Beeks not in Associations

[Murox]

They decided they couldn't endorse my Mailing List, because it would breach GDPR! I couldn't understand this argument, as people would subscribe themselves to the list and the only personal data I would hold would be the email address they used to subscribe.
Anyway, I've moved to a neighbouring BKA who have an active WhatsApp group. Not my preferred choice for reasons given elsewhere in this thread, but at least there is easy communication between members.

Glad you found something local-ish.

 

[Hachi]

They decided they couldn't endorse my Mailing List, because it would breach GDPR! I couldn't understand this argument, as people would subscribe themselves to the list and the only personal data I would hold would be the email address they used to subscribe.
Anyway, I've moved to a neighbouring BKA who have an active WhatsApp group. Not my preferred choice for reasons given elsewhere in this thread, but at least there is easy communication between members.

Then you need to read the GDPR regs and you will see. its a challenge, we have to comply rigorously.

 

[Bob Williams]

Then you need to read the GDPR regs and you will see. its a challenge, we have to comply rigorously.

I have read them, and I am quite sure that subscribing to a mailing list with (only) a name and an email address is no more a breach than subscribing to this forum. No other personal data is required. And just like here, the name can be a made-up nonsense word. And the email address can be a throwaway address (gmail, hotmail) used just for the mailing list.
Can you tell me in what way that is a breach of GDPR?

 

[hemo]

Someone on my LBKA whatsup has tried the same and wanted to set up mailing groups, If I were to look it might even be you Bob. Sadly for me and it seems the general consensus the answer is NO, and all users prefer to pick and choose stuff that is of use to them and have all info in one place rather then splinter groups for varying subjects. A lot of the users don't appear to like forums and prefer to keep stuff local, they can be and are a bit clicky.
Most are quite new beeks and likely would find this place a bit intimidating ?
I myself love this place since the changes.

 

[hemo]

Just looked it was you Bob, hi again by the way.

 

[IndiBee]

I have read them, and I am quite sure that subscribing to a mailing list with (only) a name and an email address is no more a breach than subscribing to this forum. No other personal data is required. And just like here, the name can be a made-up nonsense word. And the email address can be a throwaway address (gmail, hotmail) used just for the mailing list.
Can you tell me in what way that is a breach of GDPR?

Name and email IS data, but with the email comes the IP address (which gives location) and if you use anything except your own mail server, data is collected from the companies that provide the mailing list service. They SAY they do this for free, but read the small print and you are agreeing to them gathering whatever data they can and selling it, inc. users address book, compuer type, OS, your monitor size (basically a digital fingerprint), your browser history etc etc. It costs quite a bit of money to set those systems up and they want that money back by selling data.
So yes, most mailing lists require close GDPR scrutiny.
Unfortunately most 'voluntary' organizations don't understand this, don't have a GDPR advisor, don't have the legal policies in place and are ripe for getting sued.
Unless you know exactly what you are doing, don't set up a mailing list. I have heard of Beek orgs that use mailchimp - wow, one of the biggest data sellers after FB. And I bet they sign members up without ANY warning of T&Cs and no data protection policy in place. ONE member could end the org with one complaint. It just isn't worth it.

 

[Hachi]

I have read them, and I am quite sure that subscribing to a mailing list with (only) a name and an email address is no more a breach than subscribing to this forum. No other personal data is required. And just like here, the name can be a made-up nonsense word. And the email address can be a throwaway address (gmail, hotmail) used just for the mailing list.
Can you tell me in what way that is a breach of GDPR?

ANY data that can identify an individual is subject to GDPR simple. The forum are complying with the regulations in the way they store and hold our data. In the same way, YOU would be obliged to hold that data you have asked for and treat it and hold it iaw the GDPR regulations. You may think it overkill, silly or whatever that is your decision much in the same way if you choose to ignore a speed limit. If you need more convincing just google those organisations that have not complied or been found to be in breech of the regs and you will see the penalties can and often are; substantial.

The alternative is of course, you are free to engage your own specialist legal advice and confirm your obligations if any; for the exchange of your hard earned cash if you so wish.

