Cheryl wrote:
I was under the impression that the 'e membership' was to be a discounted version of a full membership: the printed version of the Bulletin would not be included, insurance, judge's priviledges, etc. would not be part of it. It's purpose was for those who wanted a 'virtual' membership only. Otherwise, why pay for AIS membership? If the milk is free, why buy a cow? An electronic version of the Bulletin and the checklists would be 'e membership'. The wiki is free, the website and all of its amenities is free, so the 'e membership' would be for those who did not want a physical Bulletin or any of the other benefits that full membership entails. Why would an 'e membership' need insurance coverage?
Cheryl
If you took away everything that entails membership, why even call it that. We are trying to generate new members, not just virtual addresses, but members who have chosen to recieve the bulletin digitally, but who would still go to conventions, attend affiliates, judge shows and do all the things that the things present members do. Yes it would be a discounted membership, in that it would only be $15 but that is because the bulletin is such a huge cost presently, and current members are not paying for all they get. Fortunately dues are not the only income, but they still represent most of it. Presently print members who do not use the website, the wiki, and any of the other electronic services may feel that they are subsidizing electronic members. On the other hand Electronic members might feel that they are subsidizing the print members since they would actually cover their membership costs.
I realize it is a complex thought, but the wiki is not part of the e-membership, neither is the website, but electronic members would actually be contributing to their existance in addition to the electronic bulletin. Presently print members contribute very little to these, and they have been largely sustained by the efforts of the electronics services committee with the Geek Dinner, The Iris Register and donations. The cow that has been given away is more the print and other traditional services. We are trying to create a new cow that people will want to support. Since membership has declined for that last 17 years the old cow does not seem adequate for enough people. The only potential for growth by the old cow is the creation of a new more desirable bulletin. Otherwise where are the ideas for progress? Einstein said insanity is doing the same things and expecting different results. What new do you have to offer?