[GillMan]

Phil, I recently became a member of AGA after years of just thinking about it and I just got my first TAG. The articles were great, but the photos were small and not very clear. I had already seen most of the "winners" online and up close, so I couldn't really be awestruck by the printed versions. The online book format, of a monthly or quarterly magazine, as put out by All Wet Thumbs, is really nice, but some people prefer print. I don't.

Since the internet is my main avenue for information and to view people's tanks and galleries, the format of the AGA member chat, like the APD, is not condusive to this end. Perhaps we don't need another board, but that's where we meet and talk about our goals and challenges, post pictures, etc. I don't peruse or post at AGA or APD.

The aquascaping contests are great and I don't feel like it's too exclusive to enter. Other than that, I don't feel my new membership has much to offer me as even your merchandise is limited. An AGA decal or patch would be great, for those of us not interested in T-shirts but love the logo and the convention logo. AGA feels like a club, but one that is far away. I hope this is the input you were seeking.

 

[GillMan]

On the subject of what else I want to see. That huge Barnes & Nobel tank in Baltimore! There were only about 2 measley pictures in Karen's album. I'd like to see more of it up close, find out what they're using, an interview with whomever maintains it, etc. I was more interested in that than the "people pictures" in DC. As for the AGA convention DVD, I'm not really into watching people set up tanks and my attention span at talks is pretty short. Interviews with AGA contest winners before anyone else gets to them is something I'd be interested in. Going on Field trips to see large displays or an Open House here and there would be interesting as well. Perhaps even have someone set up a tank using ADA equipment, and give regular updates on the progress. There was a big ole debate on ADA equiment on this or another forum; I was on the "Not the Dupla-mania thing again" side. But, many people are genuinely interested, and I'd be interested as well.

Just some more food for thought.