Any Interest in Forming a New Houston Aquarium Society?

[johnnymisty]

Theres really nothing i can say that hasnt been said already Ive gone to the GHAC & HTPC meeting that im able to attend do to work and its always been a great time. There are officers in the ghac and if youve read Tim has been putting an activities list together for the year with input of what WE all would like to do to. Really you should come out to a meeting before your so judge the group this month is going to be a collection trip and a meeting

[KhmerStyle]

great to hear from you Fancyfish. I agree with everything you posted. I think, also, the European influence up Norht is a big factor too. Here in Houston Texas the Asian influence is becoming a factor. I have lived in Houston for 28 years, so I've been here for awhile and know of what you speak. Most likely I'll have to have postings at fish shops to see if there is any interest. I just opened a Yahoo group for the sole purpose of finding individuals wanting to form a steering committee to form a new group. I'll also contact the houston Aquarium and see if there is any interest there or help they may provide. For what I can see right now the FISH BOX is populated with a lot of people hostile towards any new group getting off the ground. I'll keep you posted and again thanks for the posting.

Lee

I don't know what race have do with fish keeping. Your living in the past buddy. I find you very offensive and all I can do is pray for you. not much left to say

[mistahoo]

Re: Any Interest in Forming a New Houston Aquarium Society?

Question, Lee! Are you racist? White supremacist FTW! We need more White Power! [Insert sarcasm here]. Lol totally skipped over the part about races. You are one funny person gramps. I'm Asian, but at least I don't go off and judge clubs I've never been a part of.

Sent from my spaceship using Tapatalk 2.

[marauder_77868]

We have evolved to what we are because of lack of interest. I have tried repeatedly over the last few years to get interest in regular meetings. Everytime I schedule an awesome speaker or event the same half dozen or so people show up. Its embarassing. At some point I'll try to push it again. We actually had a conversation about that today with some long time members and we are all pretty frustrated at the lack of interest. But I travel around this area to auctions and know many of the people primarily running the clubs in this state and beyond. It is always the same, to more or less extent. You have a core group of a few people who attend all the events and a much larger group that goes to auctions. We're going to bring in speakers for FOTAS that should fill any hotel ballroom that we want to rent...and most of the seats will be empty. But come Sunday the auction will be PACKED. Every now and then over the years I've tried to force the issue and do regular meetings with cool speakers...and each time I've gotten the feeling I'm beating my head against the wall. If you'd like to help I can and will welcome it. If you'd like to attend I can and will welcome that too. Its hard to be an all areas encompassing club because those people that are interested in tropical fish as a whole rather that little specific areas of expertise at a time are fewer and fewer. It saddens me a bit but I also realize the hobby is changing. Its probably alot based on the economy but also equal parts of lots more stuff competing for your time, entertainment or otherwise, as well. I will readily admit that I've grown a bit complacent about things. Its kind of hard not to sometimes. When I still have the same general interest in fish that I've always had and I see that sort of thing waning about me its pretty easy to get a little discouraged or complacent. That having been said, we decided today to make another push for the sort of thing you're asking for. I dont have real great hopes for it but I'm dedicated to trying anyway. If you'd like to be a part of it you would be welcome. I'm familiar with the way clubs are run in other parts of the country. I'm familiar with the interest level they have on a continual basis. I have been to HAS events in Houston for over 30 years in one capacity or another. It has never been, at least in that time, like the north or northeast. I'm guessing it never will be perhaps if for no other reason than geography and drive time. It has, consistently, always been a club and area that enjoys auctions and has a high level of attendance for them. I'd be happy to talk some of the history of it with you. I guess I'm bouncing around a little with this, but its late. Hopefully some of this will make sense and I'd be happy to discuss it with you.

[LooksLater]

I'm wondering if there are Houston Fish lovers out there who would be interested in forming a new Houston Aquarium Society. I am talking about a club with scheduled meeting dates at a given location. A club with monthly interesting and meaningful programs for their members with substance to them. I'm not talking about some loose new "Fun Club."

