U.S. Scale Masters

USSMA General Discussions => Flightline Chatter => Topic started by: rcphotog on Sat, 09/08/12, 06:39 PM

Title: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Sat, 09/08/12, 06:39 PM
Many are asking the question ...

Why the low turn-out at qualifiers and/or lack of participation on this site ?

Today is Saturday 8 Sept. 2012, the second day of competition at the U.S. Scale Masters Championships in Rosewood, Indiana.

But where is the event coverage ? ...this harkens back to the 1980s when we / us fans had to wait months for the Masters coverage in the special issue of Scale R/C magazine in the following spring.

(1) The Masters official message / montra should not be part of the revolving news feed. It should be up on top PERMENATE.
(2) There needs to be fresh / new information/content on the home page to bring people back.
(3) The FaceBook Fan page info / link should not be part of the flashing news feed. A permenate link should be posted to the home page.
(4) What's the point of a "news feed" if you don't ever change it with more updated / current info???
(5) Anyone noticed that there is no Southwest region represented in the "Regional Info Boards" section?

Where are results from Sam Wright our man in charge of marketing and promotions? ...or does HE need another term in office too.

Yes I'm Frustraighted >:(
Ken Young.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Sat, 09/08/12, 07:06 PM
Promotion ...

One way is to have a permanent "presence" at local hobby shops and club fields.

A simple flyer / poster ( standardized ) could be made ( and lamenated ) to be displayed in hobby shops around the country and at club r/c fields. Most of these places have a bullentin board of some kind. Any club that has previously hosted a regional qualifier or Championships would be ( I think ) proud to have some kind of permanent banner or poster to display at their club field.

The U.S. Scale Masters used to be a very prestigous organization. It meant something very special to participate and compete. It seems that the Association is trying to be "all-things-to-all-people". It has been "watered down", diluted and dumbed down since allowing ARFs. I realize the importance of ARFs to the scale-movement, however, do ARFs represent the "best-of-the-best" in Scale-Aviation? Where's the skill in inserting a number ten screw into the canopy frame to hold it on.

I would like to recommend that there be a unique trophy awarded to the winners of "Expert" and "Team" classes at all the regional qualifiers to honor craftsmanship skills as well as flying skills. Award plaques for all others but a specially designed trophy just for winners in "Expert" and "Team". Afterall, that should be the goal....to win for your building prowess as well as flying abilities.
I just think there should be more attention focused on the build and craftsmanship.But I digress.

Have the ( standardized ) flyer / poster made up with all the necessary info and have it available for download on this site so that anyone could have it printed and laminated ( for outdoor display ) and then post it at their local fields. This is something that everyone can help out with.

In today's world of info technology there's no reason for people who fly scale models to NOT know what the Scale Masters is all about.
Having and keeping a low profile is not going to improve the numbers.

....Raise the profile

Through outreach and marketing.

Ken Young.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: wrench4alivin on Wed, 09/12/12, 09:06 PM
OK after New England dropped out this year had inputs with higher end competitors on eastcoast like Dave Wigley and Roy Vaillancourt it seems to be the distance the Masters Finals are with traveling -  I think unless somehow someone can get the Masters closer to the east the USSMA is gone on the eastcoast.  I live in New Jersey and the clubs I`m in and been in It is not going to happen because of expense so?. I Do Love Scale Modelling but the competitive part is fading away here. Had participated in New England,Long Island and in early 90`s Warminster Penn all no more. I guess In the future is going have to persuade the wife to move west when retiring ;)

Jim  
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: bwboland on Wed, 09/12/12, 10:28 PM
Ken,

You are spot on sir. We did a poor job with this year. As the Chairman I now know what I am dealing with in my tool box and I plan to change our ways!

Bernie



Promotion ...

One way is to have a permanent "presence" at local hobby shops and club fields.

A simple flyer / poster ( standardized ) could be made ( and lamenated ) to be displayed in hobby shops around the country and at club r/c fields. Most of these places have a bullentin board of some kind. Any club that has previously hosted a regional qualifier or Championships would be ( I think ) proud to have some kind of permanent banner or poster to display at their club field.

