If you were President of the ANA...

MrEureka

Tell us what you work work for, what you would change, and how you would change it. Explain your priorities.

Do NOT complain! I want detailed solutions!

mgoodm3

I wouldn't make a good pres. I'd probably have to fire myself.

flaminio

My first order of business as President of the ANA would be to tender my resignation. I think that's what would make most people happiest.

Michigan

<< <i>Tell us what you work work for, what you would change, and how you would change it. Explain your priorities.

Do NOT complain! I want detailed solutions! >>




This answer can't be answered in detail without a clear understand of how the ANA works behind the scenes.

I will say that I would want to greatly reduce the power and authority of the position of executive director.
I feel something is greatly amiss at the ANA in that regard.

MadMarty

A rubber chicken in every pot!!

MrEureka

I will say that I would want to greatly reduce the power and authority of the position of executive director.

Which powers would you take away? Why? Who would get those powers and why would they do a better job?

Michigan

<< <i>I will say that I would want to greatly reduce the power and authority of the position of executive director.

Which powers would you take away? Why? Who would get those powers and why would they do a better job? >>




OK, I don't care what the bylaws officially say, the executive director position seems to have evolved into a virtual
dictatorship. The board of governors seem to be nothing less than a rubber stamp for the decisions made by
the executive director. The day to day decision making process should not be made by one person. I don't have all
the answers yet. (I'm also working on solving all of the problems in the middle east so my hands are a bit full
at this time).

ziggy29

<< <i>A rubber chicken in every pot!! >>

Pfft. Put an AU-58 weenie coin in every pot and you've got my vote.

coinkat

How much of the ANA budget goes to pay lawyers and deal with senseless litigation? Answer that question first and then I will join the ANA, run for President and make it the organization it should be. And yes, I am serious...

Bochiman

As stated, I don't know enough about the inner workings.....

I would have to take time to learn the funding, the functions, and I would try to gauge the total number of active members and their age/sex. I would try to see what could be done to impact other segments (YN, 20-25, 25-30, etc. I think the 70 and over club is quite represented from what I gather of those posting here that are members ).

I would also try to be careful not to get the ANA caught in compromising positions (paid endorsements for TPG, etc).

I'd go about promoting classics AND moderns as it is OK to collect what one likes.

I would go to all parts of the US to visit small coin shows and see what is ticking. It isn't just about the handful of major shows.

I wouldn't go posting in CW and whining how others "misunderstand me/us". I would invite them to have a chat with me to understand why they feel that way when I had thought it should be taken another way.

Things like that. However, I wouldn't be president because my real life work is more financially rewarding, more stressful, more fun, and takes all my time (I had less than a week vacation so far this year due to getting things done).


That all said, ANDY....what would YOU do (since you never like to be clear/concise in your posts and just want to hear other people rather than making a statement yourself)????

ziggy29

<< <i>How much of the ANA budget goes to pay lawyers and deal with senseless litigation? >>

But why is it the ANA's fault if litigation against it is "senseless" or "frivolous?" Isn't that blaming the victim?

MrEureka

The board of governors seem to be nothing less than a rubber stamp for the decisions made by

Michigan - You should get to know the Board members. They are very strong-minded individuals, hardly the "rubber stamp" type. Especially Patti Finner. Chris Cippoletti probably has nightmares about meeting her in a dark alley...

Mark

I hasten to admit that I do not know how the ANA is currently run: Is the Executive Director essentially the CEO with powers that are restricted only by the Board of Governors? Or does the Board of Governors take a more activist role in running the ANA? Personally, I would be a LOT happier if the board took more of an activist role. I don't think the board should make every day-to-day decision, but I think it should be involved in making more of "month-to-month" decisions.


Examples of issues in which I think the board should be involved in include:
Why aren't presentations at the conventions presented on the web (maybe real-time) for members? The board could (and I believe should) explore this possiblity.

Why can't the ANA manage to significantly increase its membership? Indeed, this question points to a critical breakdown of ANA leadership: Since August 2000 individual membership in the ANA has increased from 28,732 to 30,727, an increase of less than 10%...in the face of unprecedented interest in numismatics from the Statehood quarter program. Such a small increase in membership is beyond pity.

Another huge issue for the board is communication. Obviously what they have now simply does not work. In my opinion, the board ought to be actively involved in solving this problem, also.

Michigan

<< <i>

<< <i>How much of the ANA budget goes to pay lawyers and deal with senseless litigation? >>

But why is it the ANA's fault if litigation against it is "senseless" or "frivolous?" Isn't that blaming the victim? >>




I suspect they were refering to the lawsuit filed by the ANA against several former staff members, not a lawsuit filed against them.

TwoSides2aCoin

I would bring in some young blood. I think there are too many crotchety old fogies up in the higher ranks.... and as often happens; old school is not likely to change much.
I would hope to attract younger people in their twenties and thirties for a fresher outlook so the future might not have so many doomsday thinkers who continue to ride a derailed train.
Thoughts like they (the ANA) have with sponsoring or accrediting grading companies invites corruption, in my opinion.

