[arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback
There's now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece. That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase. I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May. One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back - and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A's for other members to read in advance of the survey. When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events. If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please. I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation. Thanks David
Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click. Mickey N4MB Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback There’s now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece. That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase. I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May. One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back – and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A’s for other members to read in advance of the survey. When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events. If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please. I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation. Thanks David
Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us. Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here. What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription. There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures. The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members. A careful balancing act, for sure. Ria N2RJ ________________________________ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM To: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click. Mickey N4MB Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback There’s now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece. That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase. I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May. One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back – and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A’s for other members to read in advance of the survey. When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events. If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please. I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation. Thanks David
I will echo what Ria has stated. The important word here is "value". In tough economic times that word often becomes the difference in spending what many hams consider to be a completely discretionary expense; ARRL membership. The less perceived value in what we provide the market, the less likelihood of renewal, and the associated loss in revenue. My further input on all of this, FWIW: Please keep in mind that MANY of our members are now of retirement age, (or close to it), probably living on fixed incomes, and likely making much less than when they were working. The aging situation is most likely worse than it was during our last dues increase under Gallagher. The first question I have, (not knowing what the discussions have been in the "private" A&F meetings), is: What is the predicted ROI over time for a dues increase? If we increase dues $10 a year, how many members are we predicted to lose year-over-year? How much additional revenue will we gain over time to offset the predicted $2M plus budget deficit the next two years? Will it even make a dent? If we increase dues $20, or even $30 a year, how many more members will choose not to renew than at $10 a year, and what is the offset to the predicted deficit in that case? Is it possible that we will lose enough members and the associated revenue that it would have been better to not have done anything at all? The next question is: Has anybody done a full recap analysis of what happened the last time we did a major dues increase under Gallagher? How many members did we lose the first few years, and how much revenue was gained, year-over-year? How long was the gap before membership numbers fully recovered? My plea: There are lot of very business savy minds in the A&F committee, and also on the EC. I would urge that those minds to get together, fully understand and mathematically analyze all the risks and benefits with predictive trend charts and graphs before deciding exactly on what the increase should be, and when it should be implemented. Maybe that full analysis has already been done by staff and shared with A&F, I don't know. Thanks for listening. (assuming you made it this far.) ;-) 73; Mike W7VO
On 03/23/2023 12:06 PM Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org> wrote:
Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us.
Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here.
What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription.
There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures.
The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members.
A careful balancing act, for sure.
Ria N2RJ
--------------------------------------------- From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM To: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback
Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click.
Mickey N4MB
Get Outlook for iOS https://aka.ms/o0ukef
--------------------------------------------- From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback
There’s now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece.
That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase.
I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May.
One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back – and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A’s for other members to read in advance of the survey.
When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events.
If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please.
I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation.
Thanks
David
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
I’m sorry, this was my mistake. I was trying to inform the board and didn’t expect that my email would generate any responses, let alone start a debate. This is a work in process. There is nothing to forecast or get excited about because the work is ongoing. What I will say is that based on all of the feedback I’ve received, my current thinking is to take dues from $49 to $54 (or maybe $59) and offer all printed formats of our publications, not just QEX and NCJ, as ala carte offerings at the $25 (QST / OTA) and $20 (QEX / NCJ) levels annually. Bill mentioned CQ Magazine prices. That’s just for a printed magazine! They don’t even do their own contests any more let alone all the other things we do. And they can’t prevent going broke every 5 years or so. Before the A&F meeting I need to play out some scenarios along with the CFO and the revenue subcommittee, where we’ve been discussing this since last year. What we know is that when we’ve lost members due to an increase in dues, the loss is temporary and most return within 24 months. Once I have the results from the May survey, we’ll have a much better understanding of how members are thinking about it and may be able to forecast with some degree of confidence the impact then. I’m not exactly clear what a Return on Investment of a dues increase is when looking to reduce deficit spending. If the question is: “What does a, say, 5 year financial forecast look like with the new revenue structure and some factoring in of inflation, no new spending initiatives, and maintaining the current products and services for members?” that is something we will look at. In terms of value? My conversations with members have shown that the thing they value the most from ARRL is QST. Period. Only one email out of going on 50 at this point even mentioned advocacy and FCC. Some mentioned our awards and contests. The lab reviews, in QST, was also mentioned. There are many benefits that members just take for granted and expect will always be there. They don’t place a value on them, but take them away? Then there will be, as Dick likes to say, “Hell to pay with the members!” At the end of the day, everyone has to get their heads wrapped firmly around this simple fact: we sell a $49 product. That’s it. That’s a McDonalds meal for 4 or a tank of gas. I pay $89 for my AOPA membership, and I’m not even a pilot. I am on auto-renew and have been for probably 20 years because I never expect to not be a member. What value do I get? Their magazines, their amazing accident investigation videos, support for an industry I love, and now even Sierra who we stole away from them! YouTubers are asking for, and getting, contributions from fans through Patreon and are doing quite well with them. We know EXACTLY what Dave Casler is getting from his YouTube videos because he showed us the reports. We are a deal. We are an outstanding value for all the things that members enjoy – what they want and get, and what they’ve come to expect. Again, this was a long email, and I apologize for starting up something that was intended to be nothing more than just an update. I appreciate the feedback, and am integrating all of it into the process. Ultimately, the board must be deeply involved in every aspect of this decision. I am trying my best to get you all the information you need, including through this membership wide survey, so that you’re not making decisions based on anecdotal information, guessing, opinion, or complaints from the latest hothead that jumps you on an email or at an event. Thanks David From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Michael Ritz Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 5:58 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34680] Re: