I'm a little late getting this out but the recent talk about supporting the list coincides with my plans to improve the way we communicate so I wanted to let you know what is underway.

First, let me thank all of you who have supported the LML, other owners and prospective owners for so many years.  It is gratifying to have such a giving community of people who are willing to share their talents with the many Lancair folks around the world.

Second, this list is many years old, filled with words of wisdom and ideas and history that needs to be protected and accessible for future users.  Technology has made advances such that pictures, video, PDFs and memory limits are not what they were 10 years ago and "mailing lists" are almost extinct, replaced by blogs and software that allows a higher degree of interaction, detail and information sharing.  I am adopting new technology in my business.  I see new turbines, new avionics and the products are all more capable and user friendly than what I was working with way back when LML was born.  It is time to move the LML forward and, with the continued prodding and support of members, I have a plan that I hope all of you will support.

To accomplish the transformation will require support from a number of people and many have already indicated support through private discussions.    The LML has typically required my attention to each message and it is now time for me to acknowledge that a better system for users can be implemented with the help of the community, leaving me to enjoy the LML and use the extra time for my personal and business life.

The plan is to create an LLC where the assets of LML will be placed.  The bylaws will keep it true to the LML mission and allow it to grow in a way that I believe is best for all LML'ers.  I will be looking for Founders to provide funding of US$100 each to get things underway.  I will ask for a few people to volunteer time to share the duties of moderating content so I can free up some of my time and keep things moving no matter where I am.   My intent is allow LML to grow, to have longevity and to cover its own costs going forward.

What will it look like?    I have decided to use a forum-based web presence to permit a fast response and much more content and detail.  We rely on visuals today to share a large portion of our work and the site will accommodate that.   I want to improve searches, preserve our historical messages, allow digests to people who want an email of "what's happening" and much more.  I will also allow a modest amount of advertising.  It will not be the in-your-face Google-style ads that target individuals, but it will be specific to Lancairs, aircraft and the things we use and need every day and they will be helpful and peripheral -- not distracting or intrusive.  This change will support the LML in a fair manner.   It will expose owners to many new products and it gives suppliers a way to support our group.  I want suppliers who support the LML to have an opportunity to discuss their products and provide direct support to owners.   I also want the site to show all the wonderful Lancair projects and let people see these examples so that our efforts can be viewed and serve to motivate future builders.

Changes are underway and it will take time.  But, I want you to comment on the changes, ask questions, volunteer to fill a position or suggest features we don't have.    I'm convinced we can benefit from upgrading our site and I know it needs to be done.  I want it to be painless and enjoyable for everyone and I hope I have your support going forward.  Again, thank you for trusting me with your time and materials--I hope LML will be better than ever.

   <Marv>