Voting online?

[billooms]

I'm trying to find the online voting for board members. I looked at woodturner.org/boardvote and it said to log into the members area. However, after logging into the "Member Area Home" I see nothing there about voting.

Has anyone found the on-line voting?

 

[Betty Scarpino]

I'm trying to find the online voting for board members. I looked at woodturner.org/boardvote and it said to log into the members area. However, after logging into the "Member Area Home" I see nothing there about voting.

Has anyone found the on-line voting?

Bill, online voting will start August 1. Look for a note on the home page, then follow the link.

Betty Scarpino, editor, AW

 

[billooms]

Thanks, Betty. I'll look again later this week.

 

[Mark Wollschlager]

Well, that was easy!

 

[Bill Boehme]

Yep. It took me a minute to figure out my member number, but then it was quick.

 

[Mark Mandell]

Yep. It took me a minute to figure out my member number, but then it was quick.

Yep. And no "hanging chads" to deal with either.😀

 

[Bill Boehme]

One minor complaint that I have about the magazine cover paper ballot is that the bulleted items on the upper part of the page are a mixture of voting instructions and other non-instructional information. Instructions ought to be kept separate from other information. It is conceivable that someone is likely to scan over these and see something like "each elected board member serves a three year term" and conclude that they do not need to read everything. The instruction that says you can vote for one, two, or three candidates ought to be on the ballot itself right above the list of names.

The first three bullets are true instructions, but sort of fall in the category of being obvious (hopefully) and may not need to be on the ballot itself, but still I think ought to be separated from the last two bullets. While it would be a very good idea to read the candidates statements, I suspect that many members have already decided who to vote for long before now.

One another note that is sort of a suggestion to the board, it would not hurt for somebody at AAW to review the biographical submissions just to make certain that it falls within the guidelines of being a biographical statement of qualifications if such a requirement actually does exist. If something like that does not exist then perhaps it is time that it does. Professional societies such as the IEEE have written guidelines for candidates to head off misunderstanding and keep other things like overt politicking out of the process. Otherwise at some time in the future who knows what sort of unforeseen stuff can rear its ugly head.

 

[Rob Wallace]

One another note that is sort of a suggestion to the board, it would not hurt for somebody at AAW to review the biographical submissions just to make certain that it falls within the guidelines of being a biographical statement of qualifications if such a requirement actually does exist. If something like that does not exist then perhaps it is time that it does. Professional societies such as the IEEE have written guidelines for candidates to head off misunderstanding and keep other things like overt politicking out of the process. Otherwise at some time in the future who knows what sort of unforeseen stuff can rear its ugly head.

Bill:

No guidelines exist to determine what should be included in a candidate's statement, with the exception that it can not exceed 300 words.

I agree that there should be some uniformity attempted with guidelines of some sort. It is difficult to compress a resume' and candidate statement into 300 words and still hope that it has some information content about qualifications and meaning that will be useful to members who are reading the statements and are trying to decide for whom to vote.

Rob Wallace

 

[Odie]

I've read the bios, and except for one candidate, with whom I've personally communicated with, and will vote for.......(This vote is based on my limited perception of his character.) Other than that, I have absolutely no idea who should be on this AAW board. They all look like they might do a good job.

There is one thing I'd like to see from the candidates.......and, that would be some examples of their lathe work. I expect some who read this might think what these candidates produce at their lathes is irrelevant.......but, I'd have to strongly disagree with that notion. This is, after all, an organization of woodturners.....first and foremost! What they produce at the lathe is a statement about something very personal to them........and, from my point of view, is more relevant than degrees, or what they look like, or past executive and administrative experience. Of course, all these other things are part of the total equation.........but, this is about woodturning.......so, let's see what they do with that!

😀

ooc

 

[Bill Boehme]

... Other than that, I have absolutely no idea who should be on this AAW board......

I read all of the statements and ranked them in order. Then I picked the top three on my list. But, no sense in leaving us starved for information. I am not sure that there is a reason for limiting the statement to 300 words ... just as long as it isn't a filibuster.

