Re: [atlarge-discuss] Membership fees

[Paul <notmyopinion@btinternet.com>]

I'm not so sure this is a good idea...

Jan Siren wrote:

> Walter Schmidt wrote:
>  
> > On Sun, 8 Jun 2003, Dassa wrote:
> >    
> > > But their could be two or more classes of membership.
> > >      
> >   ...Dassa, a good idea! We could also:
> >
> > - Set suggested contribution levels by country
> > - Those who join, join.
> > - Those who join and contribute the minimum get a
> > Certificate-of-Membership, along with...
> > - Those who contribute at the Sponsor level get...
> > - Those who contribute at the Major Sponsor level get...
> > - Those who contribute at the Key Sponsor level get...
> >
> >    
> Not bad.  In my view:
>
> "Those who join" can participate in (non-binding) on-line opinion polls.
>
> "Those who join and contribute the minimum..." can join and chair committees, have voting privileges including eligibility to vote for Board members, and can stand as candidates for the Board.
That doesn't sound very egalitarian. It reminds me of the "all about 
money" approach of too many interational standards bodies. I prefer the 
IETF approach, myself.

I know that things cost money, but that sort of entrance fee for 
democracy just seems wrong. I don't like the idea of the more you pay, 
the more democracy you can have.

I guess there are things we need money for, and it has to come from 
somewhere. I work with some organisations that do quite a lot with 
little or no money. There is an important difference between being 
professional and efficient on the one hand, and paying commercial rates 
(particularly western or US commercial rates) on the other. It's 
important not to lose that distinction!

Perhaps I'm an idealist?

regards,

Paul


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