May 2003 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[ARRL-ODV:8823] FCC OSP Working Paper Number 39
by Fried Heyn(3rd VP) 28 May '03

28 May '03

FYI (dont kill the messenger): FCCS OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING AND POLICY ANALYSIS AND OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY RELEASE COMPREHENSIVE WHITE PAPER ON UNLICENSED SPECTRUM Study Concludes Despite Downturn in Telecom Sector Unlicensed Spectrum Devices Represent Important and Growing Market, Stimulating Need for Further Regulatory Flexibility See: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-234738A1.doc. (Note, near the end of the summary the interesting question, What happens when unlicensed devices start to provide the same services as license-holders?") 73/Fried(ô¿ô)snooze=lose

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[ARRL-ODV:8822] Followup A&F Minutes
by John Bellows 27 May '03

27 May '03

There may be some confusion regarding the portion of the A&F Minutes in ODV 8221 that mentioned the A&F Committees discussion of a proposal for Standing Committee Restructuring. Director Frenaye made a strawman proposal to EC which apparently was somewhat modified and was/is to be distributed to the full board by the EC to the full Board (EC 3/15/03 Minute 4). Since the only opportunity A&F would have to discuss the proposal in face to face meeting prior to the July BoD Meeting we asked for a copy of the proposal prior to the April 26th meeting. 73, Jay

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[ARRL-ODV:8821] A&F Committee Minutes April Meeting
by John Bellows 27 May '03

