Goodbye AOS

[susiep]

Wow! Some people are very passionate about this topic. I am very curious about why it angers some people so much. But here goes...

I belong because I think AOS has a positive influence on orchid growing and orchids as a hobby. I enjoy the magazine for what it is (just a magazine) and even the ads. It is interesting to see what vendors have to offer. Sometimes I see ads for businesses that I know and I am glad to see they belong to AOS, too. Some of the articles interest me and some don't. I always like the pictures. And there are ads in all magazines. Just don't look at them if they don't interest you.

Perhaps I look at this differently because even if AOS didn't give the magazine, I would still belong to AOS. Just like I belong to professional organizations because they are part of my profession. There is no rule that says I must belong. I choose to be part of the organizations that support my profession. In the journals I receive for belonging to these organizations, I like some articles and not others. And I pay a lot more for those magazines (journals). But they are the voice of my profession. They are the lobbyists, the watchdogs, whatever you want to call them and they speak up for us in Washington, in local politics, in public relations, etc. And even though I don't always agree with the direction, I appreciate what the organizations are trying to do. Keep my profession strong. I don't expect any more than that from AOS. I think they are doing a good job and that they always have.

I live in S Florida and have been able to go to the AOS gardens twice. It is very small but nice. Not extravagant, but very respectable for the headquarters of such a large organization. I have to say I feel kind of proud of it. It is the home of the organization that represents something very special to me.. Orchids!

AOS cannot be all things to all its members. We are too diverse. All in all, I still think they do a good job at presenting orchids to the world.

[shakkai]

Originally Posted by ronaldhanko

Perhaps this is the heart of the problem. Both the articles and the ads in the original AOS Bulletin will show that the primary purpose of the AOS was to provide a forum and information for ordinary orchid growers. That does not appear to be its primary purpose any longer, but perhaps the problem is that it is trying to be too many things to too many people.

It may be that the world has changed and a print magazine is not the best way to fulfill that purpose any more. However, it seems that many members still want it to fulfill that purpose - which creates a problem.

I assume the AOS has a forum on its website? How many people use that forum & how useful is it?

Perhaps as the AOS sees its role changing, it is trying to find its new place and function. Rather than compete with other things that have taken over this role of providing basic information for ordinary growers. Perhaps that new role is to encourage more people into the orchid hobby, perhaps it is education, perhaps it is conservation, or advocacy (as Susie points out, this is an important role for national organizations), perhaps it is something else. Whatever it is, it needs to be very clear and direct and it then needs to consider the best form of communicating that mission to members and to the public, and the best means to achieve that mission, and then the best way of communicating what it has achieved.


There were several threads here on OB that had participation from people within the AOS administration. (Since AOS is such a common 'word' here, the search wouldn't work without other keywords, so I couldn't find more than one.) From what I recall one thread revolved mainly around education. Going to the AOS webite to look up their 'mission' it states:

The American Orchid Society's mission is to promote and support the passion for orchids through education, conservation, and research.

Now, does the magazine (one of the primary topics of debate in this thread) directly achieve one of these three key goals of their mission? Can it? Or is it there primarily to inform members of what has been achieved in these areas by other methods?

Is there a major research article each month? Is there an educational article each month? Is there something about orchid conservation each month? (i.e. are they fulfilling their stated aims?)

These are all really just random thoughts. And in fact, aren't necessarily about the AOS in particular (as I mentioned in my previous post, the same problems as being discussed here are problems for all membership based societies, especially gardening/plant ones). I am actually 'thinking aloud' and hoping to get some thoughts and ideas that can be applied by any such society.

[goodgollymissmolly]

Nice post as usual, Shannen.

I think you make some basic points that might be often overlooked. Every business has a vision statement, a mission statement, and a set of goals. They derive directly from the organizations business plan.

AOS has always had these things but they were poorly stated and followed. The current management has really focused on this issue and solidified these items. As you stated they are education, conservation, and research. The president recently said every action the organization initiates will be analyzed against these aims. Of course I have "staggering" lack of knowledge about AOS or anything else.

In answer to your question..AOS is primarily aiming at the magazine (which is popular in spite of the comments here), the judging system which most acknowledge is the best in the world, and the web site which needs and is being improved rapidly.

Kiki says she is far from headquarters. You live in Maine Kiki. I'm not close either and I've previously stated that in my opinion the move to south Florida and the acquisition of a huge recurring maintenance expense was a big mistake. The current management did not make this mistake, they inherited the headquarters which is now a huge problem.

