Hard Lessons Learned

This week our guest is John Surmont, my mentor for drone industry intellectual honesty. John had sent me the email (excerpts posted below). John had seen the handwriting on the wall early not just with the technology, but also with the advocacy and the unpleasant direction the industry was going. We are going to reflect on these notions and insights and use it to talk about the possible future in front of us as an industry. 

Subject: Re: 2nd Notice: AUVSI Membership Expires 31 December - Renew today

Hi Melissa - I was debating whether or not to respond to your notice.  I have decided that I should.
I am not renewing my membership with AUVSI for 2013 because I believe that AUVSI doesn't represent my interests and it's demonstrated this in an embarrassing and disastrous NAS integration legislative effort.  Tow towing to your sponsors and large corporate donors may have kept your lights on short term but have essentially destroyed any credibility you hoped to have with average Americans (Picture a farmer in Iowa or a doctor in Rural Kentucky).  

LESSON LEARNED:

Bottom Line:
OVERALL THERE HAS BEEN A TRULY DISTURBING LACK OF IMAGINATION DISPLAYED BY THIS ASSOCIATION.

Specifics:
1.  When you encourage small business owners, entrepreneurs and inventors to "come on in! It's going to be great!" through your messaging - while in the very same sentence you are ensuring that your sponsor's interests are put ahead of that entrepreneur - you're double dealing - not treating people fairly - and still taking their dues.

If you can accept what I'm saying and then have the courage and mental strength to make these fundamental changes then you may survive.  

Either way, good luck to you.

My Best,

John