[TheForge] ABANA

[Demon Buddha]

Larry and Pat Brown wrote:
> 
> Maybe we don't have anyone writing them up. I know as a newsletter editor
> that if I miss a meet it can be like trying to get random strangers to let
> you pull their teeth to get a report on the event
> L Brown

	Yes I agree with you.  I know what Bruce used to go through to
	get issues out, and I'm sure you're experiencing the same thing.

	I just had a little exchange with another member of this forum
	who shall remain anonymous unless he chooses to ID himself.  He
	also pointed out to me that perhaps the submissions are not
	coming in.  I don't recall precisely, but my vague notion of the
	budget for the Ring is that it's not what I would call "large"
	(of course I no longer consider $20M development projects large
	either, so perhaps the flaw lay in my skull).  I doubt the
	editors of the Ring have the funds to fly all over the USA to
	conduct interviews with smiths here and there.  I don't know
	where they are getting their material from, but perhaps the
	membership needs to belly up to the bar and start contributing
	a bit more to the production.  Please take this as no criticism.
	I am speaking purely speculatively here as I have NO idea what
	criteria are used to determine content or how many of us might
	be sending in material for the Ring.  But if by chance that
	content is not hitting the mark, it is up to  us to let the 
	editors know what's up.  I can only assume they would be 
	pleased	to make any changes they can to suit our desires.

	ABANA is an association, not a taxpayer funded affair, meaning 
	that the content source is US and not some mysterious grey 
	cloud out of which the goodies miraculously pop.  We've been 
	complaining about the board, and it seems rightly so in some 
	measure, because they are responsible to the membership.  
	Likewise, we also have to act to keep things interesting if 
	the association is to add value to our lives as blacksmiths.
	Content that is of interest and value to us may not keep coming 
	if we do not throw in a little something here and there.  This 
	is an association OF US, ABOUT US, FOR US, and not the least of 
	which BY US.  

	Remember that we are all mere mortals here and I believe
	that we all may have something to contribute.  I'm no Peter Ross, but
	I do decent work now and again.  Why can I not take a few photos and
	send them in?  I suspect I'm not the only one who has been remiss in
	not giving something to share with my fellow black smiths. It's nothing
	of the bad, but usually of short time or not thinking one's work is
	good enough.  I'm sure it would be a hoot to see something of one's own 
	hand appearing, as if by magic, in the pages of the Ring.

	Just my plugged kopek's worth.