Re: Online ATMJ

["Bill Cook" <atmj1@conceptsnet.com>]

Hello to All:

I have been conditioned that when I pipe up on any topic relating to ATM
Journal more than twice in a 48 hour period, I make myself a target to a
number of non-ATMA members who want to ream me for my hard-drivin', blood
thirsty commercialism. So, I will make this as brief as I can. .. I will
too!

First, as Barlow mentioned, #16, which goes to press next week, will have a
complete list of articles from TM. Choose away and let Barlow know.

Secondly, I have already talked to the CEO of Captain's about putting select
articles on our ATMJ website. They would be in full color and could be
downloadable. I will keep you posted and I am open for your suggestions.

Michael [Lindner] says that for every 1000 persons in a membership,
readership, or individuals on the LIST, 50 will actually volunteer to help
with something. If Michael can get that kind of response, he is a MUCH
better man than me. I have NEVER garnered that much support.

I sit at my desk looking at a map of the US that I divided into 13 regions.
I put out the word (on the ATM LIST) that I needed volunteers to send out a
few letters and make a few phone calls in those regions to try to gen up
business in schools and libraries. Reaching more than 1000 ATMA members
(ATMJ readers), less than a DOZEN folks answered the call. Most wanted to
know what was entailed. I offered 3 levels of involvement. Heck, I even
offered rewards - the chance of getting a new 16x70 FMT from Fujinon would
have certainly gotten my attention. Still, most folks were not interested in
helping. When all was said and done, ONE person said, "Well, it looks like I
have region ____. What would you like me to do?" I felt like Travis at the
Alamo when all the men crossed over. (Actually, I think they thought he
said, "Who wants pizza?") I gave out no assignment. There was no need. I was
no longer looking at a program; I was looking at a favor. And, if we go back
to the Alamo analogy, we have a graphic example of what too few volunteers
can do when up against a large task - regardless of their dedication. Yep, I
have Buchroeder and Gregory. But then Travis had Crockett and Bowie, didn't
he?

I support anything that will help promote our hobby - especially to the
upcoming generation. However, if we keep dividing our efforts, all those
efforts will fall short of the ideal. To me it's a matter of, "Why don't ya
dance with the one what brung ya." ATMJ is a simple little rag that I am
doing the best I can to keep going despite the business realities of the
matter. But I can't, in good faith, continue to do so, if more and more of
you are finding ALL you want or need on the net. I will NEVER be the editor
Richard Berry is. Still, I challenge anyone to compare any issue of TM
(backed Kalmbach's millions) to any issue of ATMJ (back by Bill's pennies)
and tell me where I have fostered an inferior publication. Mark my words (as
a long time telescope maker and not a publisher), if ATMJ should fall -
through apathy or anything else - the very people who allowed it to happen
will be the most vocal in placing it on the gold pedestal next to TM. 'Seems
the best prophets are always the dead ones. A pity really.

Just a thought.

Bill