suggestions

[Shade]

as some change is about to take place my first round of suggestions are.

(1) Lngrhaul and KevinK NOT be moved into the BOD, instead they and interested members should spearhead the Forum changes.
(2) The BOD should refrain from commenting during this process,facilitate only and provide information,not opinions.
(3)An explanation of Vbulletin infraction software be provided and a system whereby Society Members can use the infraction system in an aid to assist moderation of the forum be devised.
(4) The creation of a Forum Advisory Committee be discussed.
(5) A mass email be sent to every registered member to show openness and hopefully generate interest of past contributors who have left the site.

[Rondelet]

Shade,

Before making any suggestions such as these I would suggest that you read the Society Bylaws first.

A copy of the current Bylaws can be found in the first post in this thread.

http://tgvas.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=6143&highlight=Bylaws

[Shade]

Shade,

Before making any suggestions such as these I would suggest that you read the Society Bylaws first.

A copy of the current Bylaws can be found in the first post in this thread.

http://tgvas.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=6143&highlight=Bylaws

Rondelet, i have read the bylaws, suggestions were asked for these are mine?

[Youngster Dan]

Alrighty, I am going to make my 'suggestions' perhaps more of a rant than anything else so feel free to remove this comment.

Firstly, I think it is important to explain where I am coming from and my experiences with TGVAS. I joined about a year ago, and have had literally zero involvement besides occasional forum use and I plan on going to some of the planned functions soon to come. I am not in the know of all the happenings behind the curtain and throughout the history of this society.

However I have met a few of the directors, and members on this site through buying and selling equipment and livestock and there has always been one thing in common. Everyone is exceptionally nice! So how are nice people having such problems promoting their own site, and getting someone like myself to be more active and participate more in society events?

I read the bylaws (I think I had to have a nap partway through) and wow I realize why I am not active in the society. It's because it is so constrictive! I know the intentions of all these bylaws are very good. But sheesh, I feel this society has lost focus on what it is all about: To facilitate like minded people to share experiences keeping little critters behind some glass.

Do we NEED all of these bylaws and rules and whatever, when obviously only a handful of people are running things. I have a feeling that this will continue despite fancy shmancy laws to be followed.

Rather than spending time on insuring the bylaws are airtight, or complicating things with making the forum seperate from the society perhaps we should spend time doing cool fish related things?

I really should stop, as I could go on about a few issues such as membership priveliges and where you draw the line.

But it comes down to why don't I voice these opinions at the next meeting? Why don't I actively implement my ideas in my society.

Fact is, I don't want to dedicate my life to these things as I imagine many others are the same way. I want to meet and focus on my hobby and I think this society is taking itself too seriously.

[Rondelet]

Dan, whether you agree with the Bylaws are not is irrelevant. They govern the Society and have been in place for a long time – and aren’t going anywhere. If you don’t see the value or relevance then there’s not much else I can say. Yes we need the Bylaws (or was that a trick question?). In your reading you should have noticed they are not restrictive, rather process oriented. We’ve gone through this all before (forum vs club) and some people, like you, are never happy with the relationship between the club and forum, which, hate to say, has to have some rules to govern it. Nonetheless, glad to hear you’re enjoying the events. I understand a very interesting speaker will be in town.

Jade, I appreciate your suggestions, but you have to accept that the Society is governed by the BOD who are elected under the auspices of the Bylaws. Several of your suggestions suggest (to me at least) that you do not accept the leadership of the BOD. For example, the BOD is, by default, the Forum advisory committee. Seems to me, if you don’t accept this primary tenant of how the TGVAS is governed, the other suggestions might be difficult to implement. An alternate suggestion might be for you to suggest amendments to the Bylaws and table them at the next AGM. For example, to remove the clause that states the Directors can appoint someone on interim basis to replace a Director who leaves mid-term.

