Quote:
Originally Posted by Enchilada
You may be right. However, the problems with forming a group is public liability and the need for insurance.
Legally, the difficulties in forming groups is to basically protect its members from being sued. To do this, you need to be incorporated, by a government authority. This requires registration and a legal constitution. In turn, it allows you to hold money in an account, which required books and financial statements.
If you do as you suggest, you need to be auspiced by a group that does have public liability insurance to meet together at some 'meeting', and also that any finances the group possesses are held by the auspice body.
No doing this finds the danger is an accident happening and one suing the members for damages, in which each individual is liable. You might have good intentions, but a $2 million dollar debt to a couple of people tends to ruin one's life.
Years ago, doing such things was fine. Not anymore. I, personal, would not be involved in such a ad-hoc group. 
Best, probably to stick to blog sites like this one... |
I understand what you are saying about the public liabiliy etc. but I am simply saying... invite people to your place and enjoy the hobby.
I wouldn't (and don't) take out public liability insurance if I'm going to have a Christmas BBQ in my backyard with friends and family. If you fall over at my place.. too bad so sad, you should have looked where you are walking. That's all I'm am saying. I am not talking about public events, or anything involving the public. Just a group of like-minded people catching up at someone's house for a few hours and sharing the hobby.
If I want to drive to the bush and meet up with a few astro friends, at the end of a dirt road, I don't need public liability insurance for that.
People can have just as much fun in small personal, informal groups without all the crap. You don't need public liability insurance to meet at someone's house.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Enchilada
Years ago, doing such things was fine. Not anymore. I, personal, would not be involved in such a ad-hoc group.
Best, probably to stick to blog sites like this one... |
I have been doing this with many hobbies for some years. It is not an outdated concept, you know. People can interact without forming official clubs. I don't consider ourselves "members" just locals getting together for a drink , a chat, and exchanging ideas within the hobby.
Remind me not to invite you to my place. If you stub your toe, you'd probably sue me.
Perhaps a topic for another thread.