AEA in Search of a Purpose

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

While I often sound critical of the AEA, I understand their predicament. In a very real sense the AEA, like most professional organizations today, is a “solution” in search of a problem. Put another way, the very reason such organizations came into being in the first place no longer exists. And, that’s the dilemma!

During the 1950s when the AEA got started, the “culture” was dramatically different. Electrologists did not know what was happening in the field, the public was not informed about electrolysis, there were no standards whatsoever, and the marketplace was overwhelmed with fraudulent devices.

Members joined not “because it’s ‘a-priori’ important to be a member of AEA,” but because there was a clear and obvious reason for joining. During the “electronic tweezer” days, membership skyrocketed. A common enemy makes for a terrific reason to join the opposing army.

How many of the original purposes of the AEA still exist? In many ways, AEA succeeded in their original mission. And that’s the problem: what’s left for them to do? Or said another way: what’s their purpose?

Sure AEA can be an organization that gives “perks” to members only … and that’s exactly (only) what it has become. They have, however, lost sight of the big picture. And YES there still is a “big picture” … a very big purpose. They cannot see it!

Americans complain about how either the Democrats or Republicans “ruined the economy.” However, it’s the corporations themselves that ruined the economy. Corporations lost sight of the their role in society … and instead focused on PROFITS and SHAREHOLDERS. American products became sub-standard and manufacturing moved to Asia. Remember General Motors? Remember Detroit?

The AEA is a corporation, and it is focusing on its “shareholders” (members) only. The result will be that their reason for existing is quickly being supplanted by other entities. Like General Motors, AEA will languish on, but not be the leader in the field … which it once was.

One thing I’m certain about: the indoctrinated “true believer” AEA warriors won’t understand a word of the above. It’s about being mentally locked into collective “self-importance.” I know Jossie gets it, Dee Dee gets it and James gets it!

Gretchen said, “Who needs you?” She’s got a point!

#2

I have only one thing at this time to add to what michael has said.

If electrolysis is the “corporation” in the digital world, what is the product? The product is INFORMATION on the proceedures and physiology, and modulations that lie behind it. Does it then make sense to start picking and choosing who can recieve that product? Not really.
I’d hazard a guess that hairtell is more important in delivering that product at this ppoint than the AEA ever was. Yet what we are seeing is members delibertely restricting that product by getting defensive over their chosen modulation, and getting hung up on licensing instead of rationally relating the reasons WHY and delivering contradicory evidence if they disagree with something. “Stuck in the 1970’s " isnt contrdictory evidence, it’s being defensive over modulation.
Dee, I picked on you recently in this thread for that. While I understand your feelings and genuinely apologize if I was abrupt, I still think they are misguided somewhat. Did you know that where I live there is NO licensing whatsoever?And even less standards on electrology school? Just whatever any business that calls themselves a school ( and the key to remember is BUSINESS)decides to present , and in general, that is extremely limited in scope. Have a look : http://www.electrolysis.ca/e_training.asp Mostly, these folks learn on their own. Do you think, that having to had to go out, find the same information elsewhere, that I for example would later be inclined to take part in Electrology International or Hairshoot and share it there? There’s a scene in the movie Lord of War, where Nicholas Cage is talking to another rival gunrunner who had turned them down previously as a working partner and later comes back asking for exactly that, where he says " You should go with your gut feeling, your FIRST gut feeling. I wasnt good enough then, and I’m not good enough now”. Ive looked at the “public” offering of hairshoot, it’s not exactly an overwhelming response is it? Ask yourself why.

I happen to know Michael is working on a project to overcome some of this. While I think Hairtell ( and especially Michael, James, and yes Dee you too) does more to pass on information than anywhere else ( or I wouldnt be here) it’s forum format means that information gets watered down, and isnt very locateable.Information exchange IS the product in the digital world. Dont restrict the product from the consumer that makes the most use of it or frankly you are wasting your time.
I’m off to practise some more. I spend most of my time when not caring for children doing exactly that. picking and choosing who you deem worthy wont ever change that.

Edit: Argh, I should pay more attention to topic titles, I saw the AEA and thought it was the same thread. Sorry if it’s therefore confusing.

Seana

#3

And, there it is … a total “newbie” completely GETS IT! Thanks Seana.

The internet “product” is the TRUTH the FACTS/information. Not advertising, not slick websites, not hired “marketing experts,” not “credentials,” not accreditation … none of it.

The new generation is completely immune to advertising … I mean they don’t even see it. The “internet generation” can see through the “bull” instantly and they are only searching for genuine answers without “fluff.”

Funny that the “modality wars” have been going on since I started in this profession in 1978! It’s somewhat modified, but it’s all based on ignorance (I mean “not knowing,” not stupid).

