P3D Re: Questions

[Derek Gee <73157.2172@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

George asks:
>Any idea why is this so?  Did you kick and scream when you got drafted
>for a President this year?

Perhaps it's the fear of commitment?  People seem afraid to take on more
responsibility, especially if they are unsure of what the duties are.
I did not kick and scream when I was asked by the board if I would
consider serving as President.  I did make sure it was OK with my wife
that I took on the additional responsibilities that sometimes clash
with family life, but that was it.

>OK Derek, why don't you then answer on the main issue:  Do you think
>that having a formal club has any advantage?  In Detroit specifically,
>would a get-together 4 times a year be a more succesful operation,
>drawing larger crowds and generating more enthusiasm than the the club 
>does now?

I doubt a non-formal format would work well in Detroit.  People in our club
need the regular contact with one another to thrive.  Without being exposed
to other peoples work, other's 3-D innovations, and the encouragement of fellow
stereographers, I think that I and others might tend to go stale.  This
is not to say that a non-formal club couldn't work - I just think that the
formal organization definately has advantages.

>How is a group of stereo enthusiasts going to decide?

Take a vote?  ;)  I think any newly forming group needs sets their goals from
the outset and then to decide which organization will help them meet those
goals.  Make sure you consider how much time you are willing to devote to
that organization and whether or not joining a larger organization like PSA
will help you meet those goals.  For the Detroit club, being part of PSA has
definately been an advantage, giving the club access to lots of programs and
knowledge, and giving the club a competitive spirit.  It's probably helped
keep our club going during the years when membership dropped below 35 or so.

>Do you have any advice from your over 10 years of experience in Detroit?

Eat your vegetables, use Kodachrome, and keep those shutters clicking!  If
you have any more specific questions, I'll try to answer them...


                                     Derek Gee




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