Ques. Boston Reefers Club Improvements

[tkyee98]

What do BRS members want to see from the club? What are things the Officers and BOD can work on improving?

For context, myself and the other Officers/BODs have been working on seeing how to drive the Boston reefers mission of furthering reef keeping education, providing a sense of community for the hobby and expanding the hobby to new members. We have had a few club meetings and have our annual Fragsgiving event, but what other improvements would members and non-members like to see happen?

 

[jonesboy6]

This is fun to think about and I appreciate that you guys are looking for input. I think the current events are great. I know a ton of work goes into those events.

One thing that jumped to mind was maybe to look at other large regional clubs to see what they have going. Like BAR (Bay Area Reefers) to see if they have things going that we don’t (or even just have someone from their board do a virtual event to tell us about things they are doing). I know they have a variety of educational events and a cool Don’t Break the Chain Program (Welcome to BAR!)

Just some ideas!

 

[Mike Lemming]

This is fun to think about and I appreciate that you guys are looking for input. I think the current events are great. I know a ton of work goes into those events.

One thing that jumped to mind was maybe to look at other large regional clubs to see what they have going. Like BAR (Bay Area Reefers) to see if they have things going that we don’t (or even just have someone from their board do a virtual event to tell us about things they are doing). I know they have a variety of educational events and a cool Don’t Break the Chain Program (Welcome to BAR!)

Just some ideas!

I've heard that they have days where they tour the area and stop in different members' tanks, hang out and talk about it. That sounds pretty cool!

 

[SteveDola]

I've heard that they have days where they tour the area and stop in different members' tanks, hang out and talk about it. That sounds pretty cool!

Member Tank tours are great, especially when coupled with brewery tours

 

[tkyee98]

Just some thoughts but if members are open to such ideas maybe we create regional groups? That way when folks make the drive out or carpool there’s like 3-4 members that live within close proximity to each other? Seems like if enough folks are open to such an idea we can get something going. I know back during Covid we did virtual tank tours but those never really gained too much traction.

My only concern is safety, unfortunately we live in an era where not everyone can be trusting, I would love to invite folks over but sometimes you never know unfortunately.

Love the feedback thus far guys keep it coming!

Thoughts on Fragsgiving improvements?

Do folks like educational aspects and in person talks?

Do people see the forum more as a local Facebook marketplace for reef items and corals? Are there areas we can improve on that?

Sponsors feel free to chime in as well for what does and doesn’t not work for you guys!

 

[Cooper2]

It seems the ability to connect with local members and knowing who is local always gets mentioned but nothing ever develops. It would be neat to have a map with "Pins" on it to show where members are located. I've traded with members that don't live close to me and always try to hit 2 or 3 places if traveling out to the sticks so it's worth the trip.

I like the idea of having members see my tank and seeing theirs. Sadly, this only really happens when someone is selling or breaking down a system, and nobody ever really just visits. If any fish nerds want to talk fish at my place I'm home weekends....lol

If there is interest in showing members systems on the site, I'm happy to show off my 5 systems in various stages of evolution and improvements. I build a lot of my own equipment and always up to help any DIY members that need custom fittings machined, tanks drilled, whatever.

I was so thrilled with some 3D printed things Chris made for me recently, I researched what model to buy and pulled the trigger on an enclosed 4 spool AMS model that is my new addiction. Missing any Apex cleats or need a wall mount for that Jebao controller with the broken tab?....Let me know!
Happy to offer printing to any paid members for material cost only in Foxboro. (Made a 3 foot long RC battleship too!)