is the AHA a scam??

[soccerdad]

Pointless but somehow still worth doing.

Can you say more? About both. How is rolling turds uphill both pointless and worth doing?

 

[renstyle]

Just like I’m not interested in NEIPA, sour beers, Belgian beers or Kviek yeast, many probably are. Just like I am very interested in British styles, cask ale, pseudo lagers and clean beers, many others probably aren’t. I get that. It’s the nature of the beast.

Tho I'm still <slightly> sour/Belgian/Kviek curious... for the rest you could have been describing me, to a tee, especially the clean beers. They are fun when you nail them!

 

[cmac62]

So, while I know exactly what the folks who keep the doors open and the lights on at the AHA do, I’m not sure I‘m going to send them the price of a couple of batches of homebrew one more time. At this point in my life, I might just rather have the beer.

I hear you Mark. I've never signed up, but always tell myself I was going to. I recently became a HBT supporter because I've been on long enough to understand there are bills to pay and I really enjoy my time on here so supporting this endeavor is worth the 5$ a month. Also, I don't mind the style of Zymergy, it is not supposed to be technical. If you go by those on here, some of the loudest members may be techy, but the majority want to know enough to brew good beer. I am definitely in this camp. I pick up a copy most times I get into a LHBS, but I wouldn't if it had peer reviewed articles about how yeast mitochondria metabolize hydrocarbons or some such. LOL Brew on !!!

 

[Jayjay1976]

Can you say more? About both. How is rolling turds uphill both pointless and worth doing?

Like I said, the turds have intoxicating qualities.

 

[Ogilthorpe2]

It’s all a scam. Everything. Life is one giant scam. Navigate it the best you can, and just know that in the end you’re ******.

 

[Brewbuzzard]

The “govt” where I live now says they will not prosecute pot possession up to 2 oz.
In CA, they won’t prosecute shoplifting up to $100 value.
Times they are a changin’

I myself don't agree with the shoplifting part. I say don't put them in jail but if they shoplift $50 fine them $200. Deterrent.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

I've noticed over the past few years the AHA is more worried about being politically correct than focusing on homebrewing and brewing good beers. IMO, Beer Advocate is even worse.

Give me a good brew or an interesting brewing article and personally, I could care less about the color of their skin, their gender, etc.

 

[Kent88]

I'd ask how you reached that conclusion, but it's so close to Debate worthy I think it's best if we leave it alone.

 

[Brewbuzzard]

Well AHA has always lobbied for home brewer's rights. They are more about the right to brew than how. If you want to know how just buy a book, join a club and there you go. But while you are doing so thank the AHA for your right to do so. Happy brewing and thank you Charlie...

 

[Brewbuzzard]

Well AHA has always lobbied for home brewer's rights. They are more about the right to brew than how. If you want to know how just buy a book, join a club and there you go. But while you are doing so thank the AHA for your right to do so. Happy brewing and thank you Charlie...

PS: And a big thank you to President Jimmy Carter

 

[Jako]

but the real question, are we are working on legal distilling?

 

[BrewDrinkRepeat]

I've noticed over the past few years the AHA is more worried about being politically correct than focusing on homebrewing and brewing good beers.

That's quite an exaggeration.

Have they put focus on diversity and inclusion? Yes, and IMO the hobby needs it (just like the craft brewing industry clearly does). Both homebrewing and the craft beer industry are not just "sausagefests", they are predominantly weisswurst.

Have they put more focus on that stuff than on brewing? Not even close. As in, not even remotely close.

 

[Brewbuzzard]

but the real question, are we are working on legal distilling?

I would like to be able to make myself a nice single malt scotch legally. The process is very interesting from what I've seen on YouTube.

 

[balrog]

Who has the time to make that??!!

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

That's quite an exaggeration.

Have they put focus on diversity and inclusion? Yes, and IMO the hobby needs it (just like the craft brewing industry clearly does). Both homebrewing and the craft beer industry are not just "sausagefests", they are predominantly weisswurst.

