On 6/11/2010 1:47 PM, RL wrote:
The inherent problem is a self-serving “system” that has evolved into
the absurd over the years. The focus is on procedures rather than
results.

I suspect (as in, am just about 99.98276% certain!) this 'focus on
procedures' is an easy trap for folks 'in the IGC position' to fall
into. That noted, put me in the category of agreeing a 'real O.O.'
shouldn't let stuff like [Scott A.'s oversight] happen on his watch;
plenty of blame to go around.

For the record, while wearing my O.O. hat, I never had a badge
application fail/be-returned for any reason...when the requirements
changed with new technology and it was too much personal hassle to
remain 'up' on them, I simply stowed my O.O. hat.)
- - - - - -

Snip...
SSA currently has a
group working on some of these issues, but as you’ve often heard the
Chairman say, the Staff relies on members to get things done. I would
suggest a small uprising of SSA members focused on reforming badge
flight documentation would an appropriate action. A grass-roots
effort to put the fun back in badge flying… now there’s an idea! A
couple of thousand e-mail messages to SSA HQ, or your Regional
Director, would be a good start for a grass-roots movement to reform
an out-dated bureaucratic badge system.
Management 101 - assign responsibility for the project to whomever
thought it up - at least that person cared enough to think and whine
about things!

Whiners take note...if you *really* care, be prepared to follow-up and
take action.
- - - - - -

So, what would rational, functional, and user-friendly badge flight
documentation look like?

GREAT QUESTION!!! - don't be shy with responses! And don't imagine that
because this is a 'U.S. problem' that all the good ideas can come only
from the U.S.

Quite possibly here's a chance for RAS to genuinely benefit a bit of the
sport we all love...by becoming a central repository for ideas.

My 'forest' list includes:
- define the forest before diving into the trees (i.e. What're our
goal[s]? For whom? Who gets hurt if anyone cheats? KISS.)
- I don't care too much about the trees until we're in general agreement
about the nature of the forest...

Bob W.