INCREASING NBS MEMBERSHIP ROLLS Publique Deposited
The E-Sylum: Volume 7, Number 26, June 28, 2004, Article 2
INCREASING NBS MEMBERSHIP ROLLS
David M. Sundman of Littleton Coin Co., Inc., writes:
"I read with interest the recent report that "there were still
more than 100 former members who have not renewed for
the current year.For many years I was a member of the NBS, and
mysteriously to me, about a year ago I discovered I wasn't
receiving The Asylum. I had my assistant Melissa Plasencia
check into this, and was shocked to discover that the notice
appeared in a certain issue of The Asylum. As I don't read
each issue-but save them all, I eventually discovered the
problem of my lapsed membership when I found I was
missing some issues.From my experience managing a coin business with more than
150,000 active customers employing 325 staff, I can advise
you that there is a direct link between the declining membership
of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society and the current renewal
request technique. If I used such hidden message as you are
using to retain customers, I wouldn't be able to afford the
computer to send you this email.Personally, I believe the NBS's present method of renewal is
crazy. It may make things easy for the NBS - but it does not
make it easy for the NBS member? thus your high dropout
rate. I doubt that any for-profit publication would run their
renewal effort this way as it is guaranteed to increase your
discontinued rate because you have made it difficult for the
member/subscriber. The NBS should do a separate renewal
mailing, just as all publications do. Even though it adds a little
to the expense side, it is the only way you are going to grow
the organization membership."Numismatic Bibliomania Society President Pete Smith writes:
"Thank you for your comments. We have had general
discussion about our renewal process at board meetings but
no uniform policy. Each of the Secretary/Treasurers on our
board has handled the process differently with varied emphasis
on e-mail notification, Asylum notification and letters.It is obvious that we need to do more. We will discuss this again
at our board meeting in Pittsburgh."- 2004-06-28
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