For some time now I have been thinking of a way in which to say what has been
more apparent in our many treasure clubs that I have noticed in the last 4 or 5
years. Less and less appreciation to our members and their hard work. And we
could also say less and less hard working members in our clubs as well.
Forgive me, but this has really struck home in the last few months in one club I
have been a member of since 1982 and now ashamed to even attend the club
meetings. Boy oh boy how things have changed, but for the worst.
I'm a member of 13 clubs in 5 states and I support each of them and a few each
year I'm not a member of as well. I admit from time to time I have been known to
be a very strong voice in some of these clubs, but only because i care and have
such an investment of time, work, and donations in it. Yet, I can still remember
when the club was for the excitement of the treasure hunt, exchanging stories,
learning more, and meeting new folks. However, it is no longer for those reasons
they seem to exist anymore. Now it is for cut-throat competition, neglecting the
visitors, seeking an escape goat if things don't go as planned, and even some
very distasteful deceit. I have studied on this change and as of yet can not
find the reasons for it and/or exactly when the turning point took place, yet it
exist. Have we gotten too big, over populated the clubs? I'm beginning to
believe there must be something in the water!
Do we not care about our friends anymore, or the newcomer to our clubs. We have
surely lost our want to help our community within the club, we no longer look
for an opportunity to help anyone.
I apologize for being so negative and those that know me, know I'm not usually
that way; but lately I feel no club is worth attending at times, then where will
we be if more feel the same. What can be done to turn a club around from
dividing and generating so much hate toward some of their members? Folks this is
really not a good future for the hobby. I can also testify to many a good bunch
of folks in clubs, even in one of these clubs that has gone bad, not all are
bad.
For me, it is very disappointing, to give so much for so long and then have them
turn on you because you do. It is now my belief that when the appreciation of
your members and their support to the club runs out, so has the club--died!
Keith