At 10:51 AM 1/16/2009, you wrote:
Gill, I'm guessing that they want to use the TexasCaver to promote the membership, and that they are afraid that if they gave away the TexasCaver, then a lot of the memberships will drop.
On the contrary. Use The CAVER to promote membership among those who wouldn't otherwise join. It appears to all the independent cavers in Texas that the TSA doesn't care about them--ignores them totally, in fact. The CAVER should be the advertising medium for the TSA. It should be made available all cavers for free as a service (that is an important word, now) to all Texas cavers. Then, amongst all the trip reports and safety and equipment and technique and other caving information will be ads for the TSA Convention, board meetings, all the Project reports, and joining the TSA. If it's only $10 or $15 or even $20 you will probably double your membership, not reduce it. TSA membership should, of course, be pushed to all non-members at Grotto meetings, Projects, board meetings, and other TSA functions, as well as TCR and other events.
--Ediger
