What I Like about the NSS

[Brian Roebuck]

This thread is all about the things we like about the NSS and being a member of this great organization. If you want to talk about things you may not like about the NSS - don't hijack this thread - Make your own!
[/i]

Being a life member of the NSS I figured they should get some credit where credit is due. I really appreciate the NSS for being there to provide support for ongoing cave protection efforts such as funding lawyers for cave owners involved in lawsuits, helping out with cave gates, scientific research projects, land acquisitions, cave safety guides and analysis, newsletters, publications, conventions, teaching tools, etc etc etc. In short there are many reasons to support the organization and continue to volunteer to assist them in these worthwhile efforts. Perhaps the most amazing part of the whole thing is that most all of this is done by volunteers who have a love for caves and caving that drives them to give so much of their time and talents to the NSS.

So what do the rest of y'all like about the NSS?

[Sharon Faulkner]

I agree, this is a good topic for discussion. First the tangible benefits of NSS membership; the regularly scheduled publications (ACA, Members Manual, NSS News, JCKS) are all examples of excellence, directly attributable to the dedication of Society volunteers, and financed by the Society. The NSS Library, the most extensive and highly regarded repository of speleological resources in the nation, possibly the world, which was created and has been maintained by the NSS for over 60 years. Though not as tangible, also on my list would be the number of fellow cavers from across the nation and abroad that I have had the opportunity to meet and get acquainted with, simply by being a member of the NSS. The Internal Organizations (grottos, regions, etc.); I've always considered them to be an integral part of the Society, and the first stepping-stone to NSS membership in many cases. It was for me anyway.

The opportunity to serve in NSS/Grotto volunteer positions is a rewarding and enjoyable experience in itself, and hope that I am instilling that same desire in my children. I believe in the NSS mission statement and intend to continue supporting the Society by volunteering my time and efforts. It will be the future generations of cavers who will some day reap the benefits of the things we accomplish today.

[L Roebuck]

Yes, this is a good topic of discussion.

What I like the very best about the NSS is my fellow cavers! Cavers live all over the world, come from all walks of life and add such a wonderful diversity to the caving community and life itself. The NSS Library in Huntsville Alabama is the premiere speleological library, in my opinion! The Library is not only rich in speleological resources, but also contains a genealogical treasure trove of documentation of caver’s lives and therefore is also a valuable historical repository. The NSS Bookstore is a great benefit for the membership as well as a valuable asset for the Society. But to me the most valuable asset the NSS has is its Volunteers who donate their time, skills and talents to the NSS as well as to the Internal Organizations (sections, regions, grottos, etc). Volunteers also put huge personal energy into local, regional, and national efforts aimed at cave education, cave conservation and the cave sciences.

[Kelly]

I'm guessing this thread was started to help make up for some of the ill will cast from the now deleted speleopolitical terms thread?? What the heck I'm game...

NSS Library
NSS News
ACA publication
Members Manual...
basically all the publications

There are people on the BOG that I have a lot of faith in, and I have heard good things about our new Pres. And even though I don't always agree with them, I'm grateful for all of the EC and BOG. They are doing a BIG job so the rest of us don't have too.

I also completely agree with the views of the NSS on cave protection, science, safety, and all the other things that this organization was originally set up to do.

[Brian Roebuck]

Kelley,
I started this thread because I like the NSS and I wanted to share in what others feel are the best things about it. It aint perfect but what is? As far as ill will we can't stop folks from thinking what they want to or reacting to things however they may. I hope we continue to post freely on this forum (within the rules of course EDIT: seems there aren't any real rules but I meant that we should all play well together ) and simply be reasonable and civil towards each other even when we strongly disagree on things.

Now back to our regularly scheduled postings.....

[madratdan]

I'm guessing this thread was started to help make up for some of the ill will cast from the now deleted speleopolitical terms thread??

No worries Kelly. The thread is in the Humor Forum where it belongs. ;D

I'll bite also,

After much thought, I would have to say that the people and friends I've made at both the national and local levels are the biggest benefit I've received by being an NSS member over the past 10 years.

