I mow their lawns & wash their cars. And I'll tell you what the plan is right after you invent a magic pill to turn people into collectors. You're either a collector or you're not. Wanting people to collect doesn't make them collect. You don't get it...do you read this bulletin board? We have people in our hobby that quit because other people charge what they think is too much to ship chips. And I don't know about you, but I have a job that I go to in order to support my family, so I just don't have the time to send you an email on a regular basis...sorry. Maybe when Richard Huber becomes the new Membership Officer in 32 days, you can convince him to do an extra 30-40 hours of volunteer work per month on top of the 40-50 hours per month he'll already be working for the club. We have tried a membership committee...and a planning committee (several times) and neither has been successful. Why? Lack of interest and/or participation from the members because to them, it's a hobby. The same reason that so few people volunteer their time to help run this organization. Always seems to be the same people, doesn't it? I am extremely thankful to those that do step forward to volunteer because without them, this situation would be even worse. Membership initiatives...hmmm...we've offered people FREE memberships with little or no success because next year, when they have to pay for it, they won't. Not enough interest. Andy Hughes & Archie Black have open offers of membership incentives...few are claimed.

To further expound upon the email thing -- many of our members do not even have an email address or don't want to be bothered by the club. I've tried to send out membership renewals via email & have had my email addressed placed on a "SPAM" list because of it -- too many "bounced" addresses & people reporting it as SPAM. Same goes for convention email reminders -- people either don't provide them on the "walk-in" forms at the registration desk or they're made up or illegible. The club mails out reminders to those that filled out a "walk-in" notice the prior convention. The postcards have the club's web address...can't click on it, but you can type it in as a web address. I don't recall you ever asking for a member listing or club directory...others have & I have provided them when asked...I would do the same for you if you had asked.

No offense, but I find it slightly amusing that I have never seen your name on a club ballot. You want to know how to affect changes in this club -- be a part of what runs it. Every single person on the club's BoD is willing to listen to suggestions & ideas -- it helps when you have their collective ears and we are in constant contact with each other. It makes a difference when you are discussing these things, exchanging ideas & discussing pros & cons on a regular basis. It is a big commitment, but one that I have enjoyed (for the most part) these past six years.

Steve Bedo
Membership Officer (32 days & counting)