by wyandottecaver » Mar 25, 2013 7:58 am
The point is that digital has problems all its own. It is a viable technology that will nonetheless not meet the technical or cultural needs of many members today.
Like NZ I like digital but want my magazine. For better or worse a PRINT magazine is still a pretty clear indicator of an organizations stature. Printing token hard copies or B&W will solidify the Society as an organization in decline and probably help it fall.
The primary (not only) reason for the push now is money. saving money by going digital while driving membership down by going digital doesn't add up. Instead of 10,000 members for a 12,000 member budget you end up with 8,000 members with a 10,000 member budget (as an example).... with many versions of computers, software, and connection speeds it will work better for some than others especially if we increase length and photos with bigger file sizes. With a sizable portion of people considering the NEWS as their primary (if not only) reason for membership, making it harder or less convenient for people to enjoy doesnt make sense.
Having them pay extra for print is an option, but if dues + Print = higher out of pocket, then again...you have a 8,000 member society on a 10,000 member budget and have accomplished nothing but losing members.
I am admittedly biased, I joined the NSS and eventually bought a LIfe Membership for 1 reason...The NEWS. Cave Conservancies do a better job at everything else important to me with respect to caving IMHO.
I'm not scared of the dark, it's the things IN the dark that make me nervous. :)