Mark, As the discussion in question is relevant caving business, I will give my opinion. I doubt whether few if any cavers are members of
TSA solely to receive The Caver. So, going electronically should not diminish the membership rolls. Changing the format, making it available to all with its beautiful pictures and most interesting and informative information, may increase membership. It should have a membership application in each issue. I assume that when sent electronically the cost is the same regardless of the number of recipients. This sounds like a money saving idea for the association but I will miss the hard copy in its book configuration. Fritz _____ From: mark.al...@l-3com.com [mailto:mark.al...@l-3com.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:41 AM To: Charles Goldsmith Cc: Kara Savvas; Johnson, Russ (ATX); imoca...@comcast.net; Scott Nicholson; o...@texascavers.com Subject: [ot_caving] RE: TexasCaver Thanks, Charles. Actually, I have received more compliments than complaints on the TC, so I shouldn't bitch. The issue of electronic format versus paper has reared its head more times than I can count and it is usually the more "chronologically-challenged" curmudgeons that shoot it down. At this past TSA business meeting, it was decided that me and two other volunteers would look in to a two-tiered membership program that would have reduced fees for those getting the TC electronically. We just would have to make sure that with these reduced fees, the TC would still pay for itself and that the TSA would remain viable. The other concern, mine included, would be that this file would be sent all over the place, and even to cavers that weren't members. heck, if they can get it for free, why join the TSA? This is probably the main reason a lot of folks are against this. I know when I was doing the DFWG newsletter, it was the reasoning against going electronic. We'll have something by the spring convention and business meeting. The other hurdle, if the above was passed, is actually emailing the TC. Even in compressed PDF format, the TC is quite huge. (I like a lot of pictures!). A boycott wouldn't be the answer, IMHO. Having a LOT of like-minded members at the next meeting where we can vote this thru would be the best. So far, democracy is keeping this from going forward. Gotta love it! Later, Mark _____ From: Charles Goldsmith [mailto:wo...@justfamily.org] Sent: Tue 1/15/2008 1:18 PM To: Alman, Mark @ IRP Cc: Kara Savvas; Johnson, Russ (ATX); imoca...@comcast.net; Scott Nicholson; o...@texascavers.com Subject: TexasCaver Thank you Mark, the outpouring of thanks I've received today was very nice. Speaking of the TexasCaver and a thankless job of the editor, great job on the newsletters, I enjoy them immensely and need to renew my membership. I'll ask on here, because I know its been a touchy subject on the main list before, but why in hell do we not go to an electronic format? That would save you a lot of time, printing and mailing them, and we would get full color magazines. This is after all 2008 and printed material only costs more money and time. Would a boycott be in order to get some older, hard-headed people to embrace the technology of today? Charles, grandmaster of soap-boxing today
