Posted: 17 May 2007 at 10:22pm | IP Logged

Hi Rita, thanks for your valuable inputs. I know most definitely Gavin would take your suggestions into account. 

Don't worry about the Flyback Event - it will be clearly mentioned in the main page of GMN. And if I know Gavin, he will definitely send you enough/adequate information in advance so that you'll be well-prepared.

(can't be long..cos need to do some inspection..inspection..inspection...got to do reports..reports..reports...wow...what a 'crazy' job)

Posted: 15 May 2007 at 8:31pm | IP Logged

This is an interesting idea, a step forward for the forum.   I support it and would like to suggest forming an initial club, call it HQ (borrowing Nik's term here) or the likes instead of setting-up several destination clubs at one go.  This way, common by-laws, constitution, mission statement, rules, etc. are established at the onset and fine-tuned to accommodate local chapters later.

My husband and I are joint-member of a US Sailing Association which was formed out of an online forum.   Similar to GMN being set-up for Malaysians worldwide, the forum was set-up to share knowledge and information among sailing enthusiasts throughtout the US.  It continues  to do so successfully, with forums branching out under boating categories now.  The Club co-exists with the forum but has extended objectives, not unlike those mentioned by Nik.  They include the promotion of shared interests, activities that encourage fellowship among members, cooperation with other organizations and coordination of events that generate value in kind for members.   Some of the benefits we have enjoyed are networking opportunities, travel support even when we are not cruising on waters, exclusive privileges of sorts, shopping discounts and most important of all - a group of really good friends to share real experiences with.

Having said all that, our nay-sayers' concerns are founded.  Member interest and commitment are requirements for a club to be successful. 

By the way, when was the GMN Fly Back Event??

Posted: 25 April 2007 at 12:47pm | IP Logged

that is exactly how i feel about this proposal. very well said.

Posted: 25 April 2007 at 11:54am | IP Logged

Lilian, Whitenite & Flick. I'm not involved directly in the formation of this club. Like you; I'm simply giving my views to Gavin's idea that was triggered 2 years back where I was one of the great supporters.

Furthermore, we're just at the discussion stage herein this thread. 

Let's give it a little bit more time.

Posted: 25 April 2007 at 10:34am | IP Logged

Nik and Gavin, u can also include me in as a wet blanket. I do not like the idea of a club. I think that with the formation of any club, personalities will come into play and more often than not, one get bogged down with social politics. A club will need structure and beauracracy and this may lead to disputes and all kinds of unnecessary disagreements. I am not saying it will happen but i have seen it happening in many clubs which is not exactly healthy.

I like the anonymity of being just another forum member. I believe that this forum has assisted many msians without any necessity of forming a club. It is informal, relaxed ,  within our own control and keeping our privacy intact.  If we feel that we can render help we will do so without the pressure of a formal structure of a club. Personally i believe that this forum has acted as a platform for many  to obtain the relevent info and will continue to do so...

Just my humble opinion, thats all.

cheers

Lilian.

Posted: 24 April 2007 at 10:17pm | IP Logged

flick068 wrote: this is probably going to make me sound like a wet blanket but what the heck.... why do we need a GMN Club? what would be the objectives of a club? why can't we leave a good thing like the forum as is without morphing it into a club? how would the club differ from being a forum member? doesn't a club make it sound so exclusive when the forum is open & inclusive?

Nope flick, you do have a point there as well. I think even if the GMN Club is formed, the forum; being the heart of GMN; will stay.

There is a difference being a forum member online and being a club member offline & online.

As I have said earlier, the views voiced in a club would be very much official according to the law.

I'm neither implying that views voiced herein wouldn't get much attention nor forum members not registered as club members would be 'cast aside' (I think it's rather an option) but when we're registered, it would likely to be getting more attention.

Other than that - let's say for example, in emergency situations e.g. catastrophes etc, there is an official place (besides than the Embassy, UN shelters etc.) where news can be spread much more effectively via other media when access to the internet is not possible. I'm also very sure, it's not for GMN forumers/club members alone but for all Malaysians abroad and this club can act like support relief centres.

GMN clubs/charters may also function in promoting Malaysia for FDI, Business & tourism purposes.

I do not think that it's going to be an exclusive club - it would be a normal one intended to gather and foster stronger relationships with Malaysians worldwide. See below :

http://www.globalmalaysians.com/aboutus/objectives.asp

I know there are alumnis, the Embassy, media representatives etc, but it won't hurt to have another club complementing (not overlapping) other similar entities.

Alas my 2 sens worth of views here are not representing GMN in any way.