Re: Interesting RYPN thread

Hmmmm.

I’m going to weigh in with observations over 45 years to when I was in grade school to now. In the “Warbird” arena.

I had the privilege of having a father who was (and still is) very involved in the warbird community. Over this time, I learned that the novice usually always wants to know “does it fly?” When you say no, their interest drops. But if you say yes, they want to know more. When we (the organization) put on an air show, planes that flew were more interesting and drew more viewers.

Point is, that’s where you get your money. History that operates generates money. First from the crowd. Then the publicity for added persons. Then sponsors who pay to have their name linked to the event so the crowd sees this. History that is static might generate some monies but usually never enough to cover costs of the necessary PM. Bottom line is all things deteriorate even if in an enclosed building. If it is going to be around for future viewers, it must be maintained and this costs money. As far as air shows go, we would make enough to fund the yearly budget. This was also when the bulk of memberships would come in. It would also generate visitors to the museum that came to the air show and didn’t know we had more time see.

By comparison I wonder how much the “Friends of the C&TS” have grown in the last few years versus “Friends of the EBT”. I would be really concerned how long the EBT Friends can sustain their work with out having any “active” history?

I realize I am soapbox stumping here, but I felt this perspective needed repeating from a different set of eyes.

Phil