PRA magazine delivery

[rgraffeo]

On the 7th of January I posted under another thread that my PRA magazines weren't getting delivered. I called Ms Bundy at PRA & she would send me the missing magazines, September & October/November 2005.

About 2 weeks later I got the September issue & a few days after that I got the October/November issue. A few weeks later I got both issues together in one envelope with a note that this was my replacement magazines.

I haven't received a December/January issue yet.
Is this just me or is the US Post Office messing with me?

[gyroman]

I have not recieved my September, Oct-Nov 2005 magazines either... Haven't received my Jan 2006 one yet either but I assume it hasn't come out yet.... I emailed Pam the other day and she said she would look into it...

[bogman]

Rudy I just got my Sept. issue the other day.

[barnstorm2]

The bulk/lit shipping is screwy. I forked up a few extra bucks to pay for 1st class postage and things are much better now.

[mark treidel]

I was told 10 days ago when I called that they were going out that day from the printer. Still havent seen it yet. So much for my renewal!!

[Timchick]

The bulk/lit shipping is screwy. I forked up a few extra bucks to pay for 1st class postage and things are much better now.

Maybe PRA needs to ship them all 1st class and not give us the option. Obviously the Post Office is delivering the bulk shipping whenever they feel like it.

[Doug Riley]

Big-name magazines arrive like clockwork. They are mailed from large urban addresses.

I imagine that fourth-class periodicals are an exotic species at the post office in Podunk -- er -- Mentone. The postmaster/mailman is probably also the mayor, fire chief, dog warden and cemetery commissioner, in addition to his real job running the local feed and grain supply.

This may just be the price of smallness, of both PRA's hometown and PRA itself.

[gyroman]

Rick Gilley the editor just called to ask about my magazine problems... he did say he didn't know why I haven't received my magazines from last year but he took the time to call my post office and ask about the issue. Seems my post office took the liberty of changing my address last month without notifying me. Or actually I did receive a letter yesterday from the post office that my address had changed and I would no longer get mail with my old address after March 6th, 2006. The post office employee Rick talked to told him I would not have received any new mail with the old address for all of last month and they have been sending back mail with the old address.

I have to conclude that my post office sux really bad...

I also give high marks for Rick to take the time out of his day to look into the problem and to make a call to my post office. He also will be talking with Pam Bundy the secretary to send me the past issues...

[rgraffeo]

Toby,
Rick emailed me today to ask about my magazines.
Dean Dolph emailed him about the problem, Thanks Dean.

He didn't have an answer about the screw up, I wish I would have noticed the post mark date when they arrived. I just though they were the replacement issues until I got the replacements later.

[Dean_Dolph]

It is an education to talk to Rick about the travails of editing/publishing the magazine. If any of you get the chance then don't pass it up. It is many step process where there are plenty of opportunities for Murphy to take over. Murphy lives at the post office!

Rick called me after he contacted you guys and, if I understood him correctly, then just getting mag thru the Indianapolis postal system is major hurdle. Rudy, he was wondering if Katrina might still have things messed up in your area. The bad part about this (other than a missed issue!) is that it costs the PRA when it has to replace magazines. Sometimes twice or more! This is because the post office's will tear off the cover and return the rest to the PRA if it is undeliverable.

Everyone needs to check locally first when they start having a delivery problem. And make sure to notify Mentone when you change your address. Rick mentioned he was trying to move the mag production schedule up so that timely delivery is less of a problem. In my view Rick is doing a heck of a job and it is obvious the he is very diligent in following up when a problem is brought to his attention.

[Harry_S.]

I tried to post this yesterday and the forum froze on me.

I also had problems with my mag delivery, within a reasonable time, and I went to 1st class mail. Haven't had any problems since the change...so?! It's your choice.


Cheers :)

[rgraffeo]

I'll have to upgrade to 1st class delivery, never had a problem in the past.
Guess when they increase the price of postage they must cut back on service.

[gyroman]

Dean,

Why would they tear the first page off the PRA mag? My mag comes in a large white envelope...

