I had the same feeling. After 10 years of donating my time to STC (they wouldn't even pay for the gas for the extra car I brought to one convention solely for the purpose of helping bring 6 more people to the convention from a long distance away...that was on top of my car going earlier and taking a bunch of others...for which I didn't ask reimbursement) - I can't stomach having to pay to attend an event now. Of course, I didn't get reimbursed because the membership had a loud meeting protesting that the then-president had traveled two times to Europe at STC expense, been reimbursed regularly for Internet and telephone, etc. and cut all reimbursements of that type. I actually didn't mind it at the time - until this past year when the new President took a trip to London and they've apparently reinstated the STC-will-pay rule (without bothering to check with the membership). Then I was called a liar when I mentioned this had happened - I did get a public apology when the person (a very active member), found out I was telling the truth. All in all, it was better for everyone that I was done with STC and I have yet to see a reason to go back. Locally, we don't need STC to run events - there are at least 3 local groups doing that far better and far more extensively. We don't need STC to run conventions - we proved that this past January, and we don't need the elitest attitude. STC's local website claims that their members earn about $400-$500 more per month than non-STC members. This is pathetic because while it is true in the strictest sense, there is no connection between the facts. You could say STC members have an average of 5 years more experience than non-members or whatever - but they don't have experience and they don't earn more BECAUSE they are members of STC - it is likely because more experienced writers are going to be able to get their companies to pay for the membership - and since they have more experience, they earn more money. This was even pointed out after the "survey" was taken - but it didn't stop them from putting this "fact" plainly on their website. I come from the old school of membership - where the members drive the organization and that the popularity of the organization isn't what is holy. Anyway - yeah, STC national and international has a way of driving good people away. P
_____ From: Sue Heim [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, May 27, 2007 5:15 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: tcp@techcommpros.com Subject: Re: [TCP] STC Conference this past week Oh yeah. And I refuse to rejoin until the person who is Region 8 Director (or is it sponsor now?) is no longer acting in that position! Because of him, it was "no longer fun" to be an active leader, let alone member, in the organization. And although I could join any other community I wanted (say, Boston! <grin>), if I wanted to attend any local meetings, I'd have to pay. (Although not sure I'd want to since their agenda is lousy, but that is itself a whole other issue!) STC didn't just disrespect international members. They did a real good job if disrespecting national members, who were active leaders in chapters and communities. ...sue On 5/26/07, Paula Stern (WritePoint) <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: <snip> 3. A deep-seated anger that STC national took years and burned many people by refusing to respect international members while using thousands of our dollars and our membership to be able to call itself an international organization. It finally recognized some of its mistakes...but has done nothing to undo the damage that was caused to local groups. 4. Politics - I can't stand the pettiness I have seen in the past and the fact that almost every past leader here is burned out, fed up, and disgusted. I've seen the local council go against key membership opinions to benefit the council members and bend by-laws so far that it is a joke. I believe STC national (and local) lost the interest of the ordinary international technical writer when all it could see was itself in the mirror. There are some small efforts it has taken to rectify this - but for me it is a case of too little and too late. ______________________________________________ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION & TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