The U.S. Scale Masters used to be a very prestigous organization. It meant something very special to participate and compete. It seems that the Association is trying to be "all-things-to-all-people". It has been "watered down", diluted and dumbed down since allowing ARFs. I realize the importance of ARFs to the scale-movement, however, do ARFs represent the "best-of-the-best" in Scale-Aviation? Where's the skill in inserting a number ten screw into the canopy frame to hold it on.

I would like to recommend that there be a unique trophy awarded to the winners of "Expert" and "Team" classes at all the regional qualifiers to honor craftsmanship skills as well as flying skills. Award plaques for all others but a specially designed trophy just for winners in "Expert" and "Team". Afterall, that should be the goal....to win for your building prowess as well as flying abilities.
I just think there should be more attention focused on the build and craftsmanship.But I digress.

Have the ( standardized ) flyer / poster made up with all the necessary info and have it available for download on this site so that anyone could have it printed and laminated ( for outdoor display ) and then post it at their local fields. This is something that everyone can help out with.

In today's world of info technology there's no reason for people who fly scale models to NOT know what the Scale Masters is all about.
Having and keeping a low profile is not going to improve the numbers.

....Raise the profile

Through outreach and marketing.

Ken Young.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Skymaster on Thu, 09/13/12, 01:01 PM
Hey Jim,
Mike is plannning to hold an event in Columbus next summer. I know that's still a drive, but it isnt the West coast, or even the Mint Julip.

Hope that helps,
John
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: wrench4alivin on Thu, 09/13/12, 11:13 PM
Thanks John still a bit far but willing to consider  ;)

Jim

Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Sun, 09/16/12, 12:27 AM
My sincere apollogy to Sam Wright.

Last weekend on Saturday ( during the Finals in Indiana ) I was very frustrated that I couldn't find any coverge. I wrongly focused some of my frustration ( and the spotlight ) on one person. This was wrong of me and not helpful. My comment was ment to be criticle of his job performance and not personal. I do realize that Sam has only been in that position for a short time and as such can't move mountains by himself. No one person can do everything in marketing for a National Organization. It takes a team effort. We can all help in promoting our great hobby.

My comment about Sam* was imature and not professional or helpful in any way.

Respectfully,
Ken Young.
*see first post
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Tue, 09/18/12, 10:40 PM
Would it be possible to post an ( Organizational Flow Chart ) ?

Reason: not to point fingers but just simply so that we can see at a glance just how the Association is structured from top to bottom.

In other words, to see the size of the organization and the levels or layers of "movers and shackers".
It might help us to better understand how our national association is organized / equipped to deal with our concerns.

Also: I don't see a ( South West Region ) represented  in the regional discussion boards.


Ken.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Skymaster on Wed, 09/19/12, 03:56 PM
I think we all know that the Scale Masters has had a rough time of it in recent years, and there are a multitude of reasons why that's happened. At the end of the day, changing rules, changing scoring or making a bigger organization will NOT grow the Masters. WE will!!!!! Those of us who love scale modeling!!!!!!!!!! NOT the BOD!!!! YUP there are issues, that are being addressed to bring better communication and TIMELY notifications of qualification for the finals. But if we the body of the Masters are not out intentionally seeking out individuals to bring into this part of the hobby then it's OUR OWN FAULT if the Masters dies out. There are plenty of folks who still build, go to a warbird, dawn patrol or big bird event, you'll find them!!!

Of the 30 ish guys at the finals go out and get one, only one more person to fly, qualify and show at the finals, then that number grows to 60, and that aint half bad! infact there were 60 or 70 guys that did qualify, and didn't show. It's up to us not the BOD!
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: j_whitney on Wed, 09/19/12, 09:07 PM
Ken, check the current (just posted) newsletter - there is a TO included.  As far as Regions are concerned - they are a thing of the past.  We now have (some) Area Directors - we are trying for at least one per state.

If there is not a "job description" for ADs posted yet there soon will be.

I am really glad to see so much activity on these forums lately - I hope it does not die off as the Championships fades into the past.

Everyone reading this - please take a few minutes to look over the forum categories - there is a lot of room for input from everyone.

Jeff
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Mitchell Baker on Thu, 09/20/12, 08:06 AM
Yea Ken, what Jeff said...

I will be adjusting the categories as the AD's get defined and more join up.  When I set this up with the RM's I only added categories for active RM's but I might have missed one.  If there was not an RM for an area, I didn't setup a category for it since there was no one to take ownership and moderate it.

