Mark, and the rest of the TSA board, a big THANK YOU! This was long overdue, but a great step.
Charles On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 1:08 PM, <[email protected]> wrote: > To all PAID TSA members, > > > > It was decided this past weekend at the Winter Business Meeting at CBSP that > in order to forestall an increase in TSA member fees, due mainly to the cost > of printing the TC, we would like to offer PAID members the option of > accessing The TEXAS CAVER electronically. > > Since the bulk of the TSA budget involves printing the TC, the current $20 > membership fee is insufficient to cover the cost of printing and mailing the > TC, calculated at $26 per member/copy. > > > Do the math! > > > We did not think this was the best use of membership monies and our cash > reserves would soon be depleted at this rate. > > > This where you come in. > > > Through the technical wizardry of our webmaster extraordinaire, Butch > Fralia, PAID TSA members can now sign themselves up to view the latest TC > online, each and every time! > > But, that's not all! > > > "What else do I get by doing this and why should I bother?!" > > > Here's why: > > > · It will prevent a membership dues increase, hopefully, > for quite a long time. In these tough economic times, who wants that?! > > · This will free up a HUGE amount of TSA funds that can > be better utilized on projects, other activities, equipment, and other more > worthwhile pursuits. > > · You will have helped get the TSA "Back in Black", > hopefully, to stay. > > · You will be able to view and download the latest TC in > glorious FULL color, not just the cover in color in the mailed version. > > · You will be able to view and download past issues of > the TC in glorious FULL color, not just the cover in color mailed version. > All of > the 2008 issues are already online and past issues > that moi has been the Editor of will soon be added. Any back issues we can > get our > grubby hands on will be added, as well! > > · That tree-hugging part of you will rest peacefully in > knowing that you have helped preserve many a conifer by opting for the > electronic > version over the paper version. > > · And no matter where you may roam, you will have access > to the good ol' TC and the frustrated Editor and Secretary will not have to > deal with the dreaded "Return To Sender/Addressee Not > Found". > > > Not to mention that it just makes good financial sense. > > > All new registrations will be listed as pending, initially, while your > membership is verified before you will have membership access. > > Butch has added Darla and Denise as administrators and they will verify that > you are a "Member in Good Standing" and will check this periodically. You > will be notified if your dues are about to expire and will be > unceremoniously kicked off if your dues are not renewed. > > In other words, "No TC for you!" (Seinfeld reference). > > The member area is linked in from the main menu at www.cavetexas.org. Be > sure to buy one or five ICS Registration Raffle tickets, while you're there! > > If we could get just 50% participation in the electronic version program, > one would be hard-pressed to find any red ink in next year's budget. The > more the better, though. > > > However, please do not share your password info with the unwashed TSA > non-member! > > > If they would like to receive the TC, encourage them to do the right and > just thing by being a true American and joining the TSA! > > > In closing, the Board and I implore, beseech, beg, encourage, and strongly > suggest you sign up today! > > > Put the word out to your Grotto and to other cavers! > > > Help the TSA and help save a tree! > > > > Thanks, > > Mark Alman and the TSA Board >
