Growing pattern
Dave Michael
davidmichael1 at comcast.net
Fri Nov 18 07:50:45 AKST 2005
I figured that this was the case and I understand this point of view.
However, I wonder if the time has come to recognize that the greater need is
to get folks interested in pattern and that, if they do, they'll join NSRCA
because they like pattern- not to get the newsletter. After all, the
organization is based on organizing and promoting precision aerobatics, not
raising funds via a publication in order to keep the organization solvent.
I will say this- I don't think it is essential to make the K-Factor
public. BUT- As someone is new to pattern- I am certain that the biggest
barrier to growing pattern is that there is not enough information available
out there for newbies like me (and I think I am less of a newbie than most)
to get hooked on pattern and there is little for the newbie to see about
pattern in general without looking hard for it. There is so much unknown.
There is a real barrier to entry. From reading the notes on this forum it
is obviously well known.
What is the NSRCA's stated objective?
If it isn't already, the NSRCA's main objective should be to "grow the
business". It doesn't appear to be doing that now. Mike Hester has
suggested a grass roots approach and I think he is right on. But that's
what the members should do to grow the business.
An association's focus should complement this type of grass roots efforts
with over-arching support and direction. Make information available
everywhere it can. I hate it when someone points out a problem with out
offering a solution so here's a few ideas. I don't know how much of this has
been tried in the past but here are my suggestions:
- Modernize the website. Let's face it, this internet thing is really
catching on- especially with the younger groups who you want to attract for
future growth. Introduce more pictures and make is splashier. The
technical info is great but that's what you need after you have decided to
get into pattern. If you don't hook them first they won't see it anyway.
It doesn't currently scream "hey this is cool stuff here and you will enjoy
it!" Needs many more graphics and should be more eye catching.
- I noticed the ads in the magazines (with the Eclipse landing). That was
the first time I remember seeing a pattern ad, though I could be wrong, and
it was nice to see. I am sure it put a bug in my ear about pattern. I hope
that drives traffic to the website- but if the website doesn't immediately
make them want to keep going- it will be wasted effort to place the ad.
- Develop "special events" that would be interesting to the casual RC flyer.
IMAC has benefited from these kinds of things (TOC, Masters, Tuscon
Shootout, etc) and they get glossy coverage in the magazines that drive
interest. Pattern needs something like this that would be newsworthy and
could be something that the magazines would accept and publish articles
about. The combined pattern/IMAC thing sounds interesting- though it
can't be just about drawing new people to pattern- it has to benefit IMAC as
well. What about developing a hybrid event that requires the competitor to
fly both IMAC and pattern sequences? I could see some of the "big name"
flyers who fly both pattern and scale aerobatics in an event that requires
them to fly both their pattern planes and their IMAC planes- sorth of like
an RC triathalon of sorts. That would be new.
- How about offering newsletter information to AMA clubs? I don't know
about your clubs but the ones I belong to are always hurting for newsletter
info. The club editors are happy to receive relevent and interesting info
to put in the newsletter and make their jobs easier. Topics could include
pattern overviews, myths vs. reality of pattern, contest reports (with
pictures), hints and tips about aircraft setup, etc.,- all closing with a
subtle sale on how to get involved locally with pattern. Refer them to the
fun, splashy website.
There's lots of other ideas that could be developed. The question was asked
about what are we doing with the ideas that have been tossed about recently.
I think the organization should drive this and the board's number one focus
should be fostering, developing and driving these kinds of new ideas that
are aimed at growing the business. These are just some thoughts I pulled
together while typing today.
Dave
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Glaze" <billglaze at triad.rr.com>
To: <discussion at nsrca.org>
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2005 9:45 AM
Subject: Re: Growing pattern
> Dave:
> The BOD has discussed this subject; the general consensus was that
> inasmuch as the K-Factor is a big selling point toward joining NSRCA, that
> to give away one of our most valued products, would not be beneficial. It
> is, however, quite possible for non-members tovisit the web site, and
> download older K-Factors free.
> BTW: I sure hoped to see you at the BARKS contest; you are the only person
> in D2 to make Carl Zavalney look over his shoulder!<G>
> Bill Glaze
> D2VP
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dave Michael" <davidmichael1 at comcast.net>
> To: <discussion at nsrca.org>
> Sent: Friday, November 18, 2005 8:58 AM
> Subject: Re: Growing pattern
>
>
>>I assume this has been discussed but what is the thought behind making
>>K-Factor available to anyone online?
>>
>> Dave
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Chuck Hochhalter" <chochhalter at direcway.com>
>> To: <discussion at nsrca.org>
>> Sent: Friday, November 18, 2005 8:26 AM
>> Subject: RE: Growing pattern
>>
>>
>>> Ed, you are right on. I think there are tons of small seemingly
>>> insignificant times when we could expose people to pattern and the joy
>>> in learning the skills needed to fly it. Notice I did not say compete.
>>> There are those out there and I fully understand this who don't want
>>> their hobby to be a means of competition so I try to get them to just
>>> learn to fly the maneuvers to gain the feel for precision in their
>>> flying.
>>>
>>> I too monitor RCU and in basic help questions I try to respond but I am
>>> fairly new to pattern, 3rd year but still learning equipment and yes, I
>>> am developing some strong opinions about setups. Who would have thought
>>> that?
>>>
>>> As for what I can do, I wouldn't mind being the accumulator of info.
>>> Someone sent me an email and the question was asked... is this for
>>> technical help or to recruit. I would like to see the video as a
>>> recruiting tool.
>>>
>>> How many hobby shops do you see with vcrs and dvd players now?
>>>
>>> I think we should give this a try. If you have any inflight video that
>>> would be great. We could even post on the NSRCA website downloadable
>>> planes for G2 sim and the Aerofly Pro sim?? Just a thought.