The present HAS appears to be nothing more then a business. All I see listed is an auction about every 6 months and an application to fill out to be submitted with their fee. Never a mention of officers. Never a mention of an upcoming meeting. No mention of a real meeting place. If you try and ask questions, you get no real answers. The HAS is about the most secret fish society I have ever encountered. (Tell me when they had their last meeting open to the public that was not an auction)!

I know there is another Greater Houston group but they have no scheduled meetings, officers, common meeting place as they meet in homes and the club is there solely "to have fun". That is all well and good and I have no problem with this. They should keep it up and have a ball. They enjoy that type of group and there is nothing wrong with this view. For them, their lack of structure is just what they desire. Lots of success to them.

However, it's not the type of club I ever belonged to nor wish to become active within. That is just me. I'm just wondering if I am alone in the BIG City of Houston, or are there others who enjoy attending and belonging to a structured Fish Society with First Class programs? If so, I'd like to hear from you. I really could care less about hearing from those enjoying a non structured club and why you like clubs like this. That is your business and I say go for it. I'm interested in hearing from those enjoying membership in an active structured Society as I do.

If there is no interst, my idea can die. I can live with that. If there is an interest, let's see if we can develope the idea into a Real Houston Aquariam Society. I'd be interested in hearing from those wanting to start and belong to such a group. I am 75 years old, cared for fresh water fish on and off for 60 years. I've been a member of some great societies in Milwaukee, Chicago and Kansas City.

Where should I start? I can't speak for HAS, but your "interst" should at least provide you with the fact that GHAC meets every 3rd Saturday at a volunteering members house. And includes many things, including structured meetings, officers, and...who who'd have thought to include it...fun.
I agree with some previous posts in saying that some of the best people I have ever met have been though these "unstructured groups" and perhaps you should meet with said groups before you make a judgement call.
I can also say, I have been born, bred and corn fed in the Midwest- and am feeling more than a little ashamed right now after such a display. There are reasons I moved away- people who are judgmental without reason being topmost.

great to hear from you Fancyfish. I agree with everything you posted. I think, also, the European influence up Norht is a big factor too. Here in Houston Texas the Asian influence is becoming a factor. I have lived in Houston for 28 years, so I've been here for awhile and know of what you speak. Most likely I'll have to have postings at fish shops to see if there is any interest. I just opened a Yahoo group for the sole purpose of finding individuals wanting to form a steering committee to form a new group. I'll also contact the houston Aquarium and see if there is any interest there or help they may provide. For what I can see right now the FISH BOX is populated with a lot of people hostile towards any new group getting off the ground. I'll keep you posted and again thanks for the posting.

Lee

European influence? Asian influence? I can only assume that you mean to form an ethnically pure 'Aquariam Society'? I, being an eastern european mutt, I can submit birth certificate or lineage proof if you require, to be a officer in your new envisioned club. Perhaps our 'Aquarium Society' can become a weighty group, capable of who knows what... How fun.
Except...I've come to know many western europeans, asians, africans, south americans, and others who, in our shared 'aquarist' hobby and otherwise....gasp! are worthy of influence. So that scraps that.

Good luck with your new club. I think you have, at whatever age, at whatever stated goals, have started a "pissing contest" you are fated to lose.

I ignored your "state of the hobby" thread, but I can't ignore this. I would just like to say- there are truly GREAT and caring, responsible, mannered, and probably worth meeting people in the hobby that you may never get to know, with an attitude like that. Hope it gets you what you're looking for, but I doubt it. Let me know if I can drive to your house and give you some RCS, or a pump we're not using, or a place to hold your fish during a power outage, because I'll still do it. But... think on what you said. Maybe there are reasons to start your own club, and maybe you've prematurely judged what's in front of you.

Just saying.