See-ya
Mitch
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Sun, 10/14/12, 07:19 PM
Since the U.S. Scale Masters does not have a "brick & morter" physical meeting place, this website is our "virtual" clubhouse.With that said, I'd like to suggest we include a ( tab ) on the home page for  mentors and people looking for mentors. If I run into someone at the local flying field that is interested in obtaining help via a mentor .. I then can direct that person to the official website and tell him/her to just look for the mentorship-tab and sign up for one in your local area.
  This will of course require people to register to become mentors in their area ( with contact info ). I too believe in the importance of mentors to increase our numbers. A mentor can be someone who just explains how "our" contests work and what seperates us from AMA or Topgun .. to someone who provides instruction in flying the ten maneuvers, assistance building a contest model - complete with the proper documentation for the judges, to enlisting help as a caller.
  A national database could then be created of experienced mentors. It would be up to each mentor to decide how much time and involvement to provide. Volunteers needed. ;)
  My longtime freind Corey Dail draged me to contests for twenty years as his helper and caller before I began to compete. He was my mentor without knowing it. Just getting exposure to the contest environment removed much of the mystery about competing.I know my ideas are a bit wacky.....
Ken.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Mitchell Baker on Sun, 10/14/12, 08:28 PM
Not a bad Idea... What would you suggest the layout of the DB would be.  Much of the info needed would be available via the normal registration.  I can add items to the profile that people can use. 

Extra info like would be needed.. ??

You can use your profile as a starting point...

See-ya
Mitch
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Sun, 10/14/12, 10:54 PM
What would you suggest the layout of the DB would be.

See-ya
Mitch
Hi Mitch,
ummmm....we could start with a simple mentorship program administered by the Association recognizing these volunteers kinda like how many r/c clubs have their own "club instructors". We would have "Association Mentors".
The Database might be simply a list  to represent districts or regions so the "mentoree" can quickly see if there are any in his/her area. The mentors would have special recognition on their profile as well as on their posting-icon-thingy below the name. I think breaking down the list by regions or "districts" is vidal.Lets make it very easy for the novice to get all the help they need.
I envision a Mentorship Program (tab) with a drop-down menu and simply two choices: Mentor sign-up and "Looking for a Mentor?"
The contact info would need to be approved by each volunteer : phone or email and maybe have boxes to check off by the mentor as to how involved they wish to be.Some people are strong builders and some flyers so let them help in the way they feel most comfortable. Some members are experts with documentation prep and others at explaining rules,guidelines and procedures.

Remember, this is just a wacky off the cuff "spitball" idea. ;) I'm just trying to put myself in the shoes of a novice and think: what help I might need to compete?

Ken.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: j_whitney on Mon, 10/15/12, 12:29 AM
Ken, I think that is an excellent idea,  Of course, I am not the one that has to implement it!  ;D

Seriously though, if this idea comes to fruition all USSMA would need to to would to make it well known.

Here's another idea:  Whenever there is a newsletter upload, print a couple of copies and post them at your LHS.
I just started mailing our club newsletters to the LHS that we deal with - I will start doing that for the USSMA newsletter as well
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Sun, 10/21/12, 07:38 AM
Hi Mitch,

Just want to say thank you for being so responsive to our nagging comments & questions :)
....now if only the elected Board members were as responsive ;)

By the way, last month on the 16th, our East Coast chair - Mike Barbee asked the question, in his official thread, "why more people didn't show up to fly in the Championships?".   *** there is no way for them ( or anyone ) to make a reply to the question*** ;D

.... there is no "Reply" button :o

It's a little difficult to be "responsive" ( two-way communication ) when the thread is "locked". I'm sure that some members would like to respond to Mike's question ...but no "reply button" :'(

I suppose there's a reason.

Ken.


Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Mitchell Baker on Sun, 10/21/12, 08:39 AM
Hi Mitch,

Just want to say thank you for being so responsive to our nagging comments & questions :)
....now if only the elected Board members were as responsive ;)

Thanks, I am an elected Board member, but remember it's much easier to do things for the web site, if looks like good idea, does not take a commitee, discussion or vote...  :D 

The Board tries, but has to look at things from the overall good of the organization as a whole and work within the guidlines of the by-laws and the state and federal laws...    With most anything, one person can get lots done.. form a committee, and you stop that process hahahaha...

