NARS went from paper only to .pdf file email and paper. Membership numbers
were not significantly altered, and the majority of members elected email. The
NARS member database was altered (email address) to accommodate the change.
Later, the printed version was changed to .pdf file email only, and the file
was posted each month on the NARS web site. Most members receiving the printed
version agreed that they could print their own copy from the emailed version,
if desired. This arrangement continues today, and I think the email option
will eventually cease.
73, Keith NM5G
On Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 09:54:53 AM CDT, Eddie Runner via BVARC
<[email protected]> wrote:
Some of you may know, there are two issues with printing the BVARC newsletter
– costs and labor required toproduce it. Costs have skyrocketed over the last
year and it is getting harder to find volunteers for production.Many ask why we
still produce a paper newsletter and fight with all those problems. The answer
on theseitems is one simple answer – maintaining membership.Many clubs that
have had a printed newsletter and changed to an electronic one experience a
decrease inmembership. The ARRL talks about membership loss in their “club
manuals.” Even our illustrious editorwitnessed a significant drop in membership
at the Houston Astronomical Society (long after he was president)when they went
from paper to electronic form. So, the question is, where do we go from here?
Here are fewpossible options:1. Stay as a paper publication only (and continue
to have the same problems).2. Change to an electronic publication only.3. Do a
combination of sorts by allowing members to opt out of a printed newsletter.
The major problemhere is that this does not help with the labor portion and the
costs do not go down proportionally.4. Find a benefactor that can pay the
printing costs for the next 20 years. Keep in mind, that this does notalleviate
the labor problems cited below so they must be resolved. I want to increase the
visibility ofthe newsletter for the amateur community. I want it to be
something that other clubs will jump onboard and submit articles from the
entire Houston area. I feel that having a printed document is morebeneficial to
the hobby as whole.This a club issue. I would like input from the membership as
to what you think should be a direction to go in.Send me an e-mail to
[email protected] and let me know your thoughts. During a BOD meeting, a comment
wasmade that only a few will respond to this request. I hope they are wrong.The
other challenge on the newsletter is to significantly increase the staff to
that required to reasonablyproduce it. Whether it is electronic or printed we
need people to help. We are also looking for severalpeople to aggressively
solicit and manage advertising. For the printed format we need 5 or 6 people
toalternate handle logistics and getting the printing done and to fold, tape,
label, stamp and mail them. Nomatter what direction we go in, we still need
people to help with this endeavor.Also, just to let everyone know, an anonymous
donor has paid for the printing for the September newsletter,which is only
temporary solution, so the cost issues still exist.Let me know if you are
interested in helping. The club needs your help.Mike Hardwick,
N5VCXPresidentBrazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
________________________________________________
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
BVARC mailing list
[email protected]
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
Publicly available archives are available here:
https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/
________________________________________________
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
BVARC mailing list
[email protected]
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
Publicly available archives are available here:
https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/
