The OUCH convention is history..... and as it seems OUCH is still out there
to continue its mission...........

As I can not use the OUCH boards to post this I take the liberty of posting
this on CH.com..... with the hope that I am not ignored......

I, a member of OUCH, that have not been present at the convention, for what ever
reason, would like to know, what came out of the convention, be it in terms of OUCH as
an organization.... and the short / long term duties and mission......
Many have posted prior to the convention, with some wonderful ideas, and pledged
a commitment to the organization, to help and do with in OUCH and for OUCH.......

I (and I believe some more) would like to know....... and the organization has a responsibility to report......
I have looked on OUCH website..... and could not see any communiqué.... or a notice that
with in a given time a report and minutes of the meetings will be posted......

I know this is an un orthodox venue....  but I would like to do it in the open and publicly, not using e-mail or other channels of communication-that are not public and open.....
I would like to be able to see an open and constructive (on going) discussion, with respect
as we had it before the convention....... it gave me a feeling of involvement!

As I can not post on OUCH my request, I use this board for my inquiry.....

Michael

Michael,

Good questions, and given a couple of days I'm sure you will have some answers.  I will say the discussions were much as they were here on CH.com, reasoned, respectful, and I believe productive.  A number of issues were brought up that the board will have to discuss and address.  Some of them (including officers) were unable to attend due to medical issues, so it will require a bit of time for them to act.  I'm fully expecting to hear something in the very near future.

Hope that helps.

Jerry ( who runs nothing but his mouth) ;D

I follow you on this thread Michael

Svenn

2 things from the convention, there is now a slowly morphing committee to address the difficulties people have had with logging onto/posting on the OUCH Board. This won't happen as fast as many might hope, but it WILL happen! One of the many good things to come of the convention was the people stepping forward to address those issues.

With that accomplished, the hope is the ease in accessing the board will eliminate any problems people have with perceptions of things being hidden from them.

Joe

(Who hadn't ever been involved with OUCH but was impressed by what I saw at this convention!)

I think it is important to say that no major decisions were made at the convention except that the direction of OUCh seems to be to reorganize efforts and redefine the focus.  The BOD will be taking all of the suggestions and discussions and acting on them but that will take some time.  

I think most of us at the convention felt good about the meetings.  I hope that those who have passion for the cause and a little bit of time (even a very little bit) will find a way to get involved in OUCH.  While the BOD will be guiding the ship, it is the people who volunteer time and effort that can make OUCH strong and effective.  

I think 1 other thing was very clear to me.  The current BOD members at the convention are dedicated to making OUCH the best it can be.  They are dedicated and intelligent and have a lot of input now to work with.

I look forward to finding out (along with you) exactly what will happen with OUCH next.

I understand that many of you are very enthusiastic from the outcome of the convention.....
or some of the outcome.....
The sketchy reports I am getting about the meetings and the outcomes......  make me
very hopeful for the future..... but at the same time worried.....
enthusiasm and the readiness... the willingness to help will tends to subside in the long run...
especially among the members that have missed the convention and have no first hand info,
discussions (minutes), decisions and resolutions from the convention (if any) as well as if any changes to the bylaws or mission statement ....  I (we) do need to have that information, in a timely manner (but no longer then 14 days past the convention end)
1.)      in order to keep the momentum that was generated prior to the convention......
2.)      for a proper and on going exchange of information, and dialog.......
3.)      to ensure proper reporting to the members (namely) members that have not attended the convention and for the records......

Joe.... as you have divulged an anecdote
Quote:
“there is now a slowly morphing committee to address the difficulties people have had with logging onto/posting on the OUCH Board. This won't happen as fast as many might hope, but it WILL happen!”

that is a very positive development..... and very constructive..... but as a member I would like to have this information communicated in an orderly manor.... on an going basis
with the ability to convey my thoughts and inputs.... and a reasonable time frame to
achieve the goals or targets that have been set...... not imprecise and delayed/sluggish
time frames or diffuse  statements, open to interpretation......
all the above on an open public board!