Member feedback I will echo what Ria has stated. The important word here is "value". In tough economic times that word often becomes the difference in spending what many hams consider to be a completely discretionary expense; ARRL membership. The less perceived value in what we provide the market, the less likelihood of renewal, and the associated loss in revenue. My further input on all of this, FWIW: Please keep in mind that MANY of our members are now of retirement age, (or close to it), probably living on fixed incomes, and likely making much less than when they were working. The aging situation is most likely worse than it was during our last dues increase under Gallagher. The first question I have, (not knowing what the discussions have been in the "private" A&F meetings), is: What is the predicted ROI over time for a dues increase? If we increase dues $10 a year, how many members are we predicted to lose year-over-year? How much additional revenue will we gain over time to offset the predicted $2M plus budget deficit the next two years? Will it even make a dent? If we increase dues $20, or even $30 a year, how many more members will choose not to renew than at $10 a year, and what is the offset to the predicted deficit in that case? Is it possible that we will lose enough members and the associated revenue that it would have been better to not have done anything at all? The next question is: Has anybody done a full recap analysis of what happened the last time we did a major dues increase under Gallagher? How many members did we lose the first few years, and how much revenue was gained, year-over-year? How long was the gap before membership numbers fully recovered? My plea: There are lot of very business savy minds in the A&F committee, and also on the EC. I would urge that those minds to get together, fully understand and mathematically analyze all the risks and benefits with predictive trend charts and graphs before deciding exactly on what the increase should be, and when it should be implemented. Maybe that full analysis has already been done by staff and shared with A&F, I don't know. Thanks for listening. (assuming you made it this far.) ;-) 73; Mike W7VO On 03/23/2023 12:06 PM Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org<mailto:n2rj@arrl.org>> wrote: Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us. Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here. What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription. There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures. The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members. A careful balancing act, for sure. Ria N2RJ ________________________________ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org>> on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org<mailto:mbaker@arrl.org>> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM To: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org<mailto:dminster@arrl.org>>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>> Subject: [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click. Mickey N4MB Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org>> on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org<mailto:dminster@arrl.org>> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>> Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback There’s now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece. That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase. I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May. One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back – and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A’s for other members to read in advance of the survey. When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events. If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please. I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation. Thanks David _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
At least you know that we are reading your messages, David! That's not a bad thing. ;-) I haven't received any member feedback yet on the subject of dues increases, but many here on the left coast may have not gotten their printed April QSTs yet either. 73; Mike W7VO
On 03/23/2023 3:54 PM Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org> wrote:
I’m sorry, this was my mistake. I was trying to inform the board and didn’t expect that my email would generate any responses, let alone start a debate.
This is a work in process. There is nothing to forecast or get excited about because the work is ongoing.
What I will say is that based on all of the feedback I’ve received, my current thinking is to take dues from $49 to $54 (or maybe $59) and offer all printed formats of our publications, not just QEX and NCJ, as ala carte offerings at the $25 (QST / OTA) and $20 (QEX / NCJ) levels annually. Bill mentioned CQ Magazine prices. That’s just for a printed magazine! They don’t even do their own contests any more let alone all the other things we do. And they can’t prevent going broke every 5 years or so.
Before the A&F meeting I need to play out some scenarios along with the CFO and the revenue subcommittee, where we’ve been discussing this since last year. What we know is that when we’ve lost members due to an increase in dues, the loss is temporary and most return within 24 months. Once I have the results from the May survey, we’ll have a much better understanding of how members are thinking about it and may be able to forecast with some degree of confidence the impact then.
I’m not exactly clear what a Return on Investment of a dues increase is when looking to reduce deficit spending. If the question is: “What does a, say, 5 year financial forecast look like with the new revenue structure and some factoring in of inflation, no new spending initiatives, and maintaining the current products and services for members?” that is something we will look at.
In terms of value? My conversations with members have shown that the thing they value the most from ARRL is QST. Period. Only one email out of going on 50 at this point even mentioned advocacy and FCC. Some mentioned our awards and contests. The lab reviews, in QST, was also mentioned.
There are many benefits that members just take for granted and expect will always be there. They don’t place a value on them, but take them away? Then there will be, as Dick likes to say, “Hell to pay with the members!” At the end of the day, everyone has to get their heads wrapped firmly around this simple fact: we sell a $49 product. That’s it. That’s a McDonalds meal for 4 or a tank of gas.
I pay $89 for my AOPA membership, and I’m not even a pilot. I am on auto-renew and have been for probably 20 years because I never expect to not be a member. What value do I get? Their magazines, their amazing accident investigation videos, support for an industry I love, and now even Sierra who we stole away from them!
YouTubers are asking for, and getting, contributions from fans through Patreon and are doing quite well with them. We know EXACTLY what Dave Casler is getting from his YouTube videos because he showed us the reports. We are a deal. We are an outstanding value for all the things that members enjoy – what they want and get, and what they’ve come to expect.
Again, this was a long email, and I apologize for starting up something that was intended to be nothing more than just an update. I appreciate the feedback, and am integrating all of it into the process.
Ultimately, the board must be deeply involved in every aspect of this decision. I am trying my best to get you all the information you need, including through this membership wide survey, so that you’re not making decisions based on anecdotal information, guessing, opinion, or complaints from the latest hothead that jumps you on an email or at an event.
Thanks
David
From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Michael Ritz Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 5:58 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34680] Re: Member feedback
I will echo what Ria has stated. The important word here is "value". In tough economic times that word often becomes the difference in spending what many hams consider to be a completely discretionary expense; ARRL membership. The less perceived value in what we provide the market, the less likelihood of renewal, and the associated loss in revenue.
My further input on all of this, FWIW:
Please keep in mind that MANY of our members are now of retirement age, (or close to it), probably living on fixed incomes, and likely making much less than when they were working. The aging situation is most likely worse than it was during our last dues increase under Gallagher.
The first question I have, (not knowing what the discussions have been in the "private" A&F meetings), is: What is the predicted ROI over time for a dues increase? If we increase dues $10 a year, how many members are we predicted to lose year-over-year? How much additional revenue will we gain over time to offset the predicted $2M plus budget deficit the next two years? Will it even make a dent?
If we increase dues $20, or even $30 a year, how many more members will choose not to renew than at $10 a year, and what is the offset to the predicted deficit in that case? Is it possible that we will lose enough members and the associated revenue that it would have been better to not have done anything at all?
The next question is: Has anybody done a full recap analysis of what happened the last time we did a major dues increase under Gallagher? How many members did we lose the first few years, and how much revenue was gained, year-over-year? How long was the gap before membership numbers fully recovered?
