Attention TMA!

[Spotted Bull]

Hey it's the Bull! And I need a bunch of information from ALL of our registered users. I posted this same message in the Members Only Section. Now I want our non-paying users to chime in. And I'm sure that you have seen these type of posts before. But I really would like a LOT of the membership to contribute to the thread for me.

First, is the TMA a sound investment for $15 a year? If so, what here makes it so? If not, what can we do to make it so?

Second, how do we get the "non-paying customers' to pay up and be full members?

Third, how do we get more people to contribute by posting? I know, I know you all want to lurk around and just read and learn. But we also need EVERYONE'S input to make this not just a great web forum but also a great association to be a part of.

Lastly, what can we do better? What areas do we need to improve? What areas do we need to eliminate? What can we as an association provide to you personally that will make/help you promote this association?

No holds barred guys! Let us have it. There will be no I'll will or any hard feelings. I need to know this stuff as the newest President.

Wouldn't it be awesome if some day soon, people in the muzzleloading/reenactment community said, hey the NMLRA and the TMA are both the places to get information, etc about what we do.

And the TMA folks can help you out with ________!

 You guys are why we are here. Let me hear from you. If you don't want to post it here, send me a PM. Or an email. If its important enough I may even send you my phone number.

Thanks
David Shook

[Spotted Bull]

Wow!!

19 views and no comments...

[Oldetexian]

  Sorry about that, Bull. I thought I responded. My bad.

[Spotted Bull]

Sorry about that, Bull. I thought I responded. My bad.

I'm sure you responded to the members only post.

[JB67]

The sound of crickets is deafening...

[rollingb]

The sound of crickets is deafening...

Maybe,.... just maybe,... folks are comfortable with what we have now, so they ain't got nuthin' much to say. 

[Spotted Bull]

The sound of crickets is deafening...

Maybe,.... just maybe,... folks are comfortable with what we have now, so they ain't got nuthin' much to say. 

Yup, maybe so.

[JB67]

The sound of crickets is deafening...

Maybe,.... just maybe,... folks are comfortable with what we have now, so they ain't got nuthin' much to say. 

But is the TMA comfortable with it? Maybe it has nothing to do with comfort but how far off the radar we are.

[Ohio Joe]

I don't recall the TMA ever being overly busy when nice weather rolled around, and in its own way this may be a good thing as it can signal that folks are out doing things - be it living the hobby, or just enjoying the outdoors. 

[rollingb]

The sound of crickets is deafening...

Maybe,.... just maybe,... folks are comfortable with what we have now, so they ain't got nuthin' much to say. 

But is the TMA comfortable with it? Maybe it has nothing to do with comfort but how far off the radar we are.

Of course we all wish we'd have a gazillion TMA members,.... but to expect that of a non-profit organization (operating with limited funds), and dedicated strictly to the preservation of traditional muzzleloading,.... makes attracting folks interested in a dwindling sport, extra difficult.

The big reason the NMLRA opened it's doors to include other guns,.... was to counter their loss of members interested in traditional muzzleloaders.

The TMA's current situation is entirely different from that of any other organization. 

Also,.... take a look at companies like Thompson/Center Arms, and Connecticut Valley Arms, (and a host of other companies that once sold entry level traditional muzzleloaders in the past),.... they don't even offer traditional muzzleloaders in their line-ups anymore.    

I (personally) consider our TMA members, to be an elite group of folks BECAUSE of our relatively low membership numbers (sort'a like the AMM, and the COHT).       

[SharpStick]

Once I caught the muzzle stuffing bug I had no difficulty finding TMA and quickly recognized it as a good place to be.
So is the TMA really off the radar?
Does the TMA need to change?
Does the website need improvement?

I'm not yet convinced. Perhaps what is needed is for us to

• identify active muzzle stuffers who don't know about TMA and introduce ourselves
• identify active muzzle stuffers who know about TMA and ask why they don't join
• take/make opportunities to introduce traditional muzzleloader shooting to others

For 1 and 2 I'm thinking I should get involved with a local group's activities.  The range where I mostly shoot now has isolated the muzzleloader shooting away from most shooters, limiting interaction. Participating with a local group might result in TMA stickers, shirts, etc. acquiring more attention.
When I'm at the range I always offer to let others, particularly young folk, shoot with my muzzle loader.  I figure it might incite a spark of interest. And I'm always looking for other ways to share the fun.

I guess I'm saying the TMA doesn't need to change, but we individually need to be more active at sharing and inviting.

[rollingb]

Them's some good words SharpStick!