Poll: Membership card makeover. Your thoughts?
Posted by BBox | Posted in Members, Membership growth, Uncategorized | Posted on March 4, 2010, 12:57 PM
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*Update: Please note in the original post that “looking at” = “considering,” and nothing more. Also note that cost reduction is one of the reasons we’re looking at a more permanent membership card.*
The above is NOT a proposed membership card — just a very early proof of concept prototype. The point is, based on member feedback, we’re looking at changing our membership cards. No designs yet, but please participate in our poll about what might appear on the card.
We’re looking to create something more colorful and laminated, closer to the thickness of a credit card. It would be durable enough that the ink won’t rub off or stick to anything in your wallet and flashy enough that you may be proud to pull it out of your wallet and show it off. The idea is that this would become your permananent membership card and would not be replaced each year.
As to what information goes on the card, there are several options:
First option: The words “Member Since (date)” could simply appear somewhere on the card. This would appear in place of “Years of Service.”
Second option: We could instead leave a spot on the card for a “Years of Service” sticker. Every year thereafter, your chapter secretary would present you with a new “Years of Service” letter that would include a new sticker that updates your years of service on your membership card.
Third option: Print both the “Member Since (date)” info AND leave a spot for the years of service sticker.
Fourth option: Keep the current cards. (Booo!)
What would you prefer?
Loading ...Can you think of anything else that should or should not appear on the front of the card? (We’ll keep the Society Code of Ethics on the back.)
Your feedback is appreciated!
Manager of Membership Services
A membership card could have a magnetic strip to swipe to record a member’s level of activity. It would help build a dossier for each member: what does he attend? where does he go? what classes has he taken? what stuff does he buy? how active is he at conventions? quarteter? what’s his chapter attendance like? what sub-organizations does he belong to (AHSow etc.)?
So much to learn . . . and the technology is there. Are we looking to gather information or to just produce a card that tells the member what he probably already knows? The more information we have from the members, the better we are prepared to service their needs and to eliminate the extraneous things which we may not even know are extraneous.
Please consider making the membership card more than an ID . . . make it a tool.
Agree with Ev.
Interesting idea, Ev . . .
In over 20 Society years I cannot recall ever actually having USED my card while attending Internationals, Mid-Winters, District conventions, Division events, shopping at Harmony Marketplace, or . . .
Nor do I recall ever having USED my Quartet ID card, come to think of it . . .
I too have been a member off and on for close to thirty years and have never been asked for, or used, my card.
Really save money and not issue them.
Ev,
That is a good idea and I like the flexibility that it could give. However, there are some considerations to implementing a magnetic stripe.
With a magnetic stripe you have a maximum of around 685 bits to work with (about 84 characters). So most implementations only store a number (sometimes encrypted) that fits in those boundaries. In the case of BHS that number can include the membership number and possibly add the chapter number(s) and quartet number(s) the member belongs to.
Since the magnetic stripe itself cannot hold a whole database of information, there has to be an infrastructure set up to be the repository of the information gained. (I think half of the information you mentioned is in ebiz.) The BHS already keeps these kinds of records in a central location, although not all may be computerized. So you would have to link into this central repository from the magnetic stripe readers. This can be done through batch upload from venue sites, but a live connection would be less prone to data loss.
I think that this kind of central repository with the ability to run queries against an automated source like a database can give extremely valuable information to help members. However it can get costly to implement.
A quick Google turned up about $1,400 for a printer to print on the face and back of the card; about $450 for a reliable magnetic stripe reader/writer; $50 for ink for 250 images (front and back on one card would make that 125 cards); and $60 per 500 magnetic stripe blank cards. This puts a cost of around $0.75 a card (including maintenance and replacement of printer and writer).
Making an initial roll out of approximately $21,000 (assuming a membership of 28,000). Then you have to factor in around $80,000-$100,000 a year for the computer programmer who needs to build and maintain the back-end system. IT maintenance and database space can be outsourced to the web hosting company BHS currently uses and probably will not cost any more than they are paying now.
I agree. Implementation would be costly and effective compliance would be improbable.
Nathan, you’re definitely addressing the Society’s costs, but what equipment would a chapter need?
If we give up on having the card store anything more than a database record ID, would barcode scanners be any cheaper than mag stripe?
No tracking, if I a card came to me with such a strip, I would deface it or remove it. No tracking Me.
Dennis
Super idea Ev.
Way to think outside the box, Ev, although I wonder whether a scannable barcode couldn’t do the same thing just as well and more cheaply. Whatever the format, the only information you’d really need to store digitally on the card would be the member number. Everything else could be accessed from a central database by the computer that reads the card.
I LIKE it, Ev! Making the card a tool that would help track activity is a great idea. I would like to see the Men of Note on the card as well, but I guess there is only so many things you can put on at one time.
A colourful card, Member Since …… , tough enough to last for a few years. When it wears out, request a new one, for a small fee.
Save the printing and postage every year. Give Ev a raise…and do it Nau (haha).
Ev, I agree in part; the card should serve more than one purpose. Not sure about it’s use in recording every detail of a member’s activity; sounds a little too close to “big brother.”
We have enough monitoring. I am not in favor of more.
I too have been a barbershopper for 33 years and the only time I was asked to present my card was at district competition. With the new abomination logo on it , I think it should be eliminated.
I agree with EV, if we are going to have a card, lets make it work for us. Could be a very good tool for all concerned, chapters, districts and society.
