From: shapiro@cfsctc.enet.dec.com (Steve Shapiro)
Newsgroups: rec.org.mensa
Subject: Re: Membership Renewal ??
Date: 25 Jan 93 15:06:01 GMT
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation - Marlboro, MA
Organisation: SKS Computer Consulting, Inc.


In article <22Jan93000540@miracle.com>, jcooley@miracle.com (John Cooley)
writes...

> [ steve's flaming of jcooley's stuff about how new members are treated. ]

Flaming? I thought we were having a polite discussion. Hmmm. Maybe our
definitions are different.

Secondly, I didn't specifically indicate that new members were treated poorly. 
(In one message I indicated that there is a tendency towards clique-ishness,
however that is an occurrence for ANY group, Mensa or not, Boston or
elsewhere).

I indicated ways in which the membership could make new members feel more
welcome and perhaps even become more active. I provided specifics as to what I
(me, personally) did in the past to accomplish this goal.

>Steve I've heard, as I expected, all sorts of flames as to exactly how
>everything's messed up in Mensa as a whole. Knowing that it's much easier to
>criticize than to build, I hearby appoint Steve Shapiro God of Boston Mensa.

Great way to entice someone. Sure, make me feel wanted.

>Tell me exactly, in detail, what you want me to do, Oh Great One.
> 
>Please, no generalities, I want specific detail.  Remember, I'm a dumbshit
>who'll mess things up because I'm part of Mensa.  I can't really change
>what going on at National - BUT I CAN CHANGE WHAT'S GOING ON IN BOSTON MENSA.

Sounds to me like you are inferring a whole lot more to my messages than what
is there. Also sounds to me like you are taking a whole lot of it personally,
and it was never intended as such.

>(This ougt to be interesting seeing that I don't think Steve's ever been to
>a Boston Mensa gathering as far as a know....)

Sigh. 

When I first moved to Boston in October 1991, I went to almost every event in a
6 week period. When I finally got my wife and kids moved up here, all 4 of us
attended several functions. We (as a family) attended a games party at Phils
house and several other functions.

If you don't remember us, well that's no big deal as we really don't remember
you either. While many members of Boston Mensa made us feel quite welcome, I
don't remember you being any of them.

We quite enjoyed all of the functions which we attended and only wish we had
more time to be more active. But, as I said, with jobs, kids and distances, its
just not there. 

In case you missed some of my previous points, when I started this whole
thread/topic, I indicated that I was disappointed with NATIONAL. 

I didn't have any specific issues or problems with the local groups. 

I criticised nationals new member efforts (fiasco) and indicated that the local
groups are the way to get and keep members. I continued my discussion by
indicating that it would probably be better (costwise and timewise) for Mensa
to do things to keep existing members v/s getting new members. Then we
digressed into the local issues.

It seems to me that you really want an argument rather than an opinion. 

Well, I don't want to get into that. I have expressed my feelings, provided my
opinions and made suggestions. Take it at face value and do with it what you
will. 

>Please, instruct me with specifics on how my local group can improve.

I thought that I had done that. 

Regards,
Steve.

/*******************************************************************
* Steve Shapiro                 * All views and opinions expressed *
* SKS Computer Consulting, Inc. * are my own and are offered as-is *
********************************************************************
* Steve.Shapiro@f440.n101.z1.fidonet.org  BBS: (508) 664-6354 N81  *
*******************************************************************/