Quote
By the way, last month on the 16th, our East Coast chair - Mike Barbee asked the question, in his official thread, "why more people didn't show up to fly in the Championships?".   *** there is no way for them ( or anyone ) to make a reply to the question*** ;D

.... there is no "Reply" button :o

It's a little difficult to be "responsive" ( two-way communication ) when the thread is "locked". I'm sure that some members would like to respond to Mike's question ...but no "reply button" :'(

I suppose there's a reason.

Ken.

Only reason is lack of understanding/training of the poster.  Those boards are for the NC and VP's to "announce" things/info etc.  Not fro discussions.  I try to give them a place they can not worry about things getting cluttered up.  Mike should have started a thread with that question in Flightline Chatter, then he could have gotten responses.  Using his announce board was good, but should have also created a thread for reply.  I was thinking about putting up a poll.  I will put that up for Mike later today for feedback..

See-ya
Mitch
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Cubcrafter on Sun, 10/21/12, 07:20 PM
Mitch and all of the other board members,

First thing to do is have an East Coast and West Coast Championships for 2013.

From Columbus, Ohio (Mike's and my hometown) it is 2435 miles to the site of the 2013 Championships.
I did the math and this would take someone 10 days of time and you better budget $2,500.00 to $3,000.00 for the trip.

Honestly, how many pilots from east of the Mississippi River would you expect to attend!
You probably would be able to count them on one hand and have a couple of fingers left over.

The eastern half of the membership has nothing to look forward to for 2013. Why as a CD and club would you want to deal with hosting a competitive event when no one will be going to the championships.
Make life easier and have a scale fly-in or warbird event and just have fun.

Stop all of this silly wasting of time talking about normalizing scoring and put this effort into fixing the real problems of ScaleMasters.
If you don't know what they are you shouldn't be a board member.

Larry Folk
lfolk@insight.rr.com
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Sun, 10/21/12, 08:59 PM
Regarding the suggestion of... having an East Coast & West Coast Championship

Given the reasons already stated, ie, the added expense ( not pratical today ) and finding not only one club willing & able to host a Championship event, but two,  .... might be a tall order.

An idea I've been considering:
What if we issue a "coupon" , "certificate" , "free-pass" ( good for up to three years to redeem ) to those who qualify each year on the opposite coast of the finals for a given contest season.

So, this coming season, those who live more than a day's drive away ( set whatever perameters you want ) from Alameda,Ca. could hold on to their "coupon" / "certificate" for a future time when the Championships are in their "region" ( * )

( * ) region to be determined.

We then can continue with rotating from West Coast to Mid-Continent to the East Coast. ;)

We live in a large country but I think we can find a way to accommodate everyone.
Ken.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: j_whitney on Sun, 10/21/12, 09:03 PM
Larry - I am not a board member but I would be interested in hearing what your views are on what's wrong with USSMA?   Aside from no East Coast Championships.

Taking that thought a bit further - why should anyone host an AMA contest? I know it is not required for participation at the Nats, but it is highly unlikely that I will ever make it to the Nats.  One reason to host an event regardless of location is simply practice,  You can practice your flight routine all you want, but without judging input it only does you so much good.  Plus on the East Coast you can use placement at a qualifier in a resume asking for an invitation to Top Gun.  Contestst are fun too!  I enjoy contests as much for hanging out with similar-minded people as for the whole contest experience itself.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Sun, 10/21/12, 09:41 PM
Jeff,
I completely agree with you ;)

A regional qualifier can & should be a stand-alone contest with prizes, certificates, trophys, press coverage, good food, great atmosphere of like-minded people enjoying our great hobby.

I have met some of the best people at our local qualifier. My life has been enriched by these relationships. My first was the '07 event and since then ( because of lack of funding ) I return each year as a spectator and I try to help out any way I can. I think it's important to show up to provide moral support as well as volunteer to be a judge or simply be a mentor to a novice, when we have no model to fly.
If a contestant has not finished his competition model in time for the contest, then he ought to lend a hand to the C.D. and provide assistance and mentorship to someone just starting out. Imagine the goal to overwhelm the C.D. with support. ;)
Ken.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Skymaster on Mon, 10/22/12, 11:19 AM
Jeff,

Interestingly enough, there are at least two events that use AMA rules that are qualifiers, one is the NATS, and second is the Mint Julip. The Mint has been around for I think 35 years and has consistently had very good attendence, and that is not going to change, neither are the NATS. I also know there is talk of other events being developed for 2013 that will also use the AMA rules.

