The future of the CCCF, as I see it...

by Sam the Webdude

Well, time to pull out the old crystal ball and make a few predictions for the coming year and on into the future.

If this year is any indication, the CCCF will continue to grow, both in numbers and, dare I say it, quality of members.  This year we have had several get-togethers, and I am amazed each time at the friendliness and helpfulness of our membership.  We have several "new this year" members who have jumped right in and gotten involved, planning gatherings, cooking, bringing stuff, and just generally making themselves useful!

It has been mentioned that, with the caliber of people that we have, we should be working towards loftier goals...education of the children...conservation...and so on.  But my belief is that there are other clubs devoted to those things, and I encourage anyone that feels inclined to get involved to do so.  I myself am a member of three clubs devoted to preservation of beaches and to conservation of our fishing resource.  However, that doesn't make me a better person that someone who isn't...it is just something I chose to do.

The CCCF, however, was founded simply as a fun way for fishermen and women to enjoy their sport while meeting and becoming friends with others that also love the sport.  We coined the phrase, "No rules, no dues...just fishing, fun, and friends" simply because we really didn't want any loftier goals than fun and friendship.

And I think that is one of the main reasons for our growth!

I am constantly reminded by people that visit the site, and by newcomers to our group, that we are the friendliest and most open of all fishing clubs.  We have managed to avoid the political upheavals that more traditional clubs have because we have no "power elite".  My personal goal is to keep our group from ever having or needing formal officer elections, etc., because, in my book, everyone is both a leader and a servant.

So, here are a couple of educated predictions and goals  for 2003:

1.  The CCCF will grow to around 1700 members by the end of 2003 (about 20 new members a month average).

2.  The web pages will be viewed around 3 million times during the year (we have been seeing an average of 9,000+ every day), and get around 7-8 million "hits".  The website will contain around 1500 pages.

3.  We will still continue to struggle financially unless we receive a major sponsorship or several smaller sponsorships.

4.  Some of our members will marry...some will divorce...a few will die...and a few new babies will be born.  In short a microcosm of society...

5.  We will have no less than 3 gatherings nor more than 6, and I will attend them all!

Finally, I want to thank everyone in the CCCF for being, well, who you are.  I have developed some lasting and deep friendships here and consider myself very blessed by being a part of this group.

Fish on...