My plea: There are lot of very business savy minds in the A&F committee, and also on the EC. I would urge that those minds to get together, fully understand and mathematically analyze all the risks and benefits with predictive trend charts and graphs before deciding exactly on what the increase should be, and when it should be implemented. Maybe that full analysis has already been done by staff and shared with A&F, I don't know.
Thanks for listening. (assuming you made it this far.) ;-)
73;
Mike
W7VO
> >
On 03/23/2023 12:06 PM Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org mailto:n2rj@arrl.org > wrote:
Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us.
Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here.
What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription.
There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures.
The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members.
A careful balancing act, for sure.
Ria
N2RJ
---------------------------------------------
From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org > on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org mailto:mbaker@arrl.org > Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM To: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org mailto:dminster@arrl.org >; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org > Subject: [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback
Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend.
Best advice I can give is to make it simple.
Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag.
We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back.
My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click.
Mickey N4MB
Get Outlook for iOS https://aka.ms/o0ukef
---------------------------------------------
From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org > on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org mailto:dminster@arrl.org > Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org > Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback
There’s now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece.
That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase.
I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May.
One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back – and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A’s for other members to read in advance of the survey.
When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events.
If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please.
I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation.
Thanks
David
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We held a Division Town Hall meeting last night via Zoom. I was asked about rising costs and dues, etc. I candidly explained the possibilities. All the feed back was positive on charging extra for print editions. 73, Art -- Arthur I. Zygielbaum, K0AIZ ARRL Midwest Division Director Member, Executive Committee Member, Programs and Services Committee Member, ARRL Foundation Board ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio® On 3/23/2023 6:12 PM, Michael Ritz wrote:
At least you know that we are reading your messages, David! That's not a bad thing. ;-)
I haven't received any member feedback yet on the subject of dues increases, but many here on the left coast may have not gotten their printed April QSTs yet either.
73; Mike W7VO
On 03/23/2023 3:54 PM Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org> wrote:
I’m sorry, this was my mistake. I was trying to inform the board and didn’t expect that my email would generate any responses, let alone start a debate.
This is a work in process. There is nothing to forecast or get excited about because the work is ongoing.
What I will say is that based on all of the feedback I’ve received, */my current thinking/* is to take dues from $49 to $54 (or maybe $59) and offer all printed formats of our publications, not just QEX and NCJ, as ala carte offerings at the $25 (QST / OTA) and $20 (QEX / NCJ) levels annually. Bill mentioned CQ Magazine prices. That’s just for a printed magazine! They don’t even do their own contests any more let alone all the other things we do. And they can’t prevent going broke every 5 years or so.
Before the A&F meeting I need to play out some scenarios along with the CFO and the revenue subcommittee, where we’ve been discussing this since last year. What we know is that when we’ve lost members due to an increase in dues, the loss is temporary and most return within 24 months. Once I have the results from the May survey, we’ll have a much better understanding of how members are thinking about it and may be able to forecast with some degree of confidence the impact then.
I’m not exactly clear what a Return on Investment of a dues increase is when looking to reduce deficit spending. If the question is: “What does a, say, 5 year financial forecast look like with the new revenue structure and some factoring in of inflation, no new spending initiatives, and maintaining the current products and services for members?” that is something we will look at.
In terms of value? My conversations with members have shown that the thing they value the most from ARRL is QST. Period. Only one email out of going on 50 at this point even mentioned advocacy and FCC. Some mentioned our awards and contests. The lab reviews, in QST, was also mentioned.
There are many benefits that members just take for granted and expect will always be there. They don’t place a value on them, but take them away? Then there will be, as Dick likes to say, “Hell to pay with the members!” At the end of the day, everyone has to get their heads wrapped firmly around this simple fact: we sell a $49 product. That’s it. That’s a McDonalds meal for 4 or a tank of gas.
I pay $89 for my AOPA membership, and I’m not even a pilot. I am on auto-renew and have been for probably 20 years because I never expect to not be a member. What value do I get? Their magazines, their amazing accident investigation videos, support for an industry I love, and now even Sierra who we stole away from them!
YouTubers are asking for, and getting, contributions from fans through Patreon and are doing quite well with them. We know EXACTLY what Dave Casler is getting from his YouTube videos because he showed us the reports. We are a deal. We are an outstanding value for all the things that members enjoy – what they want and get, and what they’ve come to expect.
Again, this was a long email, and I apologize for starting up something that was intended to be nothing more than just an update. I appreciate the feedback, and am integrating all of it into the process.
Ultimately, the board must be deeply involved in every aspect of this decision. I am trying my best to get you all the information you need, including through this membership wide survey, so that you’re not making decisions based on anecdotal information, guessing, opinion, or complaints from the latest hothead that jumps you on an email or at an event.
Thanks
David
*From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> *On Behalf Of *Michael Ritz *Sent:* Thursday, March 23, 2023 5:58 PM *To:* arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org *Subject:* [arrl-odv:34680] Re: Member feedback
I will echo what Ria has stated. The important word here is "value". In tough economic times that word often becomes the difference in spending what many hams consider to be a completely discretionary expense; ARRL membership. The less perceived value in what we provide the market, the less likelihood of renewal, and the associated loss in revenue.
My further input on all of this, FWIW:
Please keep in mind that MANY of our members are now of retirement age, (or close to it), probably living on fixed incomes, and likely making much less than when they were working. The aging situation is most likely worse than it was during our last dues increase under Gallagher.
The first question I have, (not knowing what the discussions have been in the "private" A&F meetings), is: What is the predicted ROI over time for a dues increase? If we increase dues $10 a year, how many members are we predicted to lose year-over-year? How much additional revenue will we gain over time to offset the predicted $2M plus budget deficit the next two years? Will it even make a dent?
If we increase dues $20, or even $30 a year, how many more members will choose not to renew than at $10 a year, and what is the offset to the predicted deficit in that case? Is it possible that we will lose enough members and the associated revenue that it would have been better to not have done anything at all?
