I just want to build and launch a few rockets...

... is that so wrong?

So what is stopping you?


Sent from my Mobile Leash using the handy dandy Rocketry Forum app-thingy.

Yes! It is WRONG! Now get back to work!

When I was young, dumb and had kids I did my time as a club officer, a school and scout volunteer, a mentor, I gave back to the community. Now I'm old and decrepit and I just want to enjoy the hobby while I'm still able to. I prefer at this time to support the rocketry community with my wallet rather than my time. Is that so wrong? Have I committed the ultimate sin by rejecting calls to participate in club sponsored events.

That greatly depends on who you talk to, I guess.

Get a starter set (if you don't have a launch pad) a kit and motors and have some fun.
Mr. Bob
Countyline Hobbies
Grovertown, IN
574-540-1123
[email protected]
www.countylinehobbies.com

Heck, get a Micro starter set and launch in your back yard.

I find it more fun to go out and socialize. If some rockets get flown too, that is s bonus.

If you are happy heading out to the park and lobbing s few, then go do so. Nobody will think any less of you for it.

Just please don't complain if the environment changes from a regulatory POV and you are unaware of it.


Sent from my Mobile Leash using the handy dandy Rocketry Forum app-thingy.

I think many of you have missed the point. I have hundreds of rockets from micros to HPRs, I have all the gear I need, I have thousands of dollars worth of motors, I even own acreage on which to launch.

The question is, does being a member of a club oblige me to participate in club sponsored events or can I morally say no thanks I've been there done that let someone else have a turn? In other words, am I being selfish in wanting to enjoy my last few years of rocketry without feeling obliged to volunteer for whatever.

You have absolutely no obligation whatsoever to participate in club activities or even be a member of a club. It's fine to dial back your commitments. Has someone been giving you a hard time about it?

No one has been giving me a hard time. Everyone at the club is pretty laid back. In fact I haven't been to a club launch since February. I guess ive been feeling guilty for not being there for some of the bigger club launch events but at this point in my life I'm just not into the whole community activist thing. I just want to launch a few rockets.

JPVegh said:

No one has been giving me a hard time. Everyone at the club is pretty laid back. In fact I haven't been to a club launch since February. I guess ive been feeling guilty for not being there for some of the bigger club launch events but at this point in my life I'm just not into the whole community activist thing. I just want to launch a few rockets.

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I totally get where you are coming from because I have been there too. Just tell your club officers that you want a "stress break" - that you need time to simply enjoy your hobby without obligations, at least for the time being.

If no one is asking you to do any more than what you are doing, then I think this is a needless worry. If it makes you feel better to explain the situation to someone at the club, you can just say you don't have capacity to help out the way you used to. But really, you don't owe anyone an explanation, so you don't have to do that if you don't want to. Just carry on at home and don't stress about it. You are really lucky that you can enjoy your hobby at home on your own property! Enjoy it and stop worrying!

JPVegh said:

...The question is, does being a member of a club oblige me to participate in club sponsored events or can I morally say no thanks I've been there done that let someone else have a turn? In other words, am I being selfish in wanting to enjoy my last few years of rocketry without feeling obliged to volunteer for whatever.

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I (personally) like the socialization aspect of an organized launch, but that's just me.

You are NOT being selfish if you just want to do your own thing.

- Go, Do, Enjoy!

Jeff- I have found myself in the very same situation and felt it was my obligation to support my club. I will admit that I don't want to RSO if that means I can't fly. While I can be happy watching others fly and socializing, the main reason I belong is to FLY. Some folks never give back to the club except in dues, it does seem unfair the same ones wind up doing the same jobs over and over. I could never be the club president, as I don't have the expertise, the time, the patience nor could I navigate any drama. I guess what I'm saying is similar to what TB is saying; let your conscience be your guide and contribute when you can what you can, but not at the expense of enjoying the hobby. I am in the same boat as my event horizon is looming close and some day (a ways away. I hope) I'll have to give it up. Don't feel guilty-even if those around you put on the pressure-it should only affect you if you let it. Like LW said-take a stress break and fly! Have fun, brother! Straight smoke and good chutes!

Do what makes sense you happy.

JPVegh said:

No one has been giving me a hard time. Everyone at the club is pretty laid back. In fact I haven't been to a club launch since February. I guess ive been feeling guilty for not being there for some of the bigger club launch events but at this point in my life I'm just not into the whole community activist thing. I just want to launch a few rockets.

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Jeff, we would love for you to fly with us.

Having said that, there isn't any pressure to do so...and as far as I can tell, there never has been. I myself have not been able to participate as much as I would like to. It's a pain in the ass to drive out to some of our fields, and of course, there is the reality of trying to schedule around your own life.

On the gripping hand, a club's health tends to be directly related to participation. The less the numbers, the harder it becomes to sustain the club. Support is always welcome...even at events where you may not get to launch (school outreach, etc).

I try to do both...participate at our club's launches and other events, and do my own launches separately.

Realistically, do what you enjoy...if it ain't fun, you're doing it wrong. If that means you can't come out to club launches...that's okay.

FC

JPVegh said:

... is that so wrong?

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Yes - it is wrong that you just want to build and launch a ***few*** rockets.

Someone said something about "socialization" or something along those lines. The problem can be, to coin a word, "antisocialization". There could be person or persons that you find disagreeable and just choose to avoid the situation. It could be very mild and your hardly aware of it but it weighs heavy in the decision to have fun, if it's not fun **** it, not going.

One of the best thing is the wheel turns, the average Joe Rocket shoots his flame for 2-3 years and they're gone....my first Tripoli card is from 1993

Why do you say they're gone after 2-3 years? Lost interest?

timbucktoo said:

Why do you say they're gone after 2-3 years? Lost interest?

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Yep, that and "achieved their goals" which usually means 3rd level as fast as possible and out. An expensive crash will sour a lot, too. I got this from Bruce Kelly, past President of Tripoli when I asked him about it at a launch. When you see how many renew every year for years you kinda get a feel of how things flow.

Thanks for the feedback guys, I really appreciate all the points of view. I think I might just be burned out on rocketry at the moment. Ive been in and out a half dozen times over the past 40+ years, I guess I'm on an out year right now.

JPVegh said:

Thanks for the feedback guys, I really appreciate all the points of view. I think I might just be burned out on rocketry at the moment. Ive been in and out a half dozen times over the past 40+ years, I guess I'm on an out year right now.

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Well, most around here are sociable, you can make a career of just hanging out...I know....that's what I do...