From: barrett@add.itg.ti.com
Newsgroups: rec.models.rockets
Subject: LDRS Feedback (short form)
Date: 19 Aug 92 21:39:16 GMT
Organization: Texas Instruments, Austin, Tx.


  Just got back from LDRS/BALLS and getting caught up on r.m.r.  Before
I tell you all about some of the fantastic stuff that happend there, I
feel that I should respond to some of the r.m.r postings that I just
read.

======================== Tim's Posting ============================

From: tim@nebula.key.amdahl.com (Tim Nicholls)
Newsgroups: rec.models.rockets
Subject: Tripoli trashes magazine!!!
Message-Id: <3506@key.COM>
Date: 18 Aug 92 19:23:34 GMT
Reply-To: tim@nebula.key.amdahl.com
Organization: Amdahl


  I was at the Tripoli general membership meeting held at the community
center in Gerlack at LDRS XI this passed weekend.  The Tripoli board
voted on Sunday August 16 to "get out of the magazine business".  Bruce
is now taking the magazine private and Tripoli will have no control of
the contents.  The name of the magazine will more then likely be changed
to "Rocket", Bruce had some sample covers printed up.  Bruce as offered
to still support Tripoli's interest free of charge.  Tripoli's
membership fees will be reduced and will only suggest that we purchase
"Rocket".

=========================== My additions ============================

  Tim, I am surprised that you used the "tabloid journalism" approach to
this very complex issue.   Flashy headline, minimal background.  Too
little attention to the human element.

  I talked to Bruce on Sunday (about noon), he said that the board still
had not made a resolution on this issue.  Bruce is under a lot of
pressure trying to put out a quality publication on a volunteer basis.
It has effected his family life and his health (IMHO).  All he wants is
to keep publishing the BEST magazine in the hobby and still keep his
sanity.  He is willing to gamble with a career change; all he wants is
journalisitic freedom and the possibility that he will be rewarded for
his efforts.

  To that end he would like to be removed from the political infighting
in Tripoli, and run the magazine without getting permission from the
board for every paper clip that he needs.  He offered to contract out
his services to Tripoli and be paid for each magaize he supplies to
Tripoli members (he would benifit from "other" distribution channels).
Another proposal was to completely remove the magazine from Tripoli
(like your posting described).  As of Sunday Noon, there was no
consensus.

  Chuck Rodgers see's benifit in letting the Tripolitan "go private".
Tripoli could concentrate on other issues (e.g.  Regulatory/Legal) and
not worry about a very large $ component of the budget (which is why it
is always a hot political issue).

  Anyway, I felt that your "Tripoli trashes magazine!!!"  headline was
in rather poor taste given the background information that you failed to
provide.  Bruce and Tripoli deserve more respect (IMHO).


===================***** Begin Ed LaCroix's message

Greetings Everyone-

  Just this afternoon, 13 August, 1992, the Tripoli Board of Directors
unanimously voted (G.  Rosenfield abstaining) to establish a Rocketry
Legal Fund within Tripoli.  The immediate purpose of the Legal Fund will
be to place on retainer Mr.  Larry Bierlein of the Washington, D.C.  law
firm of Shaw, Pittman, Potts, and Trowbridge (the same law firm the NAR
has engaged to handle the FAA regulatory quagmire).  Mr.  Bierlein is a
specialist in DOT regulatory issues and his sole purpose in this matter
will be to establish a favorable industry-wide resolution to the
shipping restrictions recently placed on reloadable technology by the
DOT.

  The cost of this legal assistance won't come cheaply, however.  Mr.
Bierlein's retainer is $5000.00 and ultimately establishing an outcome
favorable to *our* hobby may cost upwards of $20,000.

  Being that *funds are needed immediately*, NOW IS THE TIME to step
forward and be counted amongst the supporters of reloadable technology
before self-serving individuals working in concert with the DOT place
severe regulatory constraints upon it.

  Whether the contributor is an individual, manufacturer, dealer, or
distributor, *any* size donation is welcome and needed!  Checks should
be made out to:

                   Tripoli Rocketry Assoc.*Legal Fund*
                 (be sure the check references Legal Fund!)

                    and contributions should be sent to:

                       Tripoli Rocketry Association
                   c/o Scott Dingman
                       P.O. Box 339
                       Kenner, LA  70063-0339
***** End Ed LaCroix's message

======================== My two cents worth =========================

  One important issue here is that Tripoli and the NAR are working
together on this.  This is a hobby problem, not just NAR or Tripoli (or
Aerotech or Estes).  All legal funds collected from Tripoli, NAR, and
the manufacurers will go to pay the same law firm.  I would suggest that
C.D.  Tavaris give a contact for NAR members to donate there $'s (I
wrote a $100 check).

  It was pointed out that it would NOT be appropriate at this time to
stir up a hornets nest by calling your congressional representative yet.
Wait for direction from TRIPOLI/NAR before we take that route.

======================================================================

  Nuff said on that.....

  Wow did I get some great video of Team Ignorants 40' tall, 1000lb
rocket take off at BALLS.  It was the most ausome rocket launch I have
ever seen!!!  It had 1 O motor, 5 L's and 8K's.  AND IT WORKED!!  BALLS
was much better this year than last.

Stu Barrett TRA# 1277, NAR# 4341