Folks, There has been a lot of bandwidth taken up with the NSS's new Directory Initiative. We've contracted with PCI to act as our agent to create a directory. I wanted to include some FAQ's that may go a long way in explaining the project. Some of you may have been involved in similar undertakings as these directories are commonly put together for colleges, universities, etc. The company was used by the Boy Scouts to do a similar project. We found their references to be in order and announced the project in the NSS News and also in social media. Note the effort includes an attempt to contact both existing and past members of the NSS. Some folks have expressed concerns that we've sold our data to a third party. We have not. PCI has been contracted to do the work but we retain the data and they can no distribute it or sell it to anyone.
We have heard that some of the sales associates may do a hard sell to get you to buy some of their projects. Just be instant and say no if you don't want any. If it is really annoying, call the number in the FAQ and complain and also let me know about it. PCI has a number of packages that include the Directory (about $99) as well as shirts, totes, etc (for much more). You may wish to purchase some of this material or not. I will purchase a directory as I want to try and track down some of my old caver friends that I've lost track of but already have enough other stuff. PCI covers the cost of their research efforts by selling the Directory and other bling. There is no obligation on your part to purchase anything or to even provide data. You can certainly opt out. Thanks for you understanding and I'm sorry for any trouble this may cause folks. We think it is a worthwhile member service and very modest fundraiser for the NSS (I think we get about $5 per Directory). We've heard both positive and negative comments on the effort and trying to address any issues. Thank you for your attention and please feel free to forward this message. Sincerely, Geary Schindel President NSS presid...@caves.org Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the NSS Members Directory Initiative Folks, please feel free to forward this to people 1. I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information. They said they were working on a directory for National Speleological Society. Is this a legitimate project, or is it a scam? We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce our new member directory. PCI is a company located in Dallas, TX that publishes directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities and military organizations across the nation. This project allows NSS to receive important updates to our database so we know more about our members and how we can better serve you and future members. 2. How do I know my information will only be used for directory purposes? NSS has a contractual agreement with PCI that states: a. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI by NSS for the publication of the Directory will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Directory and except as required by court order or law. b. The Directory will be made available only to members of NSS. Upon completion of the project, PCI will return to NSS any and all electronic files that have been supplied by NSS or produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Directory. 3. I would like to verify and update my information. How may I do this? If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the NSS project. The representative will verify all the information we have on file for you and make any updates where needed. One of the numbers for the NSS members is 1.866.536.6754. If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information. If you have questions, you may call PCI's customer service desk at 1.800.982.1590. 4. Can anyone purchase a directory? The NSS members Directory is available for sale only to NSS members. 5. When will I receive my directory? The total duration of the directory project is about 12 months. Since we began the project in April 2018, the directories will be distributed in April 2019. 6. Can I choose some or all of my information not to be printed in the directory? When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative what information you would prefer to have excluded. You may also communicate this information to the PCI customer service desk (1.800.982.1590) or to the NSS office. 7. I ordered a directory/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this? Call the PCI customer service help desk at 1.800.982.1590, and they will take care of this for you.
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