Old News
So there appears to be a shift to online editions of Kingdom Newsletters. Personally I think this is a great move and wonder why it has not been done sooner but at least it seems on the horizon. (Latest I heard it was that it was in the "planning phases.")
But this is what baffles me. From a BoD memo dated March 22: "The newsletters will be on a single website (with a link from www.sca.org ), and site viewing will be password protected. Kingdoms cannot post their newsletter on their kingdom website as newsletter access will remain tied to membership and only Member Services can confirm membership." *(emphasis mine)
Why does access to the newsletter need to be tied to membership? I understand that before it was something that had money put into it in the form of paper and postage, but I would think this would mean that the operating costs of a kingdom newsletter would come down drastically. Who does not already own a computer with internet connection who would not be a chronicler? No new server space is needed since it is going on the SCA's site, and I can't believe the newsletters will take up that much space. What super secret information is there in a newsletter that we don't want nonmembers to know? When group websites (when maintained properly**) are more valuable then newsletter, why tie it to my fee?
Here is the main thing: I don't know a single person who said, "You know why I paid my dues? I really wanted a copy of the newsletter." They pay them because events are cheaper to go to, they want (or feel the need) to hold office, they want to get authorized (in some kingdoms this is law, but I am not sure if that is Society wide), or they feel obligated to support the organization.
Am I wrong? Is there a good reason to only allow members access? If so, let me know what I am missing.
*http://www.midrealm.org/chronicler/Latest_from_BoD_March22_2011.pdf
** I have said so before and will say again that my current barony has a wonderful, up to date website that helped me learn about the barony and what was going on.
But this is what baffles me. From a BoD memo dated March 22: "The newsletters will be on a single website (with a link from www.sca.org ), and site viewing will be password protected. Kingdoms cannot post their newsletter on their kingdom website as newsletter access will remain tied to membership and only Member Services can confirm membership." *(emphasis mine)
Why does access to the newsletter need to be tied to membership? I understand that before it was something that had money put into it in the form of paper and postage, but I would think this would mean that the operating costs of a kingdom newsletter would come down drastically. Who does not already own a computer with internet connection who would not be a chronicler? No new server space is needed since it is going on the SCA's site, and I can't believe the newsletters will take up that much space. What super secret information is there in a newsletter that we don't want nonmembers to know? When group websites (when maintained properly**) are more valuable then newsletter, why tie it to my fee?
Here is the main thing: I don't know a single person who said, "You know why I paid my dues? I really wanted a copy of the newsletter." They pay them because events are cheaper to go to, they want (or feel the need) to hold office, they want to get authorized (in some kingdoms this is law, but I am not sure if that is Society wide), or they feel obligated to support the organization.
Am I wrong? Is there a good reason to only allow members access? If so, let me know what I am missing.
*http://www.midrealm.org/chronicler/Latest_from_BoD_March22_2011.pdf
** I have said so before and will say again that my current barony has a wonderful, up to date website that helped me learn about the barony and what was going on.