Music Box Society

[FloridaClay]

WOW, hard to know what to say. My own experience of MBSI (I have been a member for about 10 years) has been totally opposite. 95%+ are really nice people. I have made many friends there and have always found people more than happy to share information and advice.

There are, of course, the 5% who are stinkers in every single organization I have ever been associated with--social clubs, nonprofits, churches, the whole range. Sadly, it goes with having a group made up of human beings. But why would I give the stinkers the attention that they are craving and let them spoil things for me? If I do that, I have given them the power and they have won. I just ignore them and treasure the great majority who are good folks.

Clay

[epigramophone]

The Music Box Society International (MBSI) held their annual convention this past week about 10 minutes from my house, so as a member (and regular advertiser in all their publications) I wanted to pop over yesterday and see some folks (and their wares) at their end-of-convention Mart.

No problem, all I had to do is register for the entire convention, pay the $350 fee, and I could go through the hallowed doors of the Mart.

Now, how's that for furthering the interests of the "Society" and the sellers set up inside? Is it any wonder the MBSI is shrinking and the average age approaching the octogenarian level?


Raphael

It sounds as though the MBSI could learn a lesson from the CLPGS, which held it's annual gathering earlier this month.

Members can choose between two or three night package deals at the hotel, or attend as day visitors. Day visitor rates include morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea.

All members are entitled to attend the AGM, which takes place during that weekend, whether or not they have booked with the hotel.

[JerryVan]

I had a similar experience a few years back at the convention of an antique radio club in Michigan. I was a member of the organization, not that anyone from the group ever took the time to speak with me or welcome me. I attended the swap meet at their annual convention. What a surprise! One of the group recognized me. From several feet away a woman pointed at me and stated, "You're a member!". "Nice", I thought, finally someone is trying to be friendly. Not so. They quickly followed up with, "You have to register!". Well, o.k., I signed a sheet of paper and was told to hand over money, (can't recall how much, seems like $25). I explained that I was not planning to attend any other events related to the convention, just visiting the swap meet. It didn't matter. I asked it was really their intention to charge me the full amount when I was only attending the swap meet that anyone from off the street could attend 100% free, since it was located outdoors, in a motel parking lot, not fenced off in any way. "Yup, that's it", I was told. I paid the money with the stipulation that it would be the last dollars of mine they would ever see. They could not have cared less. Additionally, since I had already paid the fee, I figured I might as well attend the auction later that day as well. I guess I could have, but that required another several dollars for the added privilege. Not interested. I will never have anything to do with that group again.

[pianolist]

I have been in MBSI since the '80s but have only attended one of my chapter's business meetings and no conventions. MBSI has always been a very formal, strict organization that adheres to Robert's Rules of Order during a meeting; a meeting that drags on-and-on I might add. The people have generally been great, I have many good friends in MBSI; I just avoid the meetings.

AMICA, a sister organization, (Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors Association), is a little more lively and shorter in meetings, I have attended their conventions.

Both, however, seem to be moving away from Marts as a draw to the convention. The Mart is what I truly enjoy and don't see why they think that is not a significant part of a meet? The hours are much reduced from the old days and scheduled at what seems to be an afterthought to other activities.

At least OTAPS and the national have GREAT marts and the meetings are a lot of fun, I look forward to all.

The Watch and Clock collectors have a good idea in that our regional meets have the mart for attending members first, and then the mart is opened for the general public at a very reasonable admission fee.

[Mlund2020]

As a long time collector of phonographs, music boxes, nickelodeons and orchestrions, I have had the pleasure and privilege of belonging to most of the related collector societies for the past 20 + years (MAPS, CAPS, APS, MBSI, and AMICA). I have enjoyed each of these groups and seen every one of these societies struggling with declining and aging membership (including the phonograph societies), as the younger generation is quickly loosing interest in these wonderful historical mechanical music marvels we all love.

With that in mind, I have found this thread to be absolutely appalling. Bashing other collector clubs only further adds to the problem. At a time when as fellow collectors, we should all be supporting our brothers and sisters in related mechanical music collector clubs, this kind if negativity will drive even more people away. While threads like this will clearly drive people away from MBSI (if that is your goal), it appears to me to be even more unflattering of phonograph collectors. I believe that all of our clubs would welcome suggestions and constructive criticism on how they can grow membership and appeal to the next generation, but this kind of negativity hurts everyone.

I have found the MBSI members to be some of the friendliest of all the collector groups and have invited them to see my collection on many occasions. I would not hesitate to do so again, as they have been the most appreciative and gracious of all visitors I have had to my home and my collection.