Replies to archived posts are not allowed.
From: Walt Vogdes
Remote Name: 68.116.104.205
Date: 11/12/2003
Time: 11:44:53 AM
I'd like to elaborate on Ron Fox's statement about the reasons behind SCI's recent dues increase.
Four aspects stand out: 1) rising costs in general, 2) costs of enhancing Prosit, 3) costs of additional products and services, and 4) declining membership rolls.
1. While "rising costs" may feel like little more than an excuse, we all know that costs have risen steadily from the last dues increase in 1992. Two simple measures of that are the increase in postal rates (a first class stamp has gone up in price four times, from $0.29 to $0.37, almost 28%), and the rise in the consumer price index (approximately 32% over that same period).
2. Ron has pointed out the improvements in Prosit, but it's worth a look at the figures. In 1992 Prosit consisted of 120.5 pages (net of advertising), in 2003 it will be 150 pages, an increase of almost 25% in primary content. At the same time, Prosit has evolved from a black-and-white presentation to full color, increasing the impact of the articles and the enjoyment for its readers.
3. Since 1992 SCI has created and operated an Internet site offering extensive information and services to our members and to the public at large. SCI has also made funds available to local chapters to help with the expense of obtaining expert speakers for their chapter meetings. These steps were taken to contribute to the enjoyment of our members and to strengthen the hobby in general.
4. Unfortunately, income has declined by about 8% between 1992 and 2002, primarily due to an erosion in membership rolls.
The SCI Operating fund is a separate entity from the Convention and Library/Archives funds, both of which are operated on a self-sustaining basis. All of the officers of SCI as well as the authors for Prosit contribute their time and efforts voluntarily. There is no payroll.
One thing that each of us can do to help reverse the above noted trends is to help increase the ranks of our membership. If you sell steins on eBay, include a link promoting SCI (I can help). If you sell steins in a mall or at antique shows, use the SCI drop-in cards so the buyer is sure to know about SCI. The holiday season offers an excellent opportunity to enroll a friend, co-worker, family member or neighbor in SCI. Make sure that all members of your local chapter are paid members of SCI (you are subsidizing them, if they are not!). By strengthening SCI we will be ensuring the continued health and organization of our hobby.