27 May '03

The Minutes of the April 26, 2003 A&F Committee Minutes are attached in MS Word format. For those who require or prefer plain text the minutes follow. 73, Jay, K0QB ================ Minutes of the Administration and Finance Committee of the American Radio Relay League Kansas City, MO April 26, 2003 Pursuant to due notice, the Administration and Finance Committee of the American Radio Relay League, Inc., met at 8:30 AM, Saturday, April 26, 2003, at Kansas City Airport Marriott Hotel, Kansas City, MO. Present were the following committee members and staff: Directors Jay Bellows, K0QB, Chairman; Walt Stinson, W0CP; Art Goddard, W6XD; Frank Fallon, N2FF; Dick Isely, W9GIG; Joel Harrison, W5ZN, First Vice President; Jim McCobb, W1LLU, Treasurer; Vice Director Jim Fenstermaker, K9JF, Committee Secretary; Dave Sumner, K1ZZ, CEO; Mary Hobart, K1MMH, CDO; Barry Shelley, N1VXY, CFO; and Mark Wilson, K1RO, COO. Chairman Bellows welcomed the attendees to the meeting. The agenda was reviewed and approved by committee members. 1. First Quarter Financial Update Mr. Shelley discussed the first quarter financial summary. The fiscal indicators are on track with financial projections. There are no emerging trends that cause any concerns so far this year. Overall expenditures a bit under budget YTD. One area that bears watching is voluntary contributions, in particular the Defense of Frequencies fund and WRC-03 follow up in progress now. We are also keeping an eye on the Education & Technology fund, which is running behind projections. There is enough to fund the program for 2003, but in 2004 we may not be able to fund equipment for many additional schools. Advertising revenue is a bit lower than planned but staff is working on different marketing efforts with advertisers and April revenue should bring us back on track. May QST included a special 8-page Dayton ad section, and the Repeater Directory and DXCC Yearbook ad revenue was higher than expected. Specialty publishing (QEX, NCJ) is trending down. Mr. Sumner discussed the rollout of the new book Experimental Methods in RF Design. This has been a product that performed much better than forecast, thanks in part to a well-coordinated advance promotional campaign. Mr. Sumner also noted that WRC-03 expenses may run slightly over budget because of exchange rate issues and the retainer of Bob Jones, VE7RWJ, as a consultant. At mid-year, we will reforecast the budget for the remainder of the year. 2. Investment Portfolio Review Mr. McCobb discussed the investment portfolio. He is not optimistic about the future direction of the investment markets. The portfolio indicates market vs. book value is different by $884,000 (7.6%). YTD cash-out is approximately $500,000 including $350,000 for pensions $150,000 for general operating cash. He expects another draw of $300,000 later this year for operations. This is not a favorable trend. We need to watch changes in cash (cash flow) to better assess the financial health of the League in the long term. There was some discussion about how Life Membership dues are invested and the cost of servicing the Life Members. The plan normally anticipates using $500,000 per year from investment income for that purpose. Mr. Stinson discussed the tradeoff between the portfolios corpus and the amount of money that is taken from interest and dividends earnings. He believes thresholds should be placed on the overall operation of the organization and these need discussion during the strategic planning sessions in a quantifiable manner that is proactive rather than reactive. Mr. McCobb recommended a review of trends analysis for drawing down investments, noting that long-term it is not healthy for the League to continue to draw down reserves. The Board and Management should set a specific target floor amount. Mr. Stinson noted his continuing optimism but he also feels the short-term trends are not positive. Mr. Shelley noted that while the market has given us hits, we have lived within the 3-year plan regarding the updates to the computer system, startup of the development program and other long-term investments. Mr. McCobb recommended that the A&F direct management to produce a baseline set of financial projections for the three year period beginning January 1, 2004 for use by the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC). Motion : Management is hereby directed to prepare a set of financial projections and related assumptions for the three year period beginning January 1, 2004 for use by the Strategic Planning Committee. Such projections should be presented to the SPC by September 1, 2003. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Development Update Ms. Hobart described the first quarter as challenging. The overall mood of the nation has had an impact on giving. This has been reflected in contributions to the Defense of Frequencies and Education & Technology Funds. Given the continuing scenario, there is movement beginning to happen but it will take time. Relationships we are building will allow this to happen. The donors reception in Dayton is a good way to build on these relationships, and we expect attendance to be higher than last year. We continue to learn what types of requests are most effective and revise our efforts accordingly. The grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service and UTC Corp. for emergency communications training are on target. In addition to providing needed training to our volunteers, these grants give us visibility and credibility. Development and Sales/Marketing meet monthly to coordinate efforts with regard to membership renewals and Diamond Club solicitations. The current strategy is to incorporate a Diamond Club solicitation with renewal notices of likely prospects, rather than mail them separately. Six people now qualify for Maxim Society (lifetime donations of $10,000 or more), and there are 27 commitments to Legacy Circle (estate commitments). In the planned giving area, we are working with Robert Sharp Co. to develop a newsletter for prospects. There is a database of 175 prospects who have expressed interest or told us of a commitment, and information was sent to an additional 4500 members born between 1936 and 1950. The Committee reviewed further work on a proposal for the structure of an ARRL Endowment. The proposal calls for six broad