... There is one thing I'd like to see from the candidates.......and, that would be some examples of their lathe work. I expect some who read this might think what these candidates produce at their lathes is irrelevant.......but, I'd have to strongly disagree with that notion.....

I guess that I am one of those folks that you anticipated might have a different perspective. I figure that nobody that started turning last week is likely to entertain the idea of running for a position on the BoD. Most likely, those individuals whose involvement in woodturning gets them to the point where they decide to run for a seat on the board, have been into woodturning long enough that they know their way around a lathe. If that were not the case, they would already have relegated their skew to scraping mud from their boots and converted their lathe to a disk sander.

It seems to me that making a potential candidate's woodturning fame, skill, notoriety, innovation, or whatnot as an eligibility or fitness requirement has the potential side effect in the long run of moving the board in a direction of becoming primarily the playground of professional turners. I have yet to meet a pro who I did not like, but since we are an inclusive collection of people, I don't think that would be the best direction. And I suspect that many of us, you included, do not want a portion of our membership to feel disenfranchised.

I could be mistaken, but I think that I am a pretty good turner and some professional turners have told me that my work is very good, but for some odd reason, I still feel uncomfortable with the idea that any of my woodturning capabilities has leveraged my managerial and leadership qualifications to deal with complex business decisions related to services, education, spending, and future growth of our organization. This isn't to say that expert turners aren't qualified, but that those amongst us who leave sanding marks and orange peel may be just as good if not occasionally better at the necessary leadership skills.

Anyway that is my 2¢ provided "as is" and not warranted to be fit for any particular purpose. Your mileage may vary. Viewer discretion advised.

 

[Odie]

I read all of the statements and ranked them in order. Then I picked the top three on my list. But, no sense in leaving us starved for information. I am not sure that there is a reason for limiting the statement to 300 words ... just as long as it isn't a filibuster.



I guess that I am one of those folks that you anticipated might have a different perspective. I figure that nobody that started turning last week is likely to entertain the idea of running for a position on the BoD. Most likely, those individuals whose involvement in woodturning gets them to the point where they decide to run for a seat on the board, have been into woodturning long enough that they know their way around a lathe. If that were not the case, they would already have relegated their skew to scraping mud from their boots and converted their lathe to a disk sander.

It seems to me that making a potential candidate's woodturning fame, skill, notoriety, innovation, or whatnot as an eligibility or fitness requirement has the potential side effect in the long run of moving the board in a direction of becoming primarily the playground of professional turners. I have yet to meet a pro who I did not like, but since we are an inclusive collection of people, I don't think that would be the best direction. And I suspect that many of us, you included, do not want a portion of our membership to feel disenfranchised.

I could be mistaken, but I think that I am a pretty good turner and some professional turners have told me that my work is very good, but for some odd reason, I still feel uncomfortable with the idea that any of my woodturning capabilities has leveraged my managerial and leadership qualifications to deal with complex business decisions related to services, education, spending, and future growth of our organization. This isn't to say that expert turners aren't qualified, but that those amongst us who leave sanding marks and orange peel may be just as good if not occasionally better at the necessary leadership skills.

Anyway that is my 2¢ provided "as is" and not warranted to be fit for any particular purpose. Your mileage may vary. Viewer discretion advised.

OK, Bill.......your thoughts are not unexpected.

Here's a question for you: Would you be opposed to having the candidates show those of us who would like to see some examples of their work........or, do you think it's best that we don't get that opportunity?

ooc

 

[Bill Boehme]

OK, Bill.......your thoughts are not unexpected.

Here's a question for you: Would you be opposed to having the candidates show those of us who would like to see some examples of their work........or, do you think it's best that we don't get that opportunity?

ooc

Likewise, you have also previously expressed your sentiments on a similar matter regarding appointed positions. I certainly wouldn't have any objections and would be happy to see their work, if for no other reason than woodturners like to see each others accomplishments at the lathe. In most cases, we have already seen woodturnings of board members before they were elected. Name recognition is probably the strongest factor in any election which means that many if not most board members have at lest some prior recognition as accomplished turners. But just as in politics, a pretty face is no better qualifier to hold an office than a pretty turning. The reality, however, is that decisions in choosing who to vote for is an emotional rather than analytical choice.

