> We are exploring the possibility of making all or a portion of our quarterly > journal available on the Web. But since it is one of the major benefits of > membership and is expensive to print and mail, we are concerned that by making > it available on the Web, the organization could lose membership revenue (if > one of the reasons you’re joining is to get the publication) while still On this issue I have VERY strong opinions. I have seen some organizations paralized from this very issue. My personal belief (and I am a VERY old-timer in web-years) is that folks' first instincts are 180 degrees opposite of what they should be, ESPECIALLY for smaller organizations. First, I believe that the number of organizations people join for the publications is small in number. For most people the publications may cement their attachment though by making them informed. Online can only help in this process. However at the same time, online editions can allow NEW POTENTIAL members to see VALUE in what you do. Should they too learn to feel an affinity with your mission they will BECOME members. One org in Colorado that I have had long fights with on this issue says "But ALL we do is publish our newsletter". If we give it away for free online, who would want to join us". But the proof is in their numbers. They are a major statewide arts discipline based organization, and after decades of work how many members do they have statewide? 35!!! Truth is, no one in the state knows they EXIST!!! The Besides . . . Besides, those worried need only post SHORTER versions (in many ways) then if the content is excellent, people will want to learn MORE and would be encouraged to become NEW subscribers. Besides, One could simply place the tables of contents online. Again folks wanting to learn more . . . Besides, One can put OLD issues online, informing the public while impressing them with tremendous content. "Want to learn more . . ." Besides, We not only need MEMBERS, we need VOTERS educated in our issues, prepared to advocate for us even more! Besides, even us die-hard computer geeks prefer for the bulk of our reading, REAL copy. The online stuff is just a tease. Besides, placing material online shows the public that you are MISSION driven and SERVICE driven and that you feel that with excellence, all else will come. Examples for inspiration: Netscape posted their first corporate loss EVER. Their strategy to turn things around: GIVE THEIR PRODUCT AWAY! This paradigm abounds in the computer trades and is even how Apple became a major player. Giving SCHOOLS the Apple computers trained a few generations of students that this was the brand to buy. Like em or not, Apple lovers are the most loyal brand-name folk around. Museums would be so rich to have nurtured similar loyalties from those so young with so many giving-years ahead. At many gas stations there is a grade of gas BELOW regular. It costs less and has a lower octane number listed. I believe Regular is #85 octane with the SUPER-ECONOMY being something like #82. This economy grade then costs less. But SURPRISE!!!! The Super Economy gas is the exact same gas as the Regular. It even comes from the same tank! There is no such thing as commercial 82 octane gas (if I have my numbers right <G>). So why would they give away gas at cost and simultaneously SELL it for profit? Simple. These savvy busenesswomen and men get those customers that search all over and only buy the lowest price, AND they also get those larger numbers of folks still ignorant of the fact that they don't HAVE to pay so much for the same stuff!!!!! (me until I learned the trick!). In many pro fields the same exact thing is done. In theatrical lighting, lamps are traditionally discounted up to 90%. Why? Simple! Some school drama programs are too stupid to know this and if they are willing to pay $50-60 more per lamp why not take the money! Consumer camera equipment is the same way though? There's the RETAIL price for those who want to pay the stores lots of money and the REAL price for those who know better. Sorry for the length of this post but I hope I have convinced at least some, or given ammunition for others to have faith in sharing your wonderful intellectual and artistic wealth in the certainty that there are GREATER rewards that will surely follow from those so blessed with your trust (whew!) Richard F in Boulder