Richard Slipper
Thanks for replying Steve.
I would seem that your OP has generated more activity on the forum than anything else for some time, well at least amongst three of us. 🙂 (Merely observational and in no way cynical I assure you.)
Dissatisfied with the running of the society? No, my experience has been too short for me to develop a definitive opinion although again, observationally, the lack of activity on the website & the lack of any Social Media presence (that I have found) does cause one to wonder whether apart from an excellent and enjoyable exhibition in May last year, and receipt of the journals since then – when I joined – there is much else. (What does one expect? I’m not sure)
Now of course, nobody gets much out if they don’t put much in. But where would a person start? We live in an instant world – like it or not. How does one make contact with other members who live nearby? Who are they?
Looking back at the last 10 journals (on line) there appears to have been almost 228 new members listed and 41 who died. A net gain of 187 – which it is not unreasonable to expect to be generally younger and more ‘switched on’ than most of those who were lost and who one would expect to be generally older and less familiar with modern communication methods (although this is no guarantee!)
The actual number of members doesn’t seem to be mentioned in the journals or website, unless I’ve overlooked it, so what proportion the above numbers represent in unclear. Would 2000 members be too far out? So why has there been an absence of suitably skilled volunteers? I’d be surprised if there were none amongst that number. Could it be uncertainty? Could it be wondering where to start? There can be a tendency (and this is not critical of any individual) for committees (and sub committees) to become ‘warm to their role,’ perhaps a little inward looking, remote, a bit important, and well…. pompous about knowing best, while going round in circles, gaining minutes and losing hours. All organisations from Government to Playgroups suffer. Maybe that’s another reason. Once bitten etc.
Your editorials and articles describe, while not imminent, an existential threat to this society. A threat that undoubtedly also exercises the minds of the officers of other ‘niche’ railway modelling societies. Competing societies can be a distraction but it seems that more ardent or politically motivated modellers (than I) feel that their creed is better served by specialising. Perhaps it’s the power and status 😉
I wonder how many members of EMGS are members of S4S and vv. (I am.) (and GOG and S7S) It may of course be that the niche societies have no future beyond their current membership. But 187 net new members over the last 10 journals would suggest otherwise. You don’t join if pessimistic although you might not renew if the mood changes.
The EM Gauge Society had always struck me as a more traditional and conservative – small ‘c’- association. But when I attended Expo EM last year I found a more friendly and open atmosphere than I had anticipated – one of the reasons I parted with the membership fee on the day. Another simple fact, that the society can provide ready to lay points shows both a progressive and forward looking culture does exist. Access to a hobby needs to be easy especially for those with little experience.
Engaging with the membership and potential members is ‘marketing’ – informing, advertising, keeping in touch, – websites, social media, email campaigns, paper for those who prefer. All takes time of course and relying on volunteers is always a challenge but for those with the skills it doesn’t take long to do. For example – social media posts of adverts (say for exhibitions) can be prepared all at once and then posted automatically at intervals. This is how a lot of professional third party PR providers work and can then service a wide portfolio of customers. Each might get a day or half a day service a month.
In your reply to Steve Firth you mention ‘without the need for them to have knowledge/command/experience of the software processes.’
That could sound disingenuous to those members who already post frequently on RM Web, Western Thunder, S4S, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter) (perish the thought,) TikTok, Bluesky, FlickR etc etc which require absolutely no specialised IT knowledge. Then there are no doubt some who write and read blogs using WordPress/Jetpack or other platforms – writing needs a bit, reading none. Plus there will be those who are familiar with end user apps and software in the workplace and so on, who work or did work in IT or coms etc etc
It could also be read as that ‘conservative association’ appearing (perhaps unjustly) as really out touch with or patronising to its members who I suspect are far more capable and open to change than the statement implies. Programming DCC is not the most straightforward pastime.
If the right skills don’t exist in the society’s present cohort of officers there might be a son, daughter or grandchild who’d appreciate some extra pocket money – undergraduates often need projects as part of their degree course.
Think I’d better end there.
Written with the best of intentions.
Richard
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This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by
Richard Slipper.