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MCA Ideas

Just back from the theatre and local steakhouse so am in a fair relaxed mood.  It occured to me on the way home why don't we run an IDEAS thread on the MCA site.  By this I mean a thread where every member whether in N America or overseas like me can post their ideas for possible development routes and activities for the MCA and its web site.

Many members either can't or will never attend meetings and of course we overseas never will.  But such a thread - call it a forum in its own right if you like - could serve as a posting ground for ideas and queries about MCA on an everyday basis.  These could be read , digested and considered by the board for possible discussion and action at their meetings. This way ideas would be gently considered over time and not just rushed at a meeting.  It would bring a true openess to the MCA but it must of course be on a totally civilised and polite basis.

So - what's the thinking on this?

I'll make a start by suggesting that there is a real need to work out how we can find a method for non members to reply/contribute to the web site as we are undoubtedly now missing out on many potentially useful replies and original contributions which we did have in the past.

Using this as an example of an IDEA the board have plenty of time to discuss this and possibly/hopefully come up with a solution in due course - or of course with due reason kick it in to touch.  No rush - just lets get IDEAS aired and on the table and in the melting pot.

John

RE:MCA Ideas

Hi John,

That is a great idea.  Some times there are things that happen that could be better explained to the membership as well.  I personally think the web site will begin to bring someof this information to the membership as we continue to improve the site. It will take time, however.

An idea the board has been working on for about three is trying to find a location for another plow/ plant/ harvest event.  Maybe there is someone out there who would invite the membership onto about 100 acres of tillable acreage to re-create the "Great Planting" and Great Harvest"?  Any takers!!?!?!?

Gary



RE:MCA Ideas

Good on you Gary!  That's exactly the sort of thing that I was hoping an IDEAS thread would bring forward.

It's a question of sowing seeds and seeing which ones, over time, germinate and then come to fruition.  I hope it will be a two way feature with members coming on with ideas and then board members coming back with their feelings about what can be done to advance IDEAS over time as and when finance and organisation can be arranged.  This way board members will not be goaded at meetings but will be well aware of what IDEAS are out there that members would like considered.

It's rather like the difference between a micro wave meal and a slow pot roast - the slow cooking pot roast comes out better every time!

John

RE:MCA Ideas

Hey, You were talking about Joe and Malcolm bringing everything around to food and there you up and did it!!  A pot roast WOULD taste good about now!! 

GTE

RE:MCA Ideas

Gary -

One must never lose site of the fact that the prime purpose of a Massey is to produce FOOD.  It must therefore always be foremost in our mind to appreciate and eat FOOD.

Two of MCAs top massey collectors clearly realise this!!!!

john

RE:MCA Ideas

Well another great thread for everyone to throw their ideas out onto the discussion table for the Board of Directors to chew over and take what they feel are good ideas for formal discussion at future MCA meetings to ensure growth and progression of MCA for it's members in the future.


I am very pleased  you pointed out the purpose of Massey developing products over the years from humble roots in 1847 to put food on our table, had it not been for this MASSEY WOULD OF NEVER COLLECTED THE NICEST PEOPLE and we would not of known each other!!!    

All food for thought!

Malcolm.

RE:MCA Ideas

Two other things I would like to see are:

Some of the threads from the old site .e.g. the Wallis thread reinstated on this new site.  Surely it must be possible to check the files out for viruses and what have you and re-install them?

MCA members who live in the Racine area to get together and form a group specifically to research and document the history of the Wallis/MH Racine plant.  There must be a lot of personal memories, photos or data to be collected up.  I have raised this at two of the Massey National banquets but it hasnn't been taken up.   Great shame if it isn't taken up as all the folk who worked in that era are sadly fast departing us.  I have done it for the Manchester, Liverpool and Kilmarnock factories here and I can assure you that it is worth doing.

Any chance of Mike P persuading such a venture into existence???

And maybe there are Massey friends out in Australia, S Africa and France who could do the same before it is too late

John

RE:MCA Ideas

Just to give this MCA idea's thread a nudge to the top since it has gone very quiet!!

Has the MCA Board any plans to market more merchandise? I remember buying cloth patches with the logo on and a bottle of  MCA water a few years ago, think I have drunk the water and the empty bottle is on my display shelves with the patch, just shows how we keep all things with Massey on!!!!

What about calenders, diaries, pens, pencils, books, badges and Christmas cards etc?? I know it all requires managing, both online and at shows but there are Massey customers out there with some money to spend. 
With the National Show only a few weeks away you could be preparing to offer a serice to your members.

Malcolm

RE:MCA Ideas

Although there is nothing that I am aware that will be for sale, one of the things we will be gearing up for is to have the membership (and others) pay for items thru PayPal.  It might be items we sale or it might be as simple as your annual membership.  Hopefully, once we get that in place it will be easier to make things more readily available to you and others.

Currently I know we have some new MCA patches you mentioned and we have 8 of the 16 MCA DVDs produced and available.  And if someone wants a very rare bottle of MCA water, I can probably find one or two dozen of them as well!!

PayPal is coming out with a small reader called PayPal Here.  It attaches to your smart phone and allows you to pay with a credit/debit card from just about anywhere.  We are awaiting our reader.  (have been since the middle of March!!)

Speaking of buying - there is a very nice home & barn on 23 acres coming to auction next week just down the road from me.  You might want to think about a satellite office for you business. Nice country setting within 20 minutes of an International Airport and 30 minutes to downtown Indianapolis!!.  Right in the middle of the populated USA!!  This place has your name all over it!!

I can help you make it happen.  Just let me know!!

GTE

RE:MCA Ideas

I think it would be a good idea for MCA to have a good "travelling shop" around shows and also items listed in the newsletters.  When I was a director of Friends of Ferguson Heritage we had a wide range of merchandising on offer and it certainly made a significant contribution to club income - and still does
John