I would work closely with PCGS, ICG,ANACS and anyone who grades coins. I would invite their experts in ... ALL OF US would be on the same sheet of music ! The NGC would be severed so as not to create this conflict of interest and NCS would be banished. If a rare coin was a dirt find, it's a dirt find PERIOD....

I could ramble on for hours and hours, but I am not running, so don't write me in !

MrEureka

I would bring in some young blood. I think there are too many crotchety old fogies up in the higher ranks..

TwoSides - You have no idea who's on the Board, do you? This may be the youngest, most aggressive Board we've had in my lifetime. And 4 of 9 are full time dealers!

TwoSides2aCoin

<< <i>I would bring in some young blood. I think there are too many crotchety old fogies up in the higher ranks..

TwoSides - You have no idea who's on the Board, do you? This may be the youngest, most aggressive Board we've had in my lifetime. And 4 of 9 are full time dealers! >>



All of them people are around my age (I'm almost 52) Andy .... what do you mean, I have no idea I'm one of them crotchety old fogies.

Bochiman

<< <i>I would bring in some young blood. I think there are too many crotchety old fogies up in the higher ranks..

TwoSides - You have no idea who's on the Board, do you? This may be the youngest, most aggressive Board we've had in my lifetime. And 4 of 9 are full time dealers! >>



Youngest does NOT equal YOUNG!
I just looked at your link and the pics there.....from MY point of view, NONE of them are young! They all look my mother's age (or more). And, that is NOT young.
That's a point I think I made in another post today......they are old and they need to look at other demographics. Just because they may be the youngest board in quite awhile doesn't mean they are young.

Mark

Andy:
I must agree with Bochiman. I don't see anyone who I think would be much under 50. But I could be wrong...

Incidentally, here's another thought for the ANA board: Why not webcast the board meetings?

Mark

ziggy29

In the coin business, 50 *is* young. At least historically.

I do wonder if the rise of the Internet will make it a lot easier for younger numismatist to make a big splash in the business. There are several here I know of under the age of about 25 who I think will -- or could -- be a big name in the business at a fairly early age.

coinkat

<< <i>I suspect they were refering to the lawsuit filed by the ANA against several former staff members, not a lawsuit filed against them. >>



that is exactly right...

MrEureka

That all said, ANDY....what would YOU do (since you never like to be clear/concise in your posts and just want to hear other people rather than making a statement yourself)????

My primary focus would be on traveling exhibits, traveling seminars, the "Coins in the Classroom" program, and research with respect to coin authentication and preservation. I would also aggressively pursue partnerships with other numismatic and non-numismatic organizations, publications and websites pursuing similar goals, letting them do as much of the work as possibe.

I would back off, in general, on anything that the market will take care of without the ANA's participation or funding. This would include, for an extreme example, "The Numismatist". As much as I enjoy the publication, it's no longer necessary. The articles will get written and published somewhere else, no problem.

I would forcefully argue to terminate all endorsements of TPGs. Let them find more constructive ways to use the money to fight for market share. That would better serve the ANA's members.

And finally, to Bochiman - I don't post here just to read my own posts. I already know what I think. I'm more interested in getting other people to think in new ways. Towards that end, I find it more effective to ask an uncomfortable question than to provide an answer. Since you don't like that, you are probably my perfect audience.

Coinosaurus

I would try to beef up the intelligence quotient of the Numismatist. I think they are trying to popularize it too much. Other than that they are doing a few things right - the ANA is a great annual show, and the library is very responsive to requests. One time I sent an email and had a scan of the document in question within an hour!

It is not clear to me whether or not they are dipping into the endowment, there seem to be conflicting stories about that. Regardless, I would stop that immediately, if it is indeed occurring.

I would stay out of the grading service endorsement game - I think a better approach is to educate collectors instead. The ANA grading classes are a good start.

Finally, the ANA president should have a regular Q&A on this forum

flaminio

<< <i>I would stay out of the grading service endorsement game - I think a better approach is to educate collectors instead. The ANA grading classes are a good start. >>

I think naming an "official grading service" is totally bogus -- there's nothing "official" about it; it's just who coughed up the bigger check.

If the ANA really wanted to help the collector, they would take a stand and say "these services are good" and "these are bad" and "these are ugly". But they don't -- they just want to cash a check.

TwoSides2aCoin

I guess you won't be writing me in, Andy ?
I personally like the ANA and your threads.

MrEureka

I guess you won't be writing me in, Andy ?

Correct. You're too old.

coinkat

Andy:

I think you have some excellent ideas... perhaps roadshows are a good idea but perhaps getting someone like Ken Burns to do a documentary on US coins (as a starting point to bring coins to Main Street America) that could be supported by the ANA, a Money Center Bank (like Bank of America- the San Francisco connection...) TO BE SHOWN on PBS... someone like David Bowers could be a host that leads a camera crew through the US Collection at the Smithsonian... the designs, the patterns and what almost was and what could be if folks knew what was there... maybe we could have better designs and introduce a new spirit of PUBLIC involvement. Thats just one idea... there are more

Michigan

<< <i>I would try to beef up the intelligence quotient of the Numismatist. I think they are trying to popularize it too much. Other than that they are doing a few things right - the ANA is a great annual show, and the library is very responsive to requests. One time I sent an email and had a scan of the document in question within an hour!

