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Subject: JudgeNet Digest #1190 (Jan 03, 1996)
Date: 3 Jan 96 01:17:37 EST (Wed)
Message-Id: <9601030117.AA08358 at synchro.com>


JudgeNet Digest #1190				   Wed 03 Jan 1996


                               JudgeNet
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Contents:
  old test examples for the BJCP exam      (George Danz 919-405-3632)
  Re: JudgeNet Digest #1189 (Jan 02, 1996) (Fred Waltman)
  Alternatives to Mandatory Dues           (WALZENBREW)
  Intelligent, Handsome & Talented         (Chuck Cox)
  timetable for concrete milestones?       (drbeer)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 10:18:18 -0500
From: George Danz 919-405-3632 <gdanz at harris.com>
Subject: old test examples for the BJCP exam

Calling all Judges;

I wonder if anyone could help with copies of past BJCP exams? Although our
group has had some very helpful information available from the NET, I thought
that some example questions AND examples of what would be considered good
ANSWERS would be helpful in reducing the tension of test taking.  I for one
hate exams.... but realize it is the only way to insure that we have a 
supply of knowledgeable judges.  IMHO, the exam gets one in the door so to
speak and only real judging experience and the opportunity to learn from
experienced judges, coupled with continued reading on the subject, really
makes a great judge.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,

George E. Danz                    Snail Mail Address:
gdanz at harris.com                  PO Box 13996
(919)405-3632 Work                Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
(919)405-3651 FAX             


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Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 09:04:52 -0800 (PST)
From: Fred Waltman <waltman at netcom.com>
Subject: Re: JudgeNet Digest #1189 (Jan 02, 1996)


Regarding the discussion of dues for judges:

I understand the feelings of those who say they already spend lots of 
time and money judging, so why should they have to spend more on dues. So 
maybe what is needed is an affilated organization -- say the 
"International Society of Beer Judges." Dues would get you a newsletter, 
discounted registration at (future) conferences, etc. etc. One could be a 
beer judge without joining the organization. However, anybody could join 
the organization (maybe at higher rates if they have not passed the exam) 
and get the newsletter. Not only does this provide some additional 
revenue possibilities, it insulates the BJCP from getting involved in 
controversial areas (selling advertising, etc.) The BCJP would 
concentrate on what it does best -- certifying beer judges and tracking 
their rankings.

Fred Waltman
waltman at netcom.com


------------------------------

Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 18:14:22 -0500
From: WALZENBREW at aol.com
Subject: Alternatives to Mandatory Dues

Most of us on the BJCP Board are in agreement that a newsletter (and better
communications in general) is going to be necessary to insure the BJCP's
survival.  But there ARE alternatives to a mandatory annual dues assessment.

One of the ideas the Bylaws Committee has been kicking around is to have
different membership levels.  The most basic level would be the way things
are now - no annual dues, but you have to remain active (get 1/2 point every
two years) to stay in the program.  You'd get an annual mailing with a points
update and that's it.

The next level, which would be voluntary, would give you a regular newsletter
and other perks as assigned by the Board - such as more frequent points
updates.   Particpation at this level would require payment of annual dues.

We could even take this to higher levels - sustaining, patron, corporate, etc
 - as most other nonprofits do.  Professional fund-raisers know that higher
membership levels (with correspondingly higher dues rates) are good ways for
persons to donate money and get year-long recognition for their gift.

This method has a number of advantages over straight mandatory dues.  First
and foremost, we aren't changing the rules after the fact.  Granted, ten
bucks is a drop in the bucket these days, but when everybody took the test
the understanding was that no annual dues would be necessary - just stay
active.  It isn't the amount but the principle of the thing.  If dues are
voluntary, however, you can participate to the level which suits your degree
of involvement in judging.  I feel that many if not most of the present BJCP
would ante up for the volunteer paid membership (say $25 per year) if for no
other reason than to get more frequent point updates.

If we go with mandatory dues, however, many persons I've talked to have
admitted that a not-insignificant number of judges, maybe even up to half,
may decide to drop out of the program - even with a newsletter and better
communications.  Not every judge is as gung-ho into judging as the readers of
this forum; for some it's merely an aside to the main thrust of the hobby -
brewing beer.

