[sac-forum] Re: 2 subjects-money and Holiday party

Thad Robosson replied in part:

>The big goal of the board is to see to it that the club survives.  Having
>attended nearly every board meeting in the past couple years, I can assure
>everyone that the board is doing this.  The board is not opposed to raising
>money or increasing the membership, but you have to realize the larger
>picture.  Raise too much money, and we risk losing our "not for profit"
>status.  Get too many members too quickly, and we're looking for a larger
>room, and all the smaller details attached, which requires more money.  As
>far as higher dues, that is just a suggestion that will be talked about at
>future board meetings.  Just because it was posted doesn't make it a fact.
>Bottom line, I can't think of anyone who opposes change, but such change
>needs to be controlled so we don't find ourselves being overwhelmed.
>
By all means, that is why I posted what I did. Survival is most 
important, but so is prospering. Survival with a handful of members 
left is not much of a survival.

NEVER NEVER worry about TOO much money or TOO many members. Money can 
always find uses and the club is way way below the threshold of "not 
for profit" status. I was shocked to see EVAC has over twice the 
number of members as SAC.
>
>I joined SAC in 1998, and I have never once felt that I needed to justify
>the dues with "tangible" evidence.  But here's one...The newsletter is
>absolutely top notch, and one could argue one of the best Astromomy NL's in
>the country.

The Newsletter is fine and I appreciate the work done, however it is 
essential free on the web to anyone, which is also fine, but not much 
of a tangible value for dues paying members. I don't understand why 
anyone needs the printed copy when even if they don't have an 
Internet connection, they can go to any library and get it via the 
library's computers.

>Some intangibles that I feel are more than worth my dues....
>
>The SAC reputation is very widespread.  From software to discussions lists,
>the astronomy community knows SAC.
>
>The collective brainpower.  Have a question?  I'm willing to bet you can get
>the answer from someone within the club.  This alone is why I feel so many
>members have advanced beyond the "neophyte" stage effectively.  I would
>certainly hope the ATM group I host shows this spirit.

This is great, but in reality you can have free lists and get the 
same or close to the same results without a club.

>The comradere.  I wouldn't hesitate to drive 100+ miles with this group,
>even to be clouded out and chat the night away.  And within this is the
>diversity, the topics are widespread, entertaining, educational, and
>refreshing.

This is great except you could just meet at Denny's and plan events 
and then go to the events. A dues collecting club would not be needed.

>As far as name badges, I own one, but forget it half the time.  Certianly,
>something could be worked out to provide them (I'm not putting any words in
>the board' mouth.), but whether people remember to wear them is another
>matter.  And even an inexpensive one would mean adding a small cost to
>membership just so someone has something tangible.

Name tags, even cheap ones, can be both a status symbol and a way of 
making meetings and events more friendly while promoting the club. I 
think the use of name tags and membership cards is greatly 
underrated. The cost is very minor, but can provide a very visible 
benefit.

>Respectably,
>Thad

Please do not take my posts as being down on the club. I want it to 
survive and to prosper, but fear its days may be numbered unless 
something changes.

BTW, I consider Thad one of the best assets of the club.

Jeff
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