I believe the problem with the bulk rate has been that we are not sending out enough copies to get the bulk rate. The truth is, also, that print media is in decline. I believe that it is probably time to revisit the two-tier membership option and gradually phase that in. As much as one may approve or disapprove, even libraries are moving away from print in many instances.
As to the function and usefulness of the TSA, it provides a strong link and access to the greater caving community, especially the NSS. The TSA goes through phases of being, and sometimes is more active than others. But it fills a niche that no other organization does. It is an access point for new cavers, and the spring convention is a great event, especially providing a venue for news on exploration and scientific research. Continuity and institutional memory have been the greatest problems for the TSA, and no solution has really solved that. So the TSA wrestles with the same problems over and over again. Many organizations do the same, though. TSA officers often go on to be major contributors in other caving organizations, and they also look back and discuss all the ways TSA could "do it better." But they are not doing it, and are usually not willing to be a TSA officer again or to be a major "actor" in the TSA. So be it. Cheers to the TSA officers, members, and all the dedicated writers and editors of the Texas Caver. Keep up the good work. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 7:39 AM To: [email protected]; TexasCavers Subject: RE: [Texascavers] Re: Digital vs. Print I'm in the process of pursuing the bulk mail rate/permit for us, Logan, as I plan on continuing to do the newsletter for the foreseeable future. (Sorry to tell y'all that!) I'll let the membership know how it's proceeding in January, but, I'm not stepping foot in the post office until after Christmas! Good point about the back issues, Anyway you or Lee Jay could bring ~12 of the recent issues to the winter meeting at CBSP? A certain vivacious Vice-Chair Elect is hounding me to get her some back issues! Thanks, Mark _____ From: Logan McNatt [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Sun 12/13/2009 7:21 PM To: 'TexasCavers' Subject: [Texascavers] Re: Digital vs. Print I am one of those antiquated bibliophiles who prefers a hard copy of The Texas Caver, but I certainly support the use of electronic copies for all that prefer them. I would be willing to pay the extra cost of printed issues. Questions for Mark: What happened to using the Bulk Mailing Rate? I assume it requires a minimum number of copies, and perhaps we don't meet that? I like the color photos, but how much do they add to the cost of printing compared to the same photos in B&W? Just curious; I'm not advocating all B&W. Logan (Caretaker of approximately 20,000 back issues of The Texas Caver owned by TSA, most of which are not available electronically, but can be yours for about 25 to 50 cents each. A treasure trove of maps, photos, trip reports, etc.; buy now before they're all gone!) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected] For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