[Heron]

First: PRA is not small, some minds in it are!
Second: the US Post Office is getting really bad, so half the blame.
Third: the chapters could take delivery to their area and also sell more subscriptions.
Going first class should help.
thanks
Heron

[bartc150]

I'm not even sure when the magazines come out. Every once and a while I open the mailbox and it's there, and that's fine with me. Relax a little. :)

[Harry_S.]

I received my PRA Mag by 1st Class Mail yesterday.

Of course it's the current Dec/Jan issue and this is the middle of Feb.:D :D

I just had to put that in there.:rolleyes:


Cheers :)

[gyroman]

I got my Oct-Nov issue yesterday, they sent it first class mail...

[Pelt]

I wonder if the PRA has ever considered posting the magazine on-line?? Not only would that reduce printing costs, but would keep our "efficient" postal system out of the process. I guess then they wouldn't have any excuses for the mag being late.

Randy
N26VT

[Dean_Dolph]

This has been discussed either here or on Norm's old conference and the consensus was that people prefer getting a hard copy.

I was part of that consensus because I can find a hard copy that I've filed away a lot faster than I can find stuff on the computer (strange but true!) and I don't need to tie up computer storage with any more stuff than I already do. And then to gurartee that a copy wasn't lost in case of a computer crash I would have to back it up after every issue came out. Ask me how many times in the last tenyears I've backed up my computer?! And, for me, reading the hard copy is much easier than on a screen.

Trying to print out a copy from the computer with the same quality as the magazine would be quite expensive in material and equipment wear/tear and very time consuming. I also can't take the computer file with me as easy. Sure, there are ways this can be done but like I said, when this was discussed before the consensus was to keep the hardcopy.

[Heron]

WE could have the magazine online and printed out every two months, along with the calendar issue and the manufacturers issue we could have 8 issues per year (ok throw 2 more BD and Mentone specials)
Distribution could be done by networking using the chapters, even at no cost at all for the PRA.
And lets sell the D*** thing!! Right now I have people looking for info in gyros.
thanks
Heron

[Dean_Dolph]

WE could have the magazine online and printed out every two months, along with the calendar issue and the manufacturers issue we could have 8 issues per year (ok throw 2 more BD and Mentone specials)
Distribution could be done by networking using the chapters, even at no cost at all for the PRA.
And lets sell the D*** thing!!You're kiddin', right? Chapters distribute the mag? The U.S. postal service would look good after that! We could have an issue a month (if the editor had enough material and could keep up!) if the membership grew enough to support it. Right now I have people looking for info in gyros.
thanks
Heron Hey Heron, why don't you and your friends join the PRA? The PRA growing at one member at a time will help provide all that we would like from the organization. This would include more gyro info.

These Forums actually provide most of the info exchange and is more timely than the magazine. But the magazine captures stuff and presents it is a way that these Forums can't. Both sources provide a unique service. I wouldn't want to lose either one.

[Heron]

Sensei
I kidd you not!

1 - The chapters have monthly meetings and you could pick it up during the event (another atraction for members to show up) and they also could distribute at the aiports they are based on. Many small magazine stores could have them for a quick grab.

2 - I will not start a thread on the subject "Why Heron doesn't join the PRA."
I am working to creat a club down here and soon we will have many members. Then I can call one of the PRA Directors to come down here for a lecture and he will tell our Club about the advantages of joining PRA.
Maybe Tim B. can be that guy, he is pretty close to us.

3 - You fail to understand the way our magazine can be online monthly and printed every 2 months, info that are needed immeditly will be available as it happens and the interest on topics will help the editor on putting the printed version together. His work will be immensely easier, we can have a coodinator for every topic and the materil sent in will be already online, just have to be paginated.

Look ahead! But think about those behind you . . .the newcomers!
Now I expect your next post will be to help something be changed, those who want or need changes will profit from it.
You are becoming the Master of Let it Be . . .
thanks
Heron

[MikeBoyette]

Got Mine today!!!!

[Dean_Dolph]

No, Heron, I've become the master of reality!

What you propose is pie in the sky stuff. Your proposals might work if they ever got off the ground but all of them require a continuous supply of money with out any guarantee it would be self sustaining.

