Not that this group ever runs out of topics to discuss, but I thought maybe the club could have a topic of the week or fish of the week  or coral of the week. This could be done in many forms, but one could be that one individual is designated a coral for the next week. They gather as much information (factual) as they can and post it on the website. Other members can then give their input or experiences about that coral. It should start out with the many most common species in the hobby and go from there. It would allow an open, targeted forum to educate a mass about that particular coral.

Does this sound interesting or stupid? I can't decide.

Wow... I suddenly feel the need to watch the Revenge Of The Nerds over again, just to cheer! Maybe I need to apologize to all of the 's in high school that I  up!

Just kidding, I wasn't that mean! I have always been a closet geek!

We will have a Coral of the Issue or Fish of the Issue or something like that in the Seastars.  Seastars are quarterly (I hope).  Next one should be out in May. 
I think we could do a weekly one, but researching them could be time consuming.  If we just picked one and had people share experiences about them, that may be easy.

I nominate Carl to plan, organize, decide, and create the coral and fish of the week topics.

Adam

I second the nomination, and call for a vote . . .

All in favor, Aye. 

Any opposed . . . . .

The motion carries.  (Sorry to take over for you Adam.)

Carl if you really are willing, I volunteer for an early topic of your choice.  Maybe a list of topics could be posted and we could volunteer or sign up.  If not PM me with an assignment.

I'll throw my hat in the ring.

Well, I think that it should be a member's select. That way the originator of the topic can speak in depth and share personal experience on the topic that they choose. Or, it will provide a forum for them to learn more on something that they have always wanted to know about.

I guess what we really need to determine first is if should be specific or diverse. At first I was thinking of just doing Corals to see how it works. What do you all think? That would allow 52 coral topics a year.

I thought about that. And, it's still viable. However, I thought that with only 52 weeks in a year that one could only cover so much. There are many difference species of coral available to hobbiests. I am sure you get my point.

Perhaps we start with corals and change it up every now and then.

Jake, would it be feasible to create a seperate FORUM for this? That way people could access the information better? Kind of like REFERENCE TOPICS or EDUMACATION SHTUFF?

I am a new reefer, and I know that what I am about to suggest is already somewhat talked about at the meetings and can be very biased, or opinionated.  If these "reports" we're are thinking about assigning were done in a format, or simply in more depth, it could be very beneficial to all.

I feel we should include different types of hardware as well as corals, or livestock.  I would like to know the varieties available, which manufacturer is the best for what application, and the reasoning for the strong support of a manufacturers product, or why the XYZ model made by ABC manufacturing is the best.  I understand that we are simple hobbyists, and that the best is not always required, but what types of hardware would work in my XX gallon aquarium with XX type of fish and XX corals?  I want to know why a product is beleived to be the best.  This could apply to lighting, pumps, powerheads, skimmers, aquarium styles and sizes, foods, substrates - this one was just done, live rock, etc...

As Carl mentioned, a seperate forum dedicated for this might be the best way to organize all this info and it could allow other comments on the subject as well.

I wouldn't recommend doing hardware reviews. The concerns I would have with hardware in a topic like this A) How do we decide what hardware to feature? Do we do all pumps or focus on Rio/Dolphin/Whatever? B) Do we base the review on the opinion of the reviewer?  then how do we support the reasoning for featuring it? C) Personal opinion weighs heavily on the review of hardware. If the reviewer had a bad experience with some other product from company A then the view might be skewed toward the reviewed product. The same can happen with livestock, but there is not a specific company that is behind, for example, Yellow Tangs. D) Finally, how do we prevent the readers from misunderstand that WMAS does not support or push a specifc brand or model of what ever?

If you want opinions on Hardware, make a post (see Adam's on lights). Ask for opinions on pumps, skimmers, lights, etc and have responses from everyone. Then make your own decision.

Great idea Carl.  Count me in.  I also think Adam is right.  Reasearching could be time consuming.  BUT, If each topic were reaserched by a differnt person it would not be that big a deal.  Some of us like researching fish and corals anyway.

I'm all for Coral of the Geek...uh, Week.

OK, this topic seems to have died. Jake, I was wondering if there could/should be an extra message board subject forum for this if the Presidency thinks that this is a good enough resource for the club. Please see my last post on the 8th.

For now, here's how it will go. Bruce (Pistonfister), you get the honors. Pick a coral to research and write about. Need the following information at a minimum...

Latin (Proper) Name, Common Name(s), where it's from, aquarium suitability, lighting, feeding and water movement "requirements", visual appearance or characteristics, color and your personal experience if available. Also, find a picture and post it.

Due by Wednsday. . Actually, I think that it would work best to "assign" over the weekend to allow ample time to do the research, etc. Your findings middle of the week to allow people to add to or discuss. For now, post to the Corals General topic I guess.

Have fun...

I just found a bunch of interesting info on green nepthia in one of Eric Bourneman's books.  I think I'll go ahead and post it, and see whether anyone has any ideas/additional info/comments.

Renee

Carl wrote: OK, this topic seems to have died. Jake, I was wondering if there could/should be an extra message board subject forum for this if the Presidency thinks that this is a good enough resource for the club. Please see my last post on the 8th.

We can easily make a new forum subject if we want to.

This would need to be decided by the presidency.

The concern I have is making sure we get a coral of the week posted every week.  Usually peoples ambition begins to fade quickly when a little work is needed.

OK... Last Coral Of The Week didn't work out very well. I think that from now on I will PM the person if there is still interest in it. Anyone care to take this one?

1Mariner7 (Richard), You were next on the list if you want to tackle it.