AMCA Facebook page

[exeric]

And while i'm on a roll I noticed whoever it is asking for new members to join the AMCA via facebook?
My opinion but why would anyone spend 40 bucks in this day and age to join when you could just go on facebook and get you fill?
Someone is not thinking? 46

Facebook is a fad, the AMCA is an established organization that has survived, and thrived for 61 years.

[46EL]

Yes it is a fad but that fad will outlive me at 59 years old most probably.
And yes the AMCA is an established organization. But so was the American Legion.
And how many of them closed here in the USA in the last 10 years.
And the Masons and Eastern Star also as those organizations are dwindling to a point of extinction.
Plus how many others?
The studies have been done as far as the age of the average AMCA Member.
And from what I remember the long range outlook is not too good. 46

[exeric]

I can certainly understand your concerns, but I think the nature of motorcycles is as appealing to youth, as sex. Motorcycles are not a stodgy old hobby and will always have that dangerously addictive attraction for the young. I also believe that our culture's fascination with social media, and virtual reality is also a fad that will run it's course when people become disillusioned with the ethereal, shallowness of a techno-world with no substance. If people don't forsake the virtual world for reality, I don't see a future for much of anything.

[46EL]

In a lot of ways Eric I hope you are right. But personally when it comes to Motorcycles and youth all I pretty much see are fairly new pushbutton bikes purchased from NON USA manufacturers and they are bought with a credit card or financed. Not many young kids today can afford a new Big Twin from H-D yet alone the cost of the Insurance that goes with it. And that stems from the job market and flippin burgers doesn't allow for extra expensive toys. I was born in New Britain CT the "hardware Capitol" of the world and the home of Corbin Speedometers. In 1976 at 21 yrs old i bought a new 76FX for $3500 bucks. That was a lot of money back then but I had a good manufacturing job. Today New Britain is the "Welfare Capitol of the world. And the economy there is so bad even the local Chevrolet Dealership closed because of the lack of a blue collar workforce. And when the dealerships building and property were sold the only buyer was the Catholic Cemetary next door for the property.

[T. Cotten]

"As appealing to youth, as sex", Eric?

What Folks are leaving out of the equation is that nostalgia does not afflict the young.

....Cotten

[stevekleincustom]

"My personal opinion and thought is why bother spending money on a club membership which includes a magazine when you can go online and get instant gratification via the facebook page"

Good Morning to all AMCA Members and Forum Users;
I had an extra cup of Joe this morning and found this thread entertaining. So I would like to toss my "two cents" in to stimulate the conversation a bit more perhaps. Here are some realities in society today and the AMCA simply needs to decide if we participate in the constant changes in communication or not, I believe our AMCA BoD has decided that "Change Can Be Good" and they also know that along with change comes some issues. As stated by someone earlier in this thread the original intent on starting a Facebook Page was to put the AMCA front and center in view of an entire generation of motorcycle enthusiasts whom will not otherwise find our AMCA Website and certainly will never attend this Forum. Face it. today's society are addicted to cell phones. It is rare to see someone driving their car anymore that they do not have their phone in their left hand distracting them. (why no one uses their turn signals anymore unless all auto manufacturers change the lever to the right side of the steering column Facebook Administration is done by 5 very dedicated AMCA Members. And they do a fine job. But it is not a full time job and yes with 18,000 followers a certain small percentage will use language that we older folks deem inappropriate (pussies, f-bomb etc..) but that they personally do not deem inappropriate as they hear/use it themselves many times a day. These get posted and given a half day, they are in fact removed. Additional volunteers from our "Older AMCA Membership" could help this effort. We older members could serve as an additional "filter" of what is appropriate image of our Club. But too many longer in the tooth AMCA Members are reticent to ongoing change in the world and rather than learn how to use Facebook (far easier than learning how to use the Forum) they complain. The older we get, the more "comfortable we stay" with "what we know" and "what we care not to be bothered with" anymore in life. Change is inevitable. The issue is that changes in technology, information, communication are speeding up faster every single day.

So what are the "positives" of Facebook, Instagram and whatever the next new communication venue to come. 1) 18,000+ people now belong to the AMCA Facebook Page. That is 18,000 people who formerly did not know about of pay attention to the AMCA prior to last year. I call that a great success. Look past those whom could clean up their act more with their attitudes and language... 2) and 17,800 more people are able to view pictures of old bikes, watch videos of old bikes running, being restored, racing and riding. 3) The ability to advertise parts and machines for sale on FB also reaches a lot more people and is easier to view and navigate than The Forum and EBay while one is sitting in stop and go traffic on your evening commute home. Perhaps the AMCA Board should advise the Administrators to develop some professional one page "Membership Benefits Advertisements" that get posted each week that funnel people to our AMCA Website so that a definable percentage of those in the 18,000 strong "Facebook Followers" group can actually become AMCA Members?

