[TheForge] ABANA Election Results

[Ralph Douglass]

Dave Mudge wrote:

> Thanks for your support Ries. You should run for the board.
>
> And Ralph, I don't recall getting any correspondence from you
> discussing your problem. Please tell me now what are your needs
> & wants that are not being addressed by the two magazines?
> "Maybe" we can do something about it. I am sure that others
> share the same issues that guided your decision.As Member
> Services Director, I am probably the guy to talk to about it.
>

Will try to compose another letter then.

>
> As far as being able to afford to be a board member,
> it cost me a lot more time than money and I haven't much of either.
> Serving on the board is one of those things that is a 'labor of love'.
> For me, the rewards are long hours of hard work and catching a
>  lot of grief from some people. There is "0" financial gain involved.
> I get a free trip to the board meeting once every other year, a free
> room to share with another board member and one meal. That
> is 'one' meal (period) not one per day. 3 days of work, not sight
> seeing. I get free admission to the conference every other year,
> which is more work than you can imagine. I do enjoy being in a
> place where I might be able to help other blacksmiths by
> disseminating information. Web Sites, magazines, e-mail lists.
> I am happy to be able to do some part in making ABANA run
> a litttle smoother and serve even more people. I pay $45 a year
> to be able to do this.
> dave mudge

Dave,
I think you may be mis-understanding me. I am not trying to say that you are
going to get anything ( $$$) form being a board member.
I know for me it is impossible for me to run as I just can not afford to do
so. Partly I am on the west coast and it used to be that many of hte meetings
seemed to be more in the east. ( makes sense as that is where most folks are,
just a fact of life.) That and I could not afford to take the time off from
work.
Then I am already streched fairly thin in several other groups and I know I
could not do the job in the manner it should be done.
I respect those who can and do run.
And if I gave the impression that I thought otherwise that was not intended.

Ralph

--
"Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision."