Why is Soaring declining

"Shawn Curry" wrote in message
news:lldfc.36026$wP1.136994@attbi_s54...
Bill Daniels wrote:
"John H. Campbell" wrote in message
...

Agreed. But my intended point was that the vision was wrong. The focus
of the article was "how can we get the SSA to grow" where the focus
should have been "how can we get the sport to grow".

Point taken, and I am among those constantly lobbying for SSA to
shoulder
systematic PR for the sport (staff member, press room,...). However,
consider Bob Wander's point from years ago already that SSA membership
is
the most convenient tool there is to draw people in! For a mere $64
(less
than the cost of a one-time ride at many operations) and a few clicks

online

or moments filling out a card, new prospects get 12 months of
propaganda.
Like the HYCBAGP tri-fold says (originally written back in 1978 or so

IIRC)

"There's more, but there isn't room to say it here. What do you do
next?
We suggest... you become a member of (SSA)..."





So, John, SSA membership causes soaring to grow? Isn't it the other way
around?

I don't think I have ever known of even one new glider pilot to come to
the
sport through the SSA. On the other hand, hard working commercial
soaring
operations promoting rides to the public are probably responsible for
90% of
the few new pilots we get. If they could get a little help with that
promotion from the SSA, they could do an even better job.

Bill you got me thinking (remembering really). I was an SSA member when
I was 15 for one year, intending to learn to fly. Even with a glider
operation within bike riding distance at that time (Old Black Forest) I
didn't start to fly until I was in my late 20's. Money wasn't the
issue, I was an industrious teen. Such an easy catch and they still
missed me for a dozen years.

Shawn

You know, that's a shame. Young people are the easiest catches - if we
cater to them.

I've actually been called names for spending time with young people,
listening to them and encouraging their flying.

We're really our own worst enemy. Sad...

Bill Daniels