The next question is: Has anybody done a full recap analysis of what happened the last time we did a major dues increase under Gallagher? How many members did we lose the first few years, and how much revenue was gained, year-over-year? How long was the gap before membership numbers fully recovered?
My plea: There are lot of very business savy minds in the A&F committee, and also on the EC. I would urge that those minds to get together, fully understand and mathematically analyze all the risks and benefits with predictive trend charts and graphs before deciding exactly on what the increase should be, and when it should be implemented. Maybe that full analysis has already been done by staff and shared with A&F, I don't know.
Thanks for listening. (assuming you made it this far.) ;-)
73;
Mike
W7VO
On 03/23/2023 12:06 PM Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org> wrote:
Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us.
Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here.
What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription.
There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures.
The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members.
A careful balancing act, for sure.
Ria
N2RJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:*arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org> *Sent:* Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM *To:* Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> *Subject:* [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback
Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend.
Best advice I can give is to make it simple.
Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag.
We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back.
My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click.
Mickey N4MB
Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:*arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org> *Sent:* Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM *To:* arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> *Subject:* [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback
There’s now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece.
That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase.
I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May.
One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back – and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A’s for other members to read in advance of the survey.
When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events.
If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please.
I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation.
Thanks
David
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
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The one comment I received was from a younger ham, perhaps about 30 years old or so. He has signed up for life membership on the installment plan. He was most worried about the ARRL changing the terms of his current installment agreement. I would think that all previous transactions would be complete and not subject to change should there be a fee increase while the installments were still in process. '73 de JIM N2ZZ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 3:06 PM To: Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us. Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here. What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription. There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures. The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members. A careful balancing act, for sure. Ria N2RJ _____ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> > on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org <mailto:mbaker@arrl.org> > Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM To: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org <mailto:dminster@arrl.org>
; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> > Subject: [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback
Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click. Mickey N4MB Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> _____ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> > on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org <mailto:dminster@arrl.org> > Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> > Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback There's now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece. That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase. I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May. One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back - and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A's for other members to read in advance of the survey. When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events. If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please. I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation. Thanks David
No, we wouldn't look to change the terms of an installment payment in process on Life Membership. I am not a fan of Life Membership. I much prefer Lifelong Membership where it is something that is achieved, like company retirement plans that follow the rule of 85: you must be at least 55 years old with 30 years of service to qualify. I've looked, and don't understand the genesis of the program - why would they ever have considered doing it. It started in 1967 for a whopping $130 where it was calculated on 20 years of membership. The membership numbers were flat during the 1960's so I'm wondering if it was created to solve a cash flow problem. It certainly doesn't do us any favors in the long run. But members love being a Life Member, even joining very late in life. Thanks David From: James F. Boehner, MD <jboehner01@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 1:10 AM To: Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org>; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback The one comment I received was from a younger ham, perhaps about 30 years old or so. He has signed up for life membership on the installment plan. He was most worried about the ARRL changing the terms of his current installment agreement. I would think that all previous transactions would be complete and not subject to change should there be a fee increase while the installments were still in process. '73 de JIM N2ZZ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org>> On Behalf Of Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 3:06 PM To: Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org<mailto:mbaker@arrl.org>>; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org<mailto:dminster@arrl.org>>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us. Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here. What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription. There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures. The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members. A careful balancing act, for sure. Ria N2RJ ________________________________ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org>> on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org<mailto:mbaker@arrl.org>> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM To: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org<mailto:dminster@arrl.org>>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>> Subject: [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click. Mickey N4MB Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org>> on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org<mailto:dminster@arrl.org>> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>> Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback There's now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece. That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase. I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May. One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back - and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A's for other members to read in advance of the survey. When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events. If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please. I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation. Thanks David
IEEE follows that model. After so many years of membership and only after a certain age, you automatically become a Life member without needing to request it, retaining all the publications and rights you were receiving prior. All dues are waived going forward. They do check each year to make sure we are still kicking. Separately, they also have a senior membership status, not age or longevity based, but which is merit based measured against listed milestones of professional accomplishments including advanced degrees, publications, upon review of a cv by committee and recommendations and such. It has perks at no extra fees. And yes, one can be a senior life member as well. Last dues payment by me in 2018 (now a senior life member) was $231 per year. Spectrum magazine (first class publication) is the major benefit with newsletters and such as our League has. Bob Famiglio, K3RF Director - ARRL Atlantic Division 610-359-7300 Serving NNY, WNY, WPA, EPA, SNJ, DE and MD/DC sections www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF <http://www.qrz.com/db/K3RF> From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 12:52 PM To: Boehner, James, N2ZZ (Dir, RK) <jboehner01@yahoo.com>; Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org>; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34686] Re: Member feedback No, we wouldn't look to change the terms of an installment payment in process on Life Membership. I am not a fan of Life Membership. I much prefer Lifelong Membership where it is something that is achieved, like company retirement plans that follow the rule of 85: you must be at least 55 years old with 30 years of service to qualify. I've looked, and don't understand the genesis of the program - why would they ever have considered doing it. It started in 1967 for a whopping $130 where it was calculated on 20 years of membership. The membership numbers were flat during the 1960's so I'm wondering if it was created to solve a cash flow problem. It certainly doesn't do us any favors in the long run. But members love being a Life Member, even joining very late in life. Thanks David From: James F. Boehner, MD <jboehner01@yahoo.com <mailto:jboehner01@yahoo.com> > Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 1:10 AM To: Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org <mailto:n2rj@arrl.org> >; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org <mailto:mbaker@arrl.org> >; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org <mailto:dminster@arrl.org> >; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback The one comment I received was from a younger ham, perhaps about 30 years old or so. He has signed up for life membership on the installment plan. He was most worried about the ARRL changing the terms of his current installment agreement. I would think that all previous transactions would be complete and not subject to change should there be a fee increase while the installments were still in process. '73 de JIM N2ZZ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> > On Behalf Of Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 3:06 PM To: Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org <mailto:mbaker@arrl.org>
; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org <mailto:dminster@arrl.org> ; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback
Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us. Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here. What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription. There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures. The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members. A careful balancing act, for sure. Ria N2RJ _____ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> > on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org <mailto:mbaker@arrl.org> > Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM To: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org <mailto:dminster@arrl.org>
; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> > Subject: [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback
Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click. Mickey N4MB Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> _____ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> > on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org <mailto:dminster@arrl.org> > Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> > Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback There's now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece. That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase. I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May. One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back - and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A's for other members to read in advance of the survey. When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events. If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please. I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation. Thanks David
Bob, You beat me to giving the example. I'm a senior life member also. 73, Art -- Arthur I. Zygielbaum, K0AIZ ARRL Midwest Division Director Member, Executive Committee Member, Programs and Services Committee Member, ARRL Foundation Board ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio® On 3/24/2023 12:21 PM, Bob Famiglio, K3RF via arrl-odv wrote:
IEEE follows that model. After so many years of membership and only after a certain age, you automatically become a Life member without needing to request it, retaining all the publications and rights you were receiving prior. All dues are waived going forward. They do check each year to make sure we are still kicking. Separately, they also have a senior membership status, not age or longevity based, but which is merit based measured against listed milestones of professional accomplishments including advanced degrees, publications, upon review of a cv by committee and recommendations and such. It has perks at no extra fees. And yes, one can be a senior life member as well. Last dues payment by me in 2018 (now a senior life member) was $*231 per year.* Spectrum magazine (first class publication) is the major benefit with newsletters and such as our League has.
