I, for one, find it encouraging that there are multiple specialty
groups for mechanical music.  It shows that the subject is not so small
that it can only support one organization.  Historically, it shows that
when specialty groups form, the main organization and subject matter
has gotten large enough to support the formation of other organizations
with specific interests and needs.

The size of the organization is not as important as how involved its
members are in carry out the mission of that organization.  Non-profit
organizations generally only have 5 to 10 percent of their membership
actually involved in carrying out its mission.  An organization with
50 members in whcih 30 to 40 are involved is better than one with 200
member of which only 20 actually participate.

It is true that in general, the population that are members are older,
however, it is also true that this population has more time and is more
financially able to support a hobby especially during these economic
times.

Some people will join just to receive the organization's publications,
others for the social aspects of joining an organization, but some
truly want to help preserve, protect, and education the public
regarding their specific interest.  New members will quickly become
disinterested if they feel like they are not welcome or that they do
not know enough, or are talked down too.

Everyone starts somewhere and mentoring and sharing are an important
part of being a member.  Do you introduce yourself to people you do not
know at meetings or just group with your friends?   Do you share your
knowledge with others?

In order to retain new members, organizations should make sure that new
members feel welcome and find ways to get them involved from the onset.
Each member should belong to a committee or at least each committee
chair should invite a new member to participate on their committee.  It
is human nature that people will not volunteer, however, will help when
asked.

There is so much that individuals can do to spread the word about the
joys of mechanical music.  These may be its significant to the field of
science or its historic value or just its entertainment.  Everyone has
a school, library or other organizations in their area that they could
visit and give a presentation with some of their instruments or a slide
show of their instruments.  Even if they do not own them themselves,
members should be able to donate pictures and videos of their
collections for others to present.

If each person or couple gave just one presentation a year, can you
image how many people each organization could reach.  If you do not
like to speak in public, help someone who will by demonstrating
instruments or handling out materials.  Taking four hours of your time
per year is less than 0.05% of your time.  Everyone should be able to
spare that much.

Everyone needs to work together to sustain this effort.  Instead of
trying to determine whose organization is better, why not work together
to bring the joy of all types of mechanical music to the public for the
greater good of preservation, education, and entertainment.  The more
people who are interested in these instruments the more value, monetary
and intrinsic, they will have.

Paulette Smariga - from beautiful Lake Jem in Central Florida