 

[Mark Mandell]

Not Just A Pretty Face

While my personal view is that the issue of a candidate's turning ability is irrelevant in the context of electing people with true management skills and experience to the Board of this international organization, I suspect that a little Internet digging will reveal the images. Each of the prospects appears to be a member of at least one club/chapter which is likely to have a website and gallery of members' work. The curious among the membership could (possibly) look them up.

But a question: What difference does it make if these candidates make hockey pucks or museum pieces?

How and to what extent does being a skilled turner qualify a candidate for the position of Director of this organization?

I've known highly talented artists and crafts people who produced exemplary work but who were abysmal business people and managers and who I would never entrust with the obligation of exercising independent judgment as directors of an organization like the AAW.

 

[Mike Peace]

Odie, here is a thought. Key in a candidate's name plus the word woodturner in the search box for your favorite search engine and see what comes up. If they have a web page it will come up. It is amazing sometimes to see what type of "digital" footprint you might find. Some of the information that pops up may be of more use than pictures of their work but you will likely find that as well.

 

[hockenbery]

But a question: What difference does it make if these candidates make hockey pucks or museum pieces?

How and to what extent does being a skilled turner qualify a candidate for the position of Director of this organization?
.

Mark, I have twice served on nominating comities. Turning ability was never part of my selection process and was never discussed in deliberations of the two comittees.

That said. Prior service to AAW is a major element considered. In an ancillary fashion turning ability and enthusiasm for turning brings people to serve at the local and national level. Often part of that service involve teaching which implies a high level of skill.

historically turners who demonstrate and teach nationally do very well in the elections.


The six candidates for the board are in my opinion the best group yet.

Al

 

[Owen Lowe]

But a question: What difference does it make if these candidates make hockey pucks or museum pieces?
...
How and to what extent does being a skilled turner qualify a candidate for the position of Director of this organization?[

My 2¢:
Whether intended or not, I think including photos of candidates' work would only serve to reignite the ongoing arguments between the art vs. craft groups. I can foresee candidates not being chosen because the work is too "artsy" or too beginner-like with no bearing on their critical thinking, organizational skills, or leadership abilities. (I, myself, (yes, even I) may be so swayed in a situation of indecision. 😱) A member of the board is not taking up seating space in order to produce turnings for the AAW. They are there for their governing and leadership abilities.

 

[Odie]

All this controversy over a simple thing like taking a look at one's lathework is a little confusing to me. This seems like such a natural curiosity, considering all of us are involved in closely related personal artistic pursuits.

It's still my belief that providing examples of their lathework is a relevant thing to someone asking to represent a group of lathe turners. Now, I understand there are those who think this is completely irrelevant, and each of us are entitled to our own opinions on that point. What one produces on the lathe is a direct visual connection to something very personal about that person. If that has any influence on my vote......well, that's for me to decide, and nobody else. It is, after all, my vote, and I can, and will use any input I want to come to that decision.

The one vote I have already decided to make, has nothing to do with the work he produces. It has nothing to do with his 300 word bio, either. It has everything to do with the "character" of that person, as I have perceived it to be from my own personal interaction with him.

I certainly wouldn't have any objections and would be happy to see their work, if for no other reason than woodturners like to see each others accomplishments at the lathe.

Thanks to Bill, for answering the question about whether he would have any objections to seeing some of the works by the candidates in the voting area here.......

ooc

 

[Brian McInturff]

Just like any election, do just a little research before you vote. It took just a couple seconds to look up one of them on the net and see their work. Everything doesn't have to be laid out. Next you'll want to see 30 pics from various angles. And the pics will need to be professionally done. And... It never ends...

 

[Bill Boehme]

An open letter to AAW BoD candidates

An open letter to AAW BoD candidates,

I am struggling to decide which of you fine gentlemen are the best qualified to serve as AAW BoD members for the next three year term. I have read and re-read the statements that each of you have provided so that members can, hopefully, make more informed decisions about casting their votes. I have also studied the pictures that each of you provided and with the assistance of the Missus, have ranked them in order of being handsome/pretty/attractive/not-too-ugly. Being bald is a plus. Unfortunately, I have concluded that all of the above is woefully insufficient to clarify my decision making.