Mods- do thy will. I stand by in respect, you know this.

[LooksLater]

Wow... just wow.
Hang on.

[BeefyG]

I think you will find most people nowadays have the desire but not the time to take on extra responsibilities. You do realize that it takes having someone in the membership with the will and the time to organize a program in order to have the program in the first place don't you? You could be a great deal more help by joining a current club instead of forming a new one. I hope you find like-minded people and you are able to find what you are looking for in their company. I wish you well but please tone down the condescension. In case you haven't noticed, you're hurting your own cause.

[mistahoo]

"I really could care less about hearing from those enjoying a non structured club"
"let's see if we can develope the idea into a Real Houston Aquariam Society."

really could care less? real aquarium society? these comments are what i found offensive. you didn't even spell aquarium correctly, but you criticize. if you ever needed help, we would be there for you. justdoit, you couldn't have been more right. this community has been there for me during my recent hard times, and i'm sure that if you would be open to having a little fun, you would be welcomed and accepted as i was. we care for each other, and if i seem a bit defensive of the group, it's because this group has been there for me in turn.

I was actually about to say the same thing, but decided to hold my tongue (in this case my fingers lol). We're not about "who's better" or "who's the best". That's child-like thinking. We're about helping each other out and not going at each other throats. Lee, grow up.

[mistahoo]

no message? really? what does this look like?
it means i'm thinking about what you have said and how to respond to it.
mistahoo pretty much hit the nail on the head. at your age you should know that "you attract more flies with honey", basically the problem here is the way your post comes across. you sound like you're judgmental, arrogant, and, well, no fun. have you ever attended a GHAC meeting? you refer to GHAC as "they" and "them", but you've got it wrong. you should be using "you" and "your", because most members on this forum are GHAC members. and you basically just insulted us all. so next time perhaps it might be a good idea to research your audience... and "when in rome"... i feel as though i speak for most of us in saying that we keep fish, and keep this forum, because we enjoy it. it's FUN. and we help each other learn as we go. we are happy with what we have. am i right, guys? please, correct me if i'm wrong...

A shame that judgment has been made against GHAC or any other group here on the Box because when the "worst" or the "best" strikes it's these them & theys you refer to that will drop what they are doing to make things come out on top. From hurricanes, broke down cars on the side of the road, new babies, loss of loved ones, fish emergencies to a big hug-- that's what it's all about. We share a love for our hobby & a bond for each other w/ all our crazy differences to keep things interesting.
This is a big town & a drive most anywhere you go. Can't make many of the activities that GHAC is involved in at times from swap day to zoo tours to helping w/ school aquariums but that doesn't stop me when I can.
Personally they have come to my rescue & I hope I can keep paying it forward. Sure there is always a few users but it doesn't take long to sort them out. They may need a little "help" one day & some of us them & theys will jump right in to help make it right / we will even still be there for you. That's the way it is. I look at my hobby serious, I look at my friends as family. V

Couldn't have said it any better. However, most of the members here on Houston Fish Box are not members of GHAC. There's just a large number of regular posters that are a part of the club.

Lee. Why are you so spiteful? Did something that bad happened to you while growing up? You seem like these rich folks at my workplace. A bunch of snobby rich and spoiled kids (old timers) with no manners who think they're better than everyone and everything because they have some paper.

[allysangels]

"I really could care less about hearing from those enjoying a non structured club"
"let's see if we can develope the idea into a Real Houston Aquariam Society."

really could care less? real aquarium society? these comments are what i found offensive. you didn't even spell aquarium correctly, but you criticize. if you ever needed help, we would be there for you. justdoit, you couldn't have been more right. this community has been there for me during my recent hard times, and i'm sure that if you would be open to having a little fun, you would be welcomed and accepted as i was. we care for each other, and if i seem a bit defensive of the group, it's because this group has been there for me in turn.

