>
> Since we are going down that path, I just wanted you to know that when I
> read "Life Member" I hear the words "cheap", "discount", "looking for a
> deal", "old fart" in my head.
>
>
> Jeff, KE9V
>
Jeff. I am sure you do and thanks for sharing. It takes a bit of
sophistication and some knowledge to get past that simplistic understanding.
"perpetual memberships" if managed correctly (and with AMSAT I realize that is
a big "IF") are not a "gift" soley for the member, ie give them cheap
membership for life...they really are a gift for the organization and generally
are a win win for both the member and the organization.
BOD who set up perpetual memberships (USNI, ARRL The TAMU Association of Former
Students to name three varying groups) dont do it just to give people "cheap"
membership. They do it to allow the organization "base" money which when
properly invested returns yearly far more then the membership cost (ie the
magazine a percentage of member services etc).
Obviously if an 18 year old invest in a perpetual membership and then succumbs
within a few years...there is some "money made"...but if done correctly the 18
year olds membership will still be paying for the member services (again the
mag etc) when the 18 year old is many many years older (far older then just the
life membership divided by the average yearly cost of membership over a period
of years).
The "block money" over a given year is invested in a basic block investment
(meaning the preceeding years) and the interest alone, more then works out. In
addition done smartly the sum while drawing interest can be low interest
borrowed against.
when I was President of The community association that our house in Clear Lake
is a part of (and it is far larger then AMSAT NA)...we started "life
memberships" to the various facilities which were also available on a year to
year basis fee. It wasnt hard to set it up...a major brokerage firm did it for
us...and we make money on a "life membership" that last for 40 years (and that
was only because the timelines couldnt be run out any farther) EVEN IF 50
percent of the residential property owners took advantage of the offer.
A classmate manages life membership for USNI (United States Naval Institute)
and a few other groups... and they make money on it...and that includes
memberships that start at 22. When I was investigating "perpetual memberships"
for our association I was told by this person that USNI would make money if
over 50 percent of those applying for membership at 22 took life membership.
I know you need both an arguing point, and doubtless have not thought the issue
of life membership through all that much. Have fun with the arguing point, I
am sure it makes you feel great...
but like most "gut" feelings it is wrong. If AMSAT is not making money off of
a life membership then someone somewhere really fracked up. And sadly it
would not surprise me.
Sorry to burst your bubble.
I became a life member (and urge others to do the same) because it gives the
organization a baseline of financing which to survive.
Robert WB5MZO Life Member
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