SeeYou190 BRAKIE Maybe we are adults that has seen how one rubber legged drunk can bump into things. . Larry, . I kind of intended #10 to be a semi-tounge-in-cheek humorously exaggerated statement, but i guess that was lost somehow. Oh well. . I guess it was naive to think that maybe the way to improve membership was to be approachable, enjoyable, and welcoming to the public. . I guess everything should stay as it is. Nevermind. . -Kevin .
BRAKIE Maybe we are adults that has seen how one rubber legged drunk can bump into things.
.
Larry,
I kind of intended #10 to be a semi-tounge-in-cheek humorously exaggerated statement, but i guess that was lost somehow. Oh well.
I guess it was naive to think that maybe the way to improve membership was to be approachable, enjoyable, and welcoming to the public.
I guess everything should stay as it is. Nevermind.
-Kevin
I don't know what your intent was, but what you put across was that you wanted a huge drunken party. When multiple people misunderstand you in the same way the fault is in your writing, not their perception.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
For those who are focused solely on the dollar cost of NMRA membership, you might want to check out a new benfit to membership -
The NMRA Partnership program, wherein manufacturers/retailers like Micro-mark, MRC, RR-Cirkits and many others offer discounts of 5-15% specifically to NMRA members. Here's a little bit of info on this program.
This is pretty new, and companies are still coming on board.
It might be something else to look at when considering membership. It's a "hard" benefit that can offset part, or all, of your membership cost, depending on how and where you spend your hobby dollars.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
SeeYou190I guess it was naive to think that maybe the way to improve membership was to be approachable, enjoyable, and welcoming to the public. .
Kevin,A NMRA convention is for the membership not the general public. We the general public can attend the train show. I can understand that.
If there was a NVGA(National Video Gamers Association) that held a convention once a year I doubt if the public would be welcome since the membership paid dues and a convention fee to be there.
$47.00 a year(no magazine) is cheap entertainment if you attend your local chapter's activity.. I've seen gaming high dragons that costs twice as much and I won't mention the price of the newest video game..
Everybody can sit aside one day a month to attend his local chapter's meeting.
Did you know back in the 40/50s the majority of model railroad clubs was 100% NMRA? That means if you wasn't a member of the NMRA you could not join that club or you could join the the club and the NMRA at the same time..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
SeeYou190I kind of intended #10 to be a semi-tounge-in-cheek humorously exaggerated statement, but i guess that was lost somehow.
Well, Kevin, if it makes you feel any better, not everyone thought that you were actually being serious about this. Unfortunately when you type things you need to think about the audience you are addressing, and whether or not they will tend to blow things out of proportion.
In my limited experience, there are some individuals who will imbibe in excess no matter what their position in life is, and no matter what the function is. But this is normally done on their own time after hours, and is therefore their own business. And, usually, the types of beverages of concern are not served during usual functions. Unless you are attending Sturgis. Or, heaven forbid, a Philadelphia Eagles game where some of the attendees are already overloaded prior to entering the facility.
BRAKIEDid you know back in the 40/50s the majority of model railroad clubs was 100% NMRA? That means if you wasn't a member of the NMRA you could not join that club or you could join the the club and the NMRA at the same time..
Back then the dues were reasonable.
When I joined the NMRA in 1972, the dues were $5. Adjusted for inflation that is $30.29 including the magazine. I have been a member since 1972.
They don't publish the budget anymore, so it's difficult to tell why the dues have to be so high, but I have my suspicions that they are not justified. But that's a dead horse for another time.
Paul
Paul,The dues is $47.00 without the magazine..The magazine subscription is the added cost.
That's less then $4.00 a month and rather cheap entertainment if you attend your chapter's activities once a month.
BTW.That $4.00 is less then one fast food combo and fair more healthier.
maxmanIn my limited experience, there are some individuals who will imbibe in excess no matter what their position in life is, and no matter what the function is. But this is normally done on their own time after hours, and is therefore their own business.
Sadly you have some that will start drinking early and with rubber legs they will stumble through the day.. I have seen that before at a HO club that had "adult beverages". Old "red nose express" would start drinking as soon as he arrived at the club.I figured he had guzzled down two or three before leaving home.
BRAKIESadly you have some that will start drinking early and with rubber legs they will stumble through the day.. I have seen that before at a HO club that had "adult beverages". Old "red nose express" would start drinking as soon as he arrived at the club.I figured he had guzzled down two or three before leaving home.
Yup, seen that. Club I belong to used to have adult stuff in the fridge. We did away with it. Although ole red nose was a concern, of more concern was that he might have an accident on the way home and the club could be sued for dispensing without a license.
