[Alpacasite] Re: Farm & Ranch Guide

Since this subject is making its semi-annual appearance on alpacasite
again, I will copy a post I made over on alpaca politics on October 12
of this year:

There is no need to change bylaws to raise dues. A simple vote will do
it.

Less than a dollar a day for membership in AOBA *could* be a real
bargain. I would suggest that $500 annual dues for being a Farm
Member *could* still be a real bargain.

Its a matter of selling the benefits to the members that will be
joining at that level. And that means providing tangible benefits -
something beyond a sticker, a vote and the right to spend more money.
(On the other hand, if all that anyone got was a sticker and a vote, a
good case could still be made that $500 dues was still a real bargain
.)

So, I'll see you and raise...

Associate membership - $100
*Alpacas magazine
*One Voice
*Access to Library
*Sticker
*Special rates for conferences

Farm Membership - $500
*As Associate, plus:
*Voting rights
*No show fees
*Printed Member Directory
*Access to AOBA generated leads

Life Membership - Already paid for
*Same as Associate (no more "free" ride) plus:
*Voting rights

Honorary Membership
*Smiles and hugs

Member Directory:
*Lists only Farm Members
*Also available on-line to anyone
*Offer ads for sale in Member Directory.
*Max on one 1/3 page ad per page. Max one ad per farm member. Charge a
HEFTY fee for this.
*Offer Regional Affilates the opportunity to purchase a full page add.
One per Affiliate. Minimum $1000 for this, or alternatively,
proportional to Affiliate size (e.g. $100 per member)

F&RG
*End it
*Send out Member Directory instead

How would this impact income?
*If 2000 AOBA members elected to become Associate members there would
be $200,000 dues income.
*If 2000 AOBA members elected Farm Membership there would be $1,000,
000 dues income.

That is $1.2 million in dues. Add on whatever ad revenues were
generated (which I imagine would be significant) and there ought to be
a pretty good budget to cover operations and marketing.

The above could be done by a simple vote. No bylaws changes
necessary.

Where do I send my check?

John Merrell
Gateway Farm Alpacas
http://www.gateway-alpacas.com
Alpacas, a natural elegance...

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