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| WRMA Update
December 12, 2004
WRMA Opens Communications with Hall of Fame
The World Record Muskie Alliance is happy to announce that it has received acknowledgement of its information request from the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. Ted Dzialo, Executive Director, writes: “As the official record keeping body for all freshwater sport fishing records, we will be glad to review any findings you may have and take appropriate action.”
We greatly appreciate the attention that the Hall has already paid to this matter, and look forward to the prospect of developing a comfortable professional dialogue between our organizations as time progresses.
WRMA Photo Analysis Seeks New Provider
The following is a statement from Dr. Geoffrey Cross of Visual Geometry Solutions (reprinted with permission):
“Visual Geometry Solutions Ltd would like to accept full and complete responsibility for the delay in delivering the photo-analysis results to WMRA based on the quote and contract prepared on 7 February 2004. Originally the project was scheduled to be completed in February, but the task of assembling the data pushed this work off-schedule. Fred Schaffalitzky, who was leading this project, also holds a full-time position at the University of Oxford and it then became increasingly difficult to schedule his time.
For this delay, VGS can only apologize to WMRA and its members.
On a more personal note, I really hope that you achieve your goals. If you do happen to think of it, I would love to hear the outcome of your work, as it has obviously become something of a passion for Fred and me as well.
Geoff.”
Thus far, the WRMA has chosen to value accuracy over speed of reporting – a policy to which we will continue to adhere as our study progresses. Nonetheless, as in any endeavor, one must be able to demonstrate measurable progress over a reasonable period of time.
Further, in the communication from the Hall mentioned above, the question was posed as to whether or not our computer model had been subjected to the process of peer review for built-in biases – a question that we feel of no small significance to the future of our study.
It has become clear that VGS will not be able to satisfy its contract with the WRMA within a time frame that we find amenable to our purposes.
In addition, even though we have striven to keep all phases of our study as free from bias as humanly possible, it has become apparent that early on in the photo analysis, we may have unintentionally biased VGS by providing them (upon request) with the stated length of the fish used in our control photo.
Thus it is that the WRMA has chosen at this time to seek a new photo analysis provider for our study.
It is our hope that by this decision, however difficult, we may bring about two worthwhile results:
1. That we may better be able to avoid the delays that have so frustrated this aspect of our study thus far, and…
2. That by making a significant, good-faith concession in the short term, we may enjoy a greater long-term relationship with the Hall.
At any rate, it was a decision whose time had clearly come. Moving forward, we hope to learn from past mistakes. To this end, Reid Frank and Larry Ramsell will work together to locate a new provider, and eliminate any problems that came to light during our relationship with VGS.
Muskies, Inc.
“I can’t help but to believe the WRMA is on the up and up. Time and information will tell. I can assure you that MI International will not support any efforts of this group or any other group until we are satisfied that their efforts and procedures are unbiased and fair.”
-Perry Smith, late February, 2004
Contrary to misinformation that has recently appeared on one of the “Muskie Tabloids,” the WRMA plans to be in attendance at the Spring, 2005 Muskies, Inc. International. At this time, the WRMA will offer Muskies, Inc. the opportunity to review our findings on each record separately and prior to release of any information to the proper record keeping authorities; in other words, to reject, support or add to the findings as they interpret the data.
Although the WRMA is committed to using only the most qualified and unbiased experts and technology available in the course of our research, it would nonetheless be short-sighted of us to think that a record agency will make a needed adjustment to a record simply because we feel our data is compelling. If, after comprehensive research, a record needs to be adjusted, the WRMA will need the support of a large number of Muskie anglers to encourage a record-keeping agency to reconsider the record data.
Simply stated, The WRMA is asking Muskies, Inc. to represent that large group if we find a need to revisit a record with one of the agencies.
Contrary to further (and, likely, willful) misinformation printed on this same tabloid, I would like to state unequivocally at this time that the Fox River Chapter of Muskies, Inc. should not in any way, shape or form be confused with the World Record Muskie Alliance. Although Rich Delaney (WRMA President) and Dan Koniewicz (WRMA Treasurer) are both proud members of Muskies, Inc., in addition to being FRV members in good standing, we do not intend that our WRMA interests be confused/misconstrued with official FRV club business.
WRMA Disclosure
For those interested…
To answer questions regarding the basic makeup of our organization:
Our Board Members are – Rich Delaney, President; Dan Koniewicz, Treasurer; Ken Olesen, Trustee; Jerry Newman, Trustee.
Our 501 C tax-exempt status is still pending.
Our employer I.D. # is 20-1741826.
We are also legally registered with the state of Illinois. CO# 0145457.
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Posts: 20211
Location: oswego, il | Rich, thanks for the update. It's good to see that vgs had recognized that they could not hold up their end of the deal and let the wmra seek a better source for their photo research. Looks like the wrma is in good hands. You shared alot of great info with us, I hope it answers alot of questions.
Edited by ToddM 12/18/2004 5:45 PM
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Posts: 32884
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Thank you for the update, sir. | |
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WRMA Update