[sac-board] Re: Some Comments about SAC

In a message dated 9/10/2003 19:19:40 US Mountain Standard Time, 
sac-treasurer@xxxxxxxxx writes:

> 
> 
>     
> > Paul Dickson wrote:
> > > Jeff Hopkins wrote:
> > >>  2. It might help to mention on the form what a member gets for his
> > >>  money. It is not obvious. The Newsletter is nice, but since I do not
> > >>  get it in hard copy I feel I should pay less or those who get a hard
> > >>  copy in the mail should pay more.
> > >
> 
I agree with Paul here, The point was to reduce costs. The option of a hard 
copy delivery is available to all members, whether or not they have the means 
to get the electronic version. I can think of at leat 5 members with internet 
acces whop for varing reasons have chosen to recieve thier newsletters by 
hardcopy, Most of the rest do not have internet access. As for what you get for 
your money, Out side of the newsletter, I suppose it is a subjective thing. 
Certain ly I've never seen anyone who wasn't a paid member turned away from a 
SAC 
event, but I feel the cost is minimal to me in light of the commraderie, access 
to dark skies and the opportunity to hear experts in the field give talks on 
subjects that I generally fnd fascinating. I think when joining a club like 
opurs, one does so not as much for what one gets phyiscally but for support and 
shared experience of like minded folks. I know I certaily clould have persued 
the hobby alone, but I certainly would not be near as good or knowlwgable an 
observer as I am, without the help and encouragment of folks like Steve AJ and 
many others in the club. this alone has justified my investment in SAC. 


> > 
> > The fact that dues do not support expenses is not the point. When 
> > someone pays their dues it is reasonable to wonder/ask where the 
> > money goes and what benefit the member receives from paying the 
> > amount. 

I think Paul has done an excellent job of keeping the membership informed of 
where the money goes, as well as where it is coming (or not coming) from.


> > > >  4. A membership card should be issued to show you are a paid member.
> > >
> 
I think this is pretty much overkill. I could see this if there was a need to 
limit access to club owned or run facitlities or sites where identification 
of members would be justified, but since own no facilities and observe on 
public lands, whats the point? We're a pretty close knit group. I think most of 
know each other and if not aren't shy about making introductions :)


> With the name tag and membership card suggestions, it appears you just
> want me to do more work as treasurer. :-)  Currently, I think I'm
> averaging 10 to 20 hours a month as SAC's treasurer.  I liked being
> newsletter editor better, I at least completed something each month.
> 
>     -Paul
> 

That job's been taken :) It's the only thing keeping me from being elected 
president!!!  BTW, I estimate I put in about -20 hours a month on the 
newsletter. Not complaining as I enjoy doing it and have no plans to give it 
up. The 
positive comment I get from members make the effort worth the time.

MTCW plus interest.

Clear Skies
Rick Tejera
Editor SACnews
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Phoenix, Arizona
SaguaroAstro@xxxxxxx
www.saguaroastro.org

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