The organization in retrospect should have geared itself to a fixed expense supported by about 10,000 members so it could better cut back in times like these. I have to say which of you saw this this economic mess coming? The best financial minds in the world failed to see the depth of this decline. AOS is adjusting and a number of good ideas are on hold.

Epi you can complain about the on-line magazine all you want...it only takes money to get it done. I'm not critisizing you , I just need you to understand that there is no money...be sure you see that...no money. The plan has been to put the magazines on line..that and nothing else is going to happen at this time.

It's catch 22. We need more members to support the current structure. That is not likely in this economy. We will surely lose more for the short term. However, to some the retrenchment will cause them to leave resulting in fewer members just when we need more.

The basic organization will survive. I have no inside info, but I'd bet the headquarters building and real estate is history. I hope not, but hope isn't going to get it done. Things are bad both inside and outside AOS. get on the boat and help out here!

Things any better in England, Shannen? I knew it was getting bad here, but I never guessed how bad. I guess I have a lot of company.

[goodgollymissmolly]

Below are the last two paragraphs of the presidents recent message:

"So, in these difficult times, we will continue on a stable yet prudent path; we will produce an award-winning monthly publication, we will develop our Web site to improve communication with the membership, and we will provide monthly judging at our Judging Centers as well as provide the necessary support to all of the orchid societies and shows.
We hope that with all of these changes, and with your support, we will be able to weather the storm so that when the economy recovers, we can continue to grow as an organization with a passion for orchids.

Carlos Fighetti
AOS President"

Considering that he is apparently trying to avoid panic, this is a pretty dire message. Read it carefully and you will see what will be protected..I believe everything else is on the block.

[shakkai]

I think that most large organizations are going to have to go back to their key missions and really focus their resources. This is the same in the US as in the UK. That said, I don't think our economy - despite our governments best efforts! - is in as precarious a position as the US economy is. Only time will tell.

Perhaps some forms of 'partnerships' are the way forward with different organizations/service providers contributing their focus areas to provide a 'complete' service for members.

[isurus79]

Ive been following this thread for a while and I just have to say, the AOS magazine is the only one that I get (and yes I am a subscriber to Nat Geo) that I actually say "whoo hooo!!" every time it comes in the mail! I love the articles, I love the pictures and I even enjoy the ads because I like to see what vendors have what new critters. Certainly the price is a bit steep and I could do without the pics of 'orchid people' hobnobing at some function or the other, but I really enjoy the magazine! I loved the magazine when I was 14 and I love it now at 29. Keep up the good work AOS!

[orchideric]

To Camille,

I am sorry to hear of disarray in the French Society. That said, one of the best contributions to orchids comes from the French journal Richardiana which has proven an effective, efficient, rapid clearing house for new species. It is not meant for growers, except self-styled speces nuts, but it fills a distinct role. Viva la France.

To Susanne,

I am not rising to your bait. Besides, Kiki and Thumper quite effectively addressed your point. Blame the actual [pro-AOS] basher.

Constructive input would be for all reading this to look into the Orchid Digest and Orchid Review as viable alternatives to the AOS. Both journals consistently have a better mix of articles and avoid all the pictures of elite banquets and the like that seem to preoccupy the current AOS leadership.

All for now, Eric

[cb977]

To Susanne,

I am not rising to your bait. Besides, Kiki and Thumper quite effectively addressed your point. Blame the actual [pro-AOS] basher.

Eric, I am not now, nor have I ever, tried to "bait" you.

I really don't care one way or another about the AOS. Yes, I am a member and that is my choice. I am neither for nor against anybody else's joining or not joining. It's none of my business or anybody else's what people choose do with their money.

What I have a problem with is the way you've spoken to some of our other members here. It's not an AOS issue, it's a respect issue.

As I said in my earlier post, you have contributed a lot of great information here and it has always been appreciated. As long as your posts do not insult another member of Orchidboard, you are a welcomed member of our community.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by orchideric

To Camille,

I am sorry to hear of disarray in the French Society. That said, one of the best contributions to orchids comes from the French journal Richardiana which has proven an effective, efficient, rapid clearing house for new species. It is not meant for growers, except self-styled speces nuts, but it fills a distinct role. Viva la France.

Thanks for the info Eric. I just had a look at their website, and there are some pretty interesting articles listed in the summary. The one of the loss of orchid biodiversity in the south of france seems really interesting. I'm thinking that I might get a subscription since it's quite cheap. Very scientific articles don't scare me, I read plenty of those for school!

[goodgollymissmolly]

Did anyone enjoy the January Orchid Digest? You can't even pretend that you get anything but the magazine for $8.75 an issue. This was truly an awful magazine. A God awful number of ugly offspring of Paph vietnamense pictured. That's about it.