Why, cause the rules are in some ways easier to understand. Being a part of BOTH NASA and Scale Masters I can see why local fliers feel that way.

If the Scale Masters continues not be responsive to its members, it would not suprise me to see more contests going to AMA rules. They are easier to understand, just as difficult to fly well.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Mitchell Baker on Mon, 10/22/12, 11:51 AM
Jeff,

Why, cause the rules are in some ways easier to understand. Being a part of BOTH NASA and Scale Masters I can see why local fliers feel that way.

If the Scale Masters continues not be responsive to its members, it would not suprise me to see more contests going to AMA rules. They are easier to understand, just as difficult to fly well.

John,

Since I was not around for the inception of USSMA, I can't say for sure, but I believe one of the reasons for it's existence was to create something that was more difficult.  And it is..  I have to disagree that they AMA rules are just as difficult to fly well, since you can use a lot more mechanical options within AMA than USSMA.  When I can get 20-40 point just for mechanical options (not exact numbers I know and depending on class)  why not prefer it.  Does not take much skill to show retracts, or flaps or multi-engine etc...

Also John, you will find that different depending on the coast.  Most of the qualifiers on the west coast are more USSMA and east coast more AMA. 

Now, that is not to say that some things could be simplified (not dumbed down) but it is suppose to be "Best of the Best" and not just some glorified fly in.

If it was not intended to be more difficult, then why not just become a SIG, merge in with NASA and forget about the champs and have the NATS.   (No I am not proposing that  ;D )

Several years ago we established a better plan for working with AMA rules and Top Gun to match, as close as we could, those classifications with USSMA to allow them to qualify.  I spent many weeks going over rules and such to come up with the best match and we finally published a chart which matches USSMA/AMA/Top Gun classes. 

We also at the same time tried to match more to AMA rules with some of the new classes.  We came out with Advanced class before AMA.. and we thought that was going to be what it was called as well.. But they (AMA) called it Open 523. Yet, how many fly that class? Not many.  Most CD's have no clue it even exists.  Go figure... 

See-ya
Mitch
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Skymaster on Mon, 10/22/12, 03:34 PM
Mitch,

At the end of the day Mitch until we actually go out and get feedback from the membership as to why they don't participate in the Masters, in a fromat that all of us who are in leadership can look at it and analyize it we have NO CLUE as to what needs done to improve participation peroid!!! AND normalization of scores probably wont get us there either.
 
You missed my point about the flying part being more difficult in on event or another. Allow me to point out that my most successful scale airplane has been my Pitts, with one option that I can have, and not in every event. I've had to FLY my way to good scores, and NOT rely on the mechanical options. A half cuban 8 is just as diffcult to fly at the NATS, Top Gun, and the Masters. The same goes for any other maneouver, including the horizontal 8, which looks "easy" but is hard to score well in it. I'd rather fly a short quick maneouver rather than fly something that give you that much exposure for point deductions.

As I continue to struggle to find reliability in my present mount, the twin engine Skymaster, there is a lot to be said for a good RELIABLE airplane. There is a lot more bench time needed to keep all the mechanical stuff working. So is there any benefit to flying a complicated airplane. You cant win, if you can't finish.

By the way if I recall correctly, when you look back to 2006 and beyond, the Scale Masters did allow for all of those mechanical options as well. ONLY recently has the Masters taken those options out.

I'm NOT for making things easier to fly, but look at the language the rules are written in, and can we make them clear and concise.



Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Skymaster on Mon, 10/22/12, 03:55 PM
Mitch,

Don't get me remotely wrong. I'm all in as both an AD and competitor to promote scale modeling. But there has to be a reason why guys don't come out and fly in the Masters. Lets find out and move in that direction what ever it is so that the Masters will grow back to what it once was.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Mitchell Baker on Mon, 10/22/12, 04:14 PM
I understand John,  and I'm looking into that.  Trying to come up with a survey that would be useful is hard.  If you just leave it open to  "Why don't you compete?" then your will get so many different answers that you can't really do anything about it.  