A couple ideas. One, allow for members to create and print a membership card online. Save tons by not creating credit card-like cards. Depending on the printer, they could use card stock, color or black and white.
Allow them to customize the card to show information important to them, allow them to upload the picture of their choice that would be the background, a favorite quartet, chorus or event or they can select from some options.
In today’s economy, online do-it-yourself cheap is the way to go! Just some ideas.
I like Rogers idea, printing on line would be cheaper and those that do not have access to the web could have the Chapter secretary print it out for them. I like the customizing feature too.
I also agree with Ev, we could have the card track information and even if we don’t have a swipe card we should track a member for what he does. The only thing now you can see is the chapter he is in. When looking up a member you could show a full dossier.
I like the idea of the more permanent credit card style. I like Ev’s idea of the magnetic stripe to record activities. I think the permanent Member Since date and the sticker with Years of Service is great. That way the chapter can give out the stickers with each renewal and use it to recognize membership longevity. I would love to see the Norman Rockwell quartet on the card. Everyone would instantly recognize that. But I suspect there are royalty and copyright issues with that. But it sure would be cool.
I agree that having NR’s quartet is better than any actual ensemble. I am concerned that the years of service sticker would require removal by some abrasive action unless you pasted them all over the card – messy. I would not include a district because people move. Definitely a more distinct logo than the prototype.
Great idea – putting a Quartet (male) back on the card instead of the ‘unisex’ logo! And the idea of double ID
(‘length’ of membership sticker and ‘member since’).
I also think the credit card ‘thickness’ is good idea.
I like John Erickson idea about the Rockell quartet being on the membership card, if a new one is to be developed.
I really do not see much reason for changing however. Why the expense, The card gets such little use.
I do not need any additional thickness to my wallet!
I agree with Jack. I don’t want it any thicker either. Too much stuff in my wallet already! Change to Member Since and keep the one we’ve got and just don’t issue a new one every year.
The only time I’ve ever used mine was to find my membership # to login to the website..
I agree with Charles Tut, I don’t what another plastic card to carry. Keep it the same with member since date only
Hi. Register a quartet – the Rockwell quartet is on quartet cards, and yes, we paid a royalty to put it there. It does look good!
My one negative thought is tracking the expiration of the card. Then again, is it needed. Just a thought.
why not have the card have the member’s photo or the chapter’s photo which can be updated each year at the chapter level?
Would like to see the Barberpole icon on any type card.
In full color. I love that thing!!!!
I’m not in favor of the card with guys pics all over it. I know you said that’s an idea. I’d prefer something more indicative of our musical style. Barberpole is a great idea or musical staff etc. I just agree with using the type picture you have. I do think the card should be changed.
Great idea Ev. Who knows how many uses we may find for this in the future.
I like the idea of having both the ‘Member since’, and years of membership on the card as that would be more accurate for those whose membership had lapsed and rejoined. It could be worded something like;
“25 years of service since 1975.”
using a sticker for # of years is a good idea.
Would the Chapter(s) be listed, and if so, how would changing chapters be handled?
The Rockwell quartet has merit, or possibly quartet with each member dressed in a different era of costume to show the progression of the style from early to present.
One of the MOST IMPORTANT items is how many times we’ve SHARED this Lifestyle with others… so, what happened to tracking Man of Note Awards?!!! Please don’t forget that!
I disagree with Ev. This sounds too much like a Social Security/Medicare card. Don’t you think a someone who is active will be proactive enough to take advantage of all events, opportunities, fun being offered by the society without having a “dossier?” If the member is not active, will the society or district contact him and tell him to be more active or ask him why he is not?
Too big-brotherish….
Ed Schackman
Ed,
Doesn’t the BHS already keep a dossier on every member? Records from purchases, registrations for events, dues payment receipts? I assume not all of these records are computerized, but that does not mean they are not kept.
All of the things I do with the BHS corporate revolves around my membership number (ordering music, registering for events, etc.). This number is itself like a Social Security/Medicare number.
The risk in implementing such a system is that a full automated system with internet connectivity is more vulnerable to attack than a pen and paper system.
(Full Disclosure: I am a computer security professional.)
Yes, Nathan, we do keep it and you can look at it (behind a password protected security screen in eBiz) and yes, it’s tracked by your member number. It mainly contains a record of what you’ve purchased, including your “subscriptions” which are membership dues and Ahsow, etc.
How about making the identification card a nice BHS nametag with a magnetic backing which could be worn at conventions, contests, meetings etc… include the members name in large font, member since, and the small BHS medallion. People might actually use them as opposed to keeping the id card stuffed in the back of their wallet. Maybe?
Now there’s a really good idea! I like it Nate!
With the limited staff we are presently able to support it does not make sense to spend our time designing a new card! New graphics – yes, why not keep it up-to-date in appearence. The card should not be designed to “have big brother” gather a lot of information! Our secretaries provide all the Society HQ needs. A new card every year allows us to have updated information like “Men of Note” number included. The most important, though, is that a new card will not be available for the man that does not renew. How will the proposed card let people know that a man is no longer a paid up member?
Both Ev and Raymond have good ideas to consider. Issueing the card once as a member saves money is wise. If the magnetic strip is used and an event cannot read it, you could still use the Member #. Keep the Code of Conduct on the back like you mentioned. Cheers!
