Is it just me?

[mickmcart]

Sorry, but I have to vent. It's amazing to me how the NRA keeps ignoring the GRRN. We are some of their biggest supporters and always giving them kudos while they completely ignore us in everything they do.

I just read their article, "Who is the Armed Citizen?" and they mention a bunch of sources and never mentioned this podcast. That is incredible, I rank above them sometimes in Google searches.

The GRRN audience is filled with the most loyal NRA members who are probably their most active to boot. I've written them 3 times hoping that they would give us the smallest nod. I'm not saying they have to endorse us, especially me because of my religious stands on things, but a mention is not an endorsement.

I am a member of the NRA and I think everyone should be, but I had to vent about this because I listen to Pro Arms, GRA, and the rest and think, why on earth in NRA not acknowledging these awesome shows?

[D.Hamilton]

IMHO, the NRA is made up of nothing more than the standard DC Bureaucrat. A bureaucrat that supports similar ideas as most of us, but bureaucrats nonetheless.

Just like the NRA initially refused to support Heller. They have to be the big dog and really do not care about the smaller grass roots.

[Eric R Shelton]

If I had to guess, I would say they just have so many programs going on, it's kind of like any other large organization, and the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing.  They've had an awful website forever, and just seemed to be addressing (or preparing to address) some of their web-based issues at the meeting in May.  Cam Edwards did a great workshop, helping bloggers and podcasters with production tips, etc.  I think they just don't realize yet what to do, or have too many levels of approval to go through...?

[tscentral]

I just read their article, "Who is the Armed Citizen?" and they mention a bunch of sources and never mentioned this podcast. That is incredible, I rank above them sometimes in Google searches.

I saw one internet source in the article and the writer blogs on it.

Hunter

[Jens]

In my not-so humble opinion I think that with all the feedback from the listeners the GRRN is showing the NRA how much flexibility a grass roots organization can achieve without all the bureaucracy. It they were to "adopt" you they'd have to integrate you into their bureaucracy, constricting you in the process.

Mentioning and acknowledging you and your work, on the other hand, would be the polite and courteous thing for them to do.

Just my $.02
Jens

[Matt G]

Maybe we need to have a six per-center campaingn targeting the NRA.  Letting them know they are not the only game in town.  Just like the two political parties, they are subject to "Change" if they fail to do thier mandate.

Matt G

[mickmcart]

I think courtesy is right. I realize that they are busy and probably doing more in the background than we could ever dream, but you were right about the Heller case, I forgot all about that.

I personally think that the GRRN will be huge in the next couple of years. We just have to handle things one day/week/month at a time and make the people aware. I just wish we had more support from the NRA.

I've been to a couple of Gun Shows around my area, and the guys at the NRA Booth have no idea what podcasting is. I always explain it and they're really cool. Maybe it's just a generational gap...

[Christopher Burg]

I agree with your sentiment here Mick.  I think every podcast here, with one exception (sorry I'm lazy and forgetful), mentions listeners should join the NRA.  Gun Rights Radio Network does a lot of promoting and it would be nice to see a little love back from the NRA.

I also notice that the guys working the NRA tables at my local gun shows haven't a clue what podcasting is.  I also find that they have little interest in learning.

But then I look at how long it took the NRA to realize bloggers were a huge allie.  Let's face is the NRA isn't the most up on technology and it's taking them a while to evolve.  Maybe we'll see some mention from them in the future as bloggers finally have but it may be a while.  Who knows.

[wingsprint410]

I agree with your sentiment here Mick.  I think every podcast here, with one exception (sorry I'm lazy and forgetful), mentions listeners should join the NRA.  Gun Rights Radio Network does a lot of promoting and it would be nice to see a little love back from the NRA.

I also notice that the guys working the NRA tables at my local gun shows haven't a clue what podcasting is.  I also find that they have little interest in learning.

But then I look at how long it took the NRA to realize bloggers were a huge allie.  Let's face is the NRA isn't the most up on technology and it's taking them a while to evolve.  Maybe we'll see some mention from them in the future as bloggers finally have but it may be a while.  Who knows.

Well said. I am concerned that the NRA has been slow to recognize the value of blogging, pod casting and social networking (Twitter, Facebook, You Tube etc.) on the internet. You would think that the NRA would catch on after seeing a one term Senator use these methods to help him become President.

[mickmcart]

Exactly! Great point! Like I said, I'm not asking for an official announcement from them for the GRRN. But if they are going to cite references, why not mention us?