[Shade]

Dan, whether you agree with the Bylaws are not is irrelevant. They govern the Society and have been in place for a long time – and aren’t going anywhere. If you don’t see the value or relevance then there’s not much else I can say. Yes we need the Bylaws (or was that a trick question?). In your reading you should have noticed they are not restrictive, rather process oriented. We’ve gone through this all before (forum vs club) and some people, like you, are never happy with the relationship between the club and forum, which, hate to say, has to have some rules to govern it. Nonetheless, glad to hear you’re enjoying the events. I understand a very interesting speaker will be in town.

Jade, I appreciate your suggestions, but you have to accept that the Society is governed by the BOD who are elected under the auspices of the Bylaws. Several of your suggestions suggest (to me at least) that you do not accept the leadership of the BOD. For example, the BOD is, by default, the Forum advisory committee. Seems to me, if you don’t accept this primary tenant of how the TGVAS is governed, the other suggestions might be difficult to implement. An alternate suggestion might be for you to suggest amendments to the Bylaws and table them at the next AGM. For example, to remove the clause that states the Directors can appoint someone on interim basis to replace a Director who leaves mid-term.

I believe what I have to accept is that nothing is written in stone, Am I incorrect in believing the BOD works for the membership? is their leadership not directed by the membership? I will pack my bags and leave immediately with fullest apologies if this is a dictatorship.
If not then perhaps more suggestions can be added, discussed, shaped and molded then perhaps delivered to the BOD to perform the will of the membership?

[Rondelet]

I think you need to look up the definition of dictatorship in the dictionary.

[tlo]

Fact is, I don't want to dedicate my life to these things as I imagine many others are the same way. I want to meet and focus on my hobby and I think this society is taking itself too seriously.

I couldnt agree more. I really enjoy all the activities and being part of a society, but it is all the politics that is taking the fun out of it.

[Aquariumgirl]

I appreciate all the suggestions (thank you Shade and Youngster Dan). Myron is right however, we can't get rid of the Bylaws. This is a register Society and with this we have Bylaws and a Board of Directors. However, as "strict" as the Bylaws may seem I do believe we can still work with them and create a society that everyone can enjoy.

We will be replacing the current open positions (3) of the BODs and hopefully in the next week or so the directors can get back on track with getting this society going again.

If you would like to see changes to the Bylaws, post a copy of the section you would like see changed and rewrite that section to what you would like it to say. Be very careful of you wording so that it is clear with no hide wholes. Then a vote will be placed at the upcoming AGM.

[Aquariumgirl]

I couldnt agree more. I really enjoy all the activities and being part of a society, but it is all the politics that is taking the fun out of it.

I agree also, I personally feel that us BODs are exerting too much of their efforts into the forum itself and not enough on events and other non-forum related issues. Lets wait and see what our new directors come up with, but with all that's going on it may take a few weeks to get anything done. I'm still very hopeful! ;)

[Shade]

Aquariumgirl, thank you, perhaps the bylaws are workable, maybe its the interpretation and actions that need to be worked on, there is great latitude in place, its just not being allowed, I look forward to the new replacements with their hopefully new attitudes

[Aquariumgirl]

No problem, at the moment I wouldn't mind having whatever you avatar is. It looks relaxing ;)

[Shade]

believe me this has been very painful and I am not partaking lol

[Youngster Dan]

Sorry, I think I have not done a good job expressing exactly what I mean. I have nothing against the bylaws themselves. I just wanted to give a perspective of someone who is not on the BOD and is somewhat new to the forum/club/society/something rather or other, after all I am exactly the kind of person this club is looking for: a new aquarium enthusiast. So regardless if any idea were decided a while ago, this is all new to me, and new to any other new member thinking of joining. So it is not the bylaw that I am ranting about, it is just the overall politics of everything.