I like to idea of having both the Member Since date and a spot for updated Years of Service. But, like Ray Schwartskopf said, I would also like to see the Man of Note Awards kept, especially for those of us who have more the 1 (man of note), I have 14. I agree that there needs to be an update done of the membership card.
Jerry Neeman
I would like to see either a special designation or a different design for Life members. Right now, those of us with Life membership actually have 2 cards. It would be nice to have just one, but that also “shows off” the Life membership. Perhaps a gold background, or a gold border.
I like Ev’s idea of a more permanent card. The cardstock cards we get now sit in the back of the wallet and in warmer climes can deteriorate. Also nice to have the magnetic strip for member info. Print a Member Since date AND allow space for a number of service years. That way, you don’t have to update it every year. Nothing wrong with using the same Norman Rockwell barbershop pic we have on the VISA card.
If we were to stick with an annual cardstock card, why not put the gold medalist quartet, chorus, collegiate quartet or senior quartet for that year on the front? Give them a boost for a year. The society is arranging the photos so the quality could be controlled.
The cost of printing is such that it would be cost-prohibitive to individualize pictures on the membership cards. They need to be standardized as they are now. But the cost isn’t much more to have up to four pictures from which to choose by the member. Just a thought.
I like the sample provided, however there is no mention of the Society. Also, the years of service doesn’t seem needed. Arem’t we all able to figure that one out? I do agree that a problem exists in knowing when a member is no longer a member. Could the card be returned to the chapter with other chorus property?
Whatever change is made I believe there should be a visual reference to a quartet as well as a chorus – Some members have joined to quartet while other only for the chorus experience, but both need to be comfortable and there needs to be an implication by including both that a member can go from one to the other
i’d like to have a card, since i’ve not received one in about 4-5 years.
Lance – All chapter membership cards are mailed to your Chapter Secretary. I receive a few each month for our chapter and distribute them at the next chapter meeting. Check with your Chapter Secretary.
If you attend Chapter meetings regularly, and you STILL have not been receiving your updated cards, ask your
Chapter Secretary where he has them stored.
In regard to the BHS membership card…The present format is fine…don’t start sending stickers to start adding to it. The present color combination is not desireable at all.
Go to a blue and white card with red and white barber polls down each side like you now have. Colorful and it looks like the BHS. You can add whatever electronis stuff per Ev Nau if you desire, but get rid of the current color design… Thanks
Anyone else with back trouble? Fat wallets are the number one cause. I won’t carry it if it’s thick.
I carry mine in my front pocket.
Membership Services, your priorities are out of whack.
After being a member for 28 years, I let my membership lapse on Dec 31st 2009 since I can no longer sing and perform. If my understanding is correct, the BHS had the time and talents to come up with a membership card for Associate Members, which totally excludes those of us with permanent disabilities like my Parkinson’s. In late December I addressed this issue in an e-mail to the RMD President, The Board Member representing the RMD, the BHS Membership Services, and the Society President. I received a nice e-mail back from Mr. Bill Biffle, Society President, basically stating that they, HQ, have not come up with guidelines for allowing men to become Associate Members.
Now I find that the Membership Services is more concerned about how the card looks than it is in finding a way to allow those of us who can no longer sing too become Associate Members. Although no longer a member, I still do whatever I can to help the Chapter I had belonged to.
With the current concern over how the membership card should look, I am now even more convinced, in my opinion, that this is what I’m hearing between the lines from the guys in HQ; ‘You’ve sung your time, you’ve paid your dues for 28 years, now get the hell out, this is a singing organization. How the card looks is more important that you old guys.’
Sincerely,
A man who would like to be an Associate Member.
Howie Vroman, former member # 141626
This is a little off-topic, but I thought the Associate program was designed specifically as a way to include women and provide some official status for them in what’s otherwise a men’s organization. The reason it’s not open to men is because men have the option of full membership. That’s true whether you sing and perform or not.
If your chapter is telling you that you can’t be a member because you’re not performing, I’m afraid they’re mistaken. My chapter has many members who don’t sing with our performing chorus, and some who don’t sing at all anymore. They renew their membership because they still feel a connection to our chapter, just as you clearly still feel a connection to yours.
Whether you sing or not shouldn’t affect your membership in your chapter or the Society. Nobody wants you to leave just because you can’t perform, especially after 28 years of dedicated service!
Noah…. How dare you make an assumption that my chapter suggested I leave? I never even implied that! Nobody, I repeat, NOBODY in my chapter even suggested in any way that I should not sing and perform.
I myself made the determination that I can not sing and perform any longer due to the effects of my Parkinson’s.
1. I suggest that you take some time to learn at least a little about Parkinson’s.
2. Your assumption that just because you can afford to pay full dues means that all of us can is wrong. Some of us are living from retirement and Social Security checks with thousands of dollars in bills to pay. We have sold off a second car, are selling off family items and more just to get by since our bills are more than our income.
3. Yes, I know there is a program where others can help pay the dues of others. But I don’t want that. It’s the principle of the thing.
4. Since the BHS only wants my full dues, even though I can no longer sing and perform, my only conclusion is that it’s all about the money.
5. Code of Ethics. Ref # 1: Read it! Perhaps the membership numbers would stop going down if there was an Associate Membership for men who drop out for reasons like mine. I thoroughly believe this ball is being dropped my the BHS HQ Staff. Let the women have their Associate status, but also let some of us men have an Associate Membership.