 

[Bob Williams]

Name and email IS data, but with the email comes the IP address (which gives location) and if you use anything except your own mail server, data is collected from the companies that provide the mailing list service. They SAY they do this for free, but read the small print and you are agreeing to them gathering whatever data they can and selling it, inc. users address book, compuer type, OS, your monitor size (basically a digital fingerprint), your browser history etc etc. It costs quite a bit of money to set those systems up and they want that money back by selling data.
So yes, most mailing lists require close GDPR scrutiny.
Unfortunately most 'voluntary' organizations don't understand this, don't have a GDPR advisor, don't have the legal policies in place and are ripe for getting sued.
Unless you know exactly what you are doing, don't set up a mailing list. I have heard of Beek orgs that use mailchimp - wow, one of the biggest data sellers after FB. And I bet they sign members up without ANY warning of T&Cs and no data protection policy in place. ONE member could end the org with one complaint. It just isn't worth it.

I have my own server, the mailing list is private. I would not be using any third party provider.

 

[Bob Williams]

Just looked it was you Bob, hi again by the way.

Hi Hemo. The reason I joined the (your) local BKA was to meet other beeks and share knowledge and experience. Because of the pandemic, that inevitably means online. Because they wouldn't entertain the idea of a mailing list or WhatsApp group, it meant all the knowledge flowed from the centre outwards, without any peer-to-peer engagement. Although they do have a Facebook group. But I don't and won't have a FB account. Hence my departure to the other BKA branch.
But this forum is fantastic, and fulfils 90% of my needs.

 

[Newbeeneil]

Hi Hemo. The reason I joined the (your) local BKA was to meet other beeks and share knowledge and experience. Because of the pandemic, that inevitably means online. Because they wouldn't entertain the idea of a mailing list or WhatsApp group, it meant all the knowledge flowed from the centre outwards, without any peer-to-peer engagement. Although they do have a Facebook group. But I don't and won't have a FB account. Hence my departure to the other BKA branch.
But this forum is fantastic, and fulfils 90% of my needs.

What group have you joined Bob?

 

[Bob Williams]

What group have you joined Bob?

CSBKA

 

[Earthboy]

Hi Hemo. The reason I joined the (your) local BKA was to meet other beeks and share knowledge and experience.

For the above reason alone, one can find lots of fora all over the globe. I am not even in UK or Ireland or Scotland, but am snooping around here from across the pond although I am more frequent to the ones in US.

 

[Bob Williams]

Agreed, but I also wanted to make contact with people in my own area.

 

[IndiBee]

I have my own server, the mailing list is private. I would not be using any third party provider.

Then you are good to go.....IF you know about what will happen if you get hacked of course

 

[hemo]

Bob I think we have two other members in the LBKA from the Steyning area.

 

[Bob Williams]

Bob I think we have two other members in the LBKA from the Steyning area.

Hemo, I'm not sure what you mean by LBKA? Local Beekeepers Association? I have joined the Central Sussex Division of the West Sussex BKA.

 

[milkermel]

What's the point of joining a club? I went to a course held by a well respected bee keeper. I have here for any other info I may want. Never joined bbka have no need

 

[Boston Bees]

What's the point of joining a club? I went to a course held by a well respected bee keeper. I have here for any other info I may want. Never joined bbka have no need

All clubs are different of course, but here's what I like about the local BKAs (3) that I am a member of:

1. I get on their swarm collection list
2. I am offered out-apiary sites that the BKA has located (or been offered)
3. If I have nucs to sell I would rather sell them to local beekeepers, and local BKAs are an easy way of finding those
4. They generally produce a reasonable newsletter - not rocket science but passes the time!
5. Bit of a sense of local community (though I have never actually been to any of their meetings)
6. One of them runs a very cheap shop, with items at wholesale cost

As I say, I have never actually been to any of their meetings, though in future I would no doubt enjoy an apiary visit somewhere, when the current issues pass.

Just my approach though.

 

[hemo]

Hemo, I'm not sure what you mean by LBKA? Local Beekeepers Association? I have joined the Central Sussex Division of the West Sussex BKA.

Yes as you say it is a division of WSBKA, I still refer to it as my LBKA because for many many years it was a stand alone BKA (when I joined) under it's old guise of HCBKA . Back in the day it had a massive falling out with WSBKA main committee and individuals and internal politics apparently became so bad that it became impossible for either to exist amicably.
However certain parties of the older generation either left or became non influential in the BKA so repatriation resumed.

 

[hemo]

What's the point of joining a club? I went to a course held by a well respected bee keeper. I have here for any other info I may want. Never joined bbka have no need

Some like the interaction and social get togethers meeting other beeks and making new friends/acquaintance's. My LBKA has a good interactive whatsup group and zoom meetings.
I know of very few probably only one or two who actually use this excellent resource, so for most the LBKA might be there main source of info. Though I expect some may be friends of the youcrap brigade as some do post some tripe views on the LBKA whatsup.