O.K. moving on from bylaws. My rant really boils down to one thing. What we are all here for, as long as I am able to meet other members, talk some fish and share ideas I could care less how or who runs the society. I think others are the same way, really we just want to do some cool things, and meet some great people. I am more than happy to put in my 20 bucks. I just want to put my time into hobby related activities, I don't want to go to a meeting to talk about politics,

I feel like my point has been lost somewhere, I just think the politics are silly. I guess the best solution is just to go to the next meeting and make a more informed opinion afterward.

[Johnny Reefer]

... meet other members, talk some fish and share ideas ....

Bingo. This is what it's all about. And, pertaining to the Society, this is what's lacking, IMO.

Seriously, this is my take on the situation....

Organization is needed.
By organization, I mean a PLAN.
By PLAN, I mean a definitive Events Schedule drawn up for the entire year of 2010. (Events, IMO, include Member's Meetings. In other words...everything in the PLAN).
By PLAN, I mean a definitive Events Schedule drawn up no later than September 1st, 2010 for the entire year of 2011.
By PLAN, I mean a definitive Events Schedule drawn up no later than September 1st, 2011 for the entire year of 2012.
And so on.

I made a post in another thread on some aspects of this. Here's a copy/paste...
Originally Posted by Newtious
.. but when everyone cant agree on one date what do you do? ..

IMO, member's meetings once per week. Alternating days each week. Set in stone. No wavering. If a member doesn't like it, too bad. Those are the dates. End of story. Drawn up for the entire year, well in advance.
For example...take this February, say...
Member's Meeting Wednesday February 3rd, 7:00 to 9:00PM
Member's Meeting Saturday February 13th, 1:00 to 3:00PM
Member's Meeting Wednesday February 17th, 7:00 to 9:00PM
Member's Meeting Saturday February 26th, 1:00 to 3:00PM

I'm not proposing that all members be expected to try to go to all meetings. The purpose of this idea to structure a meeting plan this way is to simply increase opportunity. (End of copy/paste).

I also propose that each of these meetings not be just meetings, but rather be workshops and/or seminars. I propose that they do not have to be frighteningly (for the speaker) formal so far as the speaker has to be an expert on a subject. I propose that such seminars could simply be a book chapter and/or article read. I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that a lively discussion will ensue after such a read on a subject of common interest to a group of people. They're are literally hundreds of subjects within our hobby to discuss.

Other ideas for Member's Meetings...
Audio/Visual Presentations
DIY Demonstrations.
Tips and Tricks Sharing.
Experience Share. ("My Experience with Aiptasia"; "My Experience with Cyanobacteria")
Fish Profiles.
Ocean Dives Experiences.
Travel (Dive/Snorkel) Experiences

I propose Members Meetings be incorporated in a scheduled PLAN.

I propose minutes of these meetings not be taken. (If the bylaws allow that).

I also propose Annual Events be incorporated in a scheduled PLAN.

Ideas for Annual Events (some based on past success)....
Tank Tours. Freshwater and Saltwater.
Book Swap
Summer BBQ
Sidney Ocean Center
Vancouver Auction
Vancouver Aquarium
AGM
Christmas Social
Super Bowl Social
Membership Recruitment Drive
Swap Meet

I propose that Annual Events be held the same time, each year.

I also propose Special Events be considered for a scheduled PLAN.
Seattle Aquarium
MACNA Convention

As I mentioned in another thread, I work for the fed gov. The division I work for has a PLAN drawn up each and every single year. Dates are set. This PLAN covers the ENTIRE year. This PLAN is drawn up no less than 6 months prior to the year for which it pertains.

I honestly believe that, ...wait for it....yes...A PLAN...is key to success. Heck, I wouldn't even be surprised if forum activity would increase as a result of increased Society activity, thus satisfying some desired need in that area too.

Not trying to be a Messiah, here, and ram this down everyone's throats as my way or the highway. I'm trying to help fix something that's faltering.

I propose that the Events Committee meet extremely soon to draw up a plan for the entire year of 2010.

Cheers,