Re: [Aroid-l] What is it all about?

From: DAVID LEEDY <djleedy at sbcglobal.net> on 2013.08.07 at 15:56:17(22884) Greg, I want to respond to your questions, although I believe they have been adequately answered by Zach du Fran. I became interested in aroids in 1974, when I lived in Miami and used to visit a rare plant nursery named Fantastic Gardens. I moved to Los Angeles in 1975, but was trading plants with a fellow in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In 1976, he mentioned an aroid organization being formed in Miami and I sought to join it. I have met a lot of life-long friends through the IAS, most of whom I have never seen face-to-face. In the days before the internet and Aroidl, we had what we called a "round robbin" group, who corresponded monthly. Four members of that group, that I recall, were Wilbert Hetterscheid of the Netherlands, who I have never met face-to-face, Josef Bogner of Munich, Germany, who I had the good fortune to visit in the 1980's, David Burnett of Sydney, Australia, who visited my home in Los Angeles, CA, USA, one time and Dewey Fisk from Florida, who I visited several times. I apologize if I have not included someone. I should also mention a great plant collecting trip led by IAS member Betsy Feuerstein, which I took to Ecuador with a group of my IAS friends including Dewey, John Banta, Rick Cirino, Scott Hyndman, and several others. Again, I apologize for my forgetfulness if I didn't mention someone. Due to finances, I was unable to attend the 1984 aroid show in Australia, for which I will always be sorry. Also, I could not afford to go with David Burnett, when he went exploring aroids (Alocasia) in Indonesia. I have benefitted from these friendships, which have greatly expanded to numerous IAS members over the years, yet only once did I attend the Show and Sale in Miami. These friendships include both scientists and hobbiest, like myself. Therefore, I want the IAS to continue and I appreciate the direction it has taken over the years. I can tell you that each January 1st, the first check I write is to the IAS for my annual dues. David Leedy HTML +More From: Greg Ruckert To: 'Discussion of aroids' Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2013 5:35 PM Subject: [Aroid-l] What is it all about? As a person who has beem a member of the IAS, on and off, over a long period of time, I am moved to wonder what is the purpose of the IAS. I note that the term of five Board membership expires in September and would like to know what the Board members do? When and where does the Board meet? When are nominations called for the vacant positions? Does the IAS has a plan for the future and where might I find it? We have a wonderful editorial team and, without wanting to cause any offence, what is the succession plan that the IAS has in place for these wonderful people? As a non-American member, apart from the newsletter and Aroideana, what is the point of me being a member? Does the IAS have a plan to increase its membership? Why is the IAS Facebook page not monitored? There is an increasing amount of spam being posted there (I am not the only one who is annoyed by this) and nothing is done about it. The IAS has a financial membership of 365, including institutions. The Facebook page has 850 members and is growing quickly. Why isn't the Facebook page used to promote the society and recruit new members? I notice I don't necessarily get answers to questions I pose. Does the Board think this is a good look? Why is there a high level of Society disinterest in the International Aroid Conference to be held in Hanoi? Is it because it is outside the USA? I have asked on Facebook about the Society's involvement in the conference and have effectively been told that it really is nothing to do with the IAS. This is despite the IAS being involved in selecting the site for the conference and the front page of the IAS website encouraging people to "Join us" Nobody seems to know who is giving the IAS presentation at the conference! Why? Why will there be no IAS merchandise available? I have asked thirteen questions and will be interested to see how many I get satisfactory answers to. Greg Ruckert Nairne South Australia Australia _______________________________________________ Aroid-L mailing list Aroid-L@www.gizmoworks.com http://www.gizmoworks.com/mailman/listinfo/aroid-l --1009959307-1285505973-1375890977=:59879-- --==============e98615736875587799==

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