Articles for the BMFA Newsletter

[Mart61]

Hi Guys

I thought I'd start a quick poll to see just how many of us have submitted articles for inclusion in the BMFA mag and, if you have submitted copy, has it been published?

[LipolyGone]

To be honest it's got better, but the topic
has brought about such bad feelings in the past
I think it's best not talking about it here.

[pchristy]

I'm intending to write something on the history of helis in the UK for the forthcoming anniversary issue. I have written odds and sods in the past, but not recently. Whenever I've submitted stuff, its usually found its way in there.

--
Pete

[coptermanic]

The whole publication could do with a makeover. It's like something from the 70s. I'd sooner they reduce my membership fee and not bother with such drivel. And if I were knowledgeable enough to have my opinions on any topic related to helis taken seriously, it would not be the mag in which I would wish my "piece" to be published, especially with Rotorworld and MHW around.

[Gate88]

I'm intending to write something on the history of helis in the UK for the forthcoming anniversary issue. I have written odds and sods in the past, but not recently. Whenever I've submitted stuff, its usually found its way in there.

--
Pete

If the BMFA dont include it could you post on here somewhere as I'd like to read it Mr C.

[Mart61]

I'd sooner they reduce my membership fee...

All fair comments, Mike, perhaps with the exception I quote above.

I work for a trade association that produces a monthly journal. If we stopped producing the journal our membership fees would actually go up.

The revenue produced by advertising and sponsorship of the publication brings in far more than it costs to produce.

So, if the same is true of the BMFA mag, we either tolerate a mag that many would agree is not great, or stop the mag and pay more.

I know which way I'd go - I'll tolerate the mag.

[coptermanic]

Good point Martin. So why don't they just send out an advertising A-Z and cut out all those crap articles then!!!!!!!! Would work for me!!!!!!!

For heavens sake, it's 2010, if you showed that mag to someone with no interest in our recreation, he'd think you were having a laugh. It's an embarrassment to the hobby of r/c as a whole IMHO.


ps Sorry boys about being a bit outspoken today, the pressure of the cabin crew strike must be getting to me................

[Mart61]

Good point Martin. So why don't they just send out an advertising A-Z and cut out all those crap articles then!!!!!!!! Would work for me!!!!!!!

Again, another fair point. My only response to this would be that if the articles in the BMFA mag, or any other come to that, are of no interest to me I don't read them and thus would not be in a position to comment if they are crap or not.

[coptermanic]

You know, Stuart has a point really. ALL we need is to get the RCHA insurance recognised for events, then we can effectively do our own thing, rather than be umbrella'd by the dinosaur of the BMFA. I was certain that we should remain part of the BMFA, but now I am not sure at all.

[coptermanic]

Sorry Martin, I am taking this poll off topic/off thread. I'll shut up now!!!!!!!!

[Mart61]

I agree Mike. However I feel that it would be perhaps better for the RCHA to gain acceptance as a result of it's actions and deeds rather than by criticising the competition, a sentiment that seemed to prevail in the "Futaba Adverts" thread.

And yes, whilst the BMFA may have resorted to playing "dirty pool" with us, by responding in kind does that make us better, or are we simply lowering ourselves to their level?



Oh and I'm just as guilty of going OT as anyone Mike.

[coptermanic]

No Martin, I agree, actions speak louder than words, and I would sooner us do it "the sensible way" rather than mimicking political baiting, wrangling etc.

[pchristy]

Any organisation, be it the BMFA, RCHA, or whatever needs some kind of formal "noticeboard" for publishing stuff of importance to its members. In the BMFA's case, this is the BMFA News. There is all sorts of stuff in there that is of importance to various sections of the BMFA - for example, its where advertisements are placed for Team Managers for the various teams, notice of elections to the various governing bodies, rule changes, etc, etc.

I know that these days the internet has largely replaced written media, but not everyone has access to fast internet - or even internet at all! So to be sure of getting info to ALL members, something like the BMFA News is the only option. And if you are going to do something like that, you may as well include editorial and general advertising as well. It may be that many heli flyers put it straight in the cat-litter tray - that's up to them - but for others it does carry out essential functions.

BUT, the editors can only print what they are sent. If no-one submits anything, there is nothing to print! The same is true of any magazine - ask Jon Tanner!. Believe me, the editors will fall over themselves to print stuff that is decently written and preferably illustrated with photos!

For several years I did the AHA Newsletter. I usually ended up writing most of it myself, because trying to get contributions was like pulling teeth - only more painful!

The BMFA News isn't perfect - like most things BMFA - but it will only get better if people are willing to CONTRIBUTE!

--
Pete

[coptermanic]

Very good points Pete. But r/c helis have been around long enough to be better represented. It's like we're treated as the "runt of the litter".

[pchristy]

Very good points Pete. But r/c helis have been around long enough to be better represented. It's like we're treated as the "runt of the litter".

I agree we need better representation. Does that mean YOU are volunteering? Anyone else out there? If we are under-represented its OUR OWN FAULT - because no-one is willing to represent us!

The other disciplines are more active in this than we are. They seem to have no problem finding volunteers to produce the necessary material. But if WE don't produce it, no-one else will.

There are probably more experienced UK heli flyers on this forum than anywhere else. Yet how many of the members here have actually contributed anything? Very, very few!

And if WE can't be bothered to do it, why should anyone else?



--
Pete