SOCIETY
TYPE MEMBER CLASS DUES
L5 Life Member with 50 yrs of service $0.00
LF Life Member $0.00
LS Life Senior-70 years old $0.00
R5 Regular Member with 50 yrs of service $101.00
RG Regular Member $101.00
S5 Senior Member with 50 yrs of service $0.00
SL Senior Legacy-70 yrs old with 10 yrs of service $55.50
SN Senior Member-New,70 yrs old with 10 yrs of service $75.75
Y1 New Member under 26 yrs old,1st yr member $0.00
Y2 Existing Member under 26 yrs old after 1st year $55.50
I agree with Howard Vrooman’s comments. Although I have only been a member of the Society since 2000, I feel as though I have finally found a “home” Have been singing for many years, although not in an “organized” capacity. I should have started this fifty years ago. Nothing wrong with my voice yet, although my knees and back are starting to give me some problems. I find it difficult to stay on the risers for three hours at a time, but I still love to participate. I can forsee a time when I will have to drop out, simply because of physical capacities, but would love to remain a member of the society in some way, shape or form, hopefully at a reduced cost.
Two thoughts…
1. Many chapters have an emeritus status, which could help address your issue, although it doesn’t address the Society-dues end of things.
2. I wouldn’t take this to specficially mean they aren’t looking at your situation for associate. I’m sure there is a lot to consider (any risk of “getting the milk for free” for those NOT in your situation needs to be considered carefully).
This appears to be more of a one-time effort to eliminate future annual work instead of simply being a artistic overhaul.
I thank you for continuing to support your chapter even though your particular situation has you residing in a grey area.
Howard Vroman reply really hits home. I also believe there are more important issues than a “card”. As Roger says, “do it yourself at home” and have the powers that be figure out how to have associate membership/non singing membership/people that still want to feel like they belong membership.
Really, it’s just a card.
And bring back to “old” logo……
An old fashion quartet and a barberpole should be on the face of the card. That prototype looks like any other male singing group. In fact, some of those men look like they are in pain, but that is a reflection of the current BHS “Holloywood Production Sound.”
Why we ever let a man who ran a bowling company change our name, look, membership card and more is beyond me. Anyone ever hear the name Professor Harold Hill?
Who the heck cares!
I think Ev’s idea is ok for those that use the Society for it fullest measure. There are those that can not finacially afford to use all the events that are available. So if you have a card for those that can, what kind of a card will be available for the rest that can’t. With Ev’s idea every chapter will have to have a scanner so all will no when we go to Chapter meetings, hey it’s a great attendence device. Maybe, not evryone wants there to a record of his life.
Then again how are you going to capture the past records of the members. It’s seems unfair to have to “Start all over” for some new “CARD?”.
So put our Name on it,The year we started, the length of time we’ve been in ,The chapters we belong to, Man of Note record and leave it go at that. A Barberpole is good.
I agree with allowing us to print our own card on line at the time we pay our dues on line. The on line payment would authenticate the printing of the card. There should also be the option for those members that do not have computers to mail in their check and have a membership card mailed to them (the same type of card we have now).
Personally, I can’t stand the look of the new membership cards when compared to the older tri-colored cards with the SPEBSQSA logo in the top left.
So I created my own version on my computer. it looks ALMOST exactly like the tri-colored card from a few years ago, but apparently I was WAY ahead of the membership people.
I was tired of the flimsy card that wouldn’t hold up in my pocket (I used a money clip instead of a wallet), so I wanted a slightly smaller version that, when laminated, was the same size as a credit card. I changed the “years of service” spot to say “member since”, so that I would have a permanent card that wouldn’t have to be updated every year. I also left the old SPEBSQSA logo on my version of the card since I still can’t stand the new logo, when compared to the older one. My version of the card, which looks like it could have come from the society, will last for years, and in my opinion, looks better than the current membership card.
If I would have joined the society since the new cards were sent out, I probably wouldn’t care, but since I’ve been around since the older versions, and the older logo, I wasn’t going to just settle for a card that looks worse (in my opinion) than the card they used to have.
Just my thoughts:
Guru
I don’t know why we have to go to the expense of having a card at all. Let’s simply send a thank you note and call it good.
Now there’s a money saving idea. We don’t use it for much anyway!
I like the idea of a more durable card, but I hope it wouldn’t be too difficult nor expensive to replace it. Even durable cards seem to fall apart for me (I need new credit cards, etc., after two or three years, regardless whether they’ve expired).
Thanks,
Ben McDaniel
Air Capital Chorus
Prairie Fire
We Go to 11
Sorry to be the penny pincher but is this change for the sake of change? Put the society’s financial resources to better use.
Thank you -member since 1978
For the record, the only thing I find my membership card useful for is looking up my membership id when I have to log into e-biz since I’m not allowed to use a familiar user name. Beyond that, I pose these questions for this and any other action being considered by the society:
1 – How does this action foster the formation and development of new, successful chapters in the society?
2 – How does this action help the chapters to succeed, to learn, to attract new members and to preserve and encourage barbershop style quartet (and chorus) singing in America (and the world)?
When those chapter-centric questions are answered satisfactorily, then the action is worth taking. Otherwise, it’s just fluff.
I feel the years of service recognition on the card is of importance. It gives the secretary an opportunity to recognize individual members. If guests are present the years of service illustrate the value that member gives to being involved in barbershopping. Particularly in these current times, an individual does not remain actively involved in an activity unless they are deriving some benefit from it.