Fortunately, after some serious thought provoking discussions on the AAW forum, the answer has suddenly become plainly obvious to me. I need to see photos that show the types of turnings that you produce. Only then will I be able to make an unambiguous selection on which of you are the best qualified. I know that all of you have been turning for more than a few years, but there are certain things in one's work that will reveal facets of your inner being that mere words about prior experience and lists of accomplishments can't possibly reveal. Since this request is like asking you to reveal the essence of your soul, it is only fair that I explain how this will enable me to make a rational decision.

Here are some of the criteria that I will be using:

• Right off the bat, I will "write" off pen turners. I don't care if you only turn pens in the privacy of your studio -- as soon as you whip out one of your hand made creations to sign an important document everybody will know.
• Next, if bowls are the only thing that you can dish out, then you are washed up. I don't care if your bowl has "negative space" -- I don't like negativity in candidates. It's just so ... negative.
• Platter turners -- what is a platter anyway ... just a flat bottomed bowl without sides. To me turning platters is a not too subtle way of seeking a handout when you are holding it under people's noses. It's a natural reaction when a platter passes by to drop some money in it.
• Then there are hollowforms -- what does a hollowform say? It's just a thin wooden shell hiding a lot of air on the inside. We don't need any windbags on the board.
• Then there are the "seggies" -- those poor souls who can't afford a decent sized piece of wood so they satisfy themselves with gathering up tiny scraps and gluing them together. I suspect that they secretly enjoy using the tablesaw more than the lathe. And ... what's worse is that they use plans and measuring instruments ... things that fly in the face of woodturning. They're not to be trusted.
• Off-axis and multi-axis turnings are the product of unbalanced turners. The truth is that they just can't mount a turning on the lathe with any repeatability from one time to the next so they cloak that flaw under the guise of multi-axis turning. It doesn't fool me.
• Architectural turnings -- the human version of a duplicating machine. I can't vote for a copycat.
• Those who paint and color their work -- think you can do better than Mother Nature, huh? Too high an opinion of yourself.
• Carvers, piercers, and woodburners -- you're just doing the same thing as forest fires and bugs. No vote from me.
• Metal spinners -- hey guys, the name of this craft is WOOD turning -- DUH!
• Mixed media artists -- those folks can't make a decision. Just pick one medium and go with it.
• Obvious sanding marks on a turning -- good for you, as everybody knows sandpaper is a turning tool. You get my vote.

Finally, I need to say that no personally identifiable information gathered from viewing your turnings will be used for any purpose other than deciding how to cast my vote and none of the information will be shared with any other entity whether human or cyber.

Sincerely,
Hank N. Chad

 

[John Lawson]

Bill, did I get this right? You will only vote for bad spindle turners?

 

[Bill Boehme]

Bill, did I get this right? You will only vote for bad spindle turners?

That's right .... as long as they are not architectural spindles such as balusters.

 

[John Lawson]

That's right .... as long as they are not architectural spindles such as balusters.

Oooh, forget AAW! We don't want them in Congress where they could prevent all progress by filibalustering.

 

[Bill Boehme]

Oooh, forget AAW! We don't want them in Congress where they could prevent all progress by filibalustering.

😀 Good one!

 

[Betty Scarpino]

Well darn, Bill, I already voted ... I should have waited until I was better informed 😱

Thanks for a good chuckle and John for your excellent pun. Today is going to be a fine day, starting with laughter. 😀

Betty Scarpino, editor, AW

 

[Mark Mandell]

Oooh, forget AAW! We don't want them in Congress

But I thought fill-a-bluster was the very essence of qualification for a Congressional candidate.

Yer messin' with my baseline cultural definitions now, guys!

 

[dbonertz]

Bill,

I have been going hard at work and I have had to just stay focused. Your write up broke that unhealthy focus and gave me a well deserved break and laugh.
Thank you sir.

