Formalizing Reef Club

[Troy F]

I would imagine you've all read the recent trouble MASNA is having financially so this probably isn't the best time to bring it up. I've been thinking we should be putting together a more formal club and registering with ReefCentral and MASNA. What we would have to decide on is a name, president, vice-president and treasurer. Let's hear your thoughts on this.

[DJ88]

I think it is a good idea...

Haveing a bit more organisation can't hurt.. As long as there is a decision made who is each position and not just randomly picked.

It will probablymake things easier to keep in touch, organise purchasing etc etc..

Everyone add a few ideas..

[Silverfish]

Hi Troy, would the club include us islanders?
If so, I'm definatly into it. Maybe a name that is westcoast related...or something. Either way, I'm down wit it. Would the club have fees/cost involved? I would think that they would be quite small, and worthwhile.
It seems that the larger the group, the better for discounts etc.

Bruce

[canadawest]

I have heard mention from a couple people now that they would like to see our reef club become a bit more organized, so I know there are others interested.

I am all for it as long as it doesn't get too formal. I do like the fact that we get together for a social event as much as a formal event. But the benefits of having an organized club would be excellent. (Discounts, guest speakers, affilliations, etc.)

[reefburnaby]

Hi,

I am all for it...here's some info to start a club :
http://www.masna.org/archives/start.htm

Personally, I don't think we need to be linked to a big organisation like MASNA to form a club. It would be nice, but we need to think small first.

Say, Titus, how much does it cost to run this web site ?

- Victor.

[titus]

Hello,

First, just got back from the island and nice to meet the people over there.

Second, I highly support to have the club to get more organized and see some more international exposure.

The cost for running this site? It's about $6.00 CAD/month for hosting, whatever it is to keep the domain name, $300.00 CAD for the bulletin board software, another $150.00 CAD for adding some features, then you have the annual accounting and business license fees, plus my time and the moderator's time running it. And I better find a job.

BTW, what does the membership fees do? Is it necessary?

Titus

[ 22 December 2001: Message edited by: Titus ]

[Troy F]

Bruce, of course it would involve the Island reefers. I thought British Columbia Marine Aquarium Society or something along those lines would be good for that reason. Pacific Coast would work too.

As for choosing people for positions, we could have those interested put their names forth and have a closed or open vote. If you guys/gals are as shy of stepping forward for this as you were/are for the tank of the month contest then maybe I'll just nominate you.

The membership fee could go towards having a Club website and or guest speakers.

The reason I thought of MASNA was because it is becoming more important that reefers become organized as the talk of banning importation heats up.

[Shadetree]

I think a little bit of organization and more participation would be a good thing. I think the first couple of meetings have set a great tone and atmosphere to start us off.

Scott

[SuperFudge]

I think its a good idea!

Ill be the treasurer......cuase im gonna be broke come the new year! [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Kidding,lemme know what i could help with.

I agree with Andrew on the formality issue,i still wish to kick back with you guys over a couple of brews [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img],without everyone thinking im way out of line.

Merry Christmas Yall!,Marc.

[DJ88]

Well it seems we may be on the way..

Troy,

I think the Idea of a BC wide club is a good one. It may take us a bit to get the word spread out beyond our local of the lower mainland and island but it is happening on it's own as it is. We have a mod from Texas, members from all across Canada, why not BC wide club I say. Word of mouth and links will do wonders.

Once we finalze it I know I will put a link in all my signatures for the club. What better exposure than free exposure on other boards? [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

As for coming forward I am sure that people will come. I will volunteer. I want this to happen. Have for a while now. As for other nominations I am sure we have a good idea about who would be good in certain positions and such. We have the foundation for the club already forming in the informal meetings we already hold.

As well the trade aspect of a club will become more and more important as time goes on. Not just within our group on the coast. but across Canada. I don' tknow about others but I have had requests for frags from Toronto and places like that. Being able to ship those frags is something I know nothing about. but as time goes on we all will need to know it. Working as a group will be more efficient in the long run.

Titus,

The fees would be for exactly what Troy mentionned. As well for things such as web hosting for Club Web page etc. You know how those fees add up.. [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] I do think that keeping this board as our home base would be wonderful tho. We already meet here many times a day so why mess with a good thing.

Marc,

Hmmmmm Treasurer huh? It's not the money part I see a problem with there.. It's that signature line of yours.. [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]