Anyway, back to the NMRA discussion.
xboxtravis79927) A group such as the NMRA should be actively promoting operations sessions at local layouts. While the local chapter has an operator focused group, it has a spotty track record; with many dates planned for operation being uncompleted due to the lack of planning or some life events interrupting the ability of the planner to get it together. I want to get into more ops sessions, but if I can't do it through the NMRA easily I might as well just stick to the grape-vine waiting list method through my Facebook friends. Its slow going, but it gets me to operate the layouts eventually.
You might want to check out OPSIG.org. It is an NMRA affiliated organization, but there is not a requirement to join the NMRA. Dues are $10 a year with a digital publication of the quarterly newsletter.
I can provide more info if you are interested.
Kind of sorry I started this thread.
Gary
gdelmoro Kind of sorry I started this thread.
Hopefully you are not sorry you joined?
xboxtravis7992 8) NMRA data packs and all that can't compare to modern digital resources. I can find a lot of the information online now. I am lucky to live in the state very well chronicled by perhaps the greatest rail resource website ever made, UtahRails.net. If Don Strack hasn't put it in that website, I probably don't need it for my modeling goals. That site is free, available 24/7; and a great resource. Why would I need an NMRA data pack when a detailed history of things such as the entire Union Pacific diesel roster up to the turn of the millenium are a few keystrokes away?
8) NMRA data packs and all that can't compare to modern digital resources. I can find a lot of the information online now. I am lucky to live in the state very well chronicled by perhaps the greatest rail resource website ever made, UtahRails.net. If Don Strack hasn't put it in that website, I probably don't need it for my modeling goals. That site is free, available 24/7; and a great resource. Why would I need an NMRA data pack when a detailed history of things such as the entire Union Pacific diesel roster up to the turn of the millenium are a few keystrokes away?
Yes, that's a good site.However, 90% of what you read on the Internet is just plain wrong. The NMRA has spent a very large amount of time making sure the information is correct. One of my specialties is timetable and train order operation. I've learned through the NMRA, from actual retired TT&TO dispatchers. Online, the vast majority of TT&TO information is, at BEST, highly simplified, and usually just plain wrong.
Bayfield Transfer Railway xboxtravis7992 8) NMRA data packs and all that can't compare to modern digital resources. I can find a lot of the information online now. I am lucky to live in the state very well chronicled by perhaps the greatest rail resource website ever made, UtahRails.net. If Don Strack hasn't put it in that website, I probably don't need it for my modeling goals. That site is free, available 24/7; and a great resource. Why would I need an NMRA data pack when a detailed history of things such as the entire Union Pacific diesel roster up to the turn of the millenium are a few keystrokes away? Yes, that's a good site.However, 90% of what you read on the Internet is just plain wrong. The NMRA has spent a very large amount of time making sure the information is correct. One of my specialties is timetable and train order operation. I've learned through the NMRA, from actual retired TT&TO dispatchers. Online, the vast majority of TT&TO information is, at BEST, highly simplified, and usually just plain wrong.
I learned everything I know about TT and TO from the
-Operations Roadshow at the 2014 and 2016 NMRA Conventions
-19 East, Copy Three (OPSIG publication)
-Rights of Trains by Peter Josserand.
-Operations Conpendium (OPSIG publication)
-Dispatchers Office publication
Josh B Knowing "Travis" in person (that's not his real name, but due to circumstances that I am familiar with, I will give him a pass on that),
Knowing "Travis" in person (that's not his real name, but due to circumstances that I am familiar with, I will give him a pass on that),
Ah yes, the circumstances of when I was a child at my cousin's house; he introduced me to the Millsbury online game (gosh if that doesn't date my age I don't know what does *insert millenial snowflake joke here*). I needed a user name. His name was Travis, and he had an Xbox which really impressed my childhood senses. Then there is my elementary school lunch number, add it all up... Xbox... travis... 7992... The real crazy thing is that in over 15 years of using this user name I have never changed it as an adult . I think when I told my cousin I had been using his name online for so long he got a bit of a chuckle out of it, especially because he can't even remember the Millsbury game.
Josh B The points that Kevin and "Travis" are making is that our culture is changing. My generation is not the same as Sheldon's generation by any stretch of the imagination. An organization in the 2010s that continues to operate as if it is the 1980s will fail after not too long if it does not adapt to the changing culture of its target audience.
The points that Kevin and "Travis" are making is that our culture is changing. My generation is not the same as Sheldon's generation by any stretch of the imagination. An organization in the 2010s that continues to operate as if it is the 1980s will fail after not too long if it does not adapt to the changing culture of its target audience.