[thetriunegod]

The GRRN audience is filled with the most loyal NRA members who are probably their most active to boot. I've written them 3 times hoping that they would give us the smallest nod. I'm not saying they have to endorse us, especially me because of my religious stands on things, but a mention is not an endorsement.

I became an NRA member when I purchased some arms last December. I joined because they are the 800 pound gorilla, not because of how they operate.

Like most here, I became involved at the grass roots too although it is obvious that most elected work their own agenda and not the will of those that got them elected.

There is a chasm between the way the baby boomers think and the generations under them and we are still predominantly led by the boomers. The NRA (IMHO) is still old school.

I got active with the local Friends of NRA and participated at my first banquet. It had the feeling of an elitist event, not something for the common man or woman. I think they could be so much stronger by embracing the common man and woman.

There are over 50,000,000 gun owners in this grand old USA and 4,000,000 NRA members - that is obvious they are doing something wrong (as well as right) - that is not even ten percent. It would appear that the NRA is the group to get the job done but it also appears they need to change some things like you mentioned, supporting groups and people like GRRN.

[TMUSCLE1]

Like most here, I became involved at the grass roots too although it is obvious that most elected work their own agenda and not the will of those that got them elected.

There is a chasm between the way the baby boomers think and the generations under them and we are still predominantly led by the boomers. The NRA (IMHO) is still old school.

There are over 50,000,000 gun owners in this grand old USA and 4,000,000 NRA members - that is obvious they are doing something wrong (as well as right) - that is not even ten percent. It would appear that the NRA is the group to get the job done but it also appears they need to change some things like you mentioned, supporting groups and people like GRRN.

Exactly...This hit the hammer on the nail.  The website has come up recently, but I think that even taking a step towards the social networking and other sites would greatly help people of my generation.  (25+)  Not just social networking, but even something as simple as a youtube channel.  Maybe showing self firearm practices etc. 

That's just the way I see it.  There would be more if they utilized more available resources to network besides the mainstream media. 

[Panhead Bill]

I agree that the NRA needs to get with the 21st century as well as partner with grass roots groups, but I don't place the low membership ratio blame on them. That rests with firearm owners themselves, for the same reason that Eric can't even get 6% of his listeners to write a letter.  People don't feel their freedom is worth spending $35 or even $25, or they complain that they'd get mailings asking for money. 

I don't mean NRA couldn't do more to increase numbers. Although most people have heard of the NRA, they generally may not know what all it does.  NRA is taking small steps to get better.  Using individual recruiters, partnering with manufacturers to give memberships with purchase of guns (I know the mfg probably pays for them, but I would assume not full amt), podcasting their radio show, email alerts, etc.

I would still love to see them partner with grass roots groups, which they haven't seemed to catch on to. I'd bet we'll see it in the future, with an org as old and as large as the NRA, it takes time to change.

All that being said, I absolutely agree with Mick's initial post - NRA has got to evolve or it will soon lose relevance.   

Just my $.02

Bill

[thetriunegod]

That rests with firearm owners themselves, for the same reason that Eric can't even get 6% of his listeners to write a letter.  People don't feel their freedom is worth spending $35 or even $25, or they complain that they'd get mailings asking for money.

Bill, Great points. I think that I remember Eric on one of his shows say that his response was better than he expected and and exceeded 6%.

I guess another point about the NRA that limits it is this, if you had a group of people in your neighborhood that were pro-2A and they started to gather to form a club and the fee to join was $25 but everyone that was there were people that you don't click with or they snub you when you say "Hello" at the post office or you don't have the time to play in their reindeer games - you might join to support their effort but, you might not join.

Some people, a lot of gun owners, were NRA members at one time and left because they feel the NRA didn't do their job or even over did it. With humans we are very judgmental and often cannot as a whole accept a group like the NRA in a broad sense.

I think that is why you see so many other pro-2A groups like GOA, SAF, etc... they appeal to another personality.

Should we join all of them?

Better yet, should there be a collective effort by all these groups??

The NRA does have a youtube channel, it is an arm of the NRA, the NRA-ILA I think they publish about once a week. BUt I don't see them active on FaceBook or pretty much anywhere else.

Some of my two cents for the pot. 

Robert

[thetriunegod]

Here is a link to the NRA on FaceBook

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/pages/Fairfax-VA/National-Rifle-Association/22561081832?ref=nf

Robert

[mickmcart]

Thanks! I just became a NRA Facebook fan.