Musing about KISS & RCW. (what! me keep it short & simple)

Nah, there's no need for anyone to spy on any particular club to know the score... I was made a Mason when I was 23, and the description fits them to a "T" as well. I soldiered along with it for several years because I liked the philosophies and allegories in the literature, but it just isn't worth my time (and money) to finance a retired folks' coffee night for the one minute a week when the central ideas are mentioned in passing. Too bad, really- but that just seems to be the way any social group like that ends up, unless there is some sort of pressing goal or mission.

In My Humble Opinion

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

If it helps any, it isn't just turning clubs..

back before I had a life (between marriages) I bowled in like 4 leagues a week... to "give something back", I got talked into joining the board of our local bowling association... They certify bowling alleys and lanes, explain rules, and generally promote the "sport" of bowling..

What I ended up joining was a group of good ol' boys that had founded the association 25 years ago and hadn't seen any need to make any changes since...

No new member (defined as less that 20 years) could possibly know anything, and new ideas like computers and automatic scoring was hearsay and made you subject to being burned at the stake..

It's a very common thing that happens to good clubs that don't, as you say, bring in new blood and fresh ideas..

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Prometheus,

Well said about the Masons and the resulting membership problem. I'm na inactive 32nd degree and a Shriner. I found that only the Shrine clubs move beyond the repetition and there's still a lot of what you guys are talking about. What's I've always watched in wonderment is how so many people react in a position of "power". It's like the epitomy of their life to be in charge of something or someone.

At least, in their case, the charitable works aspect is a saving grace. Those kids move your heart.

Tom Nie

There are always a couple (or more) options in organizations of all sorts. Do something or be someone.

If you're someone who favors the former course, be prepared to begin by helping the band unload and stick around to sweep the floor afterward, while the others talk about what great things community dances can be.

Reminds me - need to order some sweeping compound....

Arch, I don't know if this proliferation of information, classes, demonstrations, and other learning modes is a good or bad thing. But, it sure can cost the new woodturner a lot of money if they try to keep up with the many different tool recommendations they are getting.

A typical wood turner is exposed to at least 3 demonstrations of turning techniques in a years time. Each of them will be using different tools, and may even be selling them right there at the demonstration. It is possible to spend several hundred dollars on the newest "best" tools, and still not have a clue on how to turn wood.

Russ Fairfield

it sure can cost the new woodturner a lot of money if they try to keep up with the many different tool recommendations they are getting.

A typical wood turner is exposed to at least 3 demonstrations of turning techniques in a years time. Each of them will be using different tools, and may even be selling them right there at the demonstration. It is possible to spend several hundred dollars on the newest "best" tools, and still not have a clue on how to turn wood.