We have had quite a debate on the pros and cons of allowing non-members to post on the TDB free. I'm frankly tired of talking about it, tired of hearing about it, and I know everbody else feels the same. The bottom line is, the NCRS Board of Directors has ruled, and the rest of us will "deal wid' it" as we see fit.
This past weeks discussion should make it clear that NOTHING is decided by posters here...this board is not a micro-democracy; it's the Board of Directors that decides. But, before I leave this subject forever, I want to offer one more proposal that could help to accomplish the organizations goals and objectives.
I propose that the organization sweeten the deal for Corvette enthusiasts who stumble across the NCRS TDB by offering a three month free posting trial (a free trial period was suggested by Rob Musquetier early in this debate)...FURTHER, during that three-month trial period, a non-member be eligible to join NCRS for one year at a reduced "internet" rate, say $20. Starting the second year of their membership, these members' dues would increase to the standard $35 rate. The free trial period could be controlled by IP address (Sorry, John, making work for you, I know.); names and mailing addresses from these new "internet" members could be compared against previous membership records to curtail fraud.
This would allow the rest of the Corvette world to get a taste of NCRS; and, if they are smart enough, to figure out that this is the "Best Dang Corvette Organization On Earth". And, the good news would be they can join up...Cheep! Hardened, perennial free-loaders would be excluded...simply being sympathetic to NCRS interests, goals and objectives is insufficient; put a paltry, tiny bit of your money where your mouth is, and we promise we won't tell anyone you're a member.
After a year, hopefully the "internet" membership hook would be set (if they're smart enough), and we will have some of them for life. This is the way my cable company does it; Get'im in at half price for three months, then hit'im with the regular price forever.
This past weeks discussion should make it clear that NOTHING is decided by posters here...this board is not a micro-democracy; it's the Board of Directors that decides. But, before I leave this subject forever, I want to offer one more proposal that could help to accomplish the organizations goals and objectives.
I propose that the organization sweeten the deal for Corvette enthusiasts who stumble across the NCRS TDB by offering a three month free posting trial (a free trial period was suggested by Rob Musquetier early in this debate)...FURTHER, during that three-month trial period, a non-member be eligible to join NCRS for one year at a reduced "internet" rate, say $20. Starting the second year of their membership, these members' dues would increase to the standard $35 rate. The free trial period could be controlled by IP address (Sorry, John, making work for you, I know.); names and mailing addresses from these new "internet" members could be compared against previous membership records to curtail fraud.
This would allow the rest of the Corvette world to get a taste of NCRS; and, if they are smart enough, to figure out that this is the "Best Dang Corvette Organization On Earth". And, the good news would be they can join up...Cheep! Hardened, perennial free-loaders would be excluded...simply being sympathetic to NCRS interests, goals and objectives is insufficient; put a paltry, tiny bit of your money where your mouth is, and we promise we won't tell anyone you're a member.
After a year, hopefully the "internet" membership hook would be set (if they're smart enough), and we will have some of them for life. This is the way my cable company does it; Get'im in at half price for three months, then hit'im with the regular price forever.
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