Poly-Bagging the AAW Journal

[Malcolm Tibbetts]

I’ve just posted this on the AAW forum. For those AAW members that don’t routinely visit the AAW forum, I’m also posting it here:

One of my pet projects as an AAW board member has been to encourage non-AAW club members to join the AAW. A few people have actually questioned the need for more members. Here is just one small example of why additional members (additional financial strength) is a good thing. Several times over the past few years, I have read forum complaints by members regarding the physical condition of their journal after its journey through the US mail system. A year ago, I proposed that we start “poly-bagging” every issue (not just the fall issue). My proposal failed to be approved due to the extra cost (fiscal responsibility). A stronger bank balance would have probably made a difference. I am considering the renewal of my proposal once again, but before doing so, I thought that I’d ask for membership comments. I don’t have the time to set-up a formal survey, so as a way to gauge the importance of this issue, I ask this question. If it meant a $.30 increase in your annual dues would you vote to “poly-bag” every issue? (Note: don’t panic - there is no increase in dues being considered.)

[Don Orr]

An intact Journal would be worth a few cents more to me. Luckily, I don't usually have a problem though. The USPS usually does a darn good job in spite of what a lot of people think.

[Benjamin Dahl]

I don't like the idea of polybagging since it would be more waste for the landfills.

[Doug M Jones]

Malcom
Could it be wrapped in plain kraft paper then I could wrap a bowl in it. I just joined and got 3 issues at once, I'd hate to have it come bunged up. I would cover the wrapping cost for my issues.

[Frank Kobilsek]

Malcom

I would place the Poly bag idea in second position to the 6 issues per year idea. Let the dues go up $10 for 50% more reading material. I think Carl does a great job with the Journal and I doubt it would be a challenge to generate content for increased issues per year.

PS: A collector of woodturning was kind enough to add about a dozen pieces from his collection to the instant gallery at OVWG Turning 2007 Symposium this past weekend which included a couple of your pieces. They were a real treat to see first hand. The pictures don't do them justice.

Frank

[Ron McKinley]

Yes, I would pay a $.30 cent increase in dues for poly-bagging but my magazine has never been damaged in the mail. Lucky I guess......Ron

[Terry Quiram]

What makes this magazine so special that it costs $11.25 per issue? If it wasn't a requirement of my club to belong to the AAW I would never spend $45 for 1 years membership. In answer to your question, I would not pay extra for a plastic bag.

[Malcolm Tibbetts]

Thanks for all the replies.

Let me make one thing perfectly clear... In no way would I support an increase in dues in order to pay for the bagging. I only asked the question in that way in order to gauge the level of passion for the bags. The annual dues are already too high in my opinion.

[Bill Stevener]

For what it's worth. I don't belong to the AAW, but do belong to another organization for 35+ years. I receive a monthly news journal, additionally a bi-monthly technical journal, plus a yearly members manual. That's a total of about 660 + publications and I have never received one, with even as much as a smudge or a wrinkled page - Note: no cover. I have read about the problems some members are having with the AAW publications arriving in an unrecognisable state.
I believe one would benefit greatly, by looking into why. Additionally, I am sure, that for $45.00 a year the AAW could publish a monthly journal which would undoubtedly be a great asset towards increasing the membership, much more than a plastic bag would.