Ok....The first thing I want to say is how much I support Al and Monty on the wonderful job they do in getting such a huge event organized and so successful. I know there are numerous things that you do that go un-noticed and it's got to be a very hard job trying to keep such a group from all walks of life under control and staying in harmony. Everyone has their own opinion and we all always think we're right. I know they spend time trying to put out fires when folks might get their feelings hurt....usually over something that could just be a misunderstanding and with a little mediation it can usually get worked out. This can't be a fun job and I'm sure if we knew the half of what they have to do there wouldn't be ANYONE that would want the job. Again, I say THANK YOU.
Now..there has been some discussion on here about more folks getting involved. I have only been a part of this site for a little over a year. This will be our third POOPS and I just can't wait. The first POOPS we went to we didn't know a single soul and it was really hard to get my DH to go. Well, believe it or not I didn't say much that first time....we didn't have an active role cause we were new. We did however help to clean up and whatever else we could do. I already knew that I wanted to become an active part of this group just from lurking on BYC and what time I had had the nerve to talk to some folks. We stayed for the "aftermeeting" and found out how to become actively involved.
This statement that was made this morning was very disturbing to me....
"I'm sure there are more people who want to get involved. I do remember a couple of times folks wanting to step up and help organize the event, but were discouraged from doing so and suggested to defer to you and Monty. Maybe that's why you guys keep having to do so much of the organizing every time."
I hope I'm just misunderstanding what was said. If I did then I apologize for saying anything. Monty and Al were the original organizers for POOPS. They are the leaders of this event and under them are folks that have shown that they want to be an active part of this event. It's not ANYONE'S place to try to change that.
If you want to be an active part then start volunteering....specifically. Don't just say you want to be a part...contact the proper people. I know that Carah has posted she needs people to help in the kitchen, Monty has stated that if you want to be involved in the entertainment then to contact me. I've had 1 person contact me....although others had already been contacted before.
I don't think it's the organization that is so hard on Monty and Al. I think it's the having to put out "fires" when something doesn't go just the way some folks think it should. I've seen this same thing happen at all 3 POOPS...and it's always just before we have the event. But thankfully it has always gone off wonderfully.
We have a wonderful event going here. We have many wonderful people on here with a common goal. Let's get behind our leaders, offer our help to the proper areas, and keep this event going in the right direction. We all have to work together and be very understanding with a group this large. If you really want to become involved then stay for the "aftermeeting" after POOPS is over and see what's going on.
By the way, last fall there were only a dozen or so that stayed for the "aftermeeting" to prepare for this POOPS. So, there you have it in a nutshell.
