Let's be fair................

[Linda Reynolds]

This might be deemed to be confrontational by some, but, I have a question for all Forum participants.

How many of you actually *support* the PMCA? This fabulous forum, and the wealth of information provided by the PMCA has been active for years. For years, I have been a participating member. I am also a dues paying member of the PMCA, and support their work by the minimal dues paid each year. In return, I receive much more than I pay for.

I have been around this block for a very long time........close to 14 or 15 years now, and have read posts from members wanting advice, help, assistance and information, but I wonder if they have ever paid their dues??? (real dues).

Ask yourself each time you post and request a reply why you should continue to expect free information from a non-profit organization or its members. That non-profit organization, in the name of the PMCA, requires funding to make this all happen, and continue to do their good work.

Please support them in the form of a yearly membership. It entitles you to the 4 issues per year of the wonderful UPDATE, and also entitles you to discounts when shopping on their site.

Please consider supporting the organization that supports your hobby/mission, stories, questions, and inquiries. A basic membership only costs $25.00 per year.....Senior membership is only $20.00 per year. The PMCA needs, and is always thankful for your support. Please consider becoming an official member, and not just a Forum poster.

http://purplemartin.org/shop/product_in ... ucts_id=28

[Guest]

Thanks for the reminder Linda! I like straight shooting people:)

[Linda Reynolds]

Dan, I usually shoot from the hip.............

However, while my plea to others that participate on this forum is very sincere, if not politically correct, it is a reminder that we need to support our gracious host.

[Tommie D]

I'm new here as I only found the PMCA and this fourm about two weeks ago while searching for information on Purple Martins. I did lurk for about a week before I registered for the forum. While lurking I found a wealth of information, so much infact that I decided that $25 for a basic memembership was well worth it so I joined, I got my Thank You card from the PMCA yesterday in the mail.

Tom

[Guest]

Linda? I take it you're not a "Western History" Buff? Some of the very best and straightest shooting gun slingers shot from the hip

[Linda Reynolds]

Dan, I am a transplaned New Yorker living in Tn. I am now known as a damn Yankee, because I visited and did not return home.

I still shoot from the hip, but in a New York fashion.............

[Linda Reynolds]

Tommie D. I am sure the PMCA is very thankful for your support. I am happy to hear that you paid your dues............

I am not on the PMCA's payroll, but just a long time member that thinks we need to pay it back, AND forward.

[Guest]

Dan, I am a transplanted New Yorker living in Tn. I am now known as a damn Yankee, because I visited and did not return home.

I still shoot from the hip, but in a New York fashion.............

LOL! Reminds me about the time my wife and family living in Jamestown, NC many years back. I too was considered a "damn Yankee" About every other day I would hear " Yer knot from round these here parts are yew" My apologies to any and all NCers if I offended. NC is actually quite a beautiful state and friendly people. The very first time I went to Bojangles to pick up some Blueberry and Cinnamon biscuits, I got to hear the whole life story of the cashier/server before my order came out

[Bob Buskas]

Linda, you and I are just two of the oldies on this forum and PMCA members. The best 25 bucks I spend every year, thats for sure. OOOPs I didn't mean old just well OK I'll shut up now.

[KathyF]

Pay my dues every year - bought 2 other memberships for a couple of mentees this year to give away at the 'Open House'.

I would encourage people to give them away as Christmas / Birthday presents. Best quality I've ever gotten for $25.00!!

[bwenger]

Linda,

You're absoulutely right. There is so much information available that for a martin landlord this is the best deal around. Just think where purple martins would be today if it wasn't for all of the information gathered by the PMCA and the many landlords that have supported it over the years. Would we still be using tilt poles??

Kathy, nice thought about giving the memberships away at the open house. Have to keep that in mind.

Bill

[wyatt]

The Update Magazines alone are more than worth the $25.00.
The information and fellowship from the forum and feeling like you are contributing to a cause is worth much more.

[Robbo]

Yes!!!!
My donation is For the Martin's, going forward in research and cleaning up Bad housing , poor managent and stearing a potential Landlord to a Proper well made house! I have seen too many HOSP infested houses! and TOO many who claim to build a proper Martin House advertise and sell it! Everyone who builds and sells a Martin House is an Expert? PLEASE! BOO!
Rob.

[Tim Mangan-Kansas]

Linda:

I am a dues paying member of the PMCA and make an additional donation to the PMCA each year, when I am able. I would suspect a lot of newcomers think the PMCA provides this forum as a place for martin landlords and wannabe's to ask questions and share stories and that is all.

In at least one of the Update volumns each season, the PMCA will share with it's "members" the activities it is involved with including any grants awarded for the betterment of martins. When reading about the activities the PMCA is undertaking, it doesn't take long for the reader to understand that it takes funding to initiate and continue these projects.

I think it would be a good idea, once or twice throughout the season, for the PMCA to submit a post here on the forum stating all they are involved with to help with the promulgation of martins. Newcomers and non-members who participate on the forum could then see how becoming a "member" not only benefits them by getting quick answers to their questions, but how becoming a dues paying member also helps to further benefit the overall welfare of the martins.

Tim

[SoIndyDon]

Tim said,
"I think it would be a good idea, once or twice throughout the season, for the PMCA to submit a post here on the forum stating all they are involved with to help with the promulgation of martins."

Good idea! Members learn this from the Update magazine, but those only online wouldn't have a clue as to all the PMCA does.

[Don~VA]

Very Good Post Linda and not at all confrontational. I too have enjoyed this forum for many years. Can't remember how many of those years was just lurking before I began posting. While I gladly support the PMCA projects with my membership I must admit that I would gratefully just donate the $25 for the pleasure of interacting with all the wonderful people on this forum. The wealth of information and good advice from the members is invaluable.

[jmeyer]

Thanks for the reminder. I have a "renewal" card laying on the table at home. Better get the dues mailed off soon.

[Bill Hyde]

Excellent thread, Linda!

Like most participants here (I hope), I am a dues-paying member. I do not recall exactly when I first became a member; but I joined the PMCA Forum on May 8, 2004, and have enjoyed every minute I've spent here.

Keep up the gentle persuasion to encourage users to pay a fair share in financing our organization. Landlords and wannabees invest time and money in their colony setups, and a few dollars each year for PMCA dues is a small price to pay, eh?

Do not fret about being "confrontational" in the tone of your request. Sometimes people need a reminder; other times, a kick in the pants.

[Lenora C]

Linda,
2000 is my first year as a PMCA member, gift from Bill. This site is a very good place.
Lenora

[tonyg]

Just ordered mine....( slacked off for a few years) and will continue to do so from here on out.. and Linda you are 150% correct..thanks for reminding me,(and everyone else) what this great organization does for the Martins.. .