I have set my self to continue after the convention to post on a weekly basis, to ask to comment
not to criticize..... that is easy.... simple.... and in a way cowardly.... I will try and engage in a
positive a constructive dialog..... and if I do not get a satisfying answer (the way I see it) I will
re-ask and then criticize..... but at the same time offer a better / another way to do it......
all this in a correct and proper manor!
and all on a public board...... I hope soon on OUCH boards.....

OUCH is very important to me, and very important to all of us as a community....  as an instrument
to promote our needs in a way that is in conjunction with OUCH’s mission statement..... and more(?)


Michael

Can we get some laundry done first? ;D

Brew wrote on Jul 28^th, 2009 at 12:46pm:

Can we get some laundry done first? ;D

as I answered you Bill some time back.... about  laundry,

I have no idea how to operate the highly complex
machinery..... to many buttons and displays.......

I am still trying to figure out how to use the
vacuum cleaner....  way to complex.....


And,

I am a chauvinist pig...... and conservative....

[smiley=crackup.gif]

 Michael  

Quote:

Can we get some laundry done first?

ROFLMAO!

I'm sure we're all anxious to get information on the OUCH discussions held at the convention.

Let's give them a little time to sort it all out.....investigate fesaibility....etc.

I'm very interested, as many of us are, but want good information too.

Michael - It would have been thoughtful if you had given us a chance to get home from the convention before demanding a report.  As Convention Chair I had planned from the beginning to give a report, knowing that few had been posted in the past.  BoD members will attest that my reports are on time or early.  The 14 days you gave would be much too long in my books.  

The drafts has been written from the notes taken and is being proof read for the second time as you read this.  It will be posted in the couple of days on ouch-us.org.  I will have to wait until it has completed reviews and I don’t have full control on that.  I do hope you can wait just a little longer.  OH – Don’t think that your post had any influence into the reports being written or posted, or the speed of posting them – it really didn’t.

The reports will be posted on the Business Board on ouch-us.org.  For those that have been having difficulties, a reminder or two:
1)      You have to register/log-in to get into the ‘Member Area’ and register/log-in* again to get on to the ‘Business Board’.  (It was that way on the old website as well.) (*Could be the same username/password or different – it is/was your choice.)
2)      If you have problems there is a link on the lower left column of the Home Page for ‘username/password maintenance’.  There is also a link to ‘contact the webmaster’.  Mike will help get your sign-in straightened out.

I will post here when the reports are up on OUCH.

Jim Welch
Treasurer
Convention Chair

Jim,

I thank you for the positive response - that's great.

Marc

Jim.....

I do not demand....  I ask!!! (Semantics)

No need for sarcasm....  arrogance.... or boastful  banter...

If you (or OUCH BoD) have a problem with me asking for a report or to pose a question to the OUCH BoD,
then you (or the OUCH BoD) can communicate it as it was intended, in a respectful way!

Please let me  know if I ask for to much.......

I look forward to your report.  I'm told a lot transpired over two days of meetings.


Michael

Quote:

I (we) do need to have that information, in a timely manner (but no longer then 14 days past the convention end)

Quote:

and if I do not get a satisfying answer (the way I see it) I will re-ask and then criticize..... another way to do it......

I don't know Michael, sounded like a demand to me.

Sounded like a demand to a LOT of us here.

(Because our names are Different, Jim is my husband just so you all know)

My husband Jim did an outstanding job at the convention.   He was professional (as always)and  his reports will be coming soon.

Those that would be demanding as well as threatening cristism..well, I have this to say to you:

We need BoD members.  We also need someone to run the newsletter, education committee and Media. We already have a lot of folks willing and able to take on the web-site.  We also have someone to take on the OUCH store.(You guys rock!!!!!!)


Those of you who stepped up to the plate and volunteered your resources, time and money...I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  YOU are the people for whom we need to thank.




What should OUCH put you down for Michael?   OUCH will await and post what you have decided you'd be best suited for.    Media?   Education commitee?  The newsletter?   There are three.  Please contact OUCH for more areas you can be of service and help to.

Arrogance and boastful is not Jim.  He was just stating facts.  Anyone who listened to Jim at this convention for 2 days knows that.  And has said that in no uncertain terms.

Arrogance, boastful and   sarcastic may however be someone elses shortcomings...not Jims though.

