There has been much discussion regarding access to this website, the magazine, cash flow, and membership dues. Since I just received a notice that my membership renewal is due soon, it got me to thinking, so I'm throwing my 2 cents in...

#1) If you don't want to be a 'paying member', then you are NOT allowed to post or see photos. You are only allowed to read posts.

Addendum to #1) Allow NEW forum viewers a two month 'FREE PASS' for full forum privileges. After the two month period has expired, kick down and pay up or hit the road.

#2) Have two membership options, A) that does NOT include the magazine. Includes the magazine at additional cost.

#3) Instead of losing money by offering a 'discount' for a 3 year membership, INCREASE the yearly dues rate by $5 and leave the 3 year pricing as is...it's a win-win for the club.

#4) A 1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP COSTS LESS THAN A TANK OF GAS !

#5 Help support this club and become a paying member!

I agree with most of what you say. There does need to be a convenient way for a non-member to post & sell their dearly departeds tractor or parts, as we are really the gaining party

I am in agreement with C$$$, survival of club requires MONEY, as any business would to keeps its doors open. It is great that everyone has had access to the BB, but for it to continue, let alone thrive, the revenue stream needs help from everyone. I know of several guests that provide much valuable input, and then there have been ones in past that have “milked” the BB for every ounce...
In response to the latest editorial from my tattered magazine, many including myself have done plenty to benefit everyone here. If everyone pitched in, we can make it work!
As for paid members, I usually keep copies of magazines and blank membership forms handy. I would love to CHALLENGE all members to sign up one new PAID member....I set a low goal for myself and managed to get a few onboard. I’m not the prettiest or best spoken person here, but if I could do it, it must not have been that difficult! Even if half the paid members signed up a new person, that adds up tremendously. Pennies eventually become DOLLARS!
Now that I’ve gotten myself all agitated, I will buy another CAT to calm my nerves.
Anyone that wishes may contact me via PM or any accepted form of communication.
Rant over. Juiceman

Awful quiet out there... No comment? Cat got your tongue? Grow some and pipe off !

I belong to a Dodge Ram site. I would send them 20.00 every time I got some helpful information. They were quite an innovative group and easily solved many of questions. Saved me lots of money as this group has. I totally agree. It never crossed my mind NOT to join ACMOC. Great resource for all of us.

"Crawler wrote:

Awful quiet out there... No comment? Cat got your tongue? Grow some and pipe off !

Let’s see, $40.00 basic membership plus postage and an envelope comes out to .12 a day? That’s cheap entertainment. That’s less than what the large woman on the telly is asking to feed malnourished kids or the scraggly looking flea infested feral animals.... perhaps I should “pony” up a CAT related prize for a drawing? Oh, to be incorrect, contestants must be a member to participate? Didn’t the old credit card commercials mention that membership has its privileges?
Off the cuff ideas and comments here folks, please feel free, oops, free is a bad word here, umm, how about welcome to add views? 😇JM

"juiceman" wrote:

Let’s see, $40.00 basic membership plus postage and an envelope comes out to .12 a day? That’s cheap entertainment. That’s less than what the large woman on the telly is asking to feed malnourished kids or the scraggly looking flea infested feral animals.... perhaps I should “pony” up a CAT related prize for a drawing? Oh, to be incorrect, contestants must be a member to participate? Didn’t the old credit card commercials mention that membership has its privileges?
Off the cuff ideas and comments here folks, please feel free, oops, free is a bad word here, umm, how about welcome to add views? 😇JM

Don't know what to tell you. I bought the 3 year membership, not to save money but because it's convenient. I'd gladly pay a bit more.

Never been good at fund raising either.......if I was I'd be rich by now.

Rick

I'm a new member and I paid for a three year membership. Not for the discount, but because I have other memberships/enrollments that come due every year and it's a pain in the, er, neck. I am entertained by the camaraderie, humor, and the genuine willingness of many to offer help. Old Magnet by himself is worth the price.

The problem ACMOC faces is that antique Caterpillar hobbyists make up a pretty small segment of the world. And not to be a pessimist, but our numbers are dwindling. I see it in other service organizations that I'm involved in. The generations following us have other things to do.

If ACMOC has to raise dues to stay open, then so be it.

Agree with above, guess a little prompting got me thinking. Over the years I have received some good advice on here, never thought to become a member to support the cause.
Have just tried to sign up but at the final step, it went into an error of some sort so will try again tonight.

I'm a new member this year. I joined because when I posted here (as non member), people were very willing to help and offer suggestions and tips. I think that having the ability to post here while not being a member, will draw in more people to subsequently join. Friendly, cordial, helpful people make non members want to come back. We've all seen the jackasses on some forums that pile on when a question is asked and in essence say, "that's a stupid question". I don't see that here, and there are no political discussions that seem to invade most all sites these days.

I'm a life member of several national antique automobile clubs. All of them are struggling to attract new and retain old members, so the problems here are not different than other clubs for collecting old iron. One key seems to be active local chapters. I've seen some success in national clubs giving chapters a number of free or reduced 1st year memberships to draw new members.