[Reginald Rutledge]

he has legitimate points about moving things around.

I understand the CBSMF and the MFCA are two separate entities and both can probably exist without the other but what I know Lynn and I have always talked about is bringing "ALL" under one roof.

I am one of those who believe in diversity, even in the game of miniature football, from figures to venues. I believe that if you keep something at one place, it grows old and stale. I know, at least from the CBSMF perspective, one of the exciting things about the birth of the CBSMF was the possibility to go from region-to-region playing the national championship, sort of like how the BCS switches from the Orange to the Rose to Fiesta to the Sugar.

That was one of the most intriguing things that brought excitement to many people about joining, including FrustratedFinsFan. FrustratedFinsFan is one of the most dedicated guys in the hobby and he takes promises seriously. That's his line of work. I know we had done an "unscientific poll" of where to go with this CBSMF championship and Vegas had won for last year. Because anyone could vote at the time, and not necessarily CBSMF paid members, the validity of that poll could easily be question. But with some things happening out west with E&D Open Runs (I am not sure how many they are having), some people will go there. So there is some feelings that to an extent,the west is getting something its way - thanks in large part to Eric Robinson's and Dave Campbell's effort. However, that should not nullify fairness to all if guys out west paid their money just like any other MFCA member to be represented.

We see a nice relationship between the CBSMF and the MFCA. It benefits everyone. It would be nice to see other entities come aboard and be a part of it as well. But to continue to only consider Canton or Cleveland would be wrong for both the CBSMF and the MFCA.

You have to understand that ultimately, the purpose of both groups is to "recruit" new members. Treat it like college football. Sometimes coaches have to go to 17 year old's houses and sit and talk with momma and daddy about the next 4 years of their son's life at Tennessee (if they want that kid). You cultivate those relationships in that way.

But if you think everyone has to come to you, in time, you will lose your luster as a university. A similar analogy can be drawn with miniature football.
Don't get me wrong, I think next year, Cleveland would be a great place to bring people together. But in time, people will get tired of simply Cleveland or Canton as the place of choice. You've got to think in terms of not only the MF'er but also, his/her spouse and possibly children.

It would be nice to go to Washington, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Vegas, and even New York for some of us. I know if I can get my wife to venture out to stores and do her own thing, that's half the battle. The intrigue of going to these different big cities and seeing sites and doing some shopping is what appeals to her and that makes me just as happy to see her doing her thing with her MF girlfriends. For me, I never have to see a site when I know I've got a MF football weekend going on. That's just me. But let's not neglect the fact that other regions should have the opportunity to host the MFCA or the CBSMF too.

Just be open to the traveling to different regions because it stimulates recruiting in those regions if you can bring the local print, radio, and tv media to the table. Just a thought.

Reg