Michael - You and I are usually sympatico on many issues, but I think you are out of line here. OUCH has suffered some severe set-backs over the last year, and only a handful of people have stepped up to the plate to get the ship righted. Jim is one of the main ones doing so. For the sake of keeping the sea calm, I ask that you either grab an oar or move to the back of the boat out of the way.

Bill

OK guys, there is no need for this to deteriorate.

I don't think Michael meant to come off as antagonistic.  Jim and the BoD are working hard already to do what Michael is looking for.  Now, when it comes out, let's see what we can all do to help OUCH refocus and become effective again!!!

Not trying to cause things to deteriorate, just trying to stand up for what's right.

Quote:

What should OUCH put you down for Michael?   OUCH will await and post what you have decided you'd be best suited for.    Media?   Education commitee?  The newsletter?   There are three.  Please contact OUCH for more areas you can be of service and help to.

I've always had a problem with this concept. In order for a member to participate or request info they have to work for it? What if for one reason or another someone is not in a position to step up? They get cast away? They are still a member/sufferer and deserve a response with out feeling as though they not worthy. Is that what OUCH is supposed to be about?

Of course how you go about requesting info. may influence the response you get from those who are able to be working for OUCH.

A demanding approach breeds resentment and that helps no one.

IMHO Michael's messages tend to get lost in translation.

I don't think he means to be abrubt it just comes across that way when typed in sometimes (no offense) broken English.

That's it.

Thank you all

I think Michael is rather articulate, but then I've been known to have a propensity to pontificate.

Yes, those of us who want to see some positive changes are anxious to see what happens. Based on what I've seen/read so far, I've decided to let folks try and move forward on the momentum created at the convention.

After waiting this long to see if OUCH would even survive, I think I can wait just a little longer to let people catch their breath.

But then, that's just my Californian-transplanted-to-Texas attitude  ;)

Marc

I sit in the OUCH meetings both Friday and Saturday and this is what I came out with.

There is only a handful of Board Members left that is doing anything and all they are able to do is keep the ship afloat. But the ship is not moving, just floating.

Some have quit or just quit being involved leaving it up to just a few people. They can do nothing more. If OUCH is to go forward, the bottom line is people have to come forward and get involved. If not, we will just keep on keeping on.

A lot of good ideas were presented and the Board was writing it down, but unless they get help on these various committees it is impossible to do. Thats it...bottom line.

I, along with another agreed to be on the Nominating Committee this year. It's not much but it is one thing. The ones still left are begging for help. If it doesn't come, there will be no OUCH other than the convention and web page.

And if your defense is, I volunteered before and didn't even get an acknowledgement from OUCH. Try me and see if you don't get a response.

I read Michael's posts with interest whenever he posts.  He is articulate and thoughtful in his writing.  As someone said things get lost in the translation.  I don't believe he intended to be demanding based on the personality he has presented over the years.

Jim did a great job at the convention.  Those of us who were there know that.  Those who were not there do not.  What they know is the way things have been in the past when we either did not get the info needed or got part of it after an extended time.  I can understand Michael's anticipation and wanting to get the news officially while it is still fresh.  All he has heard is the great things we have had to say about the talk there, but has yet to see the official word.  Those of us who were there KNOW Jim will come through promptly.  Those not there can only hope it won't just be business as usual.  Cut Michael and the others who were unable to be there a little slack.

JMHO
Jerry

Jimi,

I'm available.  Don't know what I'm good for or how much time I can devote, but I'm open to suggestions.

Jerry

Linda.... (and all)

Quote: „We need BoD members.“

I have been on the BoD, I have resigned for reasons that I don’t think
I should post...... and to be honest don’t even think about going into
the reasons......

But if you would like I will share them in a telephone (Skype) call with you and Jim!

Quote: What should OUCH put you down for Michael?   OUCH will
await and post what you have decided you'd be best suited for.    Media?   Education commitee?  The newsletter?   There are three.  Please contact OUCH for more areas you can be of service and help to.

Lind, I believe you know that even as this (unnecessary) discussion is going I am involved in one major project.... the O2 study and clinical test, and the link (and $) from Linde are a result of work I and Pete have done.....  and still do!