What you fail to understand is that the PRA doesn't have the money! You don't think the magazines are going to get to the chapters by themselves do you? Do you think they are going to get there free? Where is the money going to come from to print the extras for distribution at the airports and small magazine stores. Coordinators? You are not kidding now; you've lost your mind!

I can hardly wait to see your new club in action. And all the money they are going to bring in that you guys can help the PRA with. You bringing your club to Bensen Days?

[Heron]

There you go!
You have just answered your own questions . . .
And you are already wishing me failure, just you can say I told you!
C'mon man?
Think.
Heron

[Dean_Dolph]

I only asked one question, Heron, and you didn't answer that.

Think? Yeah, I think I'm going to wait and see what you do for the gyro community. I know you mean well but I think I'm going to wait to see if you can produce as well as you can critique and offer advice. However, I'm not going to hold my breath.

[Heron]

I have done already but you cant see it!
You can only see me through this Forum in character, you look past me . . .
The question to be asked is How CAn I help you?
You made me invisible and that is you worst enemy the one you refuse to see!
I would stop all I am doing and change things but why?
I made this offer before taking on this project and I already put 17 g's on it, is I was selfish I could have taken lessons and bought a machine to be flying intead of worrying about the group and the future (a better) of gyros.
You are the worst blind the one who refuses to see . . .
Here is one thing: I offer to pay the difference in mail rate to one member, your choice, so he or she can receive the magazine first class, that will solve the problem if all decide to do the same.
And I told you before I would buy the magazine to help . . .remember?
Where is the one in charge to taking this offers?
One day you will be ashamed of the way you think of me.
To honor his Master a student must become the Master's Master!
thanks anyway
Heron
P.S. I hope the Club will be at BD with a gyro, for sure members will be there as they have been in the past.

[Pelt]

Heron/Dean- take a deep breath. There are certainly advantages to having an on-lin mag as there are to having a copy in hand.

I would like to comment that I subscribe to several mags (none first class mail): everything from wood carving, astronomy, amateur radio, antique radio....to the PRA. While I like to bash the postal system, the fact of the matter is I never have any problems receiving any of my mags EXCEPT PRA. It never comes on time and is usually about a month late.

Randy

[GyroRon]

PRA magazine comes when it comes.... It always seems to be a month or two later than what the cover date is.

[Heron]

Randy, I am sorry for the rant but it pisses me off when ideas got killed in the crib.
I will never understand why go to such lengths to keep all as it is . . .
We can do better and the group deserves it, if not for the people for the machine that gives us so much pleasure.
Sorry again
Heron

[Mayfield]

Hi Heron,

I've only met you a couple of times but I find you a nice guy. I know you have helped Larry quite a bit with his project.

You seem to enjoy gyroplanes and their development.

I am curious why you are not a member of the PRA. It's really none of my business except that I know that the PRA needs members badly.

I hope you don't take offense, but it is a puzzlement to me why someone with such an obvious love of gyros chooses not to join the organization chartered to further the ends of the gyro community. Is there some reason, that you would care to share, why you don't become a supporting member of our organization?

Even if the PRA performs its mission badly, it is still the only real organization we have. If the PRA had no other value, the 5209 training exemption held by the PRA is of tremendous value. Without this exemption it would be even harder to get training than it is now.

Every member we gain increases the chances of our organization continuing. Please consider changing your stance.

R/S

Jim

[Rotornut]

Heron, We look forward to your club members joining us at BD Days.
This is your clubs chance to learn more about PRA up close and in person.
See you there. MJ:)

[Heron]

