At 10:55 AM 11/15/2005, Mark Alman wrote: > I would prefer that only paid members be able to access it, but if > having free versions available on the Net would help boost TSA, TCMA, > NSS, and Grotto membership, I would be all for it.
One important point is being missed here, not only by Mark but apparently by several of the others who responded. If the TSA never, ever got another member; if it dissolved completely as a membership organization, it would be in no worse shape than it is now. What it is now is a skeletal remnant of a grand scheme to bring Texas cavers together for their (supposed) common good. And it has failed at that. There are a few diehards who cling to an ideal, but that does not a viable organization make. On the contrary, it is an impediment, throwing up tradition and selfishness when flexibility and practicality are what's really needed. Until we have an organization worth joining, everybody should get the idea of membership plumb outa their heads. We should not be trying to increase (or even placate) membership in the TSA as our primary goal. We should be trying to inform, involve, identify, entertain, and remain in contact with the cavers of Texas--as many as possible. Then we will be able to call ourselves both useful and viable. Until that happens, having members (a few, or a lot) is little more than fluff; it is all for show; it produces nothing of merit. In general, membership in the TSA should not be expected to provide anything a caver can hold in his hand; they should not expect a material reward--a TEXAS CAVER, a postcard, or even the shake of another caver's hand. What membership in the TSA should offer is satisfaction in knowing that you are contributing to an organization that is trying to support you and fellow cavers in the pursuit of happiness and other common causes. That support takes many forms of course, and sometimes cavers' interests conflict, but the overall aspect of the TSA is (or should be) one of bringing cavers together for the common good. All that precludes expecting cavers to fork over 30 bucks a year--for anything. For that they want something they can hold in their hands. History has shown that a TEXAS CAVER ain't gonna cut it for most of the cavers we're talking about here. An aggressive program of hitting-up cavers for a 5 dollar bill--either as a membership or a donation to the cause (I prefer the former)--at any and all caving events--conventions, projects, Grotto meetings, TCR, etc--will create a list of names and a force of bodies of most of the active and interested cavers in Texas. Spread the word to them through FREE access via the internet to good quality and informative issues of The TEXAS CAVER and let them spread the words to others. (Those who want it will take the time and make the effort to get it. You nay-sayers need to be offering solutions, not throwing up obstacles.) This is a minimum effort, maximum return concept. It does require a committed effort on the part of project directors, Grotto officers, and cavers in general to try to sign up as many cavers as possible. Why? Because it is to everyone's advantage in the long run to do so. And it is what the TSA should be about--if I may be suffered to opinionize. Then, when a sufficient number of cavers have been convinced that the TSA has a meaning in their lives, reorganize the TSA to include direct Grotto and project, as well as member, participation and keep the momentum rolling. But that's a different direction best left for a later time. Is there a better alternative? --Ediger _______________________________________________ Texascavers mailing list Texascavers@texascavers.com http://texascavers.com/mailman/listinfo/texascavers_texascavers.com