Dale

 

[KellyDunn]

Bill, thanks for putting the time into coming up with that. I got a very good good laugh out of it. A great end to a hot day of domestic fixings so to speak. Nothing like turning off the machine for the night with a smile on my face.
PS. I also could give a rats butt how great a turner the person is. You need biz skills and people skills. And a bit of testitudical fortitude.

 

[Bill Boehme]

Thanks for the comments guys. I was just intending to offer a little lighthearted fun. If anybody is interested in seeing what sort of turning any of the candidates make, more power to them because nobody should tell other folks how to decide which of the candidates to vote for. I suppose that it is OK for members to contact candidates if there is anything that the would like to know or want to see examples of their work.

Just in case any turners are feeling left out, it occurred to me that there are at least a couple other groups that won't pass muster on my list:

• I'm afraid that I can't vote for box turners because they can't think outside the box.
• Yo-yo turners -- I think that this one is self explanatory.

It is probably best if candidates don't tell me what sort of stuff that they turn or else they may wind up on my list. 😀

 

[Mark Mandell]

Tempting

Thanks for the comments guys. I was just intending to offer a little lighthearted fun.

Just in case any turners are feeling left out, it occurred to me that there are at least a couple other groups that won't pass muster on my list:

• I'm afraid that I can't vote for box turners because they can't think outside the box.
• Yo-yo turners -- I think that this one is self explanatory.

Bill,

The urge to add some more is almost irresistible, but to do so will, I think, get somebody PO'd. Instead we should just leave your fine effort to stand on its own. 😀

Thanks

 

[Odie]

Since nobody seems to understand my reasoning as to why I might (or, might not) use the information I get with observing the turning efforts of individuals interested in serving on AAW board, I'm submitting the following to try and clear things up a bit......

There are many turning styles that we could categorize, or encompass the total turning experience of those who use the lathe in their personal pursuit of artistic expression........segmented, single piece, pure lathe, embellishment, hollow form, bowl, traditional, non-traditional, spindle, face-plate.....and on, and on........

I never did say that seeing what one produces would be influential in my vote......but, it might......and, it might not. If it did, it would be to insure that all styles were being represented by those who guide the AAW. Now, if that makes no sense to those who don't understand how these things might be influential......well, so be it. Again, in the end, it is my vote, and those things that could influence me are my choices to make.

It is agreed that there are other things......such as management skills, people skills, creative instinct, enthusiasm, etc., that are also important......but, these things may not be the total in determining who would best represent all of us, as lathe turners.......

Thanks, for listening..........😀

ooc

 

[Mark Mandell]

I never did say that seeing what one produces would be influential in my vote......but, it might......and, it might not. If it did, it would be to insure that all styles were being represented by those who guide the AAW. Now, if that makes no sense to those who don't understand how these things might be influential......well, so be it. Again, in the end, it is my vote, and those things that could influence me are my choices to make.

It is agreed that there are other things......such as management skills, people skills, creative instinct, enthusiasm, etc., that are also important......but, these things may not be the total in determining who would best represent all of us, as lathe turners.......

Thanks, for listening..........😀

ooc

Odie, it appears that you regard electing directors in much the same way as electing candidates to public offices where they make rules and pass laws that have some direct effect on individuals; what is referred to as "representative democracy".

If I understand you correctly, you wish to be able to choose to have someone represent your particular style or interest. AAW Directors, however, serve a very different function. They are "mere" managers charged with carrying out the rules and goals that have been established by the Membership. In that context, AAW Directors do not and cannot represent any particular segment of the AAW membership, and their obligation as directors is to properly manage the entire organization so that its stated mission and purposes are carried out for the benefit of all members.

As the AAW gets larger, directors' management skills and experience in a number of areas having little or nothing to do with woodturning will become increasingly important to the organization as a whole. If you look back of the AAW's 25-year history, I think you'll see that this has actually been gradually happening.

