TCA Election & 2 Signature Rule

Paul what was the final vote on it?

 

Jerry

I went to TCA website and the PDF application still states you need two signatures.  When does this take effect?  I just want to get my son in the membership.

lionelbob,

Things take a little time.  The elimination is now in effect.  Read the above posts.

 

Paul Edgar

Jerry,

The vote was about 2-1.

 

Paul Edgar

Glad to see the rule gone. It made sense many years ago, but the demographics of the hobby and society have changed and the rule had become a joke. I am interested to see if the numbers go up at TCA events, TCA memberships, and York attendance particularly, now that this rule has been removed.

I, too, will be interested to see what unfolds.  My guess is that there may be a small spike initially, but that the new "E-Z Pass" for joining won't boost the member ranks all that much.  Too many other factors at work for that alone to make much of a difference.  And keep in mind that what matters is not just attracting new members, but retaining those and current members once you have them on board.  Just my personal view.

Paul, thank you for posting this info.  I'm just curious as to what percentage of the membership voted in this election.

 

Andy

Can we use the application that is on the TCA website now?  Or do we need to wait for a new one without the two person's signature?

The TCA has served our hobby well for many, many years. The members who voted overwhelmingly supported a change in the two signature rule. Times change and obviously most felt the need for this change.

 

Allan makes a good point in terms of how this will effect the future growth of the TCA. It is important to bring in new blood to the TCA, but is just as important to retain the current membership. I personally sure hope that it helps to grow this important asset to our hobby as it important to have this club around for it's future contributions to the model railroad community including York which is one of it's most meaningful offerings.

 

Good luck to our new officers especially Bob Obara who is also a New Englander.

I, too, voted to eliminate the rule...  I am hoping that this action will increase the membership...  I also thought it was way past time to change this...

The members have spoken. I thought it was a good rule but was abused to the point that it was useless. I doubt it will make much difference in the membership.

Absolutely correct on all points.  It was a democratic vote, conducted fairly and with the opportunity for all TCA members to participate.  That is, or certainly should be, the end of the matter, and it's now time to move on.  Those who felt the old two-signature requirement somehow restricted their opportunity to participate no longer face that obstacle, so they can easily go online now and sign-up.  As a matter of fact, it's likely a better deal now, financially, than it ever will be again. 

I plan to join as soon as the new PDF application is made available on the TCA website.

I already have the old one filled out, but I would assume that they would not have a problem if I filled out the old form and had two signatures that were not now needed anyway!

 

 

Congrats to the new officers and glad to see the two signature rule finally gone.  First and foremost it was an anachronism based on this point and time of where TCA is.  It certainly served its purpose in the past and like all traditions can be honored for what it was, but it simply did not serve a purpose with an organization of this size.  A small bit of ego in this too as I authored the original motion for the bylaws change that the national BOD passed last summer in Sacramento. 

 

As a final note, it goes to show how progressive TCA really is in many areas when you consider that three of the five national officers will be women.  Goes to show that this hobby is more diverse than we sometimes give it credit for. 

 

I have the current application completed. Just waiting for a confirming word that I can submit it with the "Recommender's" signatures marked n/a.

 

Removing the application fee for a time will likely do more to spur membership than dropping the inconvenience of securing two signatures. Now, if we could simply apply on line that would be even more convenient.

I will weigh in because I recently (Feb. '12) joined and so this is perhaps a fresh perspective. 

 

The "two signature" rule was no big deal for me. I went ahead and got the two signatures, and paid (in spite of the free period they took my money and that is fine, as they probably will put it to good use). 

 

That rule, etc., was no barrier to my not joining in the past.  I didn't join before now only because I never saw any reason to . . .

 

I'm not sure I will ever get a chance to go to York, although I would love to - my wife is disabled and it makes it somewhat difficult to travel  - and I absolutely don't sell stuff (give it away, yes, but no re-selling). 