The costs of laminating your card is minimal if you are concerned with durability.
Let me see……. I pay my dues, receive my membership card, look at it to verify the information, and then place it in my wallet, where it doesn’t see the light of day until the following year when I receive my new card.
With that being said, if I had a reason to frequently use my card and display it for various purposes that might attract new members or generate questions about our hobby, then I would have say the membership card definitely needs to be changed.
I don’t mean to sound negative, but in this period of reduced manpower and increased costs, I would rather have the card remain as is, and would suggest that the BHS staff’s knowledge and manhours be applied to more productive pursuits.
I agree with STEVE ALBERT in Bloomington, and couldn’t have said it better…….LEAVE IT ALONE!
Both member since date and years of service are good. There should also be the number of men of note on the card.
Yup, a thicker card, and let us choose logos
(Yeah, “Not again!!”)
Having a more “permanent” card such as a plastic credit card has its advantages. However, it would need to be a one time, or at least once in so many years type of card.
Adding the magnetic stripe to it adds some problems in its own right. If you include positions held within the chapter, district, Society, etc. would require changing yearly. If all of that needs to be on the stripe, it can be done on a card stock type of card. And the information on that stripe is only replacing the raised letter type of cards we all needed in the past.
I like the idea of the years of service sticker except that those wear off (unless they are like the stickers on your license plates), member since date, and another sticker for man of note.
I think that the redoing of the present card into a more permanent card is good in that it shows more worth when and if you use it for something. That’s one rub for me. As it is now, what’s it worth to me? It proudly takes space in my wallet, as does my quartet card, but that’s really all. It needs to be made worth having in some way.
As far as actual look and design, all I can say is that it needs to be very distinctive. With credit cards and the like having many different designs available, our membership card needs to boldly stand out fro all the rest. What will grab the attention of people who steal my wallet into wanting to return it and come join our fraternity of happy singers?
I’m a nearly 20 year member. I can’t imagine what the value would be of creating some kind of flashy card. It goes in my wallet or Barbershop music bag until I dig it our next year to replace it. My Boy Scouts of America membership card is just card stock and serves it’s purpose just fine. Like many others have posted, you need to find better things to spend the society’s time on than redesigning something that’s not broke. Like the gentleman that wants to be an associate member because he can’t sing anymore, fix his problem first.
John Parker
Former Twin Mountain Tonesman, SWD
Former Tulsa Founders Chorus, SWD
Current President Aurora Lamplighters, Illinois
PS. We still need help finding a director after over a year and yes we asked for help…
I agree with option A but without any ‘years of service’ reference, which is a little haughty (this is a hobby after all, where we are supposed to get a lot out of and ‘serve’ voluntarily) and silly (since many of us perform little ‘service’ really, and that is not a criticism, just a fact. It is not a ‘service’ to attend a singout and do something you love to do.) And ‘years of service’ is redundant if we have ‘member since’ — simple arithmetic has not changed over the decades. If the members are told he is a member since 1974, do we need to have a sticker or another line saying, by the way, that is 36 years, and that is a long time? Yes, a new card is necessary each year just to show that the member is currently a member, not that he was one back in 1999 and who knows since? And handing out a renewal card once a year is an affirmation of our involvement and gives every member that moment of recognition that is important. Why do we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries? Lamination could be an option requested at time of renewal, but the thin one now works fine for me, who like many has little reason to remove it from the membership cards area of my wallet. And re the comments about why change at all, or let’s put the old and old-fashioned symbols on the card — folks, you are vastly outnumbered, and you are not the future of the society, sorry to say. I am 60, and I also am not the future of the society. It is more constructive to the future of the society you say you support to accept the incontrovertible — that the future of the society lies in attracting a new generation of membership, and that using stale stuff from the 1930s will lead to our oblivion.
In this day and age, a bar code can be done, Bar code print with out the fuss of a magnetic stripe, and can trigger everything the strip hase done and more. Bar cade can be read much more economically than mag stripe as well, But I love the Idea of a nice presentable card, With a picture, and info.
I agree a more durable card with “member since” and years of service would be nice. I might even carry it then, so if I ever needed it (lol) I would have it at hand.
Seriously, the membership card of a barbershop quartet (and chorus) society should have graphics which are recognizable symbols of the group (i.e. barberpole, Norman Rockwell Quartet). As for the magnetic strip, I think it would only serve a small percentage of our members (less than 25%) and would not be worth the investment in time and equipment.
Good morning,
Thank you ALL for your wonderful comments!
The idea is that this membership card would be a more durable and permanent card that wouldn’t have to be replaced on a yearly basis.
We haven’t made any decisions WHATSOEVER about this “new card” or if there will even be one, hence the reason for the poll.
We wanted to see how you all felt about the idea. The “flashiness” of the card is really the least important aspect of the potential redesign. My goal was to find a way to save money and STILL produce a durable, good-looking membership card that you would be proud to carry and show off when you are bringing in those new members.
Please continue to give us feedback. We take into account everything that is posted. This is about YOU and what you would like to see happen.
So just to clarify one more time, the idea is to actually SAVE money, but still produce a sturdy, good-looking card that you are proud to show off.
In reply to the Bocca Box last comment. “We haven’t made any decisions WHATSOEVER about this “new card” or if there will even be one,…” Yet in the guidance for this pole at the top, you already show your dislike for the current card with the statement; “Fourth option: Keep the current cards. (Booo!)” Just makes me think that HQ has already decided to make a card change, but just not what to.
