politics, grrr

hortriot

is it true that bonsai clubs can be internally political?

i took part in a conversation today with a person whom i shall not name and the topic of bonsai clubs was raised.

i was informed that certain clubs don't want new members, or groups of members won't talk to new members, or clubs don,t talk to each other for reasons such as not entirely following the rules etc, or following the rules too strictly, blah blah etc.

this is second hand info and as i am yet to join a club, i cant say for myself.

People have their reasons but this seems prohibitive practice to me.

can anyone or would anyone like to share their experience on the general forum?

before i go joining a club i would like to know what i'm in for?

ok, happy posting.

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bwaynef

I think you'll know what you're in for when you go to your first club meeting. If the general atmosphere is friendly then your worries are without merit (in this case), if the club is not as friendly then none of us on the forum would be able to warn you about that particular club (excepting a few of our Aussies on the board that might be familiar).

I've never joined a bonsai club, but I've been a part of other clubs, and seen even more. The dynamic changes with the membership. Of course there are clubs that exist as you fear they might. There are also some others. Don't let someone's bad experiences sway you. At the very least, go out and have your own! (hehe)

WF

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lordy611

Sounds like snobbery rather than politics. The club I belong to has a lot of well-heeled people from a variety of backgrounds, and am pleased to report none of what you mentioned. Our club and other local clubs are members of a larger group of clubs in the Metro DC area, and share meetings, speakers, events, auctions, etc. Yes there are individuals that I personally dont choose as my "buddies" for various reasons, but when the subject of bonsai is on the table, regardless of experience, we seem to be peers. I like it that way.

Ian_Homer

Hi,

I just moved your post from General to our specific forum on Clubs.

I think here, you will get a fair cross section of opinions on some of the different clubs that can exist.

Like all committees though, some are better than others and individual members either fall into the Movers and Shakers category, or those that just go along with the flow, and wait for someone else to get things going.

It will depend on this mix and not necessarily the level of talent or experience... that will determine how your "Club experience" will be.

Try some, and aim to be a "shaker" and mix !

Regards,
Ian.

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pootsie

Sadly enough, clubs are only formed by groups of people.
And where people are involved, stuff happens.

Personalities sometimes create problems, and cliques form, and old animosities live on for no reason. It's just sad when someone gets carried away with personality power in a club (or in an online forum for that matter) but it happens. Fortunately, in my experience, the good outweighs the BS.

I also believe that a club with no friction whatsoever is not going anywhere. It's just how you handle it that matters IMHO. My club has seen some personality/politics BS, but is a good strong and growing club anyhow.

The good thing is that members individually really do have influence. Get invovled!

pootsie

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rockm

"Is it true that bonsai clubs can be internally political?

i took part in a conversation today with a person whom i shall not name and the topic of bonsai clubs was raised. "

Well, sure bonsai clubs can be political. They're run by humans. Humans are sometimes petty, stupid and other bad things. They are also forgiving, helpful and inspiring. Both types, and all those in between, can be found in bonsai clubs.

I would question the politics of the person that told you this. He's playing a political game all his own. You might ask yourself--what's his motive for badmouthing clubs?

You have to see for yourself. You cannot experience a club through his experience. Who knows, maybe it was his fault or his misinterpretation of club members' behavoir...Anyway, if one particular club doesn't suit you, look for another, start your own...

stephenr

I say go for it. Go to a few meetings of clubs in your area and suss them out.
Other posters here are right. Clubs are made up of human beings, who by nature can be friendly and helpful one day and moody the next. Don’t let that stop you from benefiting from what a club has to offer.
Where about in Melbourne are you located? I am in Werribee and am a member of the Geelong Club. Yes there are other clubs in Melbourne that are possibly closer but I found Geelong to be very friendly and welcoming to all, especially new members.

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Joanie

Remember, too, that as the club membership changes with new people, or older members leaving, the whole club can change. One or two people can really make a difference.

Be a mover and shaker, that's SO true. Just being friendly and enthusiastic really helps with your interactions. People react differently depending upon how you present yourself. Remember, we are half of the equation when we are one on one with someone else, and we have a lot of power to move the relationship forward if we so choose.

A club that doesn't welcome new members and reach out to them, is a club that is in trouble. In our big club the beginner class this year (Jan-Feb-Mar) was twenty-four people!! Yikes!

Get in, get active, get enthused.... friendly enthusiasm is irresistible. And if, after your best tries, you just don't warm up to them or them to you, find another club. There's bound to be a good fit for you!

Joanie

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hortriot

Thankyou to all of you for your advice and experience.

Thankyou to Homer for putting the thread into the club forum to get the right eyes on the job.

your advice is much appreciated, valid, open minded, invaluable etc, or as the recent wave of american express ads on my TV says, priceless............




keep smilin.

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