[QCWA] Assoc. Membership ...

[Stan Vandiver]

On 11/11/2011 10:31 PM, William Pasternak wrote:
> Also, to those who have suggested replacing the print Journal with an
> electronic version, to to that you must have a membership base that
> is 100% computer literate and equipped with a high-speed
> connection.  While I no longer have my notes from those BD meetings,
> about 40% of the membership (4 years ago) had no computer; had no
> interest in ever owning one; obviously has no high sped Internet
> access and no way wish to receive an "e-zine."  Rather they look as
> the Journal -- as now presented -- to be their reason for their
> membership and their "connection" to QCWA..

I respectfully disagree that 100% of the membership must have computers 
to make an electronic Journal viable. If even the 60% (of 4 yrs ago) 
took the Journal electronically, would that not save money? I'm sure 
that cost ratios would have to be looked at... such as, would each 
printed copy cost more per copy if only 40% were produced. If true, that 
would hurt the effectiveness, but still might be worthwhile. Would the 
60% agree to accept it electronically?

Sadly, the 40% non-computing membership number is one that will go down 
every year. For the most part, these are our eldest members who have not 
had the need or desire to transition into the computer age. There are 
probably few new members who sign up who lack a computer or an Internet 
connection. I'm just guessing though.

But as Bill also mentioned, it is a delicate balance to keep the members 
we have and not alienate them. Many are on fixed income, many more of us 
soon will be. Would creating a new Assoc. membership outweigh the loss 
of those who would quit (as has been stated)? Would an increase in dues 
really be a positive gain if it also caused members to drop out? I can 
imagine that members would also drop out if they did not get their paper 
Journal... not everyone wants an electronic edition.

I can only say that I would gladly sign up for an electronic Journal, if 
offered to me. No more damaged covers from the USPS has its own appeal. 
Saving trees/paper is also appealing. I also strongly agree with John, 
K8AJS, that it should be in the free PDF format.

If the BoD might inform us of their present difficulty, maybe a one-time 
round of special donations from those of us who could afford it might be 
the solution. But I'm afraid that these problems are just like those 
plaguing other clubs/organizations/governments: not enough income to 
sustain its ongoing costs and benefits. If so, then very hard choices 
will have to made, sooner or later. If we cannot accept needed changes, 
our beloved organization might not survive.

73,
Stan Vandiver W4SV