Hi Joel. I appreciate the feedback. The reality is, the club is burning $20k+/yr more than it’s taking in and that money runs out in 5 years unless we stop the bleeding. Sorry to call you out here a little bit, but if you and a lot of others are not willing to pony up a mere $40/yr to help cover costs, how can the club continue to exist with printing and mailing costs going up quite a bit every year?

We no longer have 2,000+ members with low printing costs like back in the heyday. We have exactly 870 members, a full third of whom are life members from whom we get no additional annual income. The annual income we get from regular members is $18,000. The cost to print and mail the magazine is $38,000. Now, some of the difference comes from lifetime memberships that go into a separate ledger account, and that is drawn upon, of course. But it’s still not enough. The convention raises money, but it’s still not enough. We’ve held various fundraisers over the years, but it’s still not enough.

In one of my responses to Jim Kruse, I suggested people can sponsor an additional issue for $5000/qtr. If you feel the magazine is that important, be a hero and write the check every quarter for as long as you wish to get the magazine. Believe me when I tell you that we will carry you on our shoulders through the streets, shouting your name in praise.

Barring that, I’m sorry that your “free” magazines will no longer be provided to you. Maybe one of your friends will continue the handout by sending you the electronic version, even though as a non-member, you are not entitled to it.

I’m glad you chose to join and support the club those times you were a member and if you can get past some of the smarm I’ve included in this post, we would certainly enjoy having you join the club again in the future.

— Barry