[Leica] Pleasant but Dull LUG Meeting at Photo East in NYC--And How to Improve it!

["Jim Shulman" <garcia@chesco.com>]

To Recap:
On 3 Nov 2000, Sal DiMarco,Jr. wrote, at least in part:

<snip>

>     Nothing of substance was discussed.

How come, Sal? I can't believe that with such a group of
Leicaphiles in attendance, that some sort of thought provoking
questions and comments wouldn't have been put forth. If so,
were they just reluctant to discuss stuff like that and wanted to
merely offer the rah rah corporate line or what?

Jim Shulman's thoughts:

No, it was more along the lines of

Leica: What are you interested in discussing?
Group: Various topics, including appearance of new lenses, M vs R
development, specialty items, student programs, etc.
Leica: "We don't know, we'll look into it."  "We can't discuss that now" "We
don't know if there's enough interest" "We'd like to do that, but our
resources are stretched."

Now you know why nothing of substance appeared.  There was nothing of
substance TO appear!  The Leica people were very nice, but wasn't exactly a
thrilling hour. In addition, we were shuttled into a room with the ambience
of an FBI questioning chamber, which didn't help convivial chat.  Granted,
the Javits center isn't exactly heaven on earth, but there are move inviting
meeting venues.


My modest suggestions for improvement:

Why not have Leica make an EFFORT to COURT the LUG at this, and other shows?
I'm grateful that Akhil made the effort to convene the group--but now it's
Leica's turn to pick the not-inconsiderable PR mantle and make this a
regular event.  A private luncheon, verified by MEMBERSHIP on the LUG, would
be a good start. There's a good reason for this: lunch for two at the Javits
Center displaces funds that could be used to purchase a few commemorative
M6s, a Noctilux, and a trip to Pago Pago.   Considering this is a group that
has already cast its vote by investing in the Leica system, a
company-sponsored would seem like an excellent investment in Customer
Relations.  There aren't that many of us--Leica mentioned selling relatively
few units of M cameras (or, as Sal said to me, a DAY's production of a very
popular AF SLR camera!).

Second, an actual Leica presentation would be interesting.  For many of us
less well versed in Leica lore, it would interest to see a) why and how
Leicas are constructed, and what makes them superior to other photo machines
and b) what goes into the development of new Leica equipment.  Several
LUGgers mentioned the dearth of places to show our Leica photography--why
not have Leica make this, you should excuse the expression, a focal point of
our meeting?

Jim Shulman


- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
[mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Roger
Beamon
Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2000 8:47 AM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: [Leica] Re: LUG Meeting at Photo East in NYC


On 3 Nov 2000, Sal DiMarco,Jr. wrote, at least in part:

<snip>

>     Nothing of substance was discussed.

How come, Sal? I can't believe that with such a group of
Leicaphiles in attendance, that some sort of thought provoking
questions and comments wouldn't have been put forth. If so,
were they just reluctant to discuss stuff like that and wanted to
merely offer the rah rah corporate line or what?

- --
Roger, List-Owner
The LEG (Leica Enthusiasts Mailing List)
http://www.topica.com/lists/leica