Factoid: The AMCA membership average age is now 60/61 (the last I was told). If we do not remain "flexible" and try to "adapt to ongoing changes in society" we will likely become like many classic car clubs and eventually cease to exist as our existing members become inactive and eventually pass on. What concerns me greatly is not how popular Facebook has become, but how unpopular The Forum has become. I am told by an AMCA Board Member recently at Davenport that only around 1% of all AMCA Members even use the Forum. My last concern is that printed magazines are becoming dinosaurs just like newspapers. Should the AMCA not also go digital on the Internet with the AMCA Magazine to try to perpetuate that great resource and benefit of the AMCA?

I love the History of the AMCA and certainly wish that it lives another 60 years. But any company or organization must pay attention and adapt. Kodak did not embrace digital photography until too late and camera film became a dinosaur... as did their company. Maybe this was 3 cents here. All in good spirit however.

For the Love of the Sport;

[stevekleincustom]

By The Way... An unfortunate but real inherent issue with today's society being addicted to their "cell phones" is that these same "smart devices' owned by many "not so smart people" do "empower them" to be able to immediately spew their "attitudes, beliefs and opinions" far too easily without the requisite thought process of should I say this or not. Once the "send button" has been hit... The resultant garbage goes to everyone. Much like junk mail in my US Post Office Box out at the road mounted on the fence post... I just toss those pieces of "junk mail" in the burn barrel back at the house. This is the reason all "smart devices" also have a "trash can icon" on them.
"4 cents?"

[exeric]

I'm 63, so I'm in the 'codger' demographic. When I first joined the AMCA, circa 1974 it was largely codgers, with a scattering of long-haired odd balls like me. The AMCA was a small club, but a successful one with active, enthusiastic members. Now the AMCA is quite large, with a core of dedicated members, but also a revolving door membership of people who come and go. I don't believe a club has to be big to be good; or successful. I also believe that, come what may, the AMCA will survive.

As for this forum; I think it lost it's base when it became too restrictive. I haunt Buzz Kanter's CAIMAG forum much more than the AMCA forum because there is greater participation there. I think the AMCA needs to drop the membership requirement here for general participation, but keep it in place for the library, and shopping. I believe we would recruit more members if they could come to a successful forum, with the vast archive that has been built here over many years. When I hear people bad mouth the AMCA forum on the CAIMAG forum, I always remind them that the CAIMAG forum only exists because of the great generosity of Buzz. If he had to pull the plug on it, it would be gone forever. The AMCA forum is sanctioned by the club and it is stable. Unfortunately, a successful formula is hard to put in a bottle.

[pisten-bully]

1) 18,000+ people now belong to the AMCA Facebook Page. That is 18,000 people who formerly did not know about of pay attention to the AMCA prior to last year.

I'd be curious to know if AMCA membership has increased due to a Facebook presence. I have this feeling that the answer may be "sure, a little bit" or something like that. Just have to wonder if by opening up to and courting new members on social media platforms the Club is trying to be something that it is not.

Hey, loud pipes save lives... I read it on the AMCA Facebook page.

[stevekleincustom]

Well stated Mr. Smith!
I would however not put you in the "codger" category just yet (I know you were being lite hearted with that statement) I for one enjoy your posts. I may not "exactly" agree with all that gets posted on the Forum at all times, but I do respect all peoples opinions and it gives all of us varying viewpoints on all topics. Age is a state of mind (after one removes the actual advancing aches and pains.) I have a 90 year old Aunt that is very active on the internet and social media such as email, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (et all). She remains mentally young because she is able to read many differing articles, opinions and keeps her mind active and up to speed on the world even though her body may not allow her to travel outside her home much. I personally define "codgers" as being those whom are not interested in other opinions other than their own, are resistant to change outside their comfort level, or otherwise are far too quick to decide in their own mind what the other person's position or motivation on a particular topic must be without knowing enough facts to make such "assumption." Sir...Please stay involved in the AMCA. We need "all ages of Enthusiasts" blended together in a common effort to keep the AMCA alive and well for another 60 years. Presidents and Boards come and go... But the membership is what has always made up the AMCA.

