IMPORTANT Venue change for Spring Fest this weekend

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=213764386702600533794.0004d967b3e3b544d53ad&msa=0&ll=41.596799,-93.550413&spn=0.00383,0.006539

 

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=213764386702600533794.0004d967b3e3b544d53ad&msa=0&ll=41.596799,-93.550413&spn=0.00383,0.006539

 

I bet I know who it is.

 

I think this type of shenanigans should encourage us to support the entities that DO support the club. Namely, Iowa Pet Foods & Seascapes

 

And AC&C. Didn't mean to leave them out

 

Unfortunately that won't be possible at this time. There was talk of some of the students being at the new venue with a table. Hopefully in the future we can work out something else with central campus for those of us that would like to tour the lab. I know I was really looking forward to seeing the facilities and learning about the program.

 

For me, it is as simple as the process of elimination. As in politics, just follow the money. First of all, they have to have some real serious beef with either the club or CC. As the original poster said, it is someone who is not a supporter of GIRS. So, we know it's not a sponsor.


To my knowledge, there has been no serious drama in DSM lately, no one kicked out of the club, no one at least on the boards seeming to have any objection to holding the event at CC. So it doesn't appear to be an active member or a former member who has a vendetta.


This leads us to someone who has something to lose because of the club's activities - i.e. trading, buying & selling between each other, teaching each other good practices, and not ripping each other off to make a buck. You know, good old American stuff. So if there is someone out there that maybe doesn't practice good business, and then let's say that someone has a bad experience with such a person, one might share such experiences with other people, and one might find out that there are many others with similar experiences. Now instead of trying to do the right thing by addressing any problems and working towards developing a mutually beneficial relationship with a group of hobbyists with the hope and intention that a more symbiotic relationship might develop that would benefit all, one might decide to instead turn to the dark side, and start showering the club, the members, and anyone who asks about the club with nothing by negativism about said club in hopes that they would scare any newbies into staying away from said club.


As for CC being the focus of some kind of beef, let see. They teach students about Marine Biology and strive to learn and disseminate as much as possible about proper reefkeeping to their students. So let's say this philosophy spreads, and let's say that people manage to keep fish and corals alive a lot longer and in better condition. Someone might view that as a lost opportunity to replenish dead fish and corals on a continuous basis.


All of this is, of course, a ridiculous philosophy. Because if one was able to be a very successful reefkeeper and teach what they learn to others, more people would join this hobby. This club and the presence of CC is, IMO, a HUGE benefit to the reef aquarium industry. But someone doesn't see it that way. And it is unfortunate for such individuals. I spent most of today being very angry with whoever did this. But now, I really feel sorry for them, because it would seem to me that their life and/or livelihood must be going down the crapper for them to think that this was the right thing to do. Whether that action was taken in just petty anger or revenge, or whether they considered it a necessary business move, is irrelevant. And if this person is indeed reading this, take this to heart. It is not too late to change your philosophy. These are tough times. Sometimes, you might think drastic measures are necessary. But there is always a better way to take care of things. What you did truly did hurt many people - but I believe in Karma, at least to some extent. I firmly believe that what comes around, goes around. This wrong that you bestowed must be corrected.

 

I am off my soapbox now. I promise!! I am going into this event with a positive attitude. In fact, I think the substitute venue will be one of the best we have ever had for a Spring Fest event, that's a really nice building!