*Bob Famiglio, K3RF*
*Director - ARRL Atlantic Division*
*610-359-7300*
/Serving NNY, WNY, WPA, EPA, SNJ, DE and MD/DC sections/
www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF <http://www.qrz.com/db/K3RF>
*From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> *On Behalf Of *Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) *Sent:* Friday, March 24, 2023 12:52 PM *To:* Boehner, James, N2ZZ (Dir, RK) <jboehner01@yahoo.com>; Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org>; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org *Subject:* [arrl-odv:34686] Re: Member feedback
No, we wouldn’t look to change the terms of an installment payment in process on Life Membership.
I am not a fan of Life Membership. I much prefer Lifelong Membership where it is something that is achieved, like company retirement plans that follow the rule of 85: you must be at least 55 years old with 30 years of service to qualify.
I’ve looked, and don’t understand the genesis of the program – why would they ever have considered doing it. It started in 1967 for a whopping $130 where it was calculated on 20 years of membership. The membership numbers were flat during the 1960’s so I’m wondering if it was created to solve a cash flow problem.
It certainly doesn’t do us any favors in the long run. But members love being a Life Member, even joining very late in life.
Thanks
David
*From:* James F. Boehner, MD <jboehner01@yahoo.com> *Sent:* Friday, March 24, 2023 1:10 AM *To:* Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org>; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org *Subject:* RE: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback
The one comment I received was from a younger ham, perhaps about 30 years old or so. He has signed up for life membership on the installment plan. He was most worried about the ARRL changing the terms of his current installment agreement.
I would think that all previous transactions would be complete and not subject to change should there be a fee increase while the installments were still in process.
’73 de JIM N2ZZ
*From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> *On Behalf Of *Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) *Sent:* Thursday, March 23, 2023 3:06 PM *To:* Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org *Subject:* [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback
Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us.
Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here.
What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription.
There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures.
The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members.
A careful balancing act, for sure.
Ria
N2RJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:*arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org> *Sent:* Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM *To:* Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> *Subject:* [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback
Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend.
Best advice I can give is to make it simple.
Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag.
We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back.
My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click.
Mickey N4MB
Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:*arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org> *Sent:* Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM *To:* arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> *Subject:* [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback
There’s now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece.
That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase.
I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May.
One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back – and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A’s for other members to read in advance of the survey.
When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events.
If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please.
I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation.
Thanks
David
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
I'm an IEEE life member as well ... Wonder how many Board members are ... MikeK1TWF -----Original Message----- From: Art Zygielbaum <k0aiz@arrl.org> To: RBFamiglio@verizon.net; 'Minster, David NA2AA (CEO)' <dminster@arrl.org>; 'Boehner, James, N2ZZ (Dir, RK)' <jboehner01@yahoo.com>; 'Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD)' <n2rj@arrl.org>; 'Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE)' <mbaker@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Sent: Fri, Mar 24, 2023 2:18 pm Subject: [arrl-odv:34688] Re: Member feedback Bob, You beat me to giving the example. I'm a senior life member also. 73, Art -- Arthur I. Zygielbaum, K0AIZ ARRL Midwest Division Director Member, Executive Committee Member, Programs and Services Committee Member, ARRL Foundation Board ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio® On 3/24/2023 12:21 PM, Bob Famiglio, K3RF via arrl-odv wrote: #yiv1395745785 filtered {}#yiv1395745785 filtered {}#yiv1395745785 filtered {}#yiv1395745785 p.yiv1395745785MsoNormal, #yiv1395745785 li.yiv1395745785MsoNormal, #yiv1395745785 div.yiv1395745785MsoNormal {margin:0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri", sans-serif;}#yiv1395745785 a:link, #yiv1395745785 span.yiv1395745785MsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv1395745785 p.yiv1395745785xxmsonormal, #yiv1395745785 li.yiv1395745785xxmsonormal, #yiv1395745785 div.yiv1395745785xxmsonormal {margin:0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri", sans-serif;}#yiv1395745785 span.yiv1395745785EmailStyle22 {font-family:"Calibri", sans-serif;color:windowtext;}#yiv1395745785 .yiv1395745785MsoChpDefault {font-size:10.0pt;}#yiv1395745785 div.yiv1395745785WordSection1 {} IEEE follows that model. After so many years of membership and only after a certain age, you automatically become a Life member without needing to request it, retaining all the publications and rights you were receiving prior. All dues are waived going forward. They do check each year to make sure we are still kicking. Separately, they also have a senior membership status, not age or longevity based, but which is merit based measured against listed milestones of professional accomplishments including advanced degrees, publications, upon review of a cv by committee and recommendations and such. It has perks at no extra fees. And yes, one can be a senior life member as well. Last dues payment by me in 2018 (now a senior life member) was $231 per year. Spectrum magazine (first class publication) is the major benefit with newsletters and such as our League has. Bob Famiglio, K3RF Director - ARRL Atlantic Division 610-359-7300 Serving NNY, WNY, WPA, EPA, SNJ, DE and MD/DC sections www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 12:52 PM To: Boehner, James, N2ZZ (Dir, RK) <jboehner01@yahoo.com>; Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org>; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34686] Re: Member feedback No, we wouldn’t look to change the terms of an installment payment in process on Life Membership. I am not a fan of Life Membership. I much prefer Lifelong Membership where it is something that is achieved, like company retirement plans that follow the rule of 85: you must be at least 55 years old with 30 years of service to qualify. I’ve looked, and don’t understand the genesis of the program – why would they ever have considered doing it. It started in 1967 for a whopping $130 where it was calculated on 20 years of membership. The membership numbers were flat during the 1960’s so I’m wondering if it was created to solve a cash flow problem. It certainly doesn’t do us any favors in the long run. But members love being a Life Member, even joining very late in life. Thanks David From: James F. Boehner, MD <jboehner01@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 1:10 AM To: Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org>; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback The one comment I received was from a younger ham, perhaps about 30 years old or so. He has signed up for life membership on the installment plan. He was most worried about the ARRL changing the terms of his current installment agreement. I would think that all previous transactions would be complete and not subject to change should there be a fee increase while the installments were still in process. ’73 de JIM N2ZZ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 3:06 PM To: Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us. Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here. What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription. There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures. The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members. A careful balancing act, for sure. Ria N2RJ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM To: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click. Mickey N4MB Get Outlook for iOS From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback There’s now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece. That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase. I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May. One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back – and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A’s for other members to read in advance of the survey. When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events. If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please. I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation. Thanks David _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
I was going to join IEEE many years ago, but couldn't afford it then. (I recall it being something like $400 a year for dues, and I was a young engineer at the time raising a family!) My work wouldn't cough up the dough for an IEEE membership, so I let it go and never pursued it again. I ended up joining the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) instead, as dues were much lower cost, and I was automatically enrolled as a Senior Member out of the gate, due to my work history. (I was working in a test engineering capacity at the time, so it fit...) 73; Mike W7VO
On 03/24/2023 11:23 AM Mike Raisbeck via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> wrote:
I'm an IEEE life member as well ... Wonder how many Board members are ...
Mike K1TWF
-----Original Message----- From: Art Zygielbaum <k0aiz@arrl.org> To: RBFamiglio@verizon.net; 'Minster, David NA2AA (CEO)' <dminster@arrl.org>; 'Boehner, James, N2ZZ (Dir, RK)' <jboehner01@yahoo.com>; 'Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD)' <n2rj@arrl.org>; 'Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE)' <mbaker@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Sent: Fri, Mar 24, 2023 2:18 pm Subject: [arrl-odv:34688] Re: Member feedback
Bob, You beat me to giving the example. I'm a senior life member also. 73, Art
-- Arthur I. Zygielbaum, K0AIZ ARRL Midwest Division Director Member, Executive Committee Member, Programs and Services Committee Member, ARRL Foundation Board ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio®
On 3/24/2023 12:21 PM, Bob Famiglio, K3RF via arrl-odv wrote:
> >
> IEEE follows that model. After so many years of membership and only after a certain age, you automatically become a Life member without needing to request it, retaining all the publications and rights you were receiving prior. All dues are waived going forward. They do check each year to make sure we are still kicking. Separately, they also have a senior membership status, not age or longevity based, but which is merit based measured against listed milestones of professional accomplishments including advanced degrees, publications, upon review of a cv by committee and recommendations and such. It has perks at no extra fees. And yes, one can be a senior life member as well. Last dues payment by me in 2018 (now a senior life member) was $231 per year. Spectrum magazine (first class publication) is the major benefit with newsletters and such as our League has.
Bob Famiglio, K3RF Director - ARRL Atlantic Division 610-359-7300 Serving NNY, WNY, WPA, EPA, SNJ, DE and MD/DC sections www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF http://www.qrz.com/db/K3RF
From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org On Behalf Of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 12:52 PM To: Boehner, James, N2ZZ (Dir, RK) <jboehner01@yahoo.com> mailto:jboehner01@yahoo.com ; Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org> mailto:n2rj@arrl.org ; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org> mailto:mbaker@arrl.org ; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34686] Re: Member feedback
No, we wouldn’t look to change the terms of an installment payment in process on Life Membership.
I am not a fan of Life Membership. I much prefer Lifelong Membership where it is something that is achieved, like company retirement plans that follow the rule of 85: you must be at least 55 years old with 30 years of service to qualify.
I’ve looked, and don’t understand the genesis of the program – why would they ever have considered doing it. It started in 1967 for a whopping $130 where it was calculated on 20 years of membership. The membership numbers were flat during the 1960’s so I’m wondering if it was created to solve a cash flow problem.
It certainly doesn’t do us any favors in the long run. But members love being a Life Member, even joining very late in life.
Thanks
David
From: James F. Boehner, MD <jboehner01@yahoo.com mailto:jboehner01@yahoo.com > Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 1:10 AM To: Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org mailto:n2rj@arrl.org >; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org mailto:mbaker@arrl.org >; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org mailto:dminster@arrl.org >; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback
The one comment I received was from a younger ham, perhaps about 30 years old or so. He has signed up for life membership on the installment plan. He was most worried about the ARRL changing the terms of his current installment agreement.
I would think that all previous transactions would be complete and not subject to change should there be a fee increase while the installments were still in process.
’73 de JIM N2ZZ
From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org > On Behalf Of Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 3:06 PM To: Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org mailto:mbaker@arrl.org >; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org mailto:dminster@arrl.org >; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback
Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us.
Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here.
What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription.
There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures.
The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members.
A careful balancing act, for sure.
Ria N2RJ
--------------------------------------------- From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org > on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org mailto:mbaker@arrl.org > Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM To: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org mailto:dminster@arrl.org >; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org > Subject: [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback
Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click.
Mickey N4MB
Get Outlook for iOS https://aka.ms/o0ukef
--------------------------------------------- From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org > on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org mailto:dminster@arrl.org > Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org > Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback
There’s now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece.