And that is my point exactly. It is why I am a bit shocked to see the suggestion that "NMRA Conventions are priority first for NMRA members." If the organization is shrinking and struggling to adapt in the 21st century, the convention priority should be non-NMRA members. It needs to be seen as a showcase of why people should join, a conversion opportunity so to speak. But if its seen as an exclusive club gathering that "the public can go to if they want" then it will come across as exclusionary and not welcoming; exactly the wrong message that needs to be sent to non-members.
Touché, Travis on your final comment! See my March 24 post about the NMRA's "strategy" to increase membership.
Kerry
xboxtravis7992And that is my point exactly. It is why I am a bit shocked to see the suggestion that "NMRA Conventions are priority first for NMRA members." If the organization is shrinking and struggling to adapt in the 21st century, the convention priority should be non-NMRA members.
If it was only that simple.. A member paid his dues and then pays to attend the convention now,John Q. Public comes along and can waltz right in without being a member or paying to attend..How will that sit with the membership? Not to well I'll bet.
I doubt if John Q. Public could waltz into a Shriners,Moose or Eagles Convention.
BRAKIEPaul,The dues is $47.00 without the magazine..The magazine subscription is the added cost.
When I joined the $5 included the magazine. Adjusted for inflation that's less than half the current $75. Even the $47 without the magazine is more than $5 adjusted for inflation - $30.29.
BRAKIE xboxtravis7992 And that is my point exactly. It is why I am a bit shocked to see the suggestion that "NMRA Conventions are priority first for NMRA members." If the organization is shrinking and struggling to adapt in the 21st century, the convention priority should be non-NMRA members. If it was only that simple.. A member paid his dues and then pays to attend the convention now,John Q. Public comes along and can waltz right in without being a member or paying to attend..How will that sit with the membership? Not to well I'll bet. I doubt if John Q. Public could waltz into a Shriners,Moose or Eagles Convention.
xboxtravis7992 And that is my point exactly. It is why I am a bit shocked to see the suggestion that "NMRA Conventions are priority first for NMRA members." If the organization is shrinking and struggling to adapt in the 21st century, the convention priority should be non-NMRA members.
The fact is, the Shriners, Mooses... meece?, Eagles, et. al. aren't doing well either. Model railroad clubs are shrinking, church attendence is shrinking, the local Masonic temple has about eight members, VFW membership is shrinking, PTA, whatever. The last 30 years or so has seen a shift in the US away from membership in anything, and it WAY predates the Internet.See the book Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam.
xboxtravis7992 And that is my point exactly. It is why I am a bit shocked to see the suggestion that "NMRA Conventions are priority first for NMRA members." If the organization is shrinking and struggling to adapt in the 21st century, the convention priority should be non-NMRA members. It needs to be seen as a showcase of why people should join, a conversion opportunity so to speak. But if its seen as an exclusive club gathering that "the public can go to if they want" then it will come across as exclusionary and not welcoming; exactly the wrong message that needs to be sent to non-members.
There are legal implications to allowing non-members to attend events such as the conventions. If you want to attend, you must be a member.
betamaxThere are legal implications to allowing non-members to attend events such as the conventions. If you want to attend, you must be a member.
I don't remember from all the above posts, but the train show associated with the NMRA national conventions is open to the public for most of the time. I think that the first day is members only. It is the clinics and open houses that are members only, and that sounds perfectly reasonable to me.
maxman betamax There are legal implications to allowing non-members to attend events such as the conventions. If you want to attend, you must be a member. I don't remember from all the above posts, but the train show associated with the NMRA national conventions is open to the public for most of the time. I think that the first day is members only. It is the clinics and open houses that are members only, and that sounds perfectly reasonable to me.
betamax There are legal implications to allowing non-members to attend events such as the conventions. If you want to attend, you must be a member.
The train show is a separate entity from the convention. First day (Friday) until noon is for convention attendees only. Afternoon is open season for all.
http://www.nationaltrainshow.org/2018/ntskc.html
http://www.nationaltrainshow.org/2018/2018NTSKansasCityLayoutDisplayApplication.pdf
"The National Train Show® was established in 1988 by the National Model Railroad Association as a nationally sponsored combined industry trade show and public train show to promote the hobby of model railroading. "
Not sure about legal, more that the insurance policy will not cover us if provide membership benefits to non-members.
Those who are not members are missing the point. The National Convention is just the icing on the cake. The real value is in member interaction at the local level. I may have joined the NMRA at the age of 26, for the sole purpose of attending the National Convention in Cleveland, OH. I stayed a member because of the division level interaction.
If the division level interaction isnt very good, then retention will not be good in that location.
Very true about divisions. I joined the NMRA in 1993 or 1994 because I wanted to vote on the DCC standard. When i lost my job in 2008 I dropped it, and a lot of other expenses.I keep "intending" to renew my membership, but since I'm out in the wilds of nowhere I just haven't bothered.