If you remember, I did do an e-mail survey 2 yrs ago to all qualified pilots who didn't attend the champs.  It was pretty much a bust.. Got about 10-15% return and the answers were across the board.  Nothing to really pin point and work on.

That's why the good professional survey companies make so much money hahaha...  

But we will see.  

As far as the flight difficulty goes, I was just using (very) general examples. I've been watching you fly for years and know your skill.  Great!...  I was looking back over my archives, and the furthest I go back is 2007 for a copy of the guide.  Going to try to see if I can locate some further back. 

See-ya
Mitch
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Lawrence Harville on Mon, 10/22/12, 05:23 PM
Mitch
you are right AMA is easier to fly than SM or Top gun

I have seen a guys 5 options be
twin engine
tank drop
retracts
flaps
taxi

he did very well--  three of those took a flip of a switch=one just took the second engine to keep turning
but hey he did have to taxi out and back--


Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: j_whitney on Mon, 10/22/12, 08:49 PM
John, as long as I have been assoicated with USSMA the mechanical options have been avaialbe - but not as a stand-alone, always done in a combination with something else, like bomb drop WITH chandelle.  I don't recall (and I ain't gonna look!) mechanicals being deleted.  Maybe some, but certainly not all.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Skymaster on Tue, 10/23/12, 03:52 PM
I've got a really cool and novel idea for this site and the Scale Masters Association.

Lets start some build threads!! After all are not supose to be promoting scale modeling?

Mitch is there a way for us to post pictures within the tread? Would be cool to show what's being worked on across the country.

John
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Mitchell Baker on Tue, 10/23/12, 04:01 PM
They can and you should be able to just by clicking on "Addition Option" in the full editor.  Not the quick editor, that option is not available.  In the past I have just refereed people to www.rcscalebuilder.com (http://www.rcscalebuilder.com) since that site is dedicated to scale building and setup more for build threads. Give it a shot...  I'm not opposed to it.

See-ya
--Mitch
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Skymaster on Tue, 10/23/12, 04:24 PM
Why are we not doing that? After all this is a portal into this organization. Building scale models is a HUGE part of what we do isn't it?
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Mitchell Baker on Tue, 10/23/12, 04:55 PM
I have not discouraged it.  I just feel in letting a site that specializes in things do so. http://www.rcscalebuilder.com (http://www.rcscalebuilder.com) IMHO is the premier scale building site on the web.  Most of your major plans designers, kit producers etc have a presence there.  I never expect this site to have that in the fashion RCSB (http://www.rcscalebuilder.com) does.  So let that site do what it does best and let this on do what it should do best, provide a place for discussion of USSMA, and both sites benefit more in the long run.

When I first put this site up, I had a section for build threads, but no one wanted to post here, in fact several told me they post on RCSB and didn't see the need to duplicate the effort, and I agree with that...

If you want a catagory created for it, let me know.  I will make you moderator so you can police the threads...  I'm not against any of it.

See-ya
Mitch
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Scale Dail on Thu, 10/25/12, 11:36 PM
This is the US SCALE MASTERS! I do not want to see just anyone with a build project here! That is what RCScaleBuilder is for. Now if a certain model won or qualified at a Scale Masters event I would like to see some info here. Like photos or specs on the model.
 As for the champs being on one side of the country or the other, I look forward to an "off year" when it is too far away to rest, get the next model built, and practice for when it is closer.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Skymaster on Fri, 10/26/12, 08:29 AM
I am saddened to see this post Scale Dale. We sat in the BOD meeting and talked about membership being down, participation being down. Do any of you care? Let me see if I can remember what the "Mission" of the Masters is about........

In fact allow me to past in the mission statement.

The U.S. Scale Masters Association is committed to the development and growth of Scale Aircraft Modeling by bringing people together to learn about the fascinating aspects of Aviation, Scale Realism, Competition, and Sportsmanship.

How is by being so "exclusive" can we accomplish this. If we are not, through ALL means not encouraging others to build and participate in the Masters, then it will die, and that's unfortunate.