Next would be cave access. NSS membership is required to lead trips within the Williams Canyon Project at Cave of the Winds. Since that's about the only place I really go caving and am involved with several committee's and such, I have to remain a member to remain doing what I so love. (Besides, the bridge broke over Holey Waters and I've been elected to replace it. )

Third would have to be the 3 conventions I've attended. All three left me with memories that will last a lifetime. Right down to the grit wrestling and the sharing of a keg of Fat Tire beer with friends, new and old alike. I'm already trying to work out a way to slip away to MVOR this fall. (I got to sit next to Avis and drink wine with her and a host of other famous TAG cavers at the Cali. banquet dinner. That's one lasting memory no one can take away!!)

I too agree with the organizations founding philosophy's and would support the NSS on those alone.

[Azurerana]

madratdan said:

I'm already trying to work out a way to slip away to MVOR this fall.

Too late. It is this weekend. I'm not there because of gas prices and family commitment and the fact that one cannot get 4 hours of continuous sleep for all the racket. OTOH, I've already volunteered to help with and lead a major trip for the Spring MVOR.

I just get too angry and hurt thinking about the difference between the theoretical NSS and the real NSS so I can't contribute to this thread. What do I love most about the NSS? The people and travel opportunities and opportunities to learn and contribute. What do I not like about the NSS? The people and regionalism thereof and the fact that one fights uphill for any gains one gets. I used to think the NSS was something very precious and special. I don't know what I think anymore, and my feelings are pretty numb. Next year will be my 20th year of membership.

I am just very disillusioned with much of life right now, so I will go quietly and take my medicine.
Azurerana

[Brian Roebuck]

Azureana,
Oops! You actually did say some stuff about things you don't like about the NSS... Yes you must be angry and hurt indeed. As we all know the NSS like everything else is not perfect so there are some things we might not like. I suppose if you would really like to discuss all that further you should start a new thread. Besides it would have a more Jerry Springer appeal to some I would think

DrB

[Azurerana]

drbeaner said:

Azureana,
Oops! You actually did say some stuff about things you don't like about the NSS... Yes you must be angry and hurt indeed.
DrB

I apologize DrB. I have an inability to think in white and black about anything. That is why the world is gray to me. If you noticed the things I like are the same things I don't like. It perhaps all started with the concept that NSS honored members are all called "Fellows" regardless of actual gender.
The lighter gray things about the NSS are the friendliness of the esteemed elders to new cavers and the egalitarianism of much of convention, plus the fact that convention is a cheap vacation where some of the people know your name.
The science aspects of the NSS are good, including the fact that a Ph.D presentation may be followed by someone with a paper to give, but no degree at all. Another light gray thing is the members manual where one may approach a stranger based on nothing but an NSS number and ask/offer help.

Now. Does that feel better, doctor?
Azurerana

[Brian Roebuck]

Very theraputic indeed... You have suceeded in expressing your positive thoughts. And as we all know gray is lighter than black. Hopefully more forum members and visitors will express some things they like (or don't totally dislike) about the NSS. I think it is important to let everyone know what things are working for all of us.

Now I sorta feel good and bad at the same time

DrB

[Jennifer]

There are many things I like about the NSS. The best thing is the wonderful people. All of my best friends are people I have met over the years through the NSS. Being at TAG this past weekend really made me appreciate the diversity and talents of the group of people who are NSS members. Through the NSS and my grotto, I have gotten to know cavers from all over the country. Second, the NSS library. It really is a fantastic and unique resource. I could easily spend days there just browsing through the reams of interesting information about caves and caving. It is a valuable resource for everyone interested in conducting research about anything related to caves. Third, all of the great NSS publications. I learned how to put together my first climbing system years ago by reading On Rope. I've enjoyed the NSS News for years and always look forward to it. I am about to buy On Caves and Cameras and know that I will enjoy it and learn a great deal from it. Fourth-- internal organizations. My grotto is a great group and I treasure all of the diverse people who are members and volunteers. In addition, other internal organization like Spelean History, Vertical Section, and all of the others provide great services to members.