 

As to why I joined, I guess it is mostly because every person I knew who was seriously into O-gauge was a member, and the TCA seems to be a very positive force to both promote and "keep honest" the model train hobby.  But I do hope, someday, at least once, to get to York.

 

Back to expanding TCA membership, I imagine there are more like me out there than there are those worried or inhibited by the two-signature rule -- people who simply ask "Why should I join?"  If anyone from TCA HQ is reading this, you might consider what you can do to answer that question and show them (the Museum, the regional shows and meets, helping the model train community, the nice quarterly magazine (which i never heard about until it arrived int he mail), etc. 

While I agree that eliminating the two signature rule will not make much difference, I do think that it is a good move. As much as anything it says to me that the membership is willing to change things to improve the organization and I feel that is a very positive message.

 

Art

My cousin just joined and he asked me to get his signatures for him.....what a pain for me. How many people out there do not have a cousin like me? I am glad the rule is gone because "birds of a feather flock together" and the signatures did not attest to anything.

Will a new member be able to join online?  That's what I'm waiting for.  I see that existing members can pay their renewal dues online with MasterCard and Visa.  What about AMEX?  My preferred card to use.

 

I just joined TCA. I guess I was one of the last who got 2 signatures?
There's no TCA activity here and my sole reason for joining is to be able to go to York.
I didn't think the 2 signatures were a huge hurdle . The members only rule in the halls IS a good thing because hey, most of us are honest but I don't think there's anyone that thinks these expensive items are 100 percent safe just because it's members only? or just because one guy got 2 signatures and the other guy didn't???
Honesty is an individual thing. I wouldn't think of stealing anything but I'm not the other guy. It doesn't matter if you required a hundred signatures nothing is going to change that.

Maybe it means that times are changing and the huge displays of inventory that the big players have brought with them in the past needs to be reduced to a more policeable size.

David

When I read the announcement this morning about the by-law change, regards dropping the 2 signature requirement, I called TCA National to find out when this was to take effect.  The lady I spoke with said it was effective immediately. 

Thanks folks for keeping this thread gentile.  Please no more comments on thefts, it only leads to trouble.  My point is I want this thread to last so everyone can get the news

 

You may use the application on line, just leave the 2 signature lines blank.  A new form is being worked on.  Sorry only Master Card & Visa are accepted.

 

Paul Edgar

President

TCA

Thanks Paul. I've completed my application and will mail with dues check tomorrow.

Paul, Thanks for the information. I have completed my application and will send it out tomorrow.

 

As someone who viewed the 2 signature rule as antiquated I too will send out my application in the next few days.

 

Can the initial dues by paid on-line ?

 

I ask this as many of us use "e-accounts" now, and don't have, or use, paper checks ever.

 

Ken

Ken,

 

I don't want to speak for the TCA and I'm sure somebody will weigh-in, but I don't think you can do the initial payment (to join) online.  However, when I joined I did use a credit card when speaking with one of the helpful TCA office staff. No problems.

 

The York Meet registration process now uses a very handy online merchant site to collect funds. I can only imagine that TCA may be headed in that direction for their membership sign-ups.

The 2-signature rule was why I never joined.  Will reconsider now that it's been dropped.

 

I too voted to see the 2 signature rule changed as i believe it will ultimately benefit the TCA by allowing more people the opportunity to join the organization.

 

While it is not quite the same, a year ago the Mustang Club of Maryland changed our old traditional formula for joining the club by having people fill out an application and send in a check to offering them the opportunity to join via our website using PayPal. Our membership has increased by over 50% because we made it easier to join.

 

If this new policy opens the door for MTH, Lionel, Atlas, etc. to include a TCA application in the box than it can only help attract new members.

 

Steve Tapper

Folks,

I just don't understand all this need for commentary.  The thread is for your information, period.  It is not meant to be rehashed over again with personal veiwpoints!!  This is what got the first thread pulled.

I now have much more sympathy and understanding for Rich Melvin's job as moderator.  Some of you guys are just impossible.

 

Paul Edgar

President

TCA