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Subgroups, Online Forums, AOAC Membership and Official Methods of Analysis Dear Colleagues: In the next couple of weeks, the Marine and Freshwater Task Force will gain a new and powerful resource when several online forums are activated. Subgroup success will depend on use of these forums. Before we have in-person meetings, we will always develop topics, exchange data, and develop collaborations via subgroup forums. We did this successfully in 2004 via email but email is fraught with problems, most prominently overloaded inboxes and viruses. Each subgroup (as well as a general Task Force discussion forum) will have an online forum, and all online subgroup communications and also general Task Force discussions will require use of these forums. Thus, Task Force members are strongly encouraged to join AOAC so that they have access to these important discussions and collaborations via the online forums. This development will essentially eliminate the need for email messages, other than occasional mailings and alerts. Essential data, presentations, and other documents can be uploaded for distribution and downloaded as needed by subgroup members. Luckily, membership dues for AOAC are less than most professional societies at $100 annually. The forums of course are not the only reason to join AOAC. In a separate web page message I have already highlighted other benefits for Task Force members, especially major reductions in registration fees for the many symposia and other meetings we are planning and an online Membership Directory where you can find contact information for your Task Force members and colleagues with similar interests. There are other benefits for members as well, such as the AOAC publication Inside Laboratory Management, etc. Another surprise benefit was recently announced - I am pleased to inform you that recently AOAC made a surprising decision to make AOAC's Official Methods of Analysis available free online to members. This is a very significant development for AOAC and its members, especially for those who use and (as the Task Force will) develop and validate methods to be included in this famous and legally solid resource. This is planned for the 2nd quarter of 2005.
Our group has now grown to a very large size, as of February 2005 at over 120 members. I feel that success depends on the group being as global as possible, and so we will continue to grow. The size of the group, which now can only be considered a community, will not encumber productivity because of the way we conduct business and because the voting group (see below) will remain small at 13 members (including myself). There will, however, be 3 main components to our toxins community: MARINE AND FRESHWATER TOXINS COMMUNITY will consist of all who are or have been invited into the group. General information about the Marine Toxins Community and their work is available to anyone on the general AOAC website. On the website there will continue to be a roster of names and contact information listing the entire community membership. There will also be a new type of listing for Task Force Members as defined below. MARINE AND FRESHWATER TOXINS TASK FORCE will include those members of the Community who wish to be active in the group, such as participation in subgroup discussions, general Task Force discussions, and other Task Force activities. Again, to be actively involved via the online forums (and to get discounts on symposia and meeting registration) and finally, to be listed in the Task Force Membership will require AOAC membership. You will be recognized for your accomplishments, interest, and contributions to the group, but this will require access to the resources and for this you need to join AOAC. VOTING MEMBERS, MARINE AND FRESHWATER TOXINS TASK FORCE Within the Task Force are the 13 voting members (12 plus the Chair). This group is approved by the President of AOAC following recommendations from the Chair. More information on this group is available on the main Task Force website. Thank You - For your patience, for your interest, involvement, and especially for your time!
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