I am involved in one more project involving O2, that is yet to become public....

I am involved in promoting ONS studies and trail procedures..... ONB (occipital nerve Block)
trail procedures..... in both also personally as a “lab mouse”.......
I am involved in a project in a very promising area for CH, searching for donors and financial
support!
Just because I have hardly ever hang my engagement on the big horn, dose not entail I am
forgetting the urgent need for doing!  I do not need my name on thing..... or any gratitude.....
I do things because I believe it has to be done....

Sorry Linda but I do need to support a family to.... and with the above involvement I can not
commit my self to another commitment – I will probably be doing wrong to OUCH and the projects
I am involved in – I will do many things, but only half way, time is a scarcity, and I try to do the things
I do right..... do less but do it right!

Linda..... I am at times sarcastic! but to tell me I am arrogant and boastful.... I let it by
this.... and attribute it to your personal (and natural) obligation to take Jims side!

All  I am looking for is a discussion....
keep the POSITIVE momentum from before the convention.... to keep OUCH on our daily
agenda....
I choose to write the way I do... and express my self the way I do in order to generate
an on going discussion.... and I will continue doing so – I believe OUCH needs to be on
our agenda, and by having OUCH on the boards the interest of the members will grow
productive and positive discussions will (I think) will generate also higher personal involvement in the organization, and will enable to recruit volunteers and an easier
manor!

I do not take any of the posted attributes personally! situations like that accrue
in any open and constructive discussion.....  and as I said often I do and will
always respect each and every one of our virtual family members.... I might
disagree with them, I might dislike some of the ideas or posts, and most likely voice
my opinion, positive or negative.....
but asking or posing a question, or just commenting dose not entail disrespect
in the contrary by commenting, I have taken my time to read and react.... and that
is a very respectful act, I care and show interest......
I respect very much the ones that have taken responsibility.... and do! I might disagree
with them, but I do respect them very much.....

Its not a cheer leading contest.... and award winning contest.... it is a work for the good
of all of us....

I would like to keep this discussion going, it might get at times uncomfortable for some
(including my self) but we need to take our egos and persona out of this and focus on
what is important to all of us.... OUCH
its not about who did what and why.... it is about the constructive exchange of information... stimulation..... open discussion.... respectful and positive
constructive discussion is the first step in involvement...... and commitment.......

Michael

I think Michael is just concerned about OUCH as are a lot of us here.

I attended convention and came away with dozens of questions (I have to think things over and then come up with questions - I'm OLD you know).

To keep things orderly, I've written down my questions and am sending them to Helen Williams (since the President is non-existent lately, I "assume" as VP she has taken over his duties) for consideration and answers (or to be brought up to the board of directors). I'm doing this because the OUCH website doesn't have a place to ask questions by members and e-mails don't seem to get to the proper people when sent (this was brought up as a problem during convention).

This has been said before, but bears repeating -- when we talk face to face we "understand" each other a little differently than when we're typing on this MB. Sometimes what we type doesn't sound exactly like we would "say" it if we were having a conversation one on one. We need to keep that in mind. That's how mountains get made out of molehills.

Now, that being said -- I signed up -- HAVE YOU????

Hugs BD :-*

Jerry........

check your pm's

Thanks

Taking all the tone and emotion out, let me try and summarize:

Michael thinks it is important that OUCH communicate what happened at the convention.  He further thinks continued discussion and communication is essential to OUCH moving forward in a positive direction.

Jim says that the BoD is working on getting the information out and it will be as quickly as humanly possible.  

Linda would like to remind people that ideas and thoughts are both welcome and noted but that OUCH is going to need more people to step up and volunteer.

How'd I do?

Fair to Middling. ;)

Thank you all for keeping this subject 'Up Front and Personal' and as comfortable as possible.

The reports are posted on OUCH on the Business Board in OUCH News and Updates.  For those of you that have been having trouble Loging-in or getting Registered - we will have the reports also posted in the Public area in the OUCH News section.  That will be done as soon as possible.

OUCH is not someone else - it is all of us.  I would like to thank again all that stepped up to help make the convention a smooth event - and there were many of you.

