So, Wadda ya get for your membership?

[Kent]

There have been postings elsewhere decrying the membership requirement for enterence to a Regional and its Mart. Perhaps that was once viewed as a benefit of membership, rather than an attempt to keep out non-members. In any case, it might be worthwhile to list the benefits of NAWCC membership, if for no other reason than to justify to ourselves why we pay dues.

The Bulletin - Six times a year we get an opportunity to learn about things to which we might not otherwise be exposed.

The Mart - Six times a year we get to see what others want to buy and sell. I have to admit, I can't remember the last time that I read through The Mart carefully.

Fellowship - At Chapter 24, Atlanta, every two months, I get together with a bunch of fine folks to talk about watches, clocks and an increasing amount of just plain stuff.

Video Tape Program - We have access, via circulating copies by mail, to a huge amount of focused information in the form of these video tapes. I have viewed every one that I think is available dealing with my favorite subject (and a few others as well). On the other hand, in spite of the knowledge that thousands of transactions have already taken place, nobody whom I personally know has told me that they also view the tapes.

Lending Library - I've utilized this resource to view microfilm copies of all of the Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review from 1889 to 1911. There's great information in there. I've also borrowed countless books and back issues of the Bulletin. But, I suspect that this resource is under-utilized.

Free Research - Beth Bisbano with the assistance of Kathy Pritchard and others have painstakenly dug out such answers as exist to specific questions that I've posed. This service, on a first come, first served basis, is available to all members.

Free Admittance to the Museum - I have to admit that this was a lot more useful when I lived up north and was able to go there from time to time.

Last, but not least, The Right to enter a Regional Mart - there's been quite a bit said about this by others, both pro and con. But when you get right down to it, its a benefit of membership.

Well people, what benefits have I missed?

Kent

[Kent]

There have been postings elsewhere decrying the membership requirement for enterence to a Regional and its Mart. Perhaps that was once viewed as a benefit of membership, rather than an attempt to keep out non-members. In any case, it might be worthwhile to list the benefits of NAWCC membership, if for no other reason than to justify to ourselves why we pay dues.

The Bulletin - Six times a year we get an opportunity to learn about things to which we might not otherwise be exposed.

The Mart - Six times a year we get to see what others want to buy and sell. I have to admit, I can't remember the last time that I read through The Mart carefully.

Fellowship - At Chapter 24, Atlanta, every two months, I get together with a bunch of fine folks to talk about watches, clocks and an increasing amount of just plain stuff.

Video Tape Program - We have access, via circulating copies by mail, to a huge amount of focused information in the form of these video tapes. I have viewed every one that I think is available dealing with my favorite subject (and a few others as well). On the other hand, in spite of the knowledge that thousands of transactions have already taken place, nobody whom I personally know has told me that they also view the tapes.

Lending Library - I've utilized this resource to view microfilm copies of all of the Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review from 1889 to 1911. There's great information in there. I've also borrowed countless books and back issues of the Bulletin. But, I suspect that this resource is under-utilized.

Free Research - Beth Bisbano with the assistance of Kathy Pritchard and others have painstakenly dug out such answers as exist to specific questions that I've posed. This service, on a first come, first served basis, is available to all members.

Free Admittance to the Museum - I have to admit that this was a lot more useful when I lived up north and was able to go there from time to time.

Last, but not least, The Right to enter a Regional Mart - there's been quite a bit said about this by others, both pro and con. But when you get right down to it, its a benefit of membership.

Well people, what benefits have I missed?

Kent

[John Cote]

Although I have been one of the participants in the series of posts, questioning the policies of the NAWCC, I am a big supporter of the organization. I agree that the benefits of membership in the NAWCC are many. One benefit that Kent alludes to, but does not specifically mention is the knowledge we members can gain from research done by other members. We can see the fruits of this research, not just in fine articles by people like Kent in the bulletin, but in programs put on at the National, at regionals and at special events.

I think it is also important to state that the public at large also benefits from the NAWCC, not just by access to the Museum, but through many restoration and other horological projects sponsored by the National and by local chapters.

I think the NAWCC is a fine organization, but that doesn?t mean I don?t think it could be much better. The most successful companies and the best not for profit organizations are those which constantly strive to improve the product or service they provide. I think it is safe to say that in this ?information age? the public?s tastes and values are changing more quickly than ever. Put in business terms, the NAWCC?s target market is changing.
To maintain and increase its market share, the NAWCC is going to have to continually improve its product and the delivery of that product to the market.

I think the point of all the discussion of the ?Regional issue? and other issues in this forum is that there are many loyal members, like me, who are not satisfied that the National is doing all it can do to improve with the times. We need to keep questioning and making suggestions. We need to demand more feedback and better communications from those in leadership positions. In great measure this organization succeeds or fails due to the efforts of members and their local chapters. We deserve a more responsive national leadership.