funds (Spectrum Defense, Education, Research & Technology, Historical Preservation, W1AW and General Fund). With the consent of the donors, the broad funds will incorporate the existing smaller funds. The consolidation will assist ARRL in better promoting the development program and give future donors a way to more easily select an endowment that closely matches their interests. The board can determine the use of unrestricted contributions based on management recommendation. There was some discussion of the names of the funds, and in particular the thought that the Spectrum Defense fund should better describe antenna defense and other advocacy issues. Directors Isely, Fallon, and Bellows will discuss this prior to the July meeting. Mr. Stinson asked about the relationship between development and the foundation. Discussions regarding integration are now in order. The A&F and Foundation Board should discuss and give a report to the ARRL Board in a future meeting. Mr. Sumner discussed the power line carrier (PLC) systems FCC Adopted NOI and the issue of spectrum defense. It appears to be a more friendly environment to power line communication. This has potential to be a major problem. Frequencies affected are 2 to 80 MHz. Ed Hare anticipates travel to a PLC test site for review and measurement of the potential interference issue. Results of field tests and further FCC activity on the PLC issue may provide a fund raising opportunity for spectrum defense in the coming months. 4. Employee Insurance Benefit Proposals Significant changes are proposed for health and dental plans. An RFP was requested from seven companies and three replied. Current benefit levels and contribution strategies are generous in relationship to other firms. With the same benefit levels, the current carrier medical premiums would increase approximately 19%. The proposal includes a movement to a more standard program for medical plans. It will provide a core plan to employees and give them additional benefit choices. Any difference in premium for coverage beyond the core plan would be borne by the employee. Also included is a stratification of the employees share of premium payments based on employee base earnings. This proposal brings the ARRL medical cost and contribution methodology in line with similar size companies in CT. Mr. Shelley noted a goal of ARRL contributing 75% of the premium and the employee contributing 25%. In addition to changes to the medical plan, changing providers can reduce dental costs. Based on these changes to the benefit plan, the cost that the League will absorb changes from a 19.3% to a 5% increase. Mr. Shelley was asked to review the costs for a Flexible Spending Plan to allow for employees to be eligible for pre-tax savings on medical and other payments. The following motions were adopted: Moved that the A&F committee recommend to the Board that ARRL determine the community benchmark for employee benefit cost as a percentage of salary. Moved by Mr. Harrison, Seconded by Mr. Isely. Passed unanimously. Moved that the A&F committee recommend that the ARRL Board establish a policy moving the percentage share of employee medical and dental benefit costs toward the community benchmark over the next two years. Moved by Mr. Harrison, Seconded by Mr. Isely. Passed unanimously. Moved that the A&F committee recommend adoption of the health care benefit proposal of the insurance subcommittee and instruct staff to execute the appropriate contract. Moved by Mr. Isely, Seconded by Mr. Harrison. Passed unanimously. 5. Pension Plan Investment Proposal and Discussion We continue to await information from Massachusetts Mutual 6. Computer Project Update Report The status report from Alan Cohen was distributed and discussed by Mr. Shelley. * Accounting - It is installed, running, and being used! * Enterprise Software System - The core system is installed and working. There is a punch list of items to fix. ISD staff is working to resolve the issues. $35-40k per year is budgeted for outside maintenance of these products. * E-Commerce Klein implemented the native Siebel e-commerce functions, but the resulting system is not satisfactory. They have proposed moving to an implementation using JAVA software and are discussing how best to meet requirements with staff. This will delay implementation of net commerce, and the newly estimated date for partial implementation is June 30 with the final piece in place on September 30. Implementing this change may result in some additional staff time and expense, but Klein has said that there will be no additional software cost for the change to JAVA. * Logbook of the World - There are three remaining items to be completed before a public beta test. A locator for various awards has been expanded and will be done by Jon Bloom. Expected completion date of May 12 to begin the general beta test period. * DXCC - The specifications had to be redone. Within the next few weeks, repaired code will be received. At that point, we will know if the project continues to be viable. If not, we may ask for our investment back. 7. Update of Personnel Matters No substantial progress toward resolution of a complaint. 8. Preliminary Report Employee Compensation Issues Process that is followed occurs on anniversary date along with the annual performance review except when promotion occurs, then the date changes. This year, there is not much of a pool of monies available. 9. Discussion Restructuring of Committee(s) At the March 15 meeting of the EC, there was discussion about the committee restructuring process. Tom Frenaye presented a straw man proposal to the EC, which is currently under discussion. Changes proposed include: Election committee expanded to Election and Ethics Committee; VRC and MSC merged into Programs and Services Committee; Marketing and Sales Committee created; Roles and Responsibilities of the Administration and Finance Committee were slightly modified. Additional discussion followed on this and other committees. 10. Agenda and Date of Next Meeting The meeting will be held in teleconference. Proposed dates will be set via e-mail by the committee. The proposed fall date will be set during the teleconference. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 1730. Respectfully Submitted, Jim Fenstermaker K9JF Secretary, Administration and Finance Committee

