Mirrodie From United States of America, joined Apr 2000, 7421 posts, RR: 65 Posted (9 years 3 months 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 2474 times:
You know how we've been hassled for spotting lately?
We are slowly starting to learn that contacting the authorities prior to spotting and taking names can be beneficial.
Some of you saw "Concorde: The Final Flight" earlier this week. I think this show, whilst geared towards Concorde enthusiasts, did show us spotters and photogrphers in a very positive light.
Andy (skymonster), Matt, Art, Phil and I made appearances wit hcameras and scanners etc. And it seemed to be good Public relations
.
My mother thinks I should mail copies of the show to politicians, and airport authorities in order to illustrate out hobby and gain their ears. What do you think? She has the idea that the show lends some credibility to the good of the hobby.
thoughts?
Forum moderator 2001-2010; He's a pedantic, pontificating, pretentious bastard, a belligerent old fart, a worthless st
Futterman From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 1301 posts, RR: 49 Reply 1, posted (9 years 3 months 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 2461 times:
Listen to 'yo mama, Luigi!
Wait...Mario!
I couldn't agree with you more. I'll help pay for postage when you send those tapes out, or help put together a little letter to try and make a statement. Maybe a petition of sorts? Signatures?
Keep me updated. I've got two very good connections (I like to think, at least) close to me, so maybe that could help some if need be.
Sunilgupta From United States of America, joined Nov 2000, 770 posts, RR: 15 Reply 2, posted (9 years 3 months 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 2460 times:
It's not a bad idea to get the word out, but just beware of the odd politician who does not have a clue and decides to make an issue. A couple of us were featured in the Washington Post after 9/11 and the article was generally positive. Nonetheless, someone "on the hill" created a stir by trying to investigate what spotting was all about... we never got all the details but it was tense for a while.
So, just be careful. My advise is to let things progress naturally. The fact that spotting was shown on the show is good, but don't push it. It's been my observation that airport and security staff are already FAR more aware of what we do just because they get called all the time. As a result, visits from law enforcement have become more a matter of procedure and less stressful for all parties.
Futterman From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 1301 posts, RR: 49 Reply 3, posted (9 years 3 months 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 2457 times:
Thanks for the heads up, Sunil. It was suggested to me after the incident at LGA that I publicize what happened, and bring it to the attention of news stations and newspapers. It seemed a little extreme, and I didn't quite go that far.
However, do you think it would be somewhat reasonable to actually--carefully--approach a news station, and have them do a story on us? Might seem a little far fetched, but it would 1) enlighten the public, and 2) give us credibility that the authorities think we don't have.
Of course, there's the huge possibility that this could and would backfire to a disastrous effect.
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