Please forgive me for using pole vs. poll. Just another thing that Parkinson’s can do to you.
Restating the thoughts of others. What is the member card used for? Right now, nothing outside the society competitions! Why not give us some reason to flash it to non-members? I used the old credit card just to elicit comment and to publicize society activities. I quit using it when the Rockwell quartet was down-sized to obscurity. Add a logo, a barber pole, the Rockwell portrait – some pizazz.
The only change I almost demand is lamination so the print doesn’t separate or stick in your wallet.
Jack,
A laminated card that won’t separate or stick to your wallet is #2 on my list right under “most cost effective production.”
We need to make the NEW card a tool that allows what Ev stated but more importantly, we need to be able to ‘flash’ the card instead of keeping the card in our bulging wallets. I don’t need another credit card BUT if this card was in fact a card that we could use at BHS functions for purposes of attendance AND for updating with years of service, I would carry it. Color with photos of singers in their 20′ & 30″s would be perfect as a tool for recruitment
Interesting results – If our quartet memberships were renewed simultaneously with our Chapter/Society memberships, it would make some sense to combine that information on one card – doesn’t work that way.
Adding the number of men-of-note awards would be a good idea
Grant Goodfellow
use the least costly option.
I like the idea of a more permanent card, but anything would be better than the glossy card we have now. As several have said, the ink comes off, the color comes off, I now have a plastic sleeve in my wallet with permanent information on it, even though I can no longer read the card. On the other hand, the plain paper Social Security card that I received in 1975, is just now starting to fade, but still reads just fine, and has not once stuck to the back of my drivers license, even though I just had to peel my BHS membership card off the back of it.
Perhaps a permanent type card, and make available a lanyard with a display sleeve so that the membership card could be used like a Name tag at conventions. In that case, include Member Since info on the card and have a spot for updated men of note stickers.
I don’t think we really need to worry about expiration, since it is not likely someone will try to use an “old” card for nefarious purposes, likely singing great music illicitly.
I have to say, my chapter makes the presentation of a new member card something of an event, a chance to read out how many years a member has been with the society. Having a new card to hand out allows us to celebrate each additional year that a singer is with us, and pay respect to those who have been around for 20, 30 and 50 years.
That said, I think that this is really the only purpose a member card serves. As many have pointed out, it goes in the wallet never to be seen again. A card that doesn’t make a mess in your wallet would be a plus, but spending more resources on a card that’s intended to be permanent seems like a waste. It removes the ritual of getting a new card every year, at which point I’m hard pressed to say why we have the card at all.
As for barcodes and magnetic strips, I’m not sure what we would use them for. Do we want to spend money on the infrastructure required to read the cards? Under what circumstances would a member’s card be swiped? Seems like using technology for technology’s sake, rather than actual utility.
My best suggestion would be to redesign the card to make it durable enough to last a year, but not go for anything permanent. Stickers are just a pain (my university uses them semester after semester, and they’re nothing but trouble), and simply saying “Member since” doesn’t do justice to the number of years guys have been singing (plus it forces us to do math).
If we’re looking to save costs to offset a higher quality card, then how about combining cards? I currently have a membership card for two choruses and my quartet; I would much rather have a single card that lists all my memberships, my total years in the society, and my member number. Something that would work as a name badge is a great idea to turn the member card into something useful, but given that our current name badges cost $5 a pop my guess is that this can’t be done economically.
Sorry Guys, but to those who are using this as a forum to be critical about how our Membership Services people are spending their time and resources, I don’t think we can jump to conclusions that just because Membership Services are exploring options for a new card that they are not concurrenly working on other valuable and important issues such as developing a provision for “Associate” membership, retention of members, recruitment, and strengthening our chapter structure, so please, let’s stick to the subject.
Sorry to be sorry, but I’m Canadian Eh!
My view, with respect to the membership card, which I’ve proudly carried for 32 years, is that it is my proof of membership in our great society. I think it should continue to contain the important information of:
Member Name,
Member Number
Years of Membership (rather than service)
Although I prefer “proud member since…1978″
Man of Note awards
and – very important – Expiry Date
Chapter and District Association would also be nice.
Perhaps the member’s District Logo could be printed on the bottom half of the card, along with their other information.
I like to get a new card every year from my Chapter Secretary and have my continued committment to our hobby announced in front of my brothers in harmony. Sure, each chapter could make a point of simply announcing the name of members who re-new, but as long as our contest and judging rules require that only members in good standing may compete, I like to have the proof in my pocket.
I just can’t see any way of doing that without re-issuing every year. The current material is certainly durable enough for a single year (after which it is reverently added to my collection of other barbershop memorabilia)
Of course, a permanent card would be the perfect way to recognize “Life Members” (wish I’d done THAT thirty years ago)
I don’t think my “official Membership Card” needs to be flashy. I have assorted name tags, pins, awards and medals to do that, along with “Wanna Sing” and Chapter and Quartet cards that I can give away freely to prospective members
I think Ev’s suggestion for a magnetic stripe card has some great potential – Good one Ev! – but I don’t think it fits squarely in the parameters of this discussion. I think it might be better introduced in the form of a “Barbershop Reward Miles” kind of program.
I’d sign up for that.
