[Bob Carriere]

......wonder if it is inevitable.......

All gathering start small ....... with honest intentions..... grow rapidly than gradualy falls apart. Can't explain it..... and I am not against it.... I just can't explain it.

I have personaly experienced it several times... with 1812 re-enactors, woodturners association, parish recreational association, 4x4 clubs, CMP publications, MLU's brush with financial problems, etc...even the American MV association had some trying time a few years ago.

It seems that it almost requires a cyclical forest fire to revitalize the vegetation..... from the ashes comes forth new life. It still remains that while the forest is burning down, which is an awful sight...... some plants (members) will disappear and new varieties will grow.

Is this the early sign of a new (O) MV (A) forest fire.....??? would it not be more advantagous to have a control burn so as not to loose everything...?

Can't we identify what made certain events fun, see if we can isolate it, and strive to replicate those elements..... or identify what is not desirable, such as different opinions, egos, different interest, egos, doing it for business purposes versus just a hobby ( both of which has its place as I buy stuff), egos, oddly enough dues have never been a reason for breaking up..... every one wants to show up for the fun but no one wants to take charge to organize it.....

I wish I could offer a quick solution ....... all I know is "deja vu" ...... and sadly we may see it again.



Bob C.