What happens to suggestions from members - is there an NCRS "Black Hole"

[Edward M.]

I see numerous suggestions made on the forum, directly to regional reps, other officers, and for the most part, that is the end of it.

Nothing ever comes back. It is like these ideas have fallen into black hole.

Case in point, the suggestion that NCRS investigate the acquisition of Mike Hunt's data before it disappears / becomes unreadable.

This is not the only suggestion that has fallen into deep space.

In my work as a rocket scientist, we write these things down, discuss approaches, and assign action items with due dates for reports back and / or completion of the action item. We (NASA) cannot allow things to fall through the cracks, so we track them carefully.

Can we not do something like this for the suggestions that get submitted by members. Some things have to be close hold while negotiations are ongoing, but most are not. Please give us updates, even if nothing has changed

I get that the BOD needs to consider these issues. Why then are they not in the BOD meeting minutes?

I am asking because I am a big fan of NCRS, and all that we do, and I want to help make it better.

We can do better than this; we have to do better than this.

I also noted that the average age of NCRS members is 64.7 years. Would it be possible to see a spread across decades.

How many 20-29, how many 30-39, etc. Demographics / data is a good starting point.

What can I do to help?

[Edward J.]

Re: What happens to suggestions from members - is there an NCRS "Black Hole"

Ed, maybe a PM to the president might be a good place to start. the TDB is not strong with total numbers.

[Edward M.]

Re: What happens to suggestions from members - is there an NCRS "Black Hole"

PM, emails to officers get pretty much the same results. Been there, done that. Frustrating.

[Dennis C.]

Re: What happens to suggestions from members - is there an NCRS "Black Hole"

I attended the recent BOD meeting at the Texas regional. I don't recall anyone raising the recommendation to the BOD. Making a suggestion on the technical discussion board is a good place to get member feedback, but I don't think it counts as asking the BOD to consider a suggestion.

Regards,

Dennis

[Edward M.]

Re: What happens to suggestions from members - is there an NCRS "Black Hole"

The suggestions on the forum came AFTER the multiple suggestions to regional reps, other officers, etc.

I am trying anything, and everything to get this ball rolling. So far, this ball is more like a cube.

[Dennis C.]

Re: What happens to suggestions from members - is there an NCRS "Black Hole"

Hi Ed,

Suggestions to a regional director or a proposal with an action plan, cost estimates, and volunteers willing to invest the time?

If an actual plan was submitted, I may have missed it. I recall many conversations regarding having a for sale section on the TDB. It wasn't until a member stepped up (I don't remember actually who it was) and developed a plan with all of the above and then presented it to the BOD that it was acted on.

Remember, the BOD and IT staff are volunteers with limited resources. I believe they all have the best interest of NCRS, our cars, and their history in mind, but need help to accomplish new endeavors.

I am not passing judgement on the merits of obtaining Mike Hunt's data, I believe it would be a great benefit to the organization, the history of our cars, and the membership. I am only stating my observations of what it takes to get a project considered.

I hope this data is made available someday. I recall reading that NCRS members made an unsuccessful attempt back in the day to obtain Mike's data. There is always hope someone will step up and come up with an acceptable idea that all parties can agree with.

Regards,

Dennis

[Terry M.]

Re: What happens to suggestions from members - is there an NCRS "Black Hole"

The suggestions on the forum came AFTER the multiple suggestions to regional reps, other officers, etc.

I am trying anything, and everything to get this ball rolling. So far, this ball is more like a cube.

Based on my limited personal experience the way to get the ball rolling is (1)face-to-face conversation with Nati0onal BoD members (Directors) and then (2)personal appearance at the BoD Meeting. These steps should closely follow each other. The fresher these discussions are int he minds of the directors the greater your chances of success.

Focus your discussion by briefly stating the problem and offer a solution that you are a participant in.

Key is having one's voice rational and adult. Passion, while important, should not be dominate. Try to stick to one topic. Solving all the problems of the moment will be less well received than dealing with a specific issue. If possible, offer to provide the work (Volunteer) yourself rather than expecting professional assistance.
The more you can:
A) Focus your issue
B) Provide the labor
C) Keep the cost down
the greater your chance of success.

[Edward M.]

Re: What happens to suggestions from members - is there an NCRS "Black Hole"

Personal appearance at the BOD? Isn't that why we elect regional reps? Can't we provide them with suggestions that have some chance of moving forward?

In the case of Mike Hunt's data, it is stored in the archives at Kettering University.

OK, I will see about running with this ball by contacting Kettering to get a quote from them for transfering the data from an Apple IIE to something that I can read on a PC. Then it just becomes an issue of sorting / organizing / etc.

I will need all of the data fro the hard drive, as well as all of the data from the 5/14 inch floppys, and then copies of any paperwork.

I am moving forward with this.