Have they put more focus on that stuff than on brewing? Not even close. As in, not even remotely close.

And it's OK we all have our own opinions of the AHA.

 

[Broothru]

Who has the time to make that??!!
View attachment 731322

You got THAT right! At 71, I might not be around to see that 15 year-old single malt poured. It's even more shocking to realize that the "2021" version of the 25 year-old Bunnahabhain Islay single malt scotch that proudly adorns my man cave bar will be consumed by some random yet-to-be-born lad, but almost certainly not by me!

 

[jdp]

Ham radio haha, nerd!

My other hobby is building model tugboats, so fellow nerd tip of the hat!

RC Rock Crawlers for me. We should start a club.

 

[Brewbuzzard]

Who has the time to make that??!!
View attachment 731322

I know, by the time it gets really good I'll be dead. But it will still taste good even after a few years.

 

[Grizwold1]

I myself don't agree with the shoplifting part. I say don't put them in jail but if they shoplift $50 fine them $200. Deterrent.

Agreed! If nothing is done there is no deterrent. There must be some penalty for behavior that is harmful to society.

 

[Jayjay1976]

Agreed! If nothing is done there is no deterrent. There must be some penalty for behavior that is harmful to society.

I will not be de- turd

 

[brewbama]

I chose not to renew my membership a few years ago for several reasons. I know many here won’t agree and that’s OK. I’m not mad at the AHA or anyone that disagrees. In fact I post on their forum often. I just chose to walk from membership and here’s why:

1. The BA is a trade group (aka political lobby). AHA falls under that umbrella as an advocate for the HomeBrew community. One of the advantages of the 501(c)(6) tax status is that it allows organizations to engage in unlimited amounts of lobbying. I don’t want or need to be a member of a political lobby. I likewise am not a member of the Army Aviation Association of America, the Association of the United States Army (or AARP ) for the same reason.

2. They don’t follow their own by-laws. Members are supposed to be aware of what happens at meetings thru published minutes. After bringing this to mgmt attention, instead of using the opportunity to communicate with their members to demonstrate the actions they are taking on their behalf, they grudgingly published minutes that were a useless outline as zero source of information. Once. They haven’t published minutes before or after that one useless time.

3. The Governing Committee is powerless. Members are made to feel as if they are voting for representation in meetings where decisions are made and issues resolved. From the clarification they issued, that is a misunderstanding.

4. Conference presentations are a sales event. That’s OK as long as that’s what you’re looking for. While it’s true some presentations are given by enthusiastic homebrewers not trying to sell something, many more are simply selling the latest book, software, product, etc. The best presentations IMO are from those not selling something and are trying to pass good information for the good of the community.

5. Likewise, Zymurgy is a series of advertisements with a few beer articles thrown in between, along with lists of competition winners or upcoming events that require membership. After asked for recommendations for improvement, I suggested a Consumer Reports-style or America Test Kitchen-style equipment comparison series in order to help members navigate the pros and cons of similar pieces of equipment. I was told they can’t do that because they may offend advertisers if their equipment doesn’t come out on top. Advertisers pay the bills. I understand you can’t publish a magazine without cash but are they here for members or advertisers?

6. If clubs and competitions didn’t require members to also be a member of AHA, I imagine the membership roles would be much much smaller. If you truly want to know who is the best home brewer, or want local home brewers to join your club, why limit membership to AHA members? I get it, membership numbers sell lobby influence. But if I don’t want to be a member of AHA I can’t be a member of a local club? Weird.

7. Despite having ~25% of membership by the published AHA demographics map, the in-person conference hasn’t been held in the South for more than a decade. They tried Nashville after a decade but COVID canceled it. NE, N, PNW, and W are well represented in past and future conferences. FLA was over a decade ago. Reasoning has been the various laws that prohibit the event. I thought this was a lobby organization. So, lobby to get the laws changed or a variance to allow the event.

…just my thoughts.