In my opinion we can't afford to lose ANYBODY who's shown enough interest to
take and pass the exam and stay active.  No matter what we do somebody will
be unhappy, of course, but pursuing courses of action that can result in real
controversy and potential ill effects should be done only as a last resort.
 The last thing we want to do is have the BJCP contract to a small core group
of diehard judging enthusiasts to the exclusion of everyone else.  Remember -
the main reason for the BJCP's existence is to IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF BEER
JUDGING AT COMPETITIONS.  All of the other benefits (greater knowledge of
beer and brewing, etc.) are really "fringe benefits" that happen when people
are trained to properly evaluate beer.  And the best way to keep the
competiton judging at the highest quality level possible is to have lots and
lots of BJCP judges.

The issue of finances is a complex one.  But, as with most problems, there
are usually a number of possible solutions.  On an issue as important as this
it helps to keep an open mind and consider all of the possible options, as
well as soliciting opinions from those affected, before making a decision.
 Any other ideas?  What do you think?

Prosit!
Greg Walz
WALZENBREW at aol.com
National Judge
Middle Atlantic Rep, BJCP Board of Directors

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 2 Jan 96 22:14:36 EST
From: chuck at synchro.com (Chuck Cox)
Subject: Intelligent, Handsome & Talented

You knew I was intelligent & handsome, now you will see that I am
talented too... 

Tune into NBC's "Unsolved Mysteries" this Friday (1/5/96) to catch my
professional acting debut in the "Secret of the Unicorn" segment.  Don't
blink or you may miss me. 

I expect to receive my Emmy nomination as soon as they establish a
category for "Best Non-Speaking Supporting Actor in a Historical
Re-creation Segment".  In addition to my supporting role as the friend
of a rather nasty murderer, astute viewers may also recognize me in a
couple of background roles as a Hahvahd student and a dope smoking
hippie (insert joke about typecasting here). 

You can always say you knew me before I was famous.

- -- 
Chuck "Mr. Humble" Cox   <chuck at synchro.com>
SynchroSystems / Riverside Garage & Brewery - Cambridge, Mass.
If the government is scared of the Internet, we must be doing something right

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 22:59:09 -0500
From: drbeer at tiac.net (drbeer)
Subject: timetable for concrete milestones?


Dennis,

I don't want to single you out personally, but since you are chairman and
you do participate here you are the logical person to address this to.

Lots of discussion has occurred regarding money, budgeting and dues.  There
are merits to many of the various viewpoints however I believe they miss the
larger picture.  The fact is that the BJCP remains unincorporated and
without a formal bank account.

I understand work is underway to establish what the finances of the program
are, and its expenses, and to arrange for a amicable settlement with regard
to the past history of the program.  However shouldn't an incorporated
entity exist, one with a valid tax payer ID  with its own bank accounts, in
order for such monies to be transferred to?

Certainly some individuals have expressed interest in donating funds but
with out an incorporated organization there seems no structure to accept
such donations.  Also there has been talk of soliciting donations from
corporate sponsors (an idea I personally approve of) but again such efforts
need the formal structure of the BJCP to be in place to succeed.  And of
course any question of dues is meaningless without an organization existing
formally for members to pay dues to.

We  had heard rumors that by-laws were to be ready back in October,
obviously that has been and past.  I for one as a member would appreciate
some indication of what the actual timetable is for creating by-laws,
incorporating the BJCP, opening bank accounts, and further down the line
plans for ratifying these moves with the membership via some type of mailing
and subsequent follow on elections.

My personal impression is that the board is doing a  good job given the
nature of the task entrusted to them, but to date concrete milestones by
which we the membership can judge the accomplishments of the board have not
been presented.  I think it would go a long way toward increasing the
membership's confidence in the board to have a set of objective milestones
from you and the board to demonstrate that a plan is in place and that
execution of it is proceeding and that milestones along the way to
completion are being met.

Thanks for your time and consideration,


                          Jay 

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