Gary said:
Im not totally sure yet Paul. What we did with Matthew is the things I like to be involved with. And the Shriners of course. Just recently on the electric forum of RCTech, there was a lot of discussion about why people leave the hobby, how to grow the hobby, yadda daadda, Blah blah blah. Biggy and some other guys here have been down that road for many years asking the same thing, and not much has really changed to be honest. I liked one guys question though.
He asked, insted of complaining, what are you doing about it?
Around here were not saving the world, or ending wars, but we do a little here, a little there, and I think thats very, very cool!
That question right there is SOOOO key! It's what I always do - if I'm going to raise a complaint I usually follow it up with a proposed resolution or suggestion of how to improve or make a difference.
Empowering people and getting people to get involved are two different things.
The first half of that statement people already have and most don't even realize it. The second half of that statement is a personal choice that many do not choose cause its too easy to complain, complain about those trying to address the complaint and then ultimately quit than to make the "E" for effort.
As we have debated, pondered and tossed back and forth to and fro we all see areas of this hobby where there is very little to no issues. Most of those are cultural followings - California, Midwest, Northeast, Japan, etc. Its easy to see that the pre-establishment of that culture is why it works in those areas and is soooo much of a challenge in others.
The only thing that we, as a team and as a group of people who love this hobby in our area, can do is to be consistent, diligent and never give up on the establishment of a culture that is similar to that of those huge followings.
Think of it this way..............
The things that we are doing to establish the hobby culture right now will impact the future and culture in the future for this area. Let them see that we started it here and now and that it is because we did not quit that it continues to thrive in this area for the next generations to come.
OK.....I'm off my soap box now. Who's got any ideas for helping this kid and his family out?!?
PD2