I know that you personally post many pictures of your work. Others, however, may not be so interested in "sharing" what they do. That doesn't make them less able to perform the job of director, and it's certainly not some kind of character flaw that would justify their being disqualified. Were that the case, the entire Board should be limited to professional turners, and I don't think any of us wants to go there. 😉

Candidates who wish to share pictures of their work will usually have posted those pictures somewhere that is accessible to you and anyone else who is interested enough to seek them out. It seems to me that should be enough.

 

[Odie]

Odie, it appears that you regard electing directors in much the same way as electing candidates to public offices where they make rules and pass laws that have some direct effect on individuals; what is referred to as "representative democracy".

If I understand you correctly, you wish to be able to choose to have someone represent your particular style or interest. AAW Directors, however, serve a very different function. They are "mere" managers charged with carrying out the rules and goals that have been established by the Membership. In that context, AAW Directors do not and cannot represent any particular segment of the AAW membership, and their obligation as directors is to properly manage the entire organization so that its stated mission and purposes are carried out for the benefit of all members.

As the AAW gets larger, directors' management skills and experience in a number of areas having little or nothing to do with woodturning will become increasingly important to the organization as a whole. If you look back of the AAW's 25-year history, I think you'll see that this has actually been gradually happening.

I know that you personally post many pictures of your work. Others, however, may not be so interested in "sharing" what they do. That doesn't make them less able to perform the job of director, and it's certainly not some kind of character flaw that would justify their being disqualified. Were that the case, the entire Board should be limited to professional turners, and I don't think any of us wants to go there. 😉

Candidates who wish to share pictures of their work will usually have posted those pictures somewhere that is accessible to you and anyone else who is interested enough to seek them out. It seems to me that should be enough.

Howdy Mark.......

You should re-read what I said.....and understand that I didn't say my style should be represented. Consider this carefully.......what I said was, "all styles". I also said the turnings of those asking to represent AAW, may......or they may not influence my vote.

Whether you, or anyone else considers this important, or not.......I think it might have some significance.......and, in the end, it's my vote, and I'll vote as I think is appropriate......not what anyone else thinks is appropriate.

thanks

ooc

 

[Mark Mandell]

Howdy Mark.......

You should re-read what I said.....and understand that I didn't say my style should be represented. Consider this carefully.......what I said was, "all styles". I also said the turnings of those asking to represent AAW, may......or they may not influence my vote.

Whether you, or anyone else considers this important, or not.......I think it might have some significance.......and, in the end, it's my vote, and I'll vote as I think is appropriate......not what anyone else thinks is appropriate.

thanks

ooc

That's about what I thought. You might want to reread what I wrote since "all styles", by necessity, includes your own.

So look them up and then make up your own mind, and if you can't find pictures of what they've done, ask them directly since it's obviously important to you. Every one of the candidates has contact information published. Use their responses, or lack thereof, to help you make your personally appropriate decisions.

Very simple method to reach the very result you seek.

After you've examined their work, it might be interesting to see your analysis of each and how or whether they might or might not represent any of the "styles" you refer to, and how that might bear upon their fitness for the job of Boardmember. To get an idea of what they will have to do if elected, take a look at the Committee Listings on the AAW website.

I'm not challenging you however, because as you point out, your opinions, decisions and votes are entirely your own. There is absolutely no obligation to share them with anyone.

 

[Odie]

That's about what I thought. You might want to reread what I wrote since "all styles", by necessity, includes your own.

So look them up and then make up your own mind, and if you can't find pictures of what they've done, ask them directly since it's obviously important to you. Every one of the candidates has contact information published. Use their responses, or lack thereof, to help you make your personally appropriate decisions.

Very simple method to reach the very result you seek.

After you've examined their work, it might be interesting to see your analysis of each and how or whether they might or might not represent any of the "styles" you refer to, and how that might bear upon their fitness for the job of Boardmember. To get an idea of what they will have to do if elected, take a look at the Committee Listings on the AAW website.

I'm not challenging you however, because as you point out, your opinions, decisions and votes are entirely your own. There is absolutely no obligation to share them with anyone.

Mark......

Here's a direct quote:

If I understand you correctly, you wish to be able to choose to have someone represent your particular style or interest.

If this isn't what you meant......then your choice of words doesn't indicate the thought you intended to express.