 

[matt_m]

6. If clubs and competitions didn’t require members to also be a member of AHA, I imagine the membership roles would be much much smaller. If you truly want to know who is the best home brewer, or want local home brewers to join your club, why limit membership to AHA members? I get it, membership numbers sell lobby influence. But if I don’t want to be a member of AHA I can’t be a member of a local club? Weird.

My understanding is some clubs require this due to the insurance benefits of ensuring at least 75% of club members are AHA members.

 

[Bad Bubba]

just saw the price of the VIRTUAL conference price ,,,, wow!!!!!!! count me out.

everything these people do is to make $$$$ ... even things to ""support"" the community is all $$$ focused ,,, during reeally low point of homebrewing what did they do
i went to check on there income by charity navigator but they arent listed. turns out not a nonprofit ive drove by there building ... people cant even afford a house in boulder

is the whole thing a scam? what would this hobby be like if the group people thought was a nonprofit was a nonprofit really working hard to promote homebrewing

To answer the original poster's question - No the AHA is not a scam and does not meet the definition of a scam.

I have to question this person's motives and agenda for posting this (they are welcome to respond) - first post ever, no introduction, and bam! A drive by hit.


To address some of the comments -
The poster seems to be appalled by the price of the conference - assuming it is Homebrewcon - the value of these things is different to each consumer but IMO $139 is not outrageous. And if you do not see the value then don't buy.

They are not a charity (not do they purport to be one) and so would not be on charity tracker. His claim the AHA is not a not-for-profit is false.

He (or she) talks about money focus, as someone who has been associated with industry groups and Charities, yes there is a constant need to bring money thru the doors. There are salaries to be paid, phones to be answered, books to be published, etc. It all takes money.

The poster talks about driving by the AHA office building implying something (trying to figure it out). I have walked by the AHA offices numerous times and I doubt they own the building - it is a small office building that houses numerous small businesses. Nothing extravagant about it.

The comment about people in Boulder cannot buy a house - what does that have to with the mission of the AHA?

Anyway, I probably should not of contributed to the tread but I was offended by the manner and intent of the post. If you want to have a discussion on the merits of AHA there are better ways to do it other than making accusations.

 

[MaxStout]

I chose not to renew my membership a few years ago for several reasons. I know many here won’t agree and that’s OK. I’m not mad at the AHA or anyone that disagrees. In fact I post on their forum often. I just chose to walk from membership and here’s why:

1. The BA is a trade group (aka political lobby). AHA falls under that umbrella as an advocate for the HomeBrew community. One of the advantages of the 501(c)(6) tax status is that it allows organizations to engage in unlimited amounts of lobbying. I don’t want or need to be a member of a political lobby. I likewise am not a member of the Army Aviation Association of America, the Association of the United States Army (or AARP ) for the same reason.

2. They don’t follow their own by-laws. Members are supposed to be aware of what happens at meetings thru published minutes. After bringing this to mgmt attention, instead of using the opportunity to communicate with their members to demonstrate the actions they are taking on their behalf, they grudgingly published minutes that were a useless outline as zero source of information. Once. They haven’t published minutes before or after that one useless time.

3. The Governing Committee is powerless. Members are made to feel as if they are voting for representation in meetings where decisions are made and issues resolved. From the clarification they issued, that is a misunderstanding.

4. Conference presentations are a sales event. That’s OK as long as that’s what you’re looking for. While it’s true some presentations are given by enthusiastic homebrewers not trying to sell something, many more are simply selling the latest book, software, product, etc. The best presentations IMO are from those not selling something and are trying to pass good information for the good of the community.

5. Likewise, Zymurgy is a series of advertisements with a few beer articles thrown in between, along with lists of competition winners or upcoming events that require membership. After asked for recommendations for improvement, I suggested a Consumer Reports-style or America Test Kitchen-style equipment comparison series in order to help members navigate the pros and cons of similar pieces of equipment. I was told they can’t do that because they may offend advertisers if their equipment doesn’t come out on top. Advertisers pay the bills. I understand you can’t publish a magazine without cash but are they here for members or advertisers?