[justdoit]

A shame that judgment has been made against GHAC or any other group here on the Box because when the "worst" or the "best" strikes it's these them & theys you refer to that will drop what they are doing to make things come out on top. From hurricanes, broke down cars on the side of the road, new babies, loss of loved ones, fish emergencies to a big hug-- that's what it's all about. We share a love for our hobby & a bond for each other w/ all our crazy differences to keep things interesting.
This is a big town & a drive most anywhere you go. Can't make many of the activities that GHAC is involved in at times from swap day to zoo tours to helping w/ school aquariums but that doesn't stop me when I can.
Personally they have come to my rescue & I hope I can keep paying it forward. Sure there is always a few users but it doesn't take long to sort them out. They may need a little "help" one day & some of us them & theys will jump right in to help make it right / we will even still be there for you. That's the way it is. I look at my hobby serious, I look at my friends as family. V

[Lee]

great to hear from you Fancyfish. I agree with everything you posted. I think, also, the European influence up Norht is a big factor too. Here in Houston Texas the Asian influence is becoming a factor. I have lived in Houston for 28 years, so I've been here for awhile and know of what you speak. Most likely I'll have to have postings at fish shops to see if there is any interest. I just opened a Yahoo group for the sole purpose of finding individuals wanting to form a steering committee to form a new group. I'll also contact the houston Aquarium and see if there is any interest there or help they may provide. For what I can see right now the FISH BOX is populated with a lot of people hostile towards any new group getting off the ground. I'll keep you posted and again thanks for the posting.

Lee

[Fancyfish]

Having been a member of HAS on and off for 20+ years I am sadened by what it has become. But I know that it is the way it is because there is lack of interest in having anything more. When I first joined they had regular monthly meetings, an active Bap/Hap program. They put on yearly shows as well as auctions. They had a great newsletter, as well as other activities. But over the years the founding members have died and they seem to have gotten disorganized except for an excellent auction 3 times a year.
I don't know much about GHAC except that their meetings tend to be in locations distant from where I live. The auction of theirs I attended was fun.

I do wonder how long you have been in Houston. I was raised in Dearborn, MI and I know that the northern fish clubs are very different from what I've found down here. I blame it on the lack of snow. :P Down here there are so many things to do in the winter, that fish just don't seem that important. Also, finding a public meeting place is very difficult. I've been a member of several different clubs and organizations and most meet at people's homes because public places are just not available.

What you are suggesting sounds great to me; I just don't think you will get much interest. And, unfortunatly I'm not in a position to help start up any clubs at this time.

Good luck!

[allysangels]

no message? really? what does this look like?
it means i'm thinking about what you have said and how to respond to it.
mistahoo pretty much hit the nail on the head. at your age you should know that "you attract more flies with honey", basically the problem here is the way your post comes across. you sound like you're judgmental, arrogant, and, well, no fun. have you ever attended a GHAC meeting? you refer to GHAC as "they" and "them", but you've got it wrong. you should be using "you" and "your", because most members on this forum are GHAC members. and you basically just insulted us all. so next time perhaps it might be a good idea to research your audience... and "when in rome"... i feel as though i speak for most of us in saying that we keep fish, and keep this forum, because we enjoy it. it's FUN. and we help each other learn as we go. we are happy with what we have. am i right, guys? please, correct me if i'm wrong...

[Lee]

I'd also say, if my concept has merit, we can get this rolling. If I am way out in left field and am the only one wanting a great structured group in Houston, well then there will be little interest and it won't happen. If what is out there now makes all the fish lovers in Houston happy nobody is going to respond positively to my proposal. So for others reading this, I don't plan to get into some pissing contest on here. That was not my purpose in the post. If you like my idea, contact me privately. I'll get back to those wanting to get involved. For those happy with what you have now, god bless you. Have a nice day.

So in order to keep this thread from getting hateful, I will not respond to any further to negative remarks. For those having positive interest please contact me privately.

Lee
pulsarair@yahoo.com