<VV> April commuique

[airvair]

I don't understand why, when the topic comes up as it habitually does,
all the geeks chime in and INSIST that the CC be converted to a
computer-distributed format. As pointed out in Hank's post, 1) not
EVERYone is online, 2) not EVERYone has highspeed available
(particularly at an affordable price), and 3) not EVERYone WANTS it in
that format, even if it was available.

As for myself, 1) yes, I'm obviously online, BUT 2) I don't have
highspeed, and not because I'm "frugal". I live so far out in the
electronic sticks that what highspeed there is is unaffordable (like
about DOUBLE the cost) and of very limited choices. And 3) any efforts I
could mount to print out an electronic publication would result in a
much inferior-quality printing to the current CC's glossy-page magazine
format. It is this last item that seals the coffin on the discussion, as
far as I'm concerned, because I WANT archive-quality publications. So
even if I WAS on highspeed, I'd STILL want the current printed edition.
I'm sure I'm not alone on this point.

As far as diminished returns goes, in printing over 90% of your costs
are in setup. It doesn't cost all that much more to run 5000 copies as
it does to run 500, so what's the point? The only way you really "save"
is in reduced mailing costs, which are about half the cost of publishing
and distributing the mag. So really, you'd have to cut mailings twice as
much as your target cost savings.

Also, membership entitles one to ALL the services offered. To "charge
extra" just because someone would want the printed edition is a slap in
the face to ALL members, because it's charging extra for a basic
service. Electronic distribution is an add-on, not a basic service,
because CORSA is NOT an internet club. GET OVER IT!

Finally, IF these noisy geeks really WANT their CC over the internet,
then why not offer them that, BUT with this stipulation: The publication
would ONLY be posted a month AFTER it was mailed. It would be an
electronic archive edition. That way, no "members only" protection would
be needed, and the geeks would have their precious electronic format.
LOL! But they'd STILL get a printed copy. Because, as I pointed out,
CORSA is NOT an internet club.

End of discussion, as far as I'm concerned!

-Mark

kaczmarek at charter.net wrote:
> 
> Ned, Needle Nose Ned, Ned the Head, Ned the Deer Hunter but(NOT RYERSON) says:
> 
>  I can't even imagine how long it would that to download a pdf of the mag via dial up. What would we do for the members that do not have internet access? I know it might be hard to believe, but not everyone is connected to the internet. I even know a few people that don't even have a computer. And one final question, who's going to maintain the web site and member only protection?
> 
> 1. Who the hell's still on dialup?  Frugal Corvair owners?
> 2. Members that don't have internet access can, IMO, pay more for their membership and get a print copy. Members with internet access can pay less and get an online copy.
> 3. I know people who don't have computers either. They can go to the library, put in their ID and member number and download a copy if they don't want a computer in the house, or just don't want to fiddle with them.
> 
> 4. Whose maintaining it now?  Bryan---care to chime in?
> 
> Many of my Marine Corps League members don't have computers because
> 1. Too Old--don't want to learn something new
> 2. Most of them were grunts, they weren't all that brilliant when they were young (by their own admission--not my analysis), and they now feel like they're an old Bulldog, and can't be taught any new tricks.
> 3. Are totally mystified by computers, and don't want to admit THAT to anyone.
> They're MARINES, after all. It's a pride thing with lots of people.
> 
> BTW, I found this out while shopping for 2 members, one to become Web Sgt, one to become a Webmaster.  Guess who's doing both jobs for now?  Of course, their beloved Doc and Commandant--ME. I'm learning Website design and maintanence from our Web Designer at Steele.  He's 3 years younger than my son, or 27 years younger than I am.
> 
>  I'm an old dog who HAS to learn the new tricks.
> 
> BTW, this has been of course, flogged to death in the past. As times change, I don't know if the law of diminishing returns is affected much in the era of digital printing.  Harry might chime in and let us know if say, 20% of the membership didn't need a print communique, would it actually save the club any money.
> 
> Hank
>