BMMECNYC betamax There are legal implications to allowing non-members to attend events such as the conventions. If you want to attend, you must be a member. Not sure about legal, more that the insurance policy will not cover us if provide membership benefits to non-members. Those who are not members are missing the point. The National Convention is just the icing on the cake. The real value is in member interaction at the local level. I may have joined the NMRA at the age of 26, for the sole purpose of attending the National Convention in Cleveland, OH. I stayed a member because of the division level interaction. If the division level interaction isnt very good, then retention will not be good in that location.
There are serious legal implications beyond that of "insurance". The NMRA has charitible status, and as such, must follow the rules that comes with said status.
Non-members can attend the national convention, but in addition to all the fees, they must pay a surcharge, which will be applied to either full membership or a RailPass. Or forfeit the surcharge if they chose neither. Regional conventions may or may not follow this rule.
betamax BMMECNYC betamax There are legal implications to allowing non-members to attend events such as the conventions. If you want to attend, you must be a member. Not sure about legal, more that the insurance policy will not cover us if provide membership benefits to non-members. Those who are not members are missing the point. The National Convention is just the icing on the cake. The real value is in member interaction at the local level. I may have joined the NMRA at the age of 26, for the sole purpose of attending the National Convention in Cleveland, OH. I stayed a member because of the division level interaction. If the division level interaction isnt very good, then retention will not be good in that location. There are serious legal implications beyond that of "insurance". The NMRA has charitible status, and as such, must follow the rules that comes with said status. Non-members can attend the national convention, but in addition to all the fees, they must pay a surcharge, which will be applied to either full membership or a RailPass. Or forfeit the surcharge if they chose neither. Regional conventions may or may not follow this rule.
Im pretty sure thats exactly what my wife did in 2014 to attend the convention with me, she had not yet signed up, so she joined the NMRA at the convention and payed the day of registration fee.
IRONROOSTERThey don't publish the budget anymore, so it's difficult to tell why the dues have to be so high, but I have my suspicions that they are not justified. But that's a dead horse for another time.
If the NMRA is a non-profit, I believe they have to open their books to ANYONE.
If they are unwilling to share such information, it not only hints at something to hide, but may lose them their non-profit status.
For me, it biases me towards not renewing my long-lapsed membership. Which started in 1962.
Ed
7j43k IRONROOSTER They don't publish the budget anymore, so it's difficult to tell why the dues have to be so high, but I have my suspicions that they are not justified. But that's a dead horse for another time. If the NMRA is a non-profit, I believe they have to open their books to ANYONE. If they are unwilling to share such information, it not only hints at something to hide, but may lose them their non-profit status. For me, it biases me towards not renewing my long-lapsed membership. Which started in 1962. Ed
IRONROOSTER They don't publish the budget anymore, so it's difficult to tell why the dues have to be so high, but I have my suspicions that they are not justified. But that's a dead horse for another time.
I just went to the NMRA web site, signed in, and in less than two minutes found financial statements, CFO reports and IRS 990 filings for the last 8 years.
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRAL IRONROOSTER They don't publish the budget anymore, so it's difficult to tell why the dues have to be so high, but I have my suspicions that they are not justified. But that's a dead horse for another time. I just went to the NMRA web site, signed in, and in less than two minutes found both financial statements and IRS 990 filings for the last 8 years. Sheldon
IRONROOSTER
I just went to the NMRA web site, signed in, and in less than two minutes found both financial statements and IRS 990 filings for the last 8 years.
So, IRONROOSTER, what do you say to that?
7j43k ATLANTIC CENTRAL IRONROOSTER They don't publish the budget anymore, so it's difficult to tell why the dues have to be so high, but I have my suspicions that they are not justified. But that's a dead horse for another time. I just went to the NMRA web site, signed in, and in less than two minutes found both financial statements and IRS 990 filings for the last 8 years. Sheldon So, IRONROOSTER, what do you say to that? Ed
Yes I have looked at those reports. And there is some information there. But it's not the budget. The NMRA a few years ago stated that they will not publish the budget. Many years ago they used to publish it every year in the monthly publication (currently called the NMRA Magazine), but no more.
IRONROOSTER So, IRONROOSTER, what do you say to that? Ed Yes I have looked at those reports. And there is some information there. But it's not the budget. The NMRA a few years ago stated that they will not publish the budget. Many years ago they used to publish it every year in the monthly publication (currently called the NMRA Magazine), but no more. Paul
So, IRONROOSTER, what do you say to that? Ed
The budgets are published, and are available. They are part of the financial documents, if you look. I just saw 2016, since the reports for 2017 haven't been completed yet. The proposed 2017 budget is also in that document.