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[ARRL-ODV:8820] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 23 May '03

23 May '03

IN-Newsletter Vol. 26, No. 20 May 21, 2003 EVP Logbook of the World debuted for public beta testing May 15. After a week of operation, there are more than 3 million QSOs in the database with about 1000 digital certificates issued. There haven't been any big surprises, but as expected we have uncovered some issues to be addressed before we go live with the production system. We are also uncovering the weak spots in documentation and customer support information. We expect the beta test period to last about 60 days. Please direct any member with questions or comments to Dave Patton, NT1N, here at HQ. Development We were pleased to host 52 donors at the second annual Donor Recognition Reception at the Officers Club of Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Many of the guests were attending for the first time and enjoyed a light supper followed by fascinating remarks of Vice Adm (ret.) Scott Redd, K0DQ, who commanded the US Fifth Fleet during Operation Desert Storm. The evening was highlighted by the award of a Maxim Society plaque to ARRL Vice President Kay Craigie, N3KN, and her husband Carter, N3AO. Mary and Deborah spent the balance of the Dayton Hamvention working the ARRL booth. Chief Development Officer Hobart extended her trip to the midwest with a visit to Indianapolis to meet donor Dr. Beurt SerVaas, W9WVO, and discuss ARRL's Education & Technology Fund. Media Relations The PR Committee held its annual meeting in Dayton during Hamvention weekend. All but two PRC members were able to attend. The meeting was very productive. Committee members discussed ongoing projects, future objectives, and chose individual goals they plan to meet this year. A full recap of the meeting will be posted on the PR Committee reflector shortly. Those who attended the PRC breakfast meeting also took part in the PR forum (which they organized) the following day, and did a fantastic job. A panel discussion, with plenty of questions from the audience, was followed by a "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" format PR game. The program was fun and informative. Jennifer will be posting some of the highlights on the PR reflector for those who were unable to attend the forum. ARRL's new reflector for Public Information Coordinators is up and running. Several of the participants have shared their bios with the group. We will continue to encourage all PICs to join the reflector, and PRC members have discussed several ways in which they will interact with the group throughout the year. The Annual Report layout has been reviewed, and is going back to the production department for final corrections. Jennifer submitted bio information and a description of the PR forum to the staff at HamCom. While in Dayton, PRC Chairman Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, and PRC member Rich Moseson, W2VU, volunteered to speak at the forum, along with Jennifer and a PIO from the North Texas section. It should be an excellent program. Production/Editorial Dave Hassler edited several features for the ARRL Web site and wrote several news briefs. He also gave a talk on Hellschreiber at Hamvention. A fax-like method of teleprinting with CW, Hellschreiber was invented in the 1920s but has seen a recent resurgence with the advent of "soundcard" digital modes. Dave, along with QST Technical Editor Stu Cohen, N1SC, and Managing Editor Joel Kleinman, N1BKE, interfaced with a number of ARRL members, authors and potential authors at Hamvention. Sales & Marketing A new membership marketing promotion kicked off at Dayton. The promotion, developed in conjunction with the Ad Hoc Membership Recruitment and Retention Committee, is the first of two pilot projects that enlist the aid of amateur radio industry members in recruiting League members. For a limited time, ICOM dealers will give purchasers of qualifying ICOM equipment a coupon/membership application good for $15 toward membership dues for each brand new or returning (after a lapse of 1 year) ARRL member. Current members may transfer the coupon to a third party. Prior to the Dayton Hamvention, the Sales and Marketing team, worked in concert with ICOM America to create flesh out a detailed program outline and create coupons and signs to be displayed at ICOM dealer stores. This pilot program will run through August 15 and we will be monitoring the results closely over the next several months. Kathy Capodicasa, Bob Inderbitzen and Danny Sayad represented the sales staff at the 2003 Dayton Hamvention. Preliminary attendance reports vary, but the general consensus indicated that Hamvention attendance was less