Big Changes at the cone6pots Network

[George Lewter]

The following message was broadcast to all members on May 12, 2012. It is reprinted here for members to easily access and refer to, and for those whose email address may have changed, or whose spam filters may have blocked the message. . .

There are a number of things that are changing and events at the C6P network that all members should be aware of. As of June 1, 2012 there will be an annual fee of $9.00 (US) for membership. There is a detailed discussion of the rationale for the fee and its implementation on the network at:   https://cone6pots.ning.com/forum/topics/growing-pains-changes-to-th.... Briefly. the fee is to support expanded services and capabilities for the network to provide its membership. Should you choose not to support the network, you will still be able to see most our information, but you will not be able to post anything, or to contact any member through the message system. You will encounter a paywall at your first login on/after the first day of the anniversary month of your joining the network. New members who join in May of 2012 will see the paywall on June 1 of this year and each June 1 thereafter. If you need to wait to pay, none of your member data or postings will be deleted, but your interactivity will be suspended. We hope all of you will find us worthy of this small amount of support that will help us finance access to valuable resources and capabilities for your benefit. As the cone6pots network grows larger, it is very important that decision making has multiple people providing their insight. To that end I would like to form a steering committee to consult on all important decisions going forward from the committee's activation. Read about the committee and give your feedback at: https://cone6pots.ning.com/forum/topics/steering-committee-discussi.... You can volunteer for one of the appointive memberships or nominate someone for one of the elective memberships. Succession Planning - I am looking for an active, committed member who is capable of, and desirous of taking over the administration/ownership of the network in the event of my death or disability. Detailed discussion at: https://cone6pots.ning.com/forum/topics/a-backup-plan-succession-pl...  Classes -- Look for quick training sessions and longer term classes in using the Insight-Live Glaze Recipe database, ceramic materials, glaze calculation, glaze testing methods, decorating techniques, altering thrown forms, and anything else that might draw the interest of a group. Please let us know through the discussion forums if you are interested in teaching a class. Maybe we should offer an online class in “How to teach an online class.” More information at: https://cone6pots.ning.com/forum/categories/continuing-education/li... The Cone6pots World Raku Party currently has two venues. South Central Michigan, and New South Wales, Australia. We would really like to see more members to step up and host more regional venues for this event, and we would love to have more members sign up to attend the existing venues. As a host, you are free to organize your venue however you like. Suggested date - August 11, 2012. Location - Multiple regional locations around the globe. Objective - Meet and enjoy time with other C6P members, fire pots together and submit pictures to the network for all to enjoy. Participant camping would be a desirable option. Reasonably priced, nearby lodging and recreation would also be a plus. Parties could be one or two day events at the discretion of the hosts. Read about the event and sign up to host or to attend at: https://cone6pots.ning.com/forum/topics/cone6pots-world-raku-party Time is fleeting, so you should get onboard right away. Thank you for your attention. Hoping to see you on cone6pots soon, George Lewter