I would also like to thank all of you that submitted your name to volunteer and the suggestions presented.  Some of those that volunteered will get some of the suggestions given back to work on - how good is that.

Jim Welch
2009 Convention Chair

Thank you Jim........

Jim - great job on capturing the message of the meetings. Thank you for a well-organized event and presetation.

To every one that have taken the time
in bringing the reports
posted on OUCH website.....

Thank you very much for your work.....

as it looks, after a quick scan - a

very comprehensive report....

I have to read the report carefully now, and if I have any comments
or inquires, I will post them (7 days),  after I have e-mailed them to
the corresponding person.......

Thank you for the good work!!!!

Michael

After very close observation and some inquiries’ into
the outcomes of the convention;
I seem to find some confidence in the way and means
members of OUCH that were at the convention as well
as the BoD of OUCH are going to try to “fix” what needs to
be mended...... but it is up to us the members to continue
the involvement in OUCH and its doings......
The BoD needs to, at the same time inform and include the members
in OUCH doings.
The responsibility is on all of us!!

With this post I will stop knocking on OUCH’s door and will hope that
things will get to the point that:

we all can be very proud of being part
of OUCH...... and OUCH will be proud of its members......

Michael

Jim, thank you for a very informative report.  

After spending over an hour trying to get to it through repeated attempts at logging in, I was finally able to arrive by having to register just to the "Business Board" under a completely different login name and different e-mail address.  In my opinion, the issue of logging in to OUCH definitely needs to be addressed.  Members should be able to log in under one login name, one e-mail address, and one password and have access to the entire site, other than the private BoD pages.  The current website is not member friendly.

As to the need for volunteers and BoD applicants - I have volunteered through the OUCH website on three different occasions over the last several years.  I have never received a response to those applications - not even a thank you but we can't use you response.  This should be common courtesy.

I have been asked to throw my hat in the ring to run for a BoD position in 2008 and 2009.  Both times, due to my personal at work issues, I felt I was not able to devote the time that OUCH deserved so I had to decline.  I thought long and hard about it each time, but felt that OUCH deserved more than I could give - AT THAT MOMENT.  

I have already e-mailed Mike and Helen through OUCH of my interest to either volunteer for a committee, or run for the BoD for the 2010 year. I am posting this here, publicly, so that the OUCH members reading these threads here will know that yes, there are people who believe in OUCH and want to help.  We are sometimes unable to help when OUCH asks, or worse, we offer to help and OUCH does not respond.

OUCH needs to continue, with or without me - either way, I will continue to support OUCH to the best I can.

Sandy

Sandy..........check your pm's.

  Sorry for your difficulty Sandy. I've been meaning for a long time to explain to people why they have to log onto the BOD from the members area of OUCH. You see Mike never learned anything but HTML, so he can't link apps together on a website. So he hung the BOD on as an external website. So when you click the link to go to the BOD you are leaving the OUCH website and going to the BOD bulletin board website where you have a seperate database to register with. Once you are done there you click on a link that brings you back to the OUCH website. They are basicly two different websites and databases. One is just a sub-domain of the other. Without the gory details, thats how it works.
  You have needed a webmaster for several years. Mike has done his best. But he's not a webmaster.

Sandy,


Making the  OUCH website more user friendly and making CERTAIN no one falls through the cracks is something we know about and are working on.
At least 3 people have stepped up to the plate at the convention to manage the website  and make it better.

I am sorry if someone disn't respond to you in the past Sandy.  I can't remember when... but I know I contacted you probably before the last election to run for BoD because I was sure you would be an asset and you had so much on your plate at the time you could not....which of course we all understood.

I/we would love to see you at OUCH in capacity that you can.  BoD, committee or whatever.   :-*

Has the BOD met since convention. I've been going to the OUCH site daily and haven't seen any minutes posted. We filled out forms at convention offering our services at convention to serve on the BOD and committees and I've gone on the OUCH site and filled out the application and as yet haven't heard from anyone. I inquired over there if we're going to have elections, but haven't heard back from anyone. Are our questions getting to the right people?  I know this has been a problem in the past.