than last year. However, the League booth took in a little over $1,000 more than the previous year. In total, 562 memberships were taken during the event: 389 term renewals; 111 lapsed term members and 61 new members. That's up from 524 last year. In addition, there was one life member sign-up who paid in full at the event. With the booth staffing schedule set up prior to the event, booth coverage was, for the most part, adequate. As usual, rainy weather at times forced everyone inside, creating bursts of activity. A tremendous Thank You to all staff who pitched in to assist sales staff in working at the booth. As always, your assistance is sincerely appreciated. Joe Bottiglieri made the rounds at Hamvention, spending time with current advertisers and combing the site for potential ones. QST advertising kits will be sent to those attendees who do not presently advertise with us. Joe also attended events, hosted by two major manufacturers, who were announcing new product rollouts. Bob took a few moments outside the ARRL booth at Dayton to discuss resale product opportunities with a handful of exhibitors. Included among these were representatives from RSGB, Radio Amateur Callbook, and Worldradio. He also took the stage at the ICOM exhibit for two soapbox style "ARRL Today" presentations. Al Ambrose and Bill Pritchett, the software developers of TravelPlus for Repeaters CD-ROM, shared the ARRL exhibit space at Dayton for another year. Their excellent demonstrations of the newest version of the program drew many new customers. Devout TravelPlus customers enjoyed exchanging feedback with Al and Bill. Many previous buyers upgraded on the spot. The Spring/Summer edition of the ARRL Publications Catalog has arrived. A large direct mailing effort is underway. ARRL dealers have been supplied with copies for their stores. Catalogs can be obtained from any of the Sales & Marketing staff. Membership Services Awards Branch WAS QSL Cards Checked 200 WAC QSL Cards Checked 162 WAC Certs. (102 QSLs ES/C) 17 5BWAC Certs. (60 QSLs ES/C) 2 Extra Class Certs. 13 OTCs 4 L/T Member Inquiries 5 A-1 Operator Noms. 6 LTMAs Records to Siebel 17 VUCC End. App. 1 Grids 51 Awards Mailed 34 Processing Status: Current or up to three weeks. For the coming week-WAS Specialty, Code Proficiency, RCC, and A-1 Operator awards, filing chores associated with LTMA correspondence, and on-going VUCC awards processing/mailing. DXCC Branch Weekly Report May 18, 2003 Beginning Cards 104,673 Cards Received 11,534 Cards Processed 11,867 Ending Cards 104,340 Applications Pending 824 Processing Time 7.7 Weeks Year-to-date (2003) Cards Received 198,076 Cards Returned 301,851 QRPs Issued this week 1 QRP's Issued total 294 DXCC is currently mailing applications received on March 26, 2003. DXCC is currently entering cards received on March 31, 2003. We attended the Dayton Hamvention this past weekend. Official numbers: DXCC-153 apps. with 16,024 QSOs, WAC-2, WAS-4 and VUCC-4. 1 new card checker was appointed in Japan this week. Positive comments were received on a variety of DXCC items such as turn around time to help received from DXCC staff. Contest Branch The 2003 RTTY Roundup results were received from the log checking team, the boxes prepared and sent to production. The 2002 Ten Meter results article for QST was edited for size and content. Data entry for shipping 2003 DX Contest pins was finished. The PowerPoint presentation for the Contest forum at Dayton was prepared. Numerous queries regarding Field Day were handled. QSL Branch QSL service status: Current. Cards mailed year to date as of 05/18/03 - 623,125. Cards mailed on 05/16/2003 - 58,100. Martin covered the morning bulletins at W1AW on Thursday and Friday for Joe Carcia, so he could cover the evening shift for a vacationing Scott Gee. Heather Dzamba has returned to full time duties and spent 5 hours conducting tours around HQ. W1AW Joe Carcia worked the Thursday and Friday late afternoon/night shifts for a vacationing Scott Gee. He also created the texts for the June W1AW Qualifying Runs. Joe processed regular W1AW QSL card requests and handled some evening phone sales calls in the 5 PM to 8 PM time slot. Scott Gee worked on fast and slow code practice files for the month of May. Scott also handled some evening phone sales calls in the 5 PM to 8 PM time slot. W1AW Telephone Sales year to date (2003): $8,694. Field & Educational Services Rosalie took part via telecon in a FEMA meeting on volunteerism at the NVOAD conference. A NASA Web site highlights the terrestrial QSO from Johnson Space Center ARC's W5RRR, with astronauts Barb Morgan, KD5VNP, and Dave Williams, and youth at the Ontario Science Centre. Regulatory Information John Hennessee reports that the SGL Reflector is up and