[SJRA-Members] Fwd: ARRL's Demise

[MIKE SLEPIAN]

Hello fellow SJRA members,
I wanted to share an email I just sent to the CEO and officers of ARRL.  You may not be aware that as of January, 2024, ARRL dues will be raised $10, and there will be an ADDITIONAL $25 charge to receive a printed copy of QST.

I wonder how our members feel about this.
 
Best 73,
Slep
WB2LKO

> ---------- Original Message ----------
> From: MIKE SLEPIAN <mrslep at comcast.net>
> To: "na2aa at arrl.org" <na2aa at arrl.org>, "k5ur at arrl.org" <k5ur at arrl.org>, "k1twf at arrl.org" <k1twf at arrl.org>, "w6rgg at arrl.org" <w6rgg at arrl.org>, "w6rod at arrl.org" <w6rod at arrl.org>, "kb3mxm at arrl.org" <kb3mxm at arrl.org>, "k9la at arrl.org" <k9la at arrl.org>, "n9ba at arrl.org" <n9ba at arrl.org>, "ac0w at arrl.org" <ac0w at arrl.org>, "w0nd at arrl.org" <w0nd at arrl.org>, "k5uz at arrl.org" <k5uz at arrl.org>, "wb4rhg at arrl.org" <wb4rhg at arrl.org>, "wa8efk at arrl.org" <wa8efk at arrl.org>, "n8sy at arrl.org" <n8sy at arrl.org>, "np4h at arrl.org" <np4h at arrl.org>, "n2xdd at arrl.org" <n2xdd at arrl.org>, "k0aiz at arrl.org" <k0aiz at arrl.org>, "k2dp at arrl.org" <k2dp at arrl.org>, "ab1oc at arrl.org" <ab1oc at arrl.org>, "k9hi at arrl.org" <k9hi at arrl.org>, "w7vo at arrl.org" <w7vo at arrl.org>, "kb7hdx at arrl.org" <kb7hdx at arrl.org>, "k6wx at arrl.org" <k6wx at arrl.org>, "w7xm at arrl.org" <w7xm at arrl.org>, "n2zz at arrl.org" <n2zz at arrl.org>, "n2cop at arrl.org" <n2cop at arrl.org>, "k0rm at arrl.org" <k0rm at arrl.org>, "n2srk at arrl.org" <n2srk at arrl.org>, "n4mb at arrl.org" <n4mb at arrl.org>, "wa4aw at arrl.org" <wa4aw at arrl.org>, "n6aa at arrl.org" <n6aa at arrl.org>, "aa7a at arrl.org" <aa7a at arrl.org>, "n5aus at arrl.org" <n5aus at arrl.org>, "w5lhc at arrl.org" <w5lhc at arrl.org>
> Cc: Ian Slepian <ianastro2 at gmail.com>
> Date: 09/29/2023 10:13 AM EDT
> Subject: ARRL's Demise
>  
>  
> Dear David,
>  
> I’m writing regarding a recent decision of the ARRL board of directors.  As I interpret the article in the October, 2023 QST, annual membership dues will be increased to $59 per year with an ADDITIONAL $25 due for the printed magazine, QST.
>  
> I’d be willing to bet our ARRL will lose half its membership, myself included!
>  
> You and the board have initiated the death knell of the American Radio Relay League.
>  
> Consider these points:
>  
> I believe most older members do not wish to read QST on line.  I’m 74, healthy and very active in many pursuits, but I do not like to read publications on line.  Many ARRL members are seniors who probably feel the same way.
>  
> Personally I can understand the need to increase the annual dues.  However, a very high percentage of our members will not go along with this decision.  It isn't the additional ten dollars.  Most HAMS are a stubborn lot, and will not stand for a 20% increase, out of principal.
>  
> Receiving QST Magazine has always been the most visible, tangible feature of membership.  Imposing an additional $25 fee, for something that traditionally came at no additional charge, will be entirely unacceptable.  
> 
>  
> Also,
>  
> Given the likely turnaround in the financial markets within the coming year should improve the ARRL's financial picture.
>  
> There must be more cost-cutting measures the league can take.
>  
> Have you considered opening QST pages to potential new advertisers, with products and services relevant to Amateur Radio?  
>  
> For example:
>  
> Manufacturers and retailers of generators, batteries, emergency lighting, and home security systems.
>  
> Vehicles, especially electric or trucks with built in generators.
>  
> Emergency food supplies, water purifiers, etc.
>  
>  
> I have been an ARRL member for many decades.  I look forward each month to reading my new copy of QST, cover to cover.  I also appreciate the services available to me and the leagues lobbying efforts to protect our important radio resource.
>  
> This is why I am so deeply concerned about your harmful, short-sighted decision.  Membership will decline, probably drastically, resulting in less services and diminished power to protect our hobby.
>  
> I urge you to rescind this egregious decision and look for other alternatives.
>  
> Best 73's
>  
> Mike Slepian
> WB2LKO 
>  
>  
>