It is not clear to me whether or not they are dipping into the endowment, there seem to be conflicting stories about that. Regardless, I would stop that immediately, if it is indeed occurring.

I would stay out of the grading service endorsement game - I think a better approach is to educate collectors instead. The ANA grading classes are a good start.

Finally, the ANA president should have a regular Q&A on this forum >>




With the Numismatist I think they are trying to find a balance between articles for beginners, advanced collectors and
some rather esoteric things to make it more interesting.

They have dipped into the endowment in the past from time to time, not sure what has been happening lately.

Bear

If I were President of the ANA

I would rule;

1. With an iron hand
2. Crush the membership
3.Protect the perks of the officers
4. Make it difficult fo anyone but
the clique to run for office

Oh, wait a minute,...thats already

being done.

RYK

3.Protect the perks of the officers

Does anyone know what generally speaking (or exactly) are the perks for the officers? Money? Free advertising? Complimentary travel expenses? What else?

Michigan

<< <i>If I were President of the ANA

I would rule;

1. With an iron hand
2. Crush the membership
3.Protect the perks of the officers
4. Make it difficult fo anyone but
the clique to run for office

Oh, wait a minute,...thats already

being done. >>




I think you are describing the position of the executive director, not the president which is just a ceremonial postion.

coinut1799

Andy;
It seems to me that the Executive Director cannot also be the attorney for the ANA, and vice versa. If this isn't an absolute conflict of interests it certainly has the appearance of a conflict of interests, and that should be enough to compel Mr. Cipoletti to resign from one of his positions.

RNCHSN

I would make a terrible president.......

I don't know the rules.........
(They really don't apply to me)

I'm lazy..........
(don't put down laziness...because if neccessity is the mother of invention, laziness is the FATHER! I CAN find creative ways to get things done!)

While I can be, I don't usually go out of my way to be politically correct. I'd rather just say what I mean.......
(I won't lie to you, I just tell you the truth and watch your expressions change!)

I work at my own pace.....
(Schedules made by other people don't apply to me.....much to the dismay of current/ex bosses and wives,..... not to mention my mother! She blames me for every single gray hair on her head!)

....And I tend to dress for comfort, so I may often look like a slob, but I don't really care........

All in all, no one would probably vote for me anyway.

-----
I generally choose NOT to criticize where I'm NOT willing to step in and try to do differently!

Bear

What do you mean ceremonial. As President,

I would be" Commander and Master."

oreville

MrEureka:

Coinut1799 said:



<< <i>It seems to me that the Executive Director cannot also be the attorney for the ANA, and vice versa. If this isn't an absolute conflict of interests it certainly has the appearance of a conflict of interests, and that should be enough to compel Mr. Cipoletti to resign from one of his positions. >>



I agree 100% with Coinut1799.

Also, I remember going to NGC when they were still in Parsippany, NJ and to my shock watching the then current ANA President sitting with one of NGC's key graders going over his coins in the small conference room off the waiting area. I was flabbergasted. More conflict of interest.

Any officer or board member of the ANA must not be permitted to submit coins directly to any TPG that is sanctioned by the ANA. They must submit such coins through someone else during their term of office. To do otherwise would be seen as a potential as well as actual conflict of interest.

michael

i would do away with the executive director and i would require the prez to live close to the ana in colorado springs and work there as head of the day to day operations but do lots of delagating the prez would be a one time three year term with a salary

also i would institute a new campagin to get older advanced collectors to join the ana who have never been members before and i would put forth a good effort like is done for you young youth ana new kiddie collectors

i would expand the ana summer seminars greatly

i would have a new program to more affectively raise money request donations to the ana

MrEureka

Anyone else with some ideas?

MrEureka

I remember going to NGC when they were still in Parsippany, NJ and to my shock watching the then current ANA President sitting with one of NGC's key graders going over his coins in the small conference room off the waiting area.

Oreville - Wasn't that well before the endorsement deal?

MrEureka

It seems to me that the Executive Director cannot also be the attorney for the ANA, and vice versa. If this isn't an absolute conflict of interests it certainly has the appearance of a conflict of interests, and that should be enough to compel Mr. Cipoletti to resign from one of his positions.

Coinnut1799 - Doesn't the ANA still retain outside counsel? If so, Chris Cippoletti doesn't need to provide legal counsel on the relatively few issues when there might be a conflict.

CalGold

The business and the hobby of collecting can take care of itself.

The ANA needs to lobby Congress and the Executive Branch, shaming them if necessary, to restore aesthetics to our national coinage. No more retred designs. No more lowest common denominator Homer Simpsonesque designs (eg Sac dollars). No more ugly buildings. You get the idea.

CG