running (thanks to Andy Shefrin) allowing SGLs and interested ARRL Officers, Directors and Vice Directors to network with one another, particularly about legislation related to PRB-1. John assisted an amateur in Simsbury, CT (W1JC) with a local government zoning problem. Field & Education Support Team Jean Wolfgang sent updates to the ARRL scout site. She was included in a member's discussion with others pertaining to ham/scouters, and pointed them to a Yahoo Scoutradio group she is part of. This is the time of year for Boy Scout Camporees and outdoor events in many areas. Several hams have told Jean how they will share ham radio with scouts at these events. Jean and Larry will be at CT's Mohegan District Spring Camporee, May 17-18, operating WA1BSA on 80 and 20 meters. She designed the WA1BSA QSL card. Linda Mullally updated 126 club records and 2 reactivations. She registered 13 Volunteer Instructors, 4 schoolteachers, and sent out 12 Exhibit kits and 2 JOTA Kits. She completed the F&ES Monthly Revenue Report and notes that the Monthly Revenue for April was $2,036.89. She also compiled the Field Organization Reports (PSHR, STM, SEC, and BPL) for July QST. Margie Bourgoin reports 9 new affiliated clubs just voted on by the EC by email. She added these to the database, generated certificates and is putting together welcome packets for each. 4 new clubs' paperwork was sent for Director approval. She will inform the ARISS team via teleconference that Jerry Hill has left HQ and Mark Spencer will join our staff in June to head the Big Project. Mary Lau reviewed the membership rosters and paperwork of four new Category 1 clubs from Ohio, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Nebraska. She also processed contribution acknowledgments and forwarded a renewal-grant request to the Foundation Proposals Committee. CCE Howard Robins reports that our Web host has formatted our newest course, VHF/UHF - Life Beyond the Local Repeater. Howard checked all sections, and registration should open this Monday. For our future troubleshooting course, Howard has found a potential author who will draft an outline and summary for our review. The CCE volunteer mentor coordinator was involved in an accident and is unable to work, but hope to in a few days. Howard advised his students to hold activities. Jerry Ellis has processed results from field exam sessions received recently. CNCS, UTC, and field exam graduates were mailed their printed certificates, ID cards and refund checks (where appropriate). Jerry also folded, stuffed, and mailed 76 mentor stipend letters and corresponding checks; this process is now being done monthly. Field Organization/Public Service Team Steve Ewald turned in July QST's Public Service column and the article on the 2002 SET. He shared information to SMs on the June 1 on-the-air test of WX4NHC, ham station at the National Hurricane Center. Section leaders kept Steve posted on response in storm-affected states. Oklahoma SM John Thomason praised the FCC and ARRL HQ on acting quickly spreading the word about May 10's emergency declaration starting and ending. We also received a thank you for work in getting ARRL Section News online--the member said he now reads nearly all Section reports, and likes how updates are timely. Leona Adams is now using a program she can initiate for sending monthly Field Organization current and expired appointment lists to SMs by email. The data is drawn from the Siebel system. Over 30 appointments were entered into the system and initial supply packages were shipped. Chuck Skolaut received confirmation from the FCC that a reported second harmonic of the Voice of America (VOA) in the Philippines on 20 meters was corrected by VOA. The FCC is investigating interference on 2 meters from fishing boats off the coast of California. Chuck is working with OOs on cases on 20 and 75 meters. EmComm Grants Dan Miller took a day to attend the national conference of the National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters while enroute to Hamvention. Rosalie set up a schedule for him to do a short luncheon presentation. At Hamvention, Dan took part in the ARES forum, took much of the responsibility for the Q&A side of the booth, and networked with hams involved in the grant-sponsored emcomm courses. 73, Sincerely, Mark Wilson, K1RO Chief Operating Officer MW: lk Staff Absentee List Name Date(s) Reason All Staff 5/26 Holiday Jennifer Hagy 7/7-7/11 Vacation Dave Hassler 5/30-6/2 Vacation Joe Carcia 5/27-5/30 Vacation Mary Lau 5/27-6/2 Vacation Chuck Skolaut 5/27-6/6 Vacation Dan Miller 5/30-6/1 Rocky Mt. Division Convention Martin Cook 5/23 Vacation Heather Dzamba 5/27 Vacation Wayne Mills 5/29-6/2 Colorado Convention Bart Jahnke 5/29-6/5am Vacation

