Thanks Dan, but I'm a non-member. So I followed the instructions in the opening
statement ...
and Buzzed Off.
It was so inappropriate for the Executive Director of the EOC to come here
and tell all non-members (which are technically potential new members) to Buzz
Off.
Ironically, Dan Hall (unknowingly) almost had me talked into joining myself
and my partner. I was even considering talking to Dan in regard to hosting a
Big Bear Fly-In at my company hangar. To be absolutely honest, that was more
than just a bit of a turn-off. In the mid 90's thru 2000 when I had my last
Coupe, I was a member of EOC. In fact I was an advertiser in Coupe Capers as
well. I have to admit that I find it shocking that any principal would talk to
potential new members and advertisers in such a manner. Seems to be a pretty
unhealthy move for EOC. I'm not sure what was expected to be accomplished in
doing so, but I high suspect that it won't yield positive results for anybody.
Richard
Dan Caliendo <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Those of you getting tired of reading all these emails and unhappy
with EOC and newsletter need to read paragraph 2 & 5. A happy member,
Dan
On Jan 4, 2008, at 8:19 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
EOC REPLIES
I just finished reading the 100th post regarding the EOC. I have not replied
because I wanted to get everyones opinion before I answered. As with any thing
it is very easy to criticize and very difficult to be a team player and work
within an organizations framework to effect change. Those of you that are
members of the EOC I have noted your remarks and they will be addressed. Those
that are not members BUZZ OFF! You are like the fellows in the barber shop that
are always criticizing the elected officials but when asked if they voted they
reply no, so if you arent a member keep quiet!
1) One of the members asked what is the mission statement of the EOC? As
stated in the corporate by laws, Purpose. The following is the purposes for
which this organization has been organized: As an educational corporation to
further and promote Ercoupe Aircraft through a mutual exchange of ideas.
2) EOC does not work with the FAA like the AOPA. How quickly we forget! Do you
remember the wing inspection AD that was to require an expensive borascope to
comply with. Well thanks to the work with Univair and the FAA regional office
we were able to get it amended to borascope or much cheaper wing removal. And
more recently when Univair issued the Mandatory Service Bulletin we were able
to submit enough information from our members to keep this from becoming an AD.
And the next time an issue with the airframe arises be sure that the EOC will
take action. This not only helps members save money but NON MEMBERS ALSO!
3) Membership has received quite a lot of discussion so let me help you
understand this also! All clubs, service organizations, religious
organizations, ham radio, car clubs, the boy scouts and the EOC are suffering
from a decline in membership. Also we have a declining membership base. When I
founded the EOC there were about 3000 registered coupes. I do not know what the
number is today but I would expect that it is less than 2000. The EAA has had a
steady membership decline for the past several years (read the publishers
statement required by law and printed in an issue during the year. Usually
sandwiched in some out of the way location in the magazine). How many of you
have asked another Coupe owner to join? A few years ago we got Mitch to send us
a list of all registered Coupe owners in the US. We then mailed to them asking
them to join and did not get enough new members to pay for printing and
postage. One fellow said that he had never received an invitation to
join
possibly if the FAA label said registration pending we did not try to
mail to them. One time we printed some business cards that had a place for you
to write your name and address on one side and on the back asking them to join
EOC. I just threw the greatest majority of them away!
4) Several of you have commented on the Web Site so let me tell you what is
going on there. Several months ago I became Mitches assistant on the web site.
In fact I am posting the classifieds, calendar, newsletter and keeping up the
members only list. I have added some things but it is a big job that I am
resolving one step at the time. Last year we moved the web to a commercial web
server from Tom Lairds server. This was the time that Ed had to move his list.
We now have more space than we will ever need and can continue to build the
site and remove some of the old outdated material that is there. We have also
made arrangements to have PayPal accept credit cards for new members and
renewals. This should be up and running by mid February. You will notice that
there is a last posted date on the home page so that you can be sure the site
is up to date before logging on. We had thought about adding a forum to the web
site but see no need for that as Ed has his site and I
see no need for two. Someone asked about a link to the forum, I dont think
that is a valid suggestion as non-members run the forum, also the forum does
not link to us. In most cases we link to those that link to us. Some said that
they could not get on the members only site. I am sorry that you are having
trouble but if you will contact me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] I will see that you are
granted access. I even got two fellows on during Christmas. I will also add my
address to the sign up page.
5) The newsletter seems to have gotten the lions share of criticism. The main
problem with the newsletter is that YOU DO NOT SEND IN ANY MATERIAL! I am still
trying to get a report on the 2007 Sun N Fun and Oshkosh fly ins still no info.
Why dont we take information from the forum and print it in the newsletter?
Well folks in the first place that would be plagiarism and I will not do that!
In the old days you sent in your questions and problems and if I couldnt
answer it we printed it in the newsletter and asked for answers. This worked
very well but with the forum is a moot point when you can get a barrel full of
answers to any question, some valid some not. Some months we have to wait until
we can get some information or resort to going to old issues and reprinting
some old hints and or tips. The lack of material has become of epidemic
proportions! Almost nothing coming in, but members are wanting information, do
you have an answer? I dont I am not going to write the
entire newsletter. I may occasionally write about something that catches my
eye, like the door coupe. Want your plane to be published, then send it in with
a photo and I guarantee we will print it. Maybe it is time that we stop
publishing Coupe Capers and put it on the web page. Sure would save a bunch of
money. Printing a more expensive newsletter would have little or no effect on
membership. The content is what is wanted not an expensive slick color
newsletter. I will say here that look for some color in future issues.
6) Dues were mentioned so I will address that also. At the EOC convention in
Mason Michigan Regional Director Russ Jensen moved that we increase the dues
with an eye to increasing costs. What a visionary! We have had several postage
increases printing cost increases and we are still able to have money and be
solvent! In fact we have a savings account and a legal defense fund which is in
high yield CDs. We also have a healthy bank account. Ed told me many times that
he would join again if we reduced the dues, Ed dont think that will happen
unless we go to an electronic newsletter which will exclude about 1/3 of our
members. At this time I see no need to increase dues. Wonder how long before
EAA and AOPA have an increase? Bet it wont be long, as the new postal rates
are really high. Also the new postal program has expedited delivery of the
snail mail with Arizona getting theirs in 3 or 4 days!
7) This club was founded as a president, secretary and treasury club but
after a few years it was decided that the fairest method was to have regions
and regional directors to govern the club. This has proven to be a fair and
equitable way to run the organization. If you do not like the way that things
are going then sign up to be a regional director or wing leader then come to
the national and make your wishes known, what could be fairer. 13 regional
directors govern us not one man! I serve at the pleasure of the board and
members I can be removed from office with a simple vote and will gladly step
down! Just remember that there are always a few that have a hidden agenda that
they want to promote, or someone or something that they want to bring down.
Before you cast anymore stones stop and ask who started this and what it is all
about! I must say that this is the most activity I have seen on this forum to
date. If you are a member and have any comments or suggestions I
will welcome them.
Skip Carden
Executive Director EOC
---------------------------------
Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.
---------------------------------
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.