Sing-cerely
Rod McKenzie
Lots of ideas out there. IF we could incorporate them all the card would be too big. You can only fold something 8 times and I don’t have pockets that big. What do I use my card for? Let me count the ways:
Proof of membership for current year (a requirement for competing, assuming it’s ever checked);
Personal pride;
Breaking and entering my home when I can’t find my key (actually, it’s too soft, but that’s a pro for a stiffer card stock);
So far, one good reason.
In all honesty, the chapter secretary should be confirming current membership status of each member prior to contests. It is ultimately the members’ responsibility to be up-to-date but we don’t want to risk DQing so I default to the secretary.
Those out there with a gender identity crisis need to get over it regarding the logo. I’ve never encountered being confused with a SAI member, not even when I wore my hair in a ponytail (ok, studtail). An interactive card that members can upload their choice of personalized graphics to will establish a need for a regulatory arm of the society to approve/censor card designs. There is plenty of freedom for that on the internet if anyone wants to play around on their own website or FB account, etc.
More seriously, if we don’t already have a central repository of all members’ CVs – men-of-note, years of active service/membership, chapter affiliation, society subsidiary memberships (ASHOW, Brigades, etc.), singing part(s), … – we should be concentrating more energy toward resolving that.
I’m in favor of a card with a single, one-code-fits-all needs if it’s cost effective in producing the cards. It really only needs to link via membership number to that single database to confirm current status wherever the card would be used for verification purposes. If, however, I could use my card toward discounts at participating establishments (there might be a marketing opportunity here…) then by all means design the card key to contain significant data that a card reader can access…NYC subway, the MET, Carnegie Hall, Six Flags, Disney World, etc.
Please, no stickers that have to be peeled off/ stuck on every year. Even the DMV has gotten rid of the windshield emissions sticker.
>>>>>More seriously, if we don’t already have a central repository of all members’ CVs – men-of-note, years of active service/membership, chapter affiliation, society subsidiary memberships (ASHOW, Brigades, etc.), singing part(s), … – we should be concentrating more energy toward resolving that.<<<<<
We have that now.
As a young person (16 years old) who is starting to take interest into what the Society is doing, here is my humble opinion based on the info I see above:
1. I would definitely make the card thicker so that it will not have to be replaced every year, but on the flip side, do not forget that a card also expires each year. So maybe have it so the expiration says, for example, Expires June 30 of each year, or something like that. Also have it say “A proud member since (date).”
2. Someone mentioned a barcode above, why not just use the Membership # that each member has? I like having the name of the District on the card, but also have the Chapter # on the card, as I did not even know that a such thing existed until I saw it on the card.
3. Have it so that it can enable SOMETHING on the Ebiz or for your membership, what I do not know. We need to have a more active use in both areas. Because for some people, myself included, the Ebiz site is a place you go to once a year to renew your membership and that is all.
4. If you have stickers, make sure you can take them off so a new one can be put on each year, which may be a hassle for some people, myself included.
5. Have the current Society logo on but please have a REAL barberpole on the card too. Not these modernized versions of the barberpole that you see everywhere, but the “classic” barberpole design, for that is the real “mascot” of barbershopping.
One question though, do we really need to redesign the card? It seems to me like there are more important things for the Society board to be discussing than redesigning something that has almost no use as we speak. We should be discussing, how do we get promotion to the chapters that are on their last leg of life, which have a proud history behind them, and get them to stay afloat? All “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts” aside, I do like the idea of a new card.
The idea of a credit card makes good sense. The “rewards” portion of each purchase would go to the Society. I would use it. For those who don’t want to activate the credit card, the could still use it as a membership card.
Having a credit card is fine for some people. However some, like me, do not own a credit card, or would ever use one. It’s cash (not OC) and carry. I know I’m not alone in that.
Some of you know I was with Membership for 2.5 yrs. at HQ, so I know exactly what’s involved in each of the calls, the printing of cards, the mailing, etc. This is a GREAT idea to have more permanent cards. They could save a ton of money for the Society. We almost redesigned them before I left in July 2009, but it was an expense we didn’t need to go through; especially since we’d just spent big money reordering the 40,000 cards we currently send out.
Ev’s idea of a magnetic strip is a good one. Validation stickers could be issued at conventions and by request from HQ – to put on your card, showing your membership. Nothing would change from a C & J perspective; they never look at cards anyway really. If you ARE a current member, you get member pricing on events and goods. If not; you don’t.
When we made the Associate cards, Becca Box herself was the graphic artist (and frankly, they look WAY better than the membership cards). She is invested in BHS, and knows what she’s talking about with this. Cards, requests for new ones, and continual calls to HQ for the cards are a problem we don’t need to have.
But there does have to be a way members have those cards. Roger Ross’s idea is a great one as well.
While I like the idea of a credit card sized membership card, if you get only one permanent card, how will they know at Contests if you’ve paid up your dues in order to compete? Isn’t that what our current membership card proves?
I suppose that could be done with annual validation stickers, as has been suggested. That seems fairly inelegant, though. You’d have to mail out the stickers just like you mail out the current cards (although they would be smaller), they could peel off, and they could leave glue or some kind of buildup on the card itself. It’d depend a lot on the execution.
No, Dave, the card is not used at contest. Chapters are required to certify that all members are current-paid up members when they send their entry to a contest.
Quartets are checked by the District CJ Chair and his committee if necessary.
The card is not used.
Just an FYI.
With a magnetic strip it could be used with card readers to validate contestants at contests.
Districts could also save money on printing registration badges if there was a way to put a hole/slot for wearing your card as a badge at District and International Events.
