-factor and
enhanced functionality? How many would shy away from progress or just busily
shred the above note?  Should I remain jaded or is there fire in your
bellies for advancement and the facilitation of growth through technology
delivery enhancements that are available today.????

Regards,

Eric.


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