Adam,

Understood.  I've been through several seminars that I wanted to bolt for the door.  In fact, I started bringing a timer and if the talk was boring or was going too long, I'd set the timer for a minute and let it go off briefly then, what do you know, I need to get back to work.

Unfortunately, I am limited in my time...but may have to find the time to kick back at Denny's...do they serve beer.

Personnaly, I think the presidency is doing a great job!  Though the way the interest of the club has grown since I joined (almost a year), restrictions/rules my need to be installed just to keep things structured and organized.

John

John,
Thanks for bringing this up again.  I'll address something here because I'm intrigued by what you said...
I know we have time limitations but if we 'pay' at the door people (like me) will expect to hear all of what the speaker has to say and not be cut off.
That is very different from the what the Presidency has tried to do.  We in fact are always trying to get the speakers to say less.  A very large percentage of the meeting attendees want to come, listen for an hour, and then get out of Dodge.  For those who do want to hear more I always plug and promote coming to dinner.  Most people are tired of hearing me talk about it every single month.  But hey Calfo was there until 1am so people had plenty of time to listen to him and ask questions.

Also, I should mention that we are always restricting our speakers time because we have had far too many speakers bore the crowd.  We've maybe had a couple that you wish you could hear more from, but we've had several that put some people to sleep in the back of the room.

Adam

I would gladly pay $5 at the door to hear another speaker (like Calfo), but at that point I think that maybe we should forgo our clubs regular activities (tank of the month) or extend the amount of time the speaker can actually talk.  I was riveted and on the edge of my seat (there is definately something wrong with me) with Anthony's presentation and would have appreciated hearing every word and not be 'rushed' through the end of his presentation.  I know we have time limitations but if we 'pay' at the door people (like me) will expect to hear all of what the speaker has to say and not be cut off.

Bringing in a couple of big names a year would be fine.  Too many and it begins to infringe on what this club is accomplishing or (I think) is about.  I have learned more from people on the board than from Anthony, so I feel that although it is great and impressive to bring in these people we can't forget what this club is about.  No restrictions, understanding there aren't any dumb questions and so many people who are willing to help!

I could go on but...

John

I was thinking along the lines of what Jake just said.  Those suggestions sound just like notes from the meetings.  I don't think charging for a workshop like that would work, considering people could just come and learn that for free from our meetings.

I think this is why when pet stores try to teach a class or workshop no one cares, no one comes, and no one pays. 

Adam

Xacttech wrote: I do like the idea of workshops though. Acrylic work, and other DIY workshops would be great, and a great way to raise money in addition to the frag fests. just a thought.

We just did this not to long ago.

Shane and Jon showed us how to make a kalk reactor, showed us some acrylic work, and had a really nice powerpoint.

Mark-
Are you trying to say that when Jake and I give presentations you are getting what you paid for?  If so, I agree.

Adam

Mark Peterson wrote:

Adam, when it comes to speakers, I for one, consider you and Jake and Jon well worth the money spent to bring y'all in. [/QUOTE]

Amen Mark! A couple high profile fish nerds a year is just fine with me. I usually get just as much great info from our local gurus as I do from the Shimek's and Calfo's (though I admit they are fun to listen to).