Mr. Mayfield Hello . . .and you can ask me anything any time, I have no secrets (which is wonderfull)
It goes like this:
I disagree with many things about the PRA and I wish I could help more directly but the time is coming.
After my first year I decided not to join and make that a banner, but I still help in some other ways, carrying people to both web sites and some have joined.
It piss me off when someone talks without having presented any possible solutions or a more modern aproach to managing this assn. and I am not taking anything from those who are involved and work hard for things to happen.
I know the power of Internet and offered the technology we dominate several times, but if fells in deaf ears always.
I have bought www.bensendays.com after talking about it here and in the other Forum (that is a few years back) and now I offered to Sunstate to put up a site (e-commerce) with credit card acceptance capabilities, you can do a lot starting with just one chapter.
I always had in mind joining, and as Tim and Tom inveited me last year I told them I will join to honor their request, and now yours.
But other problems take precedence and the money is going somewhere else, like the BD site by instance.
The plot have far reaching influence and it will create means for the PRA be the International Assn for gyroplanes, unless they don't want it to be and will remain a domestic club.
I know nobody has a crystal ball, but all the words are here in the Forum and I have this skewd way of talking and provoking tought (and piss some people off) :D
It can be done, it should be done and it will be done, or I will die trying!
(guess you guys will have to put up with me for long time) :)

M.J.
I hope all members of Tri County Rotors can go to Bensen Days and I may have an instructor from Brazil here too.
Soon an invitation to Sunstate to participate in events along with TCR will be sent and I hope many pilots will attend.
I decide to go ahead with the Web Site and lets see what comes out of it.
thank you all
Heron (that is our logo)

[Mayfield]

Heron,

Thanks for your candor. I’m still not sure why you don’t join the organization and help with your ideas, your enthusiasm, and your wallet (by becoming a paying member). However, this is your decision and your business.

We are, in my opinion, at serious risk of losing the PRA.

There are several reasons for the problem, several factors that make it even worse right now, and several reasons why it is important that we keep the organization alive and functioning.

The primary (immediate) problem right now is lack of money. This can be helped somewhat by recruiting new members.

One factor that makes it worse right now is the fact that Gary has stated his intention to step down soon. For many years I was not aware how much Gary assisted the PRA in tangible ways. I assure you, it was a lot. Frankly, I do not know anyone that can devote the energy, time, or money to the PRA that Gary has during his tenure as president.

Of the reasons to keep the PRA going, I guess that the 5209 exemption is one of the biggest. The 5209 exemption is granted to the PRA. Sure, some instructors might be able to negotiate their own exemption, but how many would? No exemption = no legal training (for hire) toward ratings. The exception would be in 18As and J2s. I strongly believe that the FAA does not have the capability, or the desire, to grant exemptions piecemeal to a bunch of different instructors. We need the 5209 exemption. That means we need the PRA.

I also urge you to not think that your membership will not make a difference. It will. Please reconsider your position re: joining the PRA. Encourage your friends to do likewise.

R/S

Jim Mayfield

[Brent_Brown]

Jim I have to say the airport deal pushed me out along with the Mag never getting to me. I know Gary has been doing great things. but it looks like all the money is in a airport not needed in my book. I am not a member so I will not say anymore about it.

[Heron]

The PRA does have enough members to be rich!
I am pretty close to get enough leverage to chang a lot of things, not only join but donate all the late fees. That is a drop in the water close to what I can do.
We will not loose the PRA, there are people interested in getting down to business and as soon as a channel of communication is initiated, things will get clearer.
As per Gary G. my guess is that he might be sick of all the efforts put in and still some friction still going on.
As I said, I will join, when time comes and to honor the invitation of many good people including yourself. You are in my idol galery (quite good company I asure you)
I can make PRA self suficient and the membership fee it is going to be simbolic.
Multiply the membership by 3 (average family) and see what market we have in our hands, if we sell PRA toillet paper it will be enough.
The Spirit of Corps will kick in and help with lots of things, but communication is a must and it is needed now.
Bulletin Board, Forum, Chat room . . .any thing that can have the members close to the BOD and start motion.
Ok . . .the Fund-A-Pilot project could turn in to SOS - PRA and we donate just one dollar per month each . . .that will kick the finances up.
Tell me where and I will send 20 bucks now!
One more thing . . .one post by GAry Goldsberry here in any subject I will join immediatly.
Fair enough?
thanks
Heron

[Rotornut]

Lost! One post by Gary and you join Heron ?

MJ :)

[Heron]

:D Yep!
Gary join us an I join them! (in a matter of speak of course I am already a member, just not in good standings)
Heron