>>>
>>> Thanks for any input.
>>>
>>> Chuck Hochhalter
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]
>>> On Behalf Of Ed Alt
>>> Sent: Friday, November 18, 2005 4:19 AM
>>> To: discussion at nsrca.org
>>> Subject: RE: Growing pattern
>>>
>>> So Chuck, what do you plan on doing after this email post of yours? I'm
>>>
>>> away on business travel this week and only have a few minutes a day to
>>> monitor the list and have been patiently watching for something more to
>>> pop
>>> up regarding this topic, so thanks for that. I feel strongly about the
>>> need
>>> to do several positive things to grow Pattern. I have some definite
>>> ideas
>>> and suggestions for our D1 VP to consider, as well as the rest of the
>>> NSRCA
>>> leadership. For example, designate a small team per region to monitor
>>> forums such as RCU to see who is asking aerobatics related questions
>>> that
>>> may deserve answers from the Pattern community.
>>>
>>> I try to do this in both the Pattern and IMAC forums. Every week or two
>>> on
>>> average there is someone asking a question or posting a response in the
>>> IMAC
>>> forum who just might be a real Pattern candidate, if only they were a
>>> little
>>> better informed. So I try to inform them with what I have learned so
>>> far.
>>> It's usually very basic stuff too. Guys are always asking things like
>>> "Gee,
>>> I still have this (fill in the blanks) 70 inch wingspan thing" that
>>> fits
>>> into what could be flown in Pattern Sportsman or IMAC Basic. The post
>>> always contains basic bio info such as where they are from, so I go to
>>> Mapquest and then to the D1 website and give them an answer which
>>> includes
>>> things like what contests there are in D1 that they can reach out and
>>> touch
>>> easily. I also tell them something about the IMAC contests that still
>>> exist
>>> (yes, they are on the DECLINE in the NE as Pattern is simultaneously
>>> GROWING
>>> in D1). Everything I give them is 100% factual based on what I know
>>> about
>>> IMAC history in my region (I used to be the IMAC NE Regional Director)
>>> and
>>> is based on the last contest season for both IMAC and Pattern as a
>>> reasonable point of reference.
>>>
>>> Chuck, we aren't likely to get more than a handful of responses on the
>>> list
>>> that aren't meant to tickle the funny bone and make fun of the topic.
>>> I'm a
>>> little disappointed too. So I suggest that you and the other few who
>>> might
>>> have a similar interest just grab your district VP by the collarbone and
>>>
>>> yank. Get your ideas directly into their ear and insist on active
>>> participation and results. I think that our district VP is of a similar
>>>
>>> mindset and there probably isn't going to be much to block progress with
>>> him
>>> by brainstorming and taking initiative, other than the normal pressures
>>> we
>>> all have in our daily lives. Put some pressure on your leadership to
>>> actually do something if they aren't already. That's where delegation
>>> of
>>> responsibility comes in if they are too busy to do it all themselves,
>>> which
>>> is totally understandable. Inaction, however, isn't forgiveable.. If
>>> you
>>> really care about this and think it's a real problem, then please do
>>> more
>>> than simply complain to this email list, because it will take more than
>>> that
>>> for real results.
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>> Ed
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>From: Chuck Hochhalter <chochhalter at direcway.com>
>>>>Reply-To: discussion at nsrca.org
>>>>To: discussion at nsrca.org
>>>>Subject: Growing pattern
>>>>Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 20:34:47 -0600
>>>>
>>>>Well, it appears after a flurry of messages, lots of discussion,
>>>>realizing a problem..
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Again.. there has not been ANYTHING done to try and come up with a
>>>>slight game plan to help pattern.
>>>>
>>>>IT WILL DIE!
>>>>
>>>>This really pisses me off that so many people can get on the list, say
>>>>what all the problems with pattern, the NSRCA, the AMA and other
>>> members
>>>>and don't do crap about trying to be part of the solution or contribute
>>>>more than just their opinions.
>>>>
>>>>The same thing happened with the "vote" on the list response method
>>> (btw
>>>>thanks for fixing it imo). There was a flurry of opinions then
>>> nothing.
>>>>(not taking a shot at the moderator, I appreciate your hard work) but
>>>>then there was silence till one lone person mentioned it, then another
>>>>flurry.
>>>>
>>>>Didn't I hear something about the NATS possibly traveling again? Wow ,
>>>>what a worthwhile topic for people to be involved in as this would be
>>> a
>>>>great way to spread pattern and expose it to others rather than just
>>>>bringing the pattern community to one "overexposed" so to speak spot.
>>>>
>>>>How about the idea to do a combined event with IMAC, this would
>>> possibly
>>>>convert or "cross-train" some IMAC pilots?
>>>>
>>>>I just don't see why it seems the only good that comes from this list
>>> is
>>>>when people have equipment needs.. what about our sanctioning body and
>>>>our sport.
>>>>
>>>>Sorry to ramble but it just doesn't make any sense. Do we not have the
>>>>organization to address these issues? What is the purpose of the NSRCA
>>>>then?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Section 2 - Purpose of the Society
>>>>a. Act as a focal point for rules development and progression. Gather
>>>>intelligence from the AMA precision aerobatics community to provide the
>>>>basis for AMA rules change proposals
>>>>b. Promote precision aerobatics in the general R/C community by
>>>>providing leadership in all of the objectives of the society. .
>>>>c. Enhance model precision aerobatics as a recognized sport.
>>>>d. Develop and provide high standards in judging for competitions and
>>>>provide qualifications and achievement recognition for judges.
>>>>
>>>>Anyone notice E. what is being done to accomplish this and the other
>>>>purposes of our "society"?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Chuck Hochhalter
>>>>
>>>>I skipped the flame suit and went straight for a bunker.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
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>
>
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