6. If clubs and competitions didn’t require members to also be a member of AHA, I imagine the membership roles would be much much smaller. If you truly want to know who is the best home brewer, or want local home brewers to join your club, why limit membership to AHA members? I get it, membership numbers sell lobby influence. But if I don’t want to be a member of AHA I can’t be a member of a local club? Weird.

7. Despite having ~25% of membership by the published AHA demographics map, the in-person conference hasn’t been held in the South for more than a decade. They tried Nashville after a decade but COVID canceled it. NE, N, PNW, and W are well represented in past and future conferences. FLA was over a decade ago. Reasoning has been the various laws that prohibit the event. I thought this was a lobby organization. So, lobby to get the laws changed or a variance to allow the event.

…just my thoughts.

All good points. Good to see an articulated set of counterpoints.

Your point #5 really stood out for me. I too would like to see some critical, unbiased reviews of gear. AHA has some of the biggest names in homebrewing, and they would be best postioned to put gear through their paces. But since AHA receives a lot of ad revenue from mfrs., even if they did have reviews, there would likely be some editorial "toning down" of the articles. Consumers Union does not accept paid advertising, and therefore has little internal or external influences to soften their reviews. They can be candid, and they are. That's why I never trust reviews from mags like Car and Driver, Motor Trend, etc. No one on the writing staff is going to be too daring in their reviews (nor will editorial staff allow it) when those companies are paying their salaries.

To me, #1 is a feature, not a bug. I WANT an organization like AHA to be involved in political lobbying on the behalf of homebrewer interests. Take away the advocacy and basically you just have a "club." But I get that some consider the political nature of such organizations as unpalatable.

#2 and #3 I don't care about; #4 sort of dovetails into #5, as it is part of their ad revenue stream. #6 is due to local clubs getting AHA insurance coverage; and #7 is a non-issue to me, due to the ease of air travel.

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

@brewbama, like @MaxStout said: "All good points. Good to see an articulated set of counterpoints."

 

[bwible]

I know, by the time it gets really good I'll be dead. But it will still taste good even after a few years.

I thought about it, if it were legal. Even if there were a class or something you had to take to teach people how not to poison themselves or blow themselves up. You can buy the attachments for a Grainfather, robobrew, foundry, etc. I would like to try it. I’d probably go with the pot still option vs column still. I have a large molasses supplier that is an easy drive from here and I’d be intersted in trying to make rum. Thats fairly quick turnaround. Sure, everybody wants to make bourbon and scotch. But those do take longer to age. In 12 years I’ll be 73. So it really doesn’t make sense for me. It also doesn’t age the same in small quantities at home as it does in the giant barrels in the rickhouses at Jim Beam. I’m not so much interested in making vodka or gin.

 

[cmac62]

I will not be de- turd

Jay, this attitude could cause you some significant issues in a day or two. LOL

 

[bracconiere]

PS: And a big thank you to President Jimmy Carter

+1

he smiles at me every pour!

(Senator Cranston was the guy who actually wrote the bill, figured i'd have to give credit where it was due, jimmy really just signed it)

Who has the time to make that??!!
View attachment 731322

i've got a 13 year old bottle of brandy? it will be it's 14th birthday this 4th of july!

 

[brewbama]

I thought about it, if it were legal. Even if there were a class or something you had to take to teach people how not to poison themselves or blow themselves up. You can buy the attachments for a Grainfather, robobrew, foundry, etc. I would like to try it. I’d probably go with the pot still option vs column still. I have a large molasses supplier that is an easy drive from here and I’d be intersted in trying to make rum. Thats fairly quick turnaround. Sure, everybody wants to make bourbon and scotch. But those do take longer to age. In 12 years I’ll be 73. So it really doesn’t make sense for me. It also doesn’t age the same in small quantities at home as it does in the giant barrels in the rickhouses at Jim Beam. I’m not so much interested in making vodka or gin.

there are faster options for brown water:

 

[SteveH aka shetc]

Full of weirdos