A little irritated

[jakedoza]

I'm a little irritated that I am not able to post in the photography forum.
As a professional photographer and scuba diver I love to talk about underwater photography and aquarium photography. Why is it that I am locked out?

-Jake
jamsessionphoto.com

[Gseclipse02]

you have to be a charter member

[Gseclipse02]

http://www.maast.org/forums/showthre...046#post381046

[Kristy]

That is the rule. You can, however, post photos in OTHER threads, such as general reefkeeping, and include your photos that apply to that topic.

Alterately, you could decide to become a charter member and post photos in the photography forum all day long to make us envious. I, for one, would love to see your stuff... so consider your options!

[Pennies2Cents]

Hello Jake,

Welcome to MAAST. I hope you find this website fun & educational and helpful to all your hobby needs. If in deed you are interested in becoming a charter member you can submit your payment via paypal to the following address.

Paypal Addy:

Treasurer@MAAST.org

Payment of $25

Also submit with your payment the following info.

Screen Name
First & Last Name
Address
Telephone #

Hope this helps.


Again welcome to MAAST.

[jakedoza]

Thank you for the welcome, but I do not and never will agree with or participate in paying a "fee" to be able to post on a forum. I'm not that engrossed in my hobbies to do that, and there are other forums out there that are free to post in. I mean forums are suppose to be informational. Information should be free. If someone has a photography question, why should I have to pay to answer someones question. It makes no sense.

Where does the money go? Who gets it? What is it used for? Can I see a budget and proof of spending?

[Europhyllia]

Jake
I think Kristy mentioned you are free to post your photos in any of the other forums.
The photography forum hosts the photo contest which is open only to charter members I believe (sort of makes sense to me since the charter members pay the dues and therefore sort of pay for the prizes).
I am just a member though. I am sure the people in charge will have a better explanation.

[jakedoza]

Jake
I think Kristy mentioned you are free to post your photos in any of the other forums.
The photography forum hosts the photo contest which is open only to charter members I believe (sort of makes sense to me since the charter members pay the dues and therefore sort of pay for the prizes).
I am just a member though. I am sure the people in charge will have a better explanation.

True,

But Where do people go when they have a photography question? To the photo section.. Why not have the photo section completely free to use and discus and for the photo contest have a locked forum for the members? Which I kinda don't understand with this being an aquarium forum and not a photography forum. Not to put anyone down, but the winning photo for the year is not that great as far as a photographer is concerned. I think a more appropriate contest for the forum would be judging on how the aquarium looks and the health of the corals and fish, not the photo. I mean this IS an aquarium forum.

[Kristy]

Appreciate your input Jake.... this may be something for us to consider in the future. The information here is all free. The rule is written (as I understand it) for the photography forum to avaialable for charter members to post their photos, as an additional benefit of membership, one of the perks. However, we are constantly reviewing these rules to improve our system and make this forum the best that it can be for all members: web members and charter members alike.

The finances of this forum are openly posted in the BOD minutes (see link in one of the boxes at the left of the screen) and more information can be found under "About Us" and "Membership." We use the funds for a variety of things, such as the cost of having the online forum (hosting company) and also to get educational events for our membership (again, open to both web members and charter members). This past weekend we had a great educational and informative presentation on Reef Biotopes at our monthly meeting, which was free for all members to attend, both web members and charter members. In 2009 our speakers included Bob Fenner, Mark Levenson, Anthony Calfo, and Eric Borneman. There are always some expenses associated with these sorts of events.

Hope you will join us in the future if you are interested in learning more about reefkeeping and getting more involved. We are currently beginning plans for our annual conference, TMAC (Texas Marine Aquarists Conference) which will feature some educational speakers as well. The date has not been finalized, but should be in the fall sometime, thinking possibly October.

[cbianco]

Thank you for the welcome, but I do not and never will agree with or participate in paying a "fee" to be able to post on a forum. I'm not that engrossed in my hobbies to do that, and there are other forums out there that are free to post in. I mean forums are suppose to be informational. Information should be free. If someone has a photography question, why should I have to pay to answer someones question. It makes no sense.

Only certain areas of the club will not be available to web members. Charter members get the additional of a Charter member forum, Charter member for sale forum and the ability to post in locked forums.

Where does the money go? Who gets it? What is it used for? Can I see a budget and proof of spending?

The Charter membership money goes to facilitating meeting, web hosting and large events such as TMAC or the coastal collection meeting (among others).

I am sorry that you find our website to be a disappointment. On the other hand we welcome you to browse, post and stay awhile. We welcome new members and look forward to seeing your pictures.

Christopher