My intent was for us the Scale Masters guys who build and compete to post about our projects. I guess nobody cares about grow ing the organization.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Mitchell Baker on Fri, 10/26/12, 09:05 AM
John,

Scale Dale is entitled to his opinion on this and entitled to express it just like we are.  That's the beauty of the forums. He does not have to view any that are posted.  If you want to get the ball rolling, like I said, by all means do so, I encourage it.  Like I said, I will create a category for you to start this up and give you moderator rights, and believe me it will need to be moderated hehehe..

I'm middle of the road here mainly because I don't have the time to moderate a set of threads like that. I think it can help out, but also pointing people to RCSB can also help out USSMA as well.  Both fulfill the mission.  You don't have to know all the answers, just know where to find them....   ;D

See-ya
Mitch
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Skymaster on Fri, 10/26/12, 12:52 PM
Mitch,

I'm not denying his opinion. I'm pointing out that the Masters is struggling with both membership and participation. He is right! This is the MASTERS and we should be looked at as the pinnacle of scale modelling, and a source for encouragement to stretch our building skills, and maybe the place of how to do things right. An easy way to begin that is for us the "Best of the Best" to talk about what we are doing and working on. Do we not have the responsibility to take our skills, passion, knowledge, and experiance and pay it forward?
Maybe build threads not the best word to use. I'm talking about talking airplanes and projects, by the the Best of the Best.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: j_whitney on Fri, 10/26/12, 09:25 PM
Perhaps a series of "how to's"?  Mini-dave-platts, if you will  ;D
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Jeffrey Pike on Sat, 10/27/12, 12:29 AM
I wrote about 500 hundred words with excellent ideas and my log-in timed out. Oh well.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Jeffrey Pike on Sat, 10/27/12, 12:43 AM
I will sum it up.
Scale Masters carries the banner for RC scale. There is only Scale Masters, Frank and the Nats. How well do we carry the banner? Many would argue, "What banner, I don't see it." Five hundred of us compete, we whittle it down to a hundred or so and a third of that number shows up for the Nationals. Six percent is not bad numbers. Most folks just what to sit and "fly-in" without the pressure of competition. That is nature of our evolving culture that seeks instant gratification without consequences. Video games, cell phones and credit cards have done this to us. To grow our numbers we need one on one marketing. We need to seek out those with money that have an interest. We all know this is not a poor mans sport. The regionals are hundreds of miles apart and the Nationals can be thousands of miles away, not to mention that a competitive model is not cheap.

To test the value of Scale Masters, insist that competitors that seek qualification become members before the qualifier begins. Offer a discount to check for price elasticity. Offer a discount for those that enlist a new member. Scale Masters needs gorilla marketing to regrow its numbers.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Scale Dail on Sat, 10/27/12, 02:45 AM
Please let me clarify my thoughts. When I saw the idea of build threads here, I thought of "Joe Blow" posting his build thread of what ever, with no intention of anything compitition or Scale Masters. If there is anyone who needs help with building it is me!
 I would actually like to see somthing with pictures that describes scale technics regarding scale compitition here with all the Scale Masters people, the Best of the Best!. There is a lot of talent in the Scale Masters program, I agree that it should be shared.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Mitchell Baker on Thu, 11/01/12, 09:09 AM
I wrote about 500 hundred words with excellent ideas and my log-in timed out. Oh well.

If writing a long reply, few things might help, write it up in notepad and then cut/paste it int to the window.. Also, if you are using the "Quick Reply" window, you should see "Post" "Preview" "Spell Check" buttons at the bottom of the small window. Click on "Preview" and you will switch to the full editor and you can see a preview of your post.  If you are typing in a lot of text, hit the "Preview" button form time to time it will keep the session going.  One final thing is to from time to time, press CTRL-A to highlight everything within the editor window, then CTRL-C to copy it.   Then if you loose it for some reason you can start over and hit CTRL-V to paste it back into the edit window.  Hope this helps..

--Mitch
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Mitchell Baker on Tue, 11/06/12, 08:02 AM
In regard to the timeout issue. I have bumped up the default to about 7 days. This should keep that from happening again.  If you or anyone has an issue, please let me know.. --Mitch

I wrote about 500 hundred words with excellent ideas and my log-in timed out. Oh well.

