New ILDA Membership Category proposed

[flecom]

I think this is a great idea! I think, though, that there should be a more established line between Pro and Amateur. If I go out and do a paid show once every couple months, does that qualify me as a Pro? I wouldn't consider myself a Pro unless I quit my day job and made a living on laser shows, which isn't going to happen for me! I really appreciate the consideration though, I hope that this does become reality.

I would probably also fall into this category...

[*]No professional work done by members at this level

think this needs to be defined a bit... for example, I make shows for the Miami Museum of Science Planetarium... but I am neither employed nor paid for my services by them, but they are for public display so that is sort of "professional"?

I also may do maybe a show a month (once I get my variance obviously!) for various DJ friends (none of which are named Allen incidentally lol) but it probably wont even be paid or be like $100

I DO think its really great you guys are doing this

[mixedgas]

Would hobbyists/beginners have some sort of ombudsman on the board, ie for help with CDRH?

Steve

[soforene]

The terms "Hobbyist" or "Amateur" both appear a bit "twee".
Howsabout "Associate" as folks will be associated with ILDA but not full members.

[dsli_jon]

Hi Tim -

Excellent idea...

It is kind of a touchy subject, because there are some professionals who do not want to rub shoulders with amateurs. We have lost some of our larger members in the past who did not think that ILDA was professional enough. However, in my time spent on PhotonLexicon, I can see that the enthusiasm and attention to detail matches what I have seen in many professionals. I think we should all be together.

I'd agree, but I'd also say to those 'Pros' that 'don't want to rub shoulders' - - what, they just 'rolled out of bed one morning', and were making $250K / year doing fabulous 'Superbowl shows and Olympics and World Tours???' I'd say, ILDA Members with 'attitudes' like that - let 'em 'walk'... We ALL learned from SOMEbody, and were ALL 'amateurs' at one-point... I'm not talking about giving-out protected 'Corporate IP', but if you can't learn to 'share' at least SOMEthing / help SOMEwhat, you should not be 'on a team'... Just my .02...

I am interested in any comments or suggestions that you may have. Especially what to call this - amateurs or hobbyists.

IMHO, I would suggest "Hobbyist" as it would serve to discourage 'snobby attitudes' being projected from 'Pros' that tend to foster-such attitudes toward 'Amateurs'... (though 'snobby attitudes' does not include posting satirical-jabs at unreformable/dangerous hacks / knowitall 'prodjs' ... )

...Maybe "Hobbyist / Semi-Pro", to cover those - with Variances - that occasionally make a buck or two off-a public show?

ILDA provides:

• Set up a basic safety course for hobbyists to take and learn about laser safety

Excellent. Would love to contribute to a 'repository' for keeping CDRH/FDA / FAA / State Contacts / Regs up-to-date, and this 'course' would aid the 'budding hobbyist' in getting to know the Regs / prepping for Variance approvals / State registrations, etc, etc

- ie: we already saw one 'case', this past month, where a PL-Member needed 'help' to get ahold-of the TX State Regs, since he was wanting to start doing public shows, there, and was totally unaware of the TX Regs... admirably, he was very receptive to the advice / info...

'Hobbyist' ILDA Members could receive a 'packet' about their particular States'-Regs, as-part-of the 'enrollment process'... even if they don't initially plan to do public shows, they've GOT the '411', up-front...

Lemme know if / how I can help... extremely busy, as-always, but I'll be happy to help as best I can...

3 Cheers to you!
J

[hobbybob]

Excellent idea !

[buffo]

Hi Tim;

I'm glad to hear that ILDA is moving forward with this concept! I agree with the rousing support already voiced above.

With regard to the name of the category, I am in agreement with Jon: "Hobbyist" seems like the best option to me.

Also, in response to Frank's question about what to do if you are *mostly* a hobbyist but you might still be involved with one or two small shows a year (either on your own, or with a larger company), might I suggest that the "Individual" membership level be modified (or upgraded, even) so that you are permitted to perform a small number of shows per year at that level? That way people could start out at the hobbyist level, and when they gain enough proficiency (and experience) such that they are ready to try their first real public show, they can step up to the individual membership level.

I am especially interested in any training (either seminars or on-line courses) that might be offered. I believe that training is the surest way to bring new members into the group safely, and that is is everyone's best interest - even the professionals. I am concerned though; is there enough support among the more senior members of the organization to develop this training? After all, most of the senior members would probably be bored with such basic topics after working in the industry for so many years...

Adam

[LEDpaint]

I'd also be interested in online training/certification.

[Laserman532]

i wonder what category I would fall into...I am a hobbyist

[Displaser]

Tim,

Sounds like a great idea. You would have my support.

Thanks,
Greg

[gottaluvlasers]

A+!!

I fully support this! Why not just classify this new group with annual billed shows with less than say, $6,000-$10,000. I think anything more than that would constitute some sort of "more than hobbyist" laser business. i say $6000 becasue that equals about $500/ month. or on average, i Paid display per month.

I would love to see some sort of a safety certification course. I would gladly take part in that.

Tim, if you would like help, please feel free to contact me.

-Marc