Eric needs your input, guys...

[Eric R Shelton]

Do me a favor, then- check out VSGAA.org and tell me what you think.

Jeff Knox started this last year, but just hasn't had the time/focus to do anything with it.  Too many irons in the fire, y'know?  I was emailing with him because I was thinking about taking the link to them off my show's webpage, when he told me actually pulling the plug on it was on his list of things to do.  My inner scavenger/vulture took over, and I asked him for two weeks before he did to give me time to see if I could do something with it.

I'm wondering if this is what Six Percenters should become, or if Six Percenters should get entry into the VSGAA.  Maybe graduates of an Old Pueblo Security gain entry?  Or perhaps better, if somebody is a VSGAA member maybe a free OPS class?  I wonder if VSGAA never took off because Jeff approached it from a "pay for membership" approach, and there are already enough gun-oriented groups that want you to pay for membership?

So, I need people's input on this.  Ideas, thoughts, concerns, etc.  Is it a bad idea because it will attract the idiots who go buy CCW badges and start thinking they're some kind of authority now?  How do we reinforce this is a community for the regular folks, and that the name is a mockery of the way media covers citizens who stop villains?

If we can get enough response on this, there's an outside chance of talking about it on GunTalk this Sunday (Jan 17th), so quick responses are best.  Thanks!

-Eric
[email protected]

[daemonpi]

I don't think I like the idea of a pseudo-para-para-security organization.  I think it gives the wrong ideas to the opposition, and falsely bolsters a sense of importance or officiality (I know it's not a real word) to those participating.  Maybe I'm reading too much into it.

[Dave.45]

So, I need people's input on this.  Ideas, thoughts, concerns, etc.  Is it a bad idea because it will attract the idiots who go buy CCW badges and start thinking they're some kind of authority now?  How do we reinforce this is a community for the regular folks, and that the name is a mockery of the way media covers citizens who stop villains?

Eric,
This paragraph is the nub of the problem. Nothing wrong with the idea but the name, the website, etc. seem to be calling out to those who need their ego stroked. If I were you, I would pass... or take the site/group/concept and totally rework it to something "normal" people would be willing to own up to.

[Christopher Burg]

I'm going to go with the crowd here (Of two, hey it's like the ratings of my show  ) and say you should probably pass on this or completely rework it.

This site seems to be one that will attract those who need their ego inflated.  It seems like those who like to start "play militias" (You know the ones who more or less are doing it to have a paintball tournament every month and say it's hard core training).

That said you could rework the site into something great.  For instance maybe knock out all the talk having the world "elite" in it.  Make it into a support page and community forum for neighborhood watch members where they can get information on their local laws and talk amongst others doing the same.  Something like that would probably turn out to be a great tool

[daemonpi]

Now that would be a great idea Mr. Burg.

[tom]

I like CBurg's line of thought here.  I just finished watching last week's SWAT tv while eating lunch and you can see how they are walking a fine line to...you are not going to be part of a SWAT team because you watch the show and we are not trying to develop new mall ninjas. 
My other thought here is do I need another site, another group, another forum?  Not really, I have too many already.  WIth USCCA, GRRN, DownRange, SAF, etc etc. there are forums and threads ad infinitum.  I think all the sites today are great at chatter but bad at information aggregation.  Where do I find WA state gun laws or help on legal defense, you fire up a thread.  Just like this site itself (the VSGAA) do I need it to have another political action list?
Maybe this is a way that GRRN can grow:
Recognitions - this is the area we recognize those that performed acts of service
Legal Information - A collection of pointers to resources and organizations
Ranges - A place to find range listings and basic info: hours, rates, pointer to site

It isn't just a forum ie don't overload the site with more discussion groups but set up some databases.
Right now the gun community seems to be (maybe because we are all such free spirits) to ready to start another site, another club, etc.  Why is the NRA great? One big massive voice (perfect no) that is hard to ignore.  How many anti-gun groups do you really have to care about?  Brady, MAIG, and the UN.  We need to tighten our ranks.

tom

[daemonpi]

tom makes some salient points as well

[Zeus]

I agree with the group. I think there are lots of folks who would get all fired up about a shiny badge or some kind of certification that gives them the idea they are now Batman or something.

[AussieRogue]

I agree with all the others just had a look at the site and my option is no Mate I do not think this is for you

[Matt G]

Ma, I hope Tony or the Gundudes dont get a hold of this thread topic name.  I mean.....   

Matt G

[Eric R Shelton]

Thanks, guys.  The input here is pretty unanimous, and matches up with what Gail and other podcasters have emailed back to me, as well.  It's a hilarious concept, but I'm afraid too many people won't get the joke.  And there ARE already so many things to join.  Ok, thanks again guys!