If we are true to our principles which are given to use by our three obligations, we would be admired by all, and everyone wants to associate with a good person , not a mediocre person
The Tyler's Register may also only tell us what schedule conflicts exists outside the Lodge. I think this is especially true with a Saturday Daylight Lodge. Much of these conflicts are beyond our control and just make us aware that they are there.
Decisions require data. But humans don't like data because it almost always conflicts with their assumptions and unexamined guesses. And even with the data, some will insist on a course whose trajectory is known to be unbeneficial. But YES, we should be doing this.
In fact, I wish we could work it into the membership system used by Lodges and Grand Lodges.
I'd even suggest we make membership software open source and modular, but that's a whole other discussion.
When I was the WM of POJPJ, I had used the tyler's register to determine attendance information from year to year, showing an 18% increase from the previous year. Used that information for my district meeting presentation to the GM.
The tyler's register is also useful to counter secretary's arguments that we need to do introductions so that it can be recorded in the minutes. After all, the secretary usually says "members and visitors according to the tyler's register" while reading his minutes before closing. People seem to forget that the tyler's register is an official record as important as the minutes. It's also important (as far as any record keeping is in masonry) to make sure it reflects who sat in what chair during the meeting. Needed a last minute JD? Remind them to annotate that in the book. Just add "pro temp" after his signature.
Being a data driven decision maker, I can appreciate the use of the Tyler's Register.
As with any data source human scrutiny must be employed. In order to discern whether schedule conflicts are negatively impacting attendance, or is it because of lodge education or lack thereof? What about time of the year. How many new EA's are getting on board and staying engaged? Does an EA's attendance fall off after they become a FC? Is the age demographic a factor, especially at certain times of the year?
All of this information is in there, but requires some coaxing for the register to let go of its secrets.
It seems to me that in general, Masons strive to be extremely polite towards each other. Oftentimes a Mason will stop attending Lodge, and if asked, declare it to be a scheduling conflict, when in fact it is a disagreement with something happening in the Lodge. It is I think rare that someone will express actual conflict, most often they will just find a reason to not attend.
Most especially if the Worshipful Master, or other officers are not willing to hear concerns with grace, and act upon those that are found to be legitimate.
A lot of the points you talk about are the same in the UK
If we are true to our principles which are given to use by our three obligations, we would be admired by all, and everyone wants to associate with a good person , not a mediocre person
The Tyler's Register may also only tell us what schedule conflicts exists outside the Lodge. I think this is especially true with a Saturday Daylight Lodge. Much of these conflicts are beyond our control and just make us aware that they are there.
Decisions require data. But humans don't like data because it almost always conflicts with their assumptions and unexamined guesses. And even with the data, some will insist on a course whose trajectory is known to be unbeneficial. But YES, we should be doing this.
In fact, I wish we could work it into the membership system used by Lodges and Grand Lodges.
I'd even suggest we make membership software open source and modular, but that's a whole other discussion.
When I was the WM of POJPJ, I had used the tyler's register to determine attendance information from year to year, showing an 18% increase from the previous year. Used that information for my district meeting presentation to the GM.
The tyler's register is also useful to counter secretary's arguments that we need to do introductions so that it can be recorded in the minutes. After all, the secretary usually says "members and visitors according to the tyler's register" while reading his minutes before closing. People seem to forget that the tyler's register is an official record as important as the minutes. It's also important (as far as any record keeping is in masonry) to make sure it reflects who sat in what chair during the meeting. Needed a last minute JD? Remind them to annotate that in the book. Just add "pro temp" after his signature.
Being a data driven decision maker, I can appreciate the use of the Tyler's Register.
As with any data source human scrutiny must be employed. In order to discern whether schedule conflicts are negatively impacting attendance, or is it because of lodge education or lack thereof? What about time of the year. How many new EA's are getting on board and staying engaged? Does an EA's attendance fall off after they become a FC? Is the age demographic a factor, especially at certain times of the year?
All of this information is in there, but requires some coaxing for the register to let go of its secrets.
Re: Scheduling conflicts
It seems to me that in general, Masons strive to be extremely polite towards each other. Oftentimes a Mason will stop attending Lodge, and if asked, declare it to be a scheduling conflict, when in fact it is a disagreement with something happening in the Lodge. It is I think rare that someone will express actual conflict, most often they will just find a reason to not attend.
Most especially if the Worshipful Master, or other officers are not willing to hear concerns with grace, and act upon those that are found to be legitimate.