American Kitefliers Association

Hi Cliff, good question.

For posterity, the Facebook post in question was made the Annual Convention event page:

We've got months to go before convention, but we'd like to know what sort of workshops YOU would like to see in Seaside - it's impossible to include everything but our goal is to share a convention that everyone can walk away from knowing they had a great time and learned lots. Your suggestions are encouraged!

Typically, there isn't much broadcasting about Convention this early in the year... The post above was a casual one, reaching out to both members and the many non-members who might take interest - social network "chatter".

To answer, I think a classic "please pardon our dust" response is appropriate... Right now the focus is on developing practical improvements to our process, enhancing our web presence and simplifying the steps for getting our news and updates out through every channel.

Thanks JB - I suppose January is a tad early to be wondering what's going to be offered in October!  But, it does show there's interest from possible attendees, and that's a good sign.

I personally no problem saying that Facebook in my opinion is pure evil and goes against everything that kiting is about. Kiting should represent nature, wind, peoples individuality, and fun. Its something man has done for centuries, to me the. Polar opposite of Facebook but as soon as my kite club went public (Tite Kite Houston chapter) we were bombarded with Facebook. It was like we can't be in the kiting community if not on Facebook. This is sad and evil, be carefully the devil doesn't always have his horns out to be seen.

Personally, I don't exactly disagree and indeed, Facebook is NOT "what it's all about" - kiting all about community, direct communication, healthy activity, the outdoors, art, education, science, sharing passions and furthering the joys of kiting.

However, we also cannot overlook the potential audience of millions who are being exposed to kiting through social media... Nearly 3,000 people are viewing kiting activity every day on our Facebook page, being exposed to new kiting interests, and "hearing" the voice of AKA members or leadership, whereas despite our best efforts, this forum still generates a very small fraction of that in terms of public outreach.

In the end, it all comes down to balance and inclusion, all the while keeping a keen eye on our core values.

Your feedback and sentiments are always welcome here, thanks for taking the time windmaster.