RE: Fw: Membership

["Jack O'Leary" <joleary@merrillinc.com>]

Neil, Eric (and everyone):

I am behind in responding to email (I am in the process of transferring
everything to a new computer) but I don't recall seeing this message from
Mr. Wright.  While I can see his point I don't appreciate the general tenor
of his note.  I have had only a very few people get an attitude like this.
Most of our membership is very polite and understands that we are a
volunteer
organization.  For $15.00 a year, people shouldn't expect too much.
Frankly, I am
neither willing nor able to provide the level of service, as one volunteer,
that this very tiny minority demands.  If someone else is, then let's talk.

I had started to send out confirmatory emails to each new/renewal in March.
I have
made an "executive decision" not to send out snail mail, since almost every
single member now provides an email address.  Is this OK with everyone?  The
email makes no specific promises as far as when

I would also like to someday work with Eric to put a membership listing on
the web page.  This listing would let people check on their status, when
they should renew, etc.  Renewals are a lot of work and often get lost in
the mail; this would help.

As far as getting another volunteer involved, well, sure.  I did get a lot
of help from ? (name's at home) in writing the confirmatory email.  If we
decide to send out a members kit, or the last issue, then the volunteer can
handle that for me.

- Jack


-----Original Message-----
From: Neil Frank [mailto:nfrank@mindspring.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 6:24 AM
To: aga-sc@thekrib.com
Cc: JOLeary@merrillinc.com
Subject: Re: Fw: Membership


At one time we talked about sending new members a "member kit," or at least
a post card acknowledging receipt of membership, telling them approximately
when to expect their first issue (it could be months because of bulk mail
and if one just went out). If we still dont have such an animal, maybe some
of the new volunteers can work with Jack to make it happen. As a good
start, the letter like the nice one Erik drafted below could be sent out to
all new members.
Neil
At 10:11 PM 04/17/2001 -0700, Erik Olson wrote:
>Hello Mike,
>
>I'm sure you can understand that as a *volunteer* organization, things are
>not always speedy or optimal.  The main benefit you receive directly from
>the AGA at the moment is the magazine, The Aquatic Gardener,
>published quarterly.  There are many societies whose sole benefit is their
>publication.
>
>However, in addition to printing TAG, the AGA is currently planning a
>convention for this November, as well as our second aquascaping contest.
>Your membership helps provide the funding for these events.  It also
>allows us to keep some information, such as the lush website of aquascapes
>from last year's contest, at http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org,
>completely free to all.
>
>As you can see from our main website, the last new issue was mailed around
>January 12th; the last we have heard from our editor was that the next
>issue was being finalized about a week or two ago.  So I would guess you
>will get your copy along with everyone else any week now.
>
>Regards,
>Erik Olson
>chair, Steering Committee
>
>
>On Tue, 17 Apr 2001, Mike Wright wrote:
>
>> Mr. Erik Olson,
>>     Please note the attached letter written to Mr. Jack O'Leary on
>> March 26.  I have not received any response from him or any one else
>> in this organization.  Please inform me as to the disposition of my
>> membership.  As noted below, I've seen no benefit to joining the club,
>> nothing!  I've received no publications, emails, or any other
>> indication that this "club" truly exists.  I sent my check in good
>> faith, please show me that I was not wrong.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> Mike Wright (mail)
>> hmikew@home.com
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Mike Wright
>> To: jdo@world.std.com
>> Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 10:26 PM
>> Subject: Membership
>>
>>
>> Mr. Jack O'Leary,
>>     Sir, I submitted my application and check several months ago.  I
>> emailed you concerning the same and you stated that you were just
>> sending my check forward to the treasurer.  That was January 28.  I
>> did finally see that the check was cashed, but now what?  What
>> "benefits" does this "membership" give me?  I've seen none.  Was this
>> just a contribution to some imaginary club to benefit a few or does it
>> provide me with some real and tangible benefits?  I must say, at this
>> point in time, I'm quite skeptical.  The club homepage gives no clue,
>> nor does it update or change on any timely basis...If I've been taken
>> in, just say so, and I'll look else where for information.  If not,
>> please provide some evidence of organization and benefits.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Mike Wright
>> hmikew@home.com
>>
>
>--
>Erik Olson
>erik at thekrib dot com
>
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