Initial thoughts as new committee member

[Magnet]

We will be limited not by the lack of ideas and energy of this committee but rather by the complacency of our membership as a whole. People want information to help them become a more successful angler. They also want an outlet to share their fishing experiences with others. They want to learn different fly patterns and discuss technique. What are some of things that attracted us originally to the site and have we gotten what we wanted out of it? We have a unique opportunity to go in a variety of
directions with TPO. I think it is important to identify what drives this site and work from within those parameters. Also concurently recognize areas where we can test new waters (pun not intended). I'm sure we can muster up the boots on the ground to implement actual flyfishing related activities if that is the groups desire. There is no doubt that Justin has done an absolutely stellar job with the April Volkey interview. To get her in for a casting clinic is quite an acomplishment and I'm sure a lot of work. I would like to ask how we are doing with the early enrollment for that event? The event is unique in that it is targeting a demographic which has little or no involvement with our site other than being possible significant others of our members. It is an out of the box idea( no pun intended) and I hope we can document the event so future participants can see what it was about. These are just some ramblings on my part so don't mind me. Any thoughts?

[Walshmiko]

We need a monthly product reveiw

[Magnet]

What is the characteristics of Trout Unlimited that has enabled it to proliferate as a loosely knit group of regional entities. Is it the stewardship of the environment component? Is it that these regional groups can function as a club with local meetings and interesting learning oportunities and commradery? What do you think TPO's niche might be beyond what we are now? What has contributed to TPO's success thus far?
Is it the alure of conversing with and learning from fly fishing icon Davy Wotton that which keeps the interest up? Or is it the real time, cutting edge interaction with Aaron Jasper with hopes of gleaning off of him some secret key to fishing nurvana? Both are significant factors I am sure. Any thoughts ?

[Magnet]

Now I am not saying we should pattern ourselves after TU but I do think its a good idea to take a look at other successful entities. After all, TPO has been imitated to a tee. But the same format doesn't insure success.

[Magnet]

I am sure that Aaron and Justin are way ahead of us as far as analyzing where the needs are for this site.
A side from the forum, we have several unique assets which should be promoted in a way in which each of the three components should reap benefit. We have the evolution guide service, the dark side video production, and of course Davy Wotton. Rather than solely emphasising the forum, I would like to see the three above mentioned entities embedded in a skillful way into the TPO format. The side link is not going to get it done.

[Walshmiko]

Good point Bob!... I know Aaron's got a few things in the works right now but I have a feeling that Tpo/FF EVO/Darkside is going to blow up within the next few months. We need to just stay organized and keep content fresh..And don't forget the Tpo meet and greet BBQ.. Other than that Tpo and the above outlets will have some real good exposure the next two weeks!

[SperryWater]

I would be helpful (to me anyway) if during our first meeting we could re-visit the overall mission of TPO and any associated entities. Once done we can identify specific goals and milestones and set out a course of action to achieve these.

It will be difficult to make recommendations on what to do until we clearly define what it is we want to accomplish.

[Magnet]

I agree with you both. I wanted to initiate some dialoge here as preparation for the meeting but it may not be helpful till we meet and define some things. Its probably good to sit tight till then.

[Davyfly]

Aside from TPO the most successful site that has been around is Sexyloops, which has a serious world wide following, which was the brainchild of my friend Paul Arden.

One of the reasons why this site developed the way it did was content. For all aspects related to fly fishing, which was of course supported by many very knowledgeable persons.
It is also supported by a number of sponsors in the industry.

There is no question of doubt that a good site provides a great resource for educational issues, as no publication to date has covered the subject matters in the same way.
For it to work it has to be supported by those who have a interest.

There are many sites out there to day that were at one time of interest and no longer are.
There are also many who have tried but have failed.

I agree that TPO has to determine what its mission is which should be one of the matters for us to discuss.

I do have some ideas in mind for our future.

In respect of TU, my belief is that the regional chapters survive mainly because they are able to bring together a number of persons in that region together and discuss regional issues along with educational activity.
No more different from any other FF club or organisation.

So far as its mission, that is a very different matter.
TU as we know doe's raise considerable funds and is seen to support issues of conservation with those funds, which is generated from membership and fund rasing events.

Not the path that we at TPO need to follow unless we raise funds to provide for FF educational programs, which l consider to be a good idea. Further discussions needed here.

Davy









Davy.

[AaronJasper]

We also need to figure out how to get companies on board with TPO. I see that on Sexyloops there are a number of sponsors. Justin and I will be in Somerset and I know that we will be working on the companies for some level of sponsorship. I know that it won't be much, but it's a start.

You are right, we need to have educational programs. You'll be one of them in August of this year. We did a few Euro Nymph clinics and they were popular. Now I am going to do a few this spring through shops. I do everything that I can to help grow this site!

There are times that I need help, like tonight with the spammer!

I know that we can make this huge. I mean, I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, but we can take this much further...

I want to get a store running asap. We can sell Davy's products to start. I am sure that we can get other manufacturers to drop ship product. It hard to get money out of people, so we will sell product to generate revenue.

I am working hard outlining project and ideas for other ventures at this time.

I think that the committee is a great idea on Justin's part. Of course the forum will continue to grow. But I know that when members work together and everyone has a say the vibes are usually extremely positive and this is a trait of all the successful and long lasting boards.