While it may seem early, it's time to start throwing your hats into the ring to start volunteering for jobs in the ALA or to run for the BOD.

If you are interested in making things better, more expanisve, and different than they are now, it is time to get involved.

I would like to agree with you Shadowhyrst but I am a very new person in the actual livebearer hobby. I have had livebearers for about 50 years but always treated them as just a filler for my tanks. About a year ago, I found that I was actually interested in keeping and breeding things besides guppies so now am on a steep learning curve. I have a few goodeids and am learning about keeping fish that are not as easy as a guppy. Some day, if I live that long, I will be a competent livebearer breeder and would then consider myself competent to help with things like the BOD. Today my understanding of the hobby is not good enough to help guide a group like ALA.

I am on the same page as oldman. Although I have been breeding livebearers for a while I still do not think I am ready to head any departments of the ALA. Maybe this is partly due to lack of confidence but I still feel like I need to learn more before I take any type of title as an officer of the ALA. Until I reach this point I will continue to do all I can to support the ALA and encourage new members to join. I am always willing to help in any way that I can but I still have much to learn.

I too am new to Livebeares but I hate to tell you 2 guys , you are already helping the ALA by posting your knowledge.. Heck no one knows everything so don't be afraid to help where you can, new blood is always good.. Speaking of new blood where can I help.. I have very little knowledge but am willing to do what I can to help..

Don

Yup, I would agree with that. I took a break from keeping livebearers and joined the BLA committee within a month or two of restarting.

There is no better place to learn than at committee meetings etc you get to hear some amazing snippets that you wouldn't otherwise hear/

Even if you don't have the time or ability to be on the board you can still contribute to the ALA (The actual ALA, not just on this forum). I'm still looking for articles by all of these knowledgable and 'out spoken' people who are active on this forum! Remember, there are many ALA members who don't come to this site. It's a shame to get the bulletin and many times it's basically empty due to people sitting on their hands. PLEASE LISTEN TO WHAT I'M SAYING...

Darrell E. Mefford

Why does everyone clam-up when you mention writing articles for the bulletin, but they have so much to say on the forum??????

Darrell E. Mefford

Dear Darrell,

People will say a lot of things on the forum but are afraid to even post articles on websites. It's not just the AKA, its my club (OKAA) and other fish organizations.

I've kept livebearers since the late 1960's/1970 with some big gaps for marine fish and killifish and only got active with livebearers 4 - 5 years ago. Somehow I ended up on the Board of Directors. There are lots of places where people are needed to help. Don't feel you need to have been a member for a long time if you are willing to put in some time volunteering.

Best wishes,

Earl

I am not currently an ALA member, and not likely to be for a while. Personal financial concerns, nothing to do with the club. However, I'm certainly not writing articles for a group to which I do not belong, when I already have a group to which I DO belong that also needs articles - and I'm the Editor.

For some reason, I always feel personally offended whenever mef posts that. Probably just in my head, but in case it isn't, I AM NOT AN ALA MEMBER.

Cuz it's easy to pen off a post. Takes more effort to write an article.