AOPA (Australia). Just saying.......
“Analogously, like many others, I monitored the website with regularity in anticipation of the promised update, which, regrettably, never transpired.” (mcoates)..
The idea of a Tuesday night 'gabfest' with AOPA and guests is, in theory and practice, a good idea. Even if a follow up, or progress report, or item of interest could not be presented, at least pay the membership the courtesy of an explanation. That there was nothing further for a while - due circumstances etc, - would be understandable, given the complexity of some matters and the difficulties associated dealing with the administration. But silence, without even a notice that 'tonight's session' has been cancelled is pretty rude.
“The lack of a comprehensive explanation as to the factors that impeded the realisation of the promised update leaves me to wonder why such an occurrence came to pass.” (mcoates).
I wonder if a change in approach to 'attracting' membership would help. The current 'philosophy' of constantly trying to 'sell' membership because AOPA 'needs' your support is IMO flawed. It is the 'non-aligned' who need support; those who need advice or counsel; the single aircraft owner, junior pilots who cannot afford 'Union' fees, small operators trying to meet 'compliance' etc. Lots of folk out there with nowhere to turn for 'professional' help, advice or even a shoulder to cry on.
AOPA has a lot of good will within the non membership; it would not take much to assemble a volunteer cohort, and even a Q&A session once a month – you know the sort of thing – Joe Bloggs has a spark plug question – Fred has a flying technique problem – Charlie has a medical issue. Lots of small problems, all needing support. Costs nothing to include 30 minutes of Q&A on topics of interest, easy enough to collate half a dozen questions for a qualified panel to answer.
There is a large cohort of non aligned aviators out there; some in dire need of serious professional advice. Stand alone they have little chance of resolution; but, as part of the AOPA union (for want of better descriptor) one which can and will support those members in trouble - well that would appeal – ne serait-ce pas? .
The messaging is wrong: “AOPA needs your support” and constant advertorial rants enforcing the notion that AOPA is in trouble and needs your money. Bollocks. The turn of a word – “Need support – join AOPA” - (sub message) “don't need support, join AOPA and help us, help those who need our support.”
Take a look at the Buckley case – lots of 'support' for that, fiscal, legal and emotional; Bruce Rhodes – same deal - lots and lots of similar exhibitions of the aviation community offering unstinting support for one of their own, in trouble. It is an extensive list......
Time to make full use of the 'on-line' facility – less rant – more support for the non aligned, lonesome who could do with a helping hand, a little sound advice and know that they are not alone.
My two Bob. - Back to my knitting - Toot – toot.
“Analogously, like many others, I monitored the website with regularity in anticipation of the promised update, which, regrettably, never transpired.” (mcoates)..
The idea of a Tuesday night 'gabfest' with AOPA and guests is, in theory and practice, a good idea. Even if a follow up, or progress report, or item of interest could not be presented, at least pay the membership the courtesy of an explanation. That there was nothing further for a while - due circumstances etc, - would be understandable, given the complexity of some matters and the difficulties associated dealing with the administration. But silence, without even a notice that 'tonight's session' has been cancelled is pretty rude.
“The lack of a comprehensive explanation as to the factors that impeded the realisation of the promised update leaves me to wonder why such an occurrence came to pass.” (mcoates).
I wonder if a change in approach to 'attracting' membership would help. The current 'philosophy' of constantly trying to 'sell' membership because AOPA 'needs' your support is IMO flawed. It is the 'non-aligned' who need support; those who need advice or counsel; the single aircraft owner, junior pilots who cannot afford 'Union' fees, small operators trying to meet 'compliance' etc. Lots of folk out there with nowhere to turn for 'professional' help, advice or even a shoulder to cry on.
AOPA has a lot of good will within the non membership; it would not take much to assemble a volunteer cohort, and even a Q&A session once a month – you know the sort of thing – Joe Bloggs has a spark plug question – Fred has a flying technique problem – Charlie has a medical issue. Lots of small problems, all needing support. Costs nothing to include 30 minutes of Q&A on topics of interest, easy enough to collate half a dozen questions for a qualified panel to answer.
There is a large cohort of non aligned aviators out there; some in dire need of serious professional advice. Stand alone they have little chance of resolution; but, as part of the AOPA union (for want of better descriptor) one which can and will support those members in trouble - well that would appeal – ne serait-ce pas? .
The messaging is wrong: “AOPA needs your support” and constant advertorial rants enforcing the notion that AOPA is in trouble and needs your money. Bollocks. The turn of a word – “Need support – join AOPA” - (sub message) “don't need support, join AOPA and help us, help those who need our support.”
Take a look at the Buckley case – lots of 'support' for that, fiscal, legal and emotional; Bruce Rhodes – same deal - lots and lots of similar exhibitions of the aviation community offering unstinting support for one of their own, in trouble. It is an extensive list......
Time to make full use of the 'on-line' facility – less rant – more support for the non aligned, lonesome who could do with a helping hand, a little sound advice and know that they are not alone.
My two Bob. - Back to my knitting - Toot – toot.