That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase.
I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May.
One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back – and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A’s for other members to read in advance of the survey.
When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events.
If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please.
I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation.
Thanks
David
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
I joined as an EE student in 2003, stayed for a few years after graduation in 2007 but dropped it. I now have to rejoin and my dues will be paid by my employer. Otherwise I would not have been able to justify membership. I have attended and spoken at local IEEE meetings here on the topic of energy storage and renewables (and ham radio). Interestingly enough now I’m a member of NFPA as well because we want to stay ahead of changes in the national electric code, especially with energy storage and renewables. This one is also paid for on my behalf. Ria N2RJ On Fri, Mar 24, 2023 at 2:23 PM Mike Raisbeck via arrl-odv < arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> wrote:
I'm an IEEE life member as well ... Wonder how many Board members are ...
Mike K1TWF
-----Original Message----- From: Art Zygielbaum <k0aiz@arrl.org> To: RBFamiglio@verizon.net; 'Minster, David NA2AA (CEO)' < dminster@arrl.org>; 'Boehner, James, N2ZZ (Dir, RK)' <jboehner01@yahoo.com>; 'Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD)' <n2rj@arrl.org>; 'Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE)' <mbaker@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Sent: Fri, Mar 24, 2023 2:18 pm Subject: [arrl-odv:34688] Re: Member feedback
Bob, You beat me to giving the example. I'm a senior life member also. 73, Art
-- Arthur I. Zygielbaum, K0AIZ ARRL Midwest Division Director Member, Executive Committee Member, Programs and Services Committee Member, ARRL Foundation Board ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio®
On 3/24/2023 12:21 PM, Bob Famiglio, K3RF via arrl-odv wrote:
IEEE follows that model. After so many years of membership and only after a certain age, you automatically become a Life member without needing to request it, retaining all the publications and rights you were receiving prior. All dues are waived going forward. They do check each year to make sure we are still kicking. Separately, they also have a senior membership status, not age or longevity based, but which is merit based measured against listed milestones of professional accomplishments including advanced degrees, publications, upon review of a cv by committee and recommendations and such. It has perks at no extra fees. And yes, one can be a senior life member as well. Last dues payment by me in 2018 (now a senior life member) was $*231 per year.* Spectrum magazine (first class publication) is the major benefit with newsletters and such as our League has.
*Bob Famiglio, K3RF* *Director - ARRL Atlantic Division* *610-359-7300* *Serving NNY, WNY, WPA, EPA, SNJ, DE and MD/DC sections* www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF <http://www.qrz.com/db/K3RF>
*From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> *On Behalf Of *Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) *Sent:* Friday, March 24, 2023 12:52 PM *To:* Boehner, James, N2ZZ (Dir, RK) <jboehner01@yahoo.com> <jboehner01@yahoo.com>; Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org> <n2rj@arrl.org>; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org> <mbaker@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org *Subject:* [arrl-odv:34686] Re: Member feedback
No, we wouldn’t look to change the terms of an installment payment in process on Life Membership.
I am not a fan of Life Membership. I much prefer Lifelong Membership where it is something that is achieved, like company retirement plans that follow the rule of 85: you must be at least 55 years old with 30 years of service to qualify.
I’ve looked, and don’t understand the genesis of the program – why would they ever have considered doing it. It started in 1967 for a whopping $130 where it was calculated on 20 years of membership. The membership numbers were flat during the 1960’s so I’m wondering if it was created to solve a cash flow problem.
It certainly doesn’t do us any favors in the long run. But members love being a Life Member, even joining very late in life.
Thanks
David
*From:* James F. Boehner, MD <jboehner01@yahoo.com> *Sent:* Friday, March 24, 2023 1:10 AM *To:* Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org>; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org *Subject:* RE: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback
The one comment I received was from a younger ham, perhaps about 30 years old or so. He has signed up for life membership on the installment plan. He was most worried about the ARRL changing the terms of his current installment agreement.
I would think that all previous transactions would be complete and not subject to change should there be a fee increase while the installments were still in process.
’73 de JIM N2ZZ
*From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> *On Behalf Of *Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) *Sent:* Thursday, March 23, 2023 3:06 PM *To:* Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org *Subject:* [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback
Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us.
Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here.
What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription.
There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures.
The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members.
A careful balancing act, for sure.
Ria N2RJ ------------------------------ *From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org> *Sent:* Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM *To:* Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> *Subject:* [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback
Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click.
Mickey N4MB
Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ------------------------------ *From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org> *Sent:* Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM *To:* arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> *Subject:* [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback
There’s now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece.
That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase.
I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May.
One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back – and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A’s for other members to read in advance of the survey.
When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events.
If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please.
I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation.
