Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/11/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I just rejoined LHSA for 2007, after a hiatus of a year or so. My guess is that the M8 will help to reinvigorate interest in Leica, just as it's helped increase interest in the LUG. However, the issues that Brian presented are vitally important to LHSA. Today, no organization that hopes to survive can afford a website with anything less than complete functionality. For example, several years ago I'd heard the same complaints about the Antique Automobile Club of America. The average age was up there with Methuselah's, the club magazine was a bore, the website was designed via some kit in a box, etc. In the past few years almost everything's changed: the club magazine now rivals that of many commercial antique car publications (the septuagenarian grip-n-grin shots have been replaced with colorful articles about cars and restorations), the website is fantastic (members can register their cars for any AACA event on-line), and the club is actively encouraging younger enthusiasts to participate. Registration for the AACA events used to be a real chore; now it's a pleasure. I hope LHSA takes a similar approach. Best, Jim Shulman Bryn Mawr, PA Who's giving thanks for the fact that he doesn't have to drive six hours tonight for a meal of dried turkey with his in-laws! -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+jshul=comcast.net@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+jshul=comcast.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of David Keenan Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 6:13 PM To: lug@leica-users.org Subject: Re: [Leica] LHSA incompetence I've been a member for two years. I have been to a couple of their events included the national meeting in Wetzlar and the spring shoot in New Orleans. To be honest, I'm not sure about renewing my membership. Madge is a sweet person and I've enjoyed meeting some of the members, particularly while in Germany, but LHSA doesn't really offer me much. The organization is aging, and while I'm not exactly a spring chicken, I usually feel out of place at the gatherings. With the exception of the amazing photograph presentation at the Wetzlar meeting by Richard Kalvar of Magnum Photos (who I understand to have been a last minute substitute), the focus of other events missed me. Unless LHSA can come up with a way to attract more (and younger) members, I fear that is it slowly dying on the vine. Dave. -- My Photography: http://www.david-keenan.com My Blog: http://www.david-keenan.com/euroblog