[Public-List] Posting or not posting to the list

[J Bergquist]

Folks,

I have a $0.02 on this.

I could be wrong on this (and I'm sure someone will correct me if I
am), but I think that George actually does the hosting of the
alberg30.org website as well as the list servers on his own nickel, at
personal expense of time and money. I think the ads do offset his cost
somewhat, but I am pretty sure the association doesn't pay him for his
services in any currency other than good will.

Having said that, and to echo what Bill said, I don't know what y'alls
boating budgets look like, but for me $50 is a drop in the bucket of
my annual boating expenses. I rationalize club memberships by trying
to figure out what value is returned to me in my membership dollars
(and I'm a member of a lot of sailing associations...SSA, AYC, CBYRA,
US Sailing, Alberg 30 Assocation, Laser class association, 505 class
association, Lightning class association, St. John's College Sailing
Club, and I'm sure I'm missing at least one...). For my money, the A30
association is GREAT value. Of course, I do live in Annapolis and
interact in person with other members of the association on a regular
basis.

However, I would think that even for people who live far away, joining
one of the associations (great lakes or Chesapeake) is a great way to
contribute to the health and success of the Alberg 30 as a boat and as
a class association. Plus, if you join (at least, if you join the
Chesapeake Section, I don't know about Great Lakes), you will receive
a monthly newsletter which is full of interesting stories, classified
ads, and helpful boating tips. This newsletter is called the Mainsheet
and it's sent to Association members each month as a courtesy which
comes with membership.

So think of it as a slightly pricey magazine subscription, or think of
it as a really inexpensive way to ensure that there will continue to
be a vibrant, active, enthusiastic community of like-minded Alberg
owners to come for another 40 years. Personally, I think $50 a year is
pretty cheap.

I don't know great lakes association rules, but for the Chesapeake
association, you must be an Alberg 30 owner to join. You may remain a
member after you have sold your boat, but in order to join you must
own the boat.

Think about joining. You might find that it's pretty good value for your money.

Okay maybe that was more than $0.02 but there you are.

Kind regards,

J Bergquist