Thanks
David
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing listarrl-odv@reflector.arrl.orghttps://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
I've been an IEEE member for almost 60 years. Currently Sr Life.their dues structure is in keeping with most professional organizations I have been a member of, and that has been many. Also carried PE registrations in over half the states plus several foreign countries. Ed Hudgens WB4RHQVice Director, Delta Div. ARRL -------- Original message --------From: rjairam@gmail.com Date: 3/24/23 2:19 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Mike Raisbeck <vze18vwgu@verizon.net> Cc: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org, n2rj@arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34691] Re: Member feedback I joined as an EE student in 2003, stayed for a few years after graduation in 2007 but dropped it. I now have to rejoin and my dues will be paid by my employer. Otherwise I would not have been able to justify membership. I have attended and spoken at local IEEE meetings here on the topic of energy storage and renewables (and ham radio). Interestingly enough now I’m a member of NFPA as well because we want to stay ahead of changes in the national electric code, especially with energy storage and renewables. This one is also paid for on my behalf. RiaN2RJOn Fri, Mar 24, 2023 at 2:23 PM Mike Raisbeck via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> wrote: I'm an IEEE life member as well ... Wonder how many Board members are ... Mike K1TWF -----Original Message----- From: Art Zygielbaum <k0aiz@arrl.org> To: RBFamiglio@verizon.net; 'Minster, David NA2AA (CEO)' <dminster@arrl.org>; 'Boehner, James, N2ZZ (Dir, RK)' <jboehner01@yahoo.com>; 'Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD)' <n2rj@arrl.org>; 'Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE)' <mbaker@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Sent: Fri, Mar 24, 2023 2:18 pm Subject: [arrl-odv:34688] Re: Member feedback Bob, You beat me to giving the example. I'm a senior life member also. 73, Art -- Arthur I. Zygielbaum, K0AIZ ARRL Midwest Division Director Member, Executive Committee Member, Programs and Services Committee Member, ARRL Foundation Board ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio® On 3/24/2023 12:21 PM, Bob Famiglio, K3RF via arrl-odv wrote: IEEE follows that model. After so many years of membership and only after a certain age, you automatically become a Life member without needing to request it, retaining all the publications and rights you were receiving prior. All dues are waived going forward. They do check each year to make sure we are still kicking. Separately, they also have a senior membership status, not age or longevity based, but which is merit based measured against listed milestones of professional accomplishments including advanced degrees, publications, upon review of a cv by committee and recommendations and such. It has perks at no extra fees. And yes, one can be a senior life member as well. Last dues payment by me in 2018 (now a senior life member) was $231 per year. Spectrum magazine (first class publication) is the major benefit with newsletters and such as our League has. Bob Famiglio, K3RF Director - ARRL Atlantic Division 610-359-7300 Serving NNY, WNY, WPA, EPA, SNJ, DE and MD/DC sections www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 12:52 PM To: Boehner, James, N2ZZ (Dir, RK) <jboehner01@yahoo.com>; Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org>; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34686] Re: Member feedback No, we wouldn’t look to change the terms of an installment payment in process on Life Membership. I am not a fan of Life Membership. I much prefer Lifelong Membership where it is something that is achieved, like company retirement plans that follow the rule of 85: you must be at least 55 years old with 30 years of service to qualify. I’ve looked, and don’t understand the genesis of the program – why would they ever have considered doing it. It started in 1967 for a whopping $130 where it was calculated on 20 years of membership. The membership numbers were flat during the 1960’s so I’m wondering if it was created to solve a cash flow problem. It certainly doesn’t do us any favors in the long run. But members love being a Life Member, even joining very late in life. Thanks David From: James F. Boehner, MD <jboehner01@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 1:10 AM To: Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) <n2rj@arrl.org>; Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback The one comment I received was from a younger ham, perhaps about 30 years old or so. He has signed up for life membership on the installment plan. He was most worried about the ARRL changing the terms of his current installment agreement. I would think that all previous transactions would be complete and not subject to change should there be a fee increase while the installments were still in process. ’73 de JIM N2ZZ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 3:06 PM To: Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org>; Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34679] Re: Member feedback Personally I think it is how the question is worded - members should not be under the illusion that we are going to give a discount for print opt out. Some have been banging the drum for this. Expectations are important. We have to make sure we aren't inadvertently push polling for a desired result because it will come back to bite us. Yes I agree it will cause a loss of membership, but I disagree that they will come back. There has to be value for what is being paid and many members I've spoken to have said that they don't see the value in $49 today, so I can't imagine they would be happy with a dues increase and may simply leave, and leave silently. Value is the key here. What does an ARRL membership get you? For many it's a magazine subscription. Take that away and for many there is no benefit. Harsh, but it is reality. Personally I don't think we are there yet, where the non magazine benefits outweigh the magazine subscription. There are also going to be members who ask if we have committed to any fiscal austerity measures. The other part that was implied - changing life member benefits and maxim society benefits has to be done carefully. This, IMO will be worse than a dues increase on annual members. A careful balancing act, for sure. Ria N2RJ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <mbaker@arrl.org> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:57:45 PM To: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click. Mickey N4MB Get Outlook for iOS From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback There’s now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece. That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase. I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May. One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back – and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A’s for other members to read in advance of the survey. When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events. If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please. I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation. Thanks David _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________arrl-odv mailing listarrl-odv@reflector.arrl.orghttps://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
While some are going to complain, talk about value, CQ sent me a renewal this week, $42 for 1 print magazine or $62 for 1 print magazine and the same in digital. Take a look at that compared to what you get right now for $49, there is no comparison, 1 print and 4 digital magazines. Then add all the other services and awards. Heck it would still be a bargain at $59. Bill AC0W From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 1:58 PM To: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:34678] Re: Member feedback Same feedback from the 30 or so at the Stuart Fl this weekend. Best advice I can give is to make it simple. Maybe a small increase with no print mag, $ for print mag. We ARE GOING TO LOSE membership. They will come back. My concern is print advertisers. We need to be selling the "live link" in the ad that they can direct as they need - all they need to do is get the click. Mickey N4MB Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org>> on behalf of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org<mailto:dminster@arrl.org>> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 2:52:35 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>> Subject: [arrl-odv:34677] Member feedback There's now a new winner for responses to my monthly column, far outpacing the emotional feedback to the first Diversity & Inclusion piece. That winner is the April column on making a tough decision together on the possibility of a dues increase. I have received dozens of emails. And the themes are pretty consistent and all supportive: a reasonable increase is OK and people are willing to pay for printed QST. Is this group statistically relevant? Perhaps not. Is this group potentially biased? Well, they all think enough of ARRL to write the CEO, so maybe. The real details will come from the survey in May. One thing is that there have been questions that I have answered back - and even asked the authors questions to help me understand their points better. I am going to create a page on the website that will contain these Q&A's for other members to read in advance of the survey. When that page is active, I will share the URL with you so that you can use it when addressing members in your Division Town Hall meetings or at in person events. If you have received feedback via email, please forward me the email, without removing email headers and signatures please. I will be working with A&F on an overall strategy to present and gain full approval at the July Board meeting for a January 2024 implementation. Thanks David
participants (11)
-
Art Zygielbaum -
Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) -
ebhudgens -
Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) -
James F. Boehner, MD -
Lippert, Vernon "Bill", AC0W (Dir, DK) -
Michael Ritz -
Mike Raisbeck -
Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) -
RBFamiglio＠verizon.net -
rjairam＠gmail.com