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[ARRL-ODV:8819] Re: Voodoo Economics - ICOM Style
by Kay Craigie 22 May '03

22 May '03

I dunno about economics, but speaking as a person who has two graduate degrees in folklore studies, I wouldn't write off voodoo ;-) If we told the public that we're giving ICOM a finder's fee to help recruit League members, we'd stir up more of the old "the ARRL is in bed with the equipment manufacturers" rant that we've all heard way too much of already. Presented as a valuable coupon offer, however, everybody looks like a good guy ... as indeed they should. I hope the idea works and can be expanded to include other companies on the for-profit side of the aisle. 73 - Kay N3KN

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[ARRL-ODV:8818] Re: Voodoo Economics - ICOM Style
by Coy Day 22 May '03

22 May '03

Jim, Frank, et al, Keep in mind that this is a test and only a test at this time. I can't speak for the committee but for my part I see this as a possible win/win. If it works, it will be good for the dealers, the ARRL and amateur radio. We are looking for "ACTIVE" amateur radio operators for recruitment. I have to believe that if a ham buys new equipment, he must be active. So what have we invested for this new member? Not a lot. If he renews his membership then it will be a home run! As for the voodoo part, keep your fingers crossed. Coy ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Weaver" <K8JE(a)ARRL.org> To: "arrl-odv" <arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 5:05 PM Subject: [ARRL-ODV:8817] Re: Voodoo Economics - ICOM Style I must agree with Frank (Voodoo economics) and Dave ($39-$15) is the same regardless of who or what gets the $15. Back when I was working at a paying job, I vividly recall the task of differentiating between "advertising puffery" which is accepted as a legitimate part of promotional activity and deceptive practice which is not accepted as a legitimate part of it. I consider the ICOM promotion to be akin to puffery in that the gift of the promo offer is distributed by ICOM which most likely will be considered the "giver." The offer does not say who it is that is footing the $15 so this is wide open to speculation. The offer in form and detail is legitimate. What we need is to have a number of the "givees" accept the offer and become members. ICOM indeed makes an investment to the plan if by no more than the time/effort required to distribute the coupons to its dealers (I didn't notice who prints the coupons but I suspect it is done via HQ). To me the main thing is that someone is promoting ARRL membership. It is a good, legitimate, viable effort. Kudos to the committee. 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director, Great Lakes Division k8je(a)arrl.org - Tel. 513-459-0142 ARRL -- The reason Amateur Radio is! GREAT LAKES DIVISION CONVENTION, September 6, 2003: See http://greatlakes.arrl.org

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[ARRL-ODV:8817] Re: Voodoo Economics - ICOM Style
by Jim Weaver 22 May '03