My reasoning and choices in selecting whom I choose to vote for won't be up for discussion.......because no matter what the reasoning is, there will be those who will argue the validity of my reasons for voting the way I choose to vote. At this time, I wish to avoid all that.......🙂



thanks

ooc

 

[Mark Mandell]

Well, Odie,

You may just be right that I misunderstood your search for "representation" of some sort by a prospective boardmember.

In any event it is your criteria that drives your inquiry and choices.

Good luck on your search.🙂

 

[Odie]

Well, Odie,

You may just be right that I misunderstood your search for "representation" of some sort by a prospective boardmember.

In any event it is your criteria that drives your inquiry and choices.

Good luck on your search.🙂

Thanks, Mark.........😀

ooc

 

[Owen Lowe]

In reading the back'n'forths since I originally posted, I'm even more firm in my belief that requiring a prospective board member to show their wood turnings would do more harm than good - not just in the biases of voters but in the willingness of folks to agree to be a candidate.

Requiring photos of work will, I'm certain, intimidate very good potential candidates wherein they'll just not even consider running. A lot of folks just don't like to put their turnings out there for all to judge and that doesn't make them less qualified or able to lead the AAW as a director.

 

[Mark Mandell]

In reading the back'n'forths since I originally posted, I'm even more firm in my belief that requiring a prospective board member to show their wood turnings would do more harm than good - not just in the biases of voters but in the willingness of folks to agree to be a candidate.

Requiring photos of work will, I'm certain, intimidate very good potential candidates wherein they'll just not even consider running. A lot of folks just don't like to put their turnings out there for all to judge and that doesn't make them less qualified or able to lead the AAW as a director.

100 percent Agreed

 

[Bill Boehme]

In reading the back'n'forths since I originally posted, I'm even more firm in my belief that requiring a prospective board member to show their wood turnings would do more harm than good - not just in the biases of voters but in the willingness of folks to agree to be a candidate.

Requiring photos of work will, I'm certain, intimidate very good potential candidates wherein they'll just not even consider running. A lot of folks just don't like to put their turnings out there for all to judge and that doesn't make them less qualified or able to lead the AAW as a director.

Each candidates statement usually provides, in addition to their experience related qualifications, a biography of their involvement in turning that includes how long, local chapter involvement, instructing, demonstrating, and AAW activities. The information in those statements are sufficient for me. We all have our own idiosyncrasies when it comes to making decisions and one of mine in this case would be how effectively the candidate is able to convey that information in written communication. I enjoy looking at turnings made by other woodturners and they can evoke a lot of different responses such as inspiration, wonderment, and awe. Even so, I can't connect the dots from that to making choices in a board election. For those who feel it is important, that is fine with me. There are a number of ways that they could see photos of candidates turnings. My opinion is that it should only be made a requirement if a majority of members want it that way. But, like Mark, I am concerned about potential negative consequences created by making it a requirement. As Mark stated, it can have an impact on those who are interested in being a board candidate and it also can have an impact on members when voting because of the implication that the turnings themselves are to be considered as part of the decision making.

 

[Mark Mandell]

Psst, Bill

Each candidates statement usually provides, in addition to their experience related qualifications, a biography of their involvement in turning that includes how long, local chapter involvement, instructing, demonstrating, and AAW activities. The information in those statements are sufficient for me. We all have our own idiosyncrasies when it comes to making decisions and one of mine in this case would be how effectively the candidate is able to convey that information in written communication. I enjoy looking at turnings made by other woodturners and they can evoke a lot of different responses such as inspiration, wonderment, and awe. Even so, I can't connect the dots from that to making choices in a board election. For those who feel it is important, that is fine with me. There are a number of ways that they could see photos of candidates turnings. My opinion is that it should only be made a requirement if a majority of members want it that way. But, like Mark, I am concerned about potential negative consequences created by making it a requirement. As Mark stated, it can have an impact on those who are interested in being a board candidate and it also can have an impact on members when voting because of the implication that the turnings themselves are to be considered as part of the decision making.

I think Owen said that. I merely agreed😉