With a magnetic strip away of doing tickets and seating assignments would be possible.
…or, registration could key in a member id number and get an up-to-date status. Isn’t that the same thing as swiping a card to save 6 keystrokes for a lot less investment?
I like Ev’s idea about using the card to let the society know what joe barbershop singer is attending which can tell the society what service the society can present to joe barbershop singer.
Quite frankly, much ado about nothing, repeated for emphasis, much ado about nothing.
I cannot recall a time when there was a need to flash the membership or quartet card. Agree that it could/should be of a more permanent quality and not paper reissued each year.
Save some bucks.
The card is fine except for the color. I’ve been laminating all my cards from all my orgainizatios very easily and efficiently. I use Scotch tape. Works fine. I don’t see any positive use for a magnetic strip.
Members like to be recognized for their “# of years” and they often like to have a way to display it. I would lke to be issued a more permanant plastic card – like a hotel key w/o a magnetic strip. On the anniversary of renewal a letter should be presented with a a peel off sticker with the “# of years” to apply to the card or onto a Chapter issued “Name Badge.”
Dave, C & J guys for the districts check the memberships of the competitors prior to contest. They do it online, and especially for quartets, it’s easier to do. With Choruses, it’s more difficult to manage, b/c they do not require card-check at the door. There have been many illegal singers through the years, but if they simply check the list and check cards, it would all take care of itself.
The real issue is the use of it as a tool, which Ev brought up. That is a great opportunity; have districts purchase 16 scanners, use them at conventions, festivals, leadership academies. Could be a great tool to measure attendance, marketing trends, and merchandise sales.
A card with a magnetic strip needs to be issued only once. No stickers, nothing else. When you swipe the card, the computer will know if your dues are paid . . . and if they are, fine. If not, your particular use of the card is not recorded until such time as the dues are paid.
We are seeing lots of information in this discussion alone that shows a need for a system like this. How many times have we read instances where guys are arguing for a point from a specific chapter without any knowledge of the global wishes of the Society?
No one wants the staff to become Big Brother, nor does anyone want to make changes just for the sake of making changes. The idea of a card used as a tool to gather information, check attendance, validate programs, conduct opinion polls, etc. is one that can have exceptional value. When we know what the members want, and not just THINK we know, then we can provide it and move in a more unified direction.
Just changing the colors of the membership card is a lot like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Ev, what would you think about the possibility of a barcode, rather than a magnetic stripe? It might be more durable (wouldn’t wear out from repeated use) and I would imagine that barcode scanners are cheaper than magstripe readers, and easier to connect to a standard laptop computer. Haven’t done the research, of course, but just guessing.
If we wanted to be REALLY slick, we could even use Radio Frequency ID (RFID) chips that can be read or written just by tapping the card against a reader. I imagine that would be the most expensive option, though.
I like the way you’re thinking, but the technological options are wider than just a magnetic stripe. Heck, I use at least three RFID cards/chips every day — to get into my office, to get into my building, and to get on the subway — and my credit cards have them, too. They’re fast and simple.
I think the present card is fine. It is more durable than the old cardboard ones. You can add “member since 1957″ if you want to. Date stickers are impractical; they will gradually increase the thickness of the card and will probably become sticky or come off and make a mess. My state used to use stickers on our automobile plates and they were always a mess; they finally gave up the idea! I think a magnetic strip is overkill;I have never had to display mine in 53 years except to look for my membership number or to check the code of ethics to make a point. Magnetic strips would require the purchase of card readers for all venues where they might be used. Save a lot of money and hassle. Keep it simple.
I prefer Years of Service, rather than Member Since. For the record, I have pulled out my card many times to show others. I have never been embarassed to do so on account of “flimsiness”.
Also, please do not get rid of the Man of Note awards. I am very proud of mine, as it is my way of remembering a close friend I lost.
+j
I have no objection to the change. I think the card shown is fine. The card could be issued once if it is jplastic and a written renewal could be given to the chapter each year. A magnetic strip could keep the card valid or not.
I thought Becca was polling to see if we basically want “Years of Service” vs. “Member Since”. If so, I think Years of Service is more appropriate since some members feel they have to drop out of the society for a time, for one reason or another.
My only minor complaint about the current card is the material they’re made of that makes the card stick to everything else in my wallet. Then again, this makes it easy to find my quartet card, which is usually stuck to the back of my Society card!
Ideas for debit/credit cards, mag stripes, etc., are overkill. Lance’s Law: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Lykins’ Corollary: “If it ain’t broke too bad, don’t fix it the same way.”
Plastic “credit card style” card, with “member since XXXX”, with magnetic stripe (for use when checking in at conventions, etc), re-issued every 3-5 years (since they will wear out with use; maybe three years is better, and matches what the credit card companies do).
If you use the card at conventions, you can also save the money used to print the convention name tags. Just hand out a plastic carrier for the new card. As long as the member name is prominently displayed on the card (readable from 3 feet), it can take the place of what we use now.
If we’re only using them a few times per year, I would think we could extend replacement quite a bit. Perhaps as much as 10 years.
A new, sturdy, plastic card would be great, but NO messy stickers! I would like to see it with something that looks like the fun, nostalgic Society that I joined in 1977, whether it would be the Norman Rockwell quartet, a barber pole, or my favorite, the old SPEBSQSA logo. “Member since” would be better if you only replace the card every 5 years. The “men of note” notation