22 May '03

I must agree with Frank (Voodoo economics) and Dave ($39-$15) is the same regardless of who or what gets the $15. Back when I was working at a paying job, I vividly recall the task of differentiating between "advertising puffery" which is accepted as a legitimate part of promotional activity and deceptive practice which is not accepted as a legitimate part of it. I consider the ICOM promotion to be akin to puffery in that the gift of the promo offer is distributed by ICOM which most likely will be considered the "giver." The offer does not say who it is that is footing the $15 so this is wide open to speculation. The offer in form and detail is legitimate. What we need is to have a number of the "givees" accept the offer and become members. ICOM indeed makes an investment to the plan if by no more than the time/effort required to distribute the coupons to its dealers (I didn't notice who prints the coupons but I suspect it is done via HQ). To me the main thing is that someone is promoting ARRL membership. It is a good, legitimate, viable effort. Kudos to the committee. 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director, Great Lakes Division k8je(a)arrl.org - Tel. 513-459-0142 ARRL -- The reason Amateur Radio is! GREAT LAKES DIVISION CONVENTION, September 6, 2003: See http://greatlakes.arrl.org

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[ARRL-ODV:8816] Mail Server Maintenance
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY 22 May '03

22 May '03

As a result of recent problems we have been having with e-mail here at HQ, we will be taking the primary mail server off line tonight for maintenance to correct the situation. We expect the server to be down beginning around 8 pm this evening until approximately 3 am tomorrow morning. Inbound messages to arrl.org addresses will be stored for delivery once the server is brought back on-line. We appologize for any inconvenience. 73, Barry, N1VXY

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[ARRL-ODV:8815] Re: Voodoo Economics - ICOM Style
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 22 May '03

22 May '03

Frank Butler said: >This reasoning fails to take into consideration that when a new >member joins through a club, he pays the full amount of $39, out >of which we can well afford to let the club keep $15. In the case of >the ICOM promotion, the new member is only paying $24. What >can you call it but voodoo economics! At Minute 49 of the January meeting the Board authorized the committee as follows: "49. On motion of Mr. Isely, seconded by Mr. Maxwell, it was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution be adopted: "BE IT RESOLVED, that the ARRL President establish an Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with developing and testing methods for increasing ARRL membership and retaining existing members. "In pursuit of this task, this committee shall draw on the resources already available within the ARRL Headquarters organization, but is expected to use these existing resources in new and innovative ways." I think the pilot program Rod outlined on Saturday is in perfect harmony with this instruction. Whether we collect $39 from the member and give $15 back to the club, or collect $24 from the member and give nothing to ICOM, the amount of money we're left with is the same. $15 is a reasonable acquisition cost for a new member (or one returning after a significant lapse). >From the potential member's perspective, $15 of the $200+ that he (or she) paid for the radio is coming back to him in the form of the coupon, if he chooses to use it. How the transaction works between ICOM and ARRL doesn't really matter to him. One thing we will have to bear in mind when we eventually evaluate the success of this program is the renewal rate among the members who join via the coupon. One of the main reasons for not discounting an initial membership is that renewal rates tend to suffer unless a similar discount is offered at renewal time, which of course we can't afford to do. If the new members perceive that they paid $24 for their initial membership then they are less likely to renew at $39 than if they feel they originally paid $39, $15 of which was what they paid for the radio. We took in 6 coupons at Dayton. To properly evaluate the program we'll of course need a bit larger base of data. Dave K1ZZ

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[ARRL-ODV:8814] Re: 5 MHz, LF and 2400 MHz Report and Order, Docket 02-98
by Kay Craigie 22 May '03

22 May '03

Many MOU's amount to just a ritual kissy-face between us and another organization. Nevertheless, I wonder if the MOU with the DHS that we may be about to execute may add any weight on our side in the spectrum problem between us and NTIA. At this point, I am willing to measure in grams!

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