So, there’s the goal: SHOW electrolysis in all its “good, bad and ugly.” The REAL story with tons of photos and real TTT. The outcomes will take care of themselves.

As the Germans know, the corporation has an obligation to the general society … knowing this, their economy is thriving. It’s not just about shareholders and profit.

So, what’s the obligation?

It’s to present the unvarnished truth about electrolysis … and it’s ONLY about the patient. From the beginning it was all about patients. AEA has forgotten its’ mission.

Nothing else matters … ONLY satisfying the patient and giving them REAL information and yes, in a concise and “easy to access” manner (as Seana pointed out). With this mindset the organization will grow and flourish and be viewed in a positive light.

Still, there is absolutely nothing wrong at all with what AEA is doing. A select “members only” club is a legitimate goal; it’s a free country after all.

#4

I’ve found the discussion format of HairTell threads extremely informative. There are no/few standarised practices within Electrolysis… and there probably shouldn’t be because each electrologist has their own methods. You can learn an awful lot by just reading the threads and asking questions.

#5

Yes indeed Stoppit … and that’s the whole point an OPEN and public forum!

#6

Dear Seana,

It’s really okay. I did read what you said and I understood that was coming from frustration. All is well and thank you for your apology.

The school situation is tough. You have to do a mixture of online courses and commuting, which is out of reach for many would be excellent electrologists. I had to travel five hours a day, twice a week for a little over a year to obtain my certificate (650 hours, now 750 hours) here in the state of Ohio. It was expensive and I had four kids from grade school to high school that required a lot of time and energy, I had no cell phone to communicate with them, but gasoline was $0.99 per gallon compared to what it is today.

You can learn from this website better than you can from a closed discussion group if that makes you feel better. Basically, there is nothing there that hasn’t been shared on Hairtell. Josefa has been very, very generous with her information, pictures and videos on those closed forums, but she has actually posted more here on Hairtell. She is the top dog for sharing information if you compare me, Mike Bono and James and Walker. Yo u can’t get much better than Hairtell, so just keep perusing all you can. I will try to chime in more. I had a very busy September and didn’t put my all into answering questions. I will try to do better for October!

Again, no hard feelings ever! The older I get the less I care about negative comments. That’s one good thing about the aging process!

#7

Read this and “weep” …

Some time ago, I likened the AEA to an oligarchy. As Dee said, she didn’t know “who” made these decisions. Folks, that’s the exact dictionary definition of “oligarchy.”

Let me give you an example of AEA “thinking” that will make a lot of you sick.

I had a patient that is the person in charge of running inter-campus “on-line” learning for the University of California. For example, if an important lecture is being made at UCLA (such as the US president), all the history and political science classes at ALL campuses can see the lecture “LIVE,” interact (ask questions) and virtually be in the same classroom.

For reference, the University of California has 10 campuses throughout California (10 different cities), 234,000 students and 207,000 faculty. I think it may be the largest University in the world?

My client offered the entire UC system to AEA FOR FREE! I mean, he was willing to go to the conference (at the time in San Francisco) and “feed” the entire conference on-line. Electrologists could pay a fee and fully participate (by computer) … ask question and really be part of it. BUT, it gets even better.

The medical school at UCLA had just purchased a “digital/video microscope” for $250,000. This is used to show microscopic surgery (as it’s happening) to medical students at all the campuses. And yes folks, he offered this to AEA too … for FREE!

My idea was to invite all the recognized electrology experts to attend the conference and we could ALL actually see them work and listen to their explanation of what they were doing … in “real time,” and fully participate. Everyone in the world could have “participated” in this landmark conference.

And, just like this latest “small-minded” decision, the AEA said NO! THEY SAID NO!! The reason was that “if people could watch the conference at home, they wouldn’t attend the conference.” Thing is, I don’t know WHO made the decision?

Dear Hairtell reader, I have never had an idea that was not instantly “shot down” by the oligarchy! We all would like the AEA to “be the real deal,” but I don’t think it ever will be more than a “club.”

#8

If one organization is failing to move forward, why won’t the trailer blazers that care about the profession circumvent the old order and continue helping the profession if they have the connections, knowledge and ability? In medical profession there are countess of “societies” “associations” and “boards” just in one specialty. Doctors join multiple associations because each has something different to offer. If AEA is lacking in ways, why wait and lament about their failures when all this lost time could be invested into collaborating with other passionate professionals to organize: lectures, experiments, discussions etc…

#9

I’m pretty sure fenix, that’s in particular what Michael has in mind. I know for a fact that it’s in mine, but I dont have enough “professional knowledge” to put it in place.

Seana