[duffeycycles]

Has the average age of AMCA members ever been below 55 or maybe 60?....and it has survived since '54.I think the AMCA library is open to public,just not free downloads

[Skirted]

A friend just pointed out to me last night a post on the facebook page asking members on that page to join the AMCA.
And right above that someone drops the F-Bomb when he asking about petcock seals or something.
Real classy, makes a nice impression on all of us. make up some rules about profanity and anyone breaking them are instantly banned from the forum.
It's not like I myself have never used vulgar language but there is a time and place for everything.
Someone in this Club with a little of authority should give this entire mess a second thought.
Garbage like that by what might be a non member or even a member is a reflection of this hobby and it paints a picture that is not pretty.
As far as it being a reflection of what this Club stands for it is an insult to everyone when things like this happen.
Especially the people who give their time freely to do anything and everything to keep the wheels turning in the AMCA.
I have a grandson who is 9 and I would never even point him in the direction of this club if this is how we are portraying ourselves.
So much for bringing some new young blood into this hobby? 46EL

Well said.
Same as the car club I am associated with, we must be careful not to be so desperate to try and "beg" young people to join that it involves lowering standards and integrity to the level of the new low-moral-me generation. Sure older guys are the majority of AMCA but that's most likely who has been the foundation of the club for a long time and will be in the future. If a young person is genuine in their interest in antique bikes, they will find AMCA without FB. The whole effort "attracting young people to antique vehicle clubs" is a well meaning goal but unfortunately its an exercise in futility and serves best in making those talking about it feel good.

With a few exceptions putting the words "antique" and "young" together is an oxymoron. For a short time I was guilty and let myself get caught up in the whole "attract the young" movement that is so common in antique clubs in recent years but finally came to reality. Antique clubs are concerned about aging membership.....but that very concept actually creates new members also. Young people eventually mature and suddenly realize the benefits of joining clubs like AMCA is a great fit for them where they are in life at 50+.

Its a battle these days not to let concerns of political correctness, diversity mindedness, and societies slow degradation of morality eat away at long standing traditions of clubs and a conform or fade away choice. Yes Clubs like AMCA have to try and adapt but at same time should not lower ourselves below the foundation of ethics and morals that got us here today. Very similar challenges are going on with the Constitution of the US.

A comment Eric made in a post 23 about dropping the membership requirement for this forum is a good....no make that a great one.

[T. Cotten]

As Steve posted, the organization must "adapt".

Start digitizing by canning the entire judging program, and replacing it with an open and voluntary Roster of Machines.
Then their continuing History can be recorded and peer-reviewed, and those of you who think trophies are important can still honor what you like, without pressuring the owners to destroy History.

Just a thought.

....Cotten

[tfburke3]

Well said.
Same as the car club I am associated with, we must be careful not to be so desperate to try and "beg" young people to join that it involves lowering standards and integrity to the level of the new low-moral-me generation. Sure older guys are the majority of AMCA but that's most likely who has been the foundation of the club for a long time and will be in the future. If a young person is genuine in their interest in antique bikes, they will find AMCA without FB. The whole effort "attracting young people to antique vehicle clubs" is a well meaning goal but unfortunately its an exercise in futility and serves best in making those talking about it feel good.

With a few exceptions putting the words "antique" and "young" together is an oxymoron. For a short time I was guilty and let myself get caught up in the whole "attract the young" movement that is so common in antique clubs in recent years but finally came to reality. Antique clubs are concerned about aging membership.....but that very concept actually creates new members also. Young people eventually mature and suddenly realize the benefits of joining clubs like AMCA is a great fit for them where they are in life at 50+.

Its a battle these days not to let concerns of political correctness, diversity mindedness, and societies slow degradation of morality eat away at long standing traditions of clubs and a conform or fade away choice. Yes Clubs like AMCA have to try and adapt but at same time should not lower ourselves below the foundation of ethics and morals that got us here today. Very similar challenges are going on with the Constitution of the US.

A comment Eric made in a post 23 about dropping the membership requirement for this forum is a good....no make that a great one.

GLad you didn't get political,or I would disagree on some points like the "new low moral me generation".Maybe we just know diffrent youths.Thanks also for not expanding on Constitution issues or societies slow degradation.
have fun
tom

[exeric]

If a young person is genuine in their interest in antique bikes, they will find AMCA without FB. The whole effort "attracting young people to antique vehicle clubs" is a well meaning goal but unfortunately its an exercise in futility and serves best in making those talking about it feel good.

I agree Jason. A club as esoteric as the AMCA must maintain a level of it's unique identity. If it gets too dumbed down, and diluted with a "one size fits all" objective; we'll lose old time members, and fail to attract new members. The whole motorcycle culture has gone through profound changes over the past 40 years, with the antique interest peeking about 10 years ago. Even though prices have gone through the roof, the interest has waned and this hobby is not what it was 10 years ago. For the true antique motorcycle enthusiast, that means nothing because the devotion to old bikes is deep, and permanent and that is what the AMCA has to stay tapped into.