If writing a long reply, few things might help, write it up in notepad and then cut/paste it int to the window.. Also, if you are using the "Quick Reply" window, you should see "Post" "Preview" "Spell Check" buttons at the bottom of the small window. Click on "Preview" and you will switch to the full editor and you can see a preview of your post.  If you are typing in a lot of text, hit the "Preview" button form time to time it will keep the session going.  One final thing is to from time to time, press CTRL-A to highlight everything within the editor window, then CTRL-C to copy it.   Then if you loose it for some reason you can start over and hit CTRL-V to paste it back into the edit window.  Hope this helps..

--Mitch
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Sun, 02/17/13, 05:33 PM
To whom it may concern ...( Mitch  ;D )

Would it be possible to create a photo album of all ( as many as possible ) the past Grand Champions and their models. I think it would be interesting to see the variety of planes that have achieved this honor, from Jennys to jets and everything inbetween ;)
  I realize no one person would have photos of all the past winners, but maybe this could be a community effort to locate the pictures.
  I think this would also bennefit newcomers to the Association. They might be surprised to see that you don't have to compete with GIANT scale models or with Warbirds only.

....just a thought :)
Ken.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: j_whitney on Sun, 02/17/13, 09:53 PM
Ken - Look under the menu heading "Community" - then "Images/Videos"  (should be a short cut here http://usscalemasters.org/forumsmf2/index.php?action=media (http://usscalemasters.org/forumsmf2/index.php?action=media) )
Not all of them, for sure, but all that I think are available to Mitch.  If someone has photos of earlier ones I am sure we can get them scanned, posted and returned to the owner.  Captions would be nice!
And NO, Mitch - I am NOT volunteering  ::)
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Mon, 02/18/13, 04:43 AM
Hey Jeff,
  Yes I am familar with the events albums. :)
What I'm suggesting is a dedicated album just for the past Champions so people can simply go to one source / album. And yes captions would be great (especially with a little info like span,engine,radio,retracts,covering & paint used etc.) ;D
I think members as well as newbies would like to "learn" about our Champions and their models. It would be great if we could dedicate a whole page to displaying pictures and maybe brief descriptions of those models. Over thirty years now and not really a Place of honor for those Champions. Just a list of names. No faces or pics of the planes. :-\
Ken.
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: Mitchell Baker on Mon, 02/18/13, 08:13 AM
Do I hear a volunteer to work on that project?  :) 

Not sure is anyone noticed, but I started putting in pic's of the Harris Lee winners of the ones I had. 
http://usscalemasters.org/forumsmf2/index.php?page=HarrisLeeAward (http://usscalemasters.org/forumsmf2/index.php?page=HarrisLeeAward)

Any of this can be done, just need people to step up and do it.  I can give people the means to do it and can help show them who within this forum, which for the most part is not that hard. It's designed like most CMS/Portal/Forum software, WYSIWUG editors and image upload... 

Someone willing to step up and start it.  It's the same with all the event pic's, no one seems to have the interest in applying comments to them.  I simply don't have the time to do it all.  Help would be greatly appreciated...

See-ya
Mitch
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: rcphotog on Mon, 02/18/13, 08:09 PM
Hey Mitch,

  Yes I have noticed the recent photos of the Harris Lee Award winners. That's exactly what I was hoping for with the list of past Grand Champions :)
I don't think I have the access to upload pics and comments ( not a paying member yet :-[ )
Yes, help IS needed to create an all inclusive archive of the Association's past. This is something everyone can help with. Look around, talk to past winners, and GET those pictures ;D
There's only 33 ;D ;D
Once I can scrape together the money to join, I will be happy to upload all the pics I have (with captions) from local qualifiers from the past several years ;)
Ken.
ps; I love photos! ;)
Title: Re: Issues with and or suggestions for this site and the Scale Masters Association
Post by: j_whitney on Mon, 02/18/13, 08:49 PM
Ken.
ps; I love photos! ;)
Would not have guessed that, given your screen name  ;D
I'm sorry Ken, I mis-read your original question, thought I had an easy answer!  We can certainly ask around to see who has what.  There may be some stuff in past newsletters, I will have to look at what I have - have had a couple of computers die on me and I don't know if I have all the past newsletters, since I have been editor.
Jeff