As we currently have no formal bylaws or anything like that, I wanted to make a motion to the group. I move that we begin nominate select members of the Snuffhouse community and then offer them membership here, rather than wait for them to ask for admission. My reasoning is that if a few more people feel like they are “officially” part of this group, there might be more enthusiasm in moving it forward. Plus being asked to join makes one feel very wanted and welcome, that they have something to contribute and their talents are wanted. I can think of several people I would nominate, but I’ll keep that to myself for the time being. Can we do this? Does anyone have an alternative or objection?
OK since there were no replies, I will voice my nominations. I hope that my post was not ignored, but merely overlooked. I nominate: cstokes4 Leman toffeenose Snuff Head filek Red Star Each of these I feel has contibuted significantly to the snuff community in some way and I consider them all friends and good people. The list is by no means exclusive, but they are off the top of my head. If the ISTA offers them membership I would hope they accept and contribute to the furthering of our cause. Will anyone second these nominations and perhaps our chairman will then offer them membership?
I will second the nominations but as far as I know, no new members will be added. At present, ISTA is dormant and membership is of no use to anyone.
Xander, sorry I have been at work continously for the last 10 days so not logging on that much . At the present time, as far as I know, Alex gives membership to any group member who requests it. The idea of a select membership of the ISTA by invitation, in my view, has some merits but would require Alex’s consent. At this stage the ISTA remains a notional group and we have discussed it without any real movement for at least the last year. To be honest I don’t believe it can be anything more than a secondary part of this site; we are just too spread out over the world. I firmly believe that the thing is impossible without the backing and time of one of the manufacturers; Roderick is the obvious choice but a very, very busy man. We have to be realistic with this and go for what is achievable.
Well, it was just an idea. If nothing else, more folks in the ranks might improve things.
The ISTA needs a leader, clear objectives and a business plan - I think its only then that this will turn from concept to reality. At this stage more members, in my opinion, would simply mean more people wondering what it is. I believe that Alex launched the idea without much idea or capacity about what to do next. This is an observation not a criticism and it is obvious that starting up an international organisation requires a lot more than a rough concept to get it going. Roderick said that he would take it forward last year but after a few posts it fizzled out. Make no mistake, there is a large amount of work involved in this type of thing and few - if indeed any - of us have the time or inclination to take the necessary pivotal role. I am aware this sounds rather negative - and as I say no criticism of anyone is intended - but I now very much doubt that the ISTA will ever be more than a discussion point.
@ Roderick: Well, a membership card is a starting point. At least that exists in the physical world, which is more than we have now.
I make a motion to scrap the skull and cross bones logo. We need something that will be appealing to the anti tobacco crowd. This currently sends the wrong message!
I would agree with this. Anyone remember Death brand cigarettes? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death\_(cigarette) That was a marketing ploy done firmly tongue in cheek, but it don’t think it is a suitable route for this organisation.
@basement_shaman: Nothing that has to do with tobacco will ever be appealing to the anti-tobacco crowd.
We can either do this boldly or look over our shoulders constantly for the tobacco nazis. Let’s not make endless changes for that reason - the simple fact is that no form of tobacco appreciation society is acceptable today and it can’t be sanitised to make it so. I don’t think the skull and crossbones is a good logo because it doesn’t have anything to do with snuff, but that’s the only reason I would change it. If we worry about every image and use of words like ‘promote’ the ISTA will remain what it always was; a discussion that never got anywhere. With respect.
I think The Creation of Adam By Michelangelo altered to look like god is giving adam an open snuff box would look awesome and possibly add some tobacco plant in bloom in the back ground. I sure someone has the ability to make it .
That is really rather good!
@basement_shaman I think I’ve seen that somewhere already! Probably on snuffhouse
@Xander I like to see that if you can find it? Then you can submit it for approval. Snuff is a gift from god right? I was looking at the fresco and a snuff box would fit between gods thumb and finger, and it would look as if adam is reaching for a pinch 
I’m sure I’ve seen it. Though I can’t remember where. I shall look, though. There were no tobacco plants in the background as you suggest.
well, I actually found it quickly, but its not there anymore. Its in this discussion about 2/3 of the way down the first page, a post by itsuke: http://snuffhouse.vanillaforums.com/discussion/3711/fun-funny-t-shirts-designs-wanted-for-toque/p1 It was actually a tin of Toque. It was for t-shirt ideas, and a lot of people were inserting a tin of Toque into famous paintings. Its a good idea, anyway, but someone will have to start from scratch as the old one is lost.
Well I do hope some ISTA computer artist will step up. I have no skills or program on this windows 8 it like they rearranged the store just when you knew where everything was. it suppose to be easy but I can’t find anything on it. User friendly not!
Windows 8 pisses me off, the first time I turned on my new computer I was like “what the hell is going on here, where the hell is my desktop?” it took me like 10 mins just to find the freaking desktop, they changed way too much in a pathetic attempt to make windows work like a smartphone
I’m not very good at Photoshop but my wife is really good at it. I’m sure she can get this done some time over the weekend. I had a quick look for a decent snuff box pic to add into the picture but didn’t find anything that looked right. If anybody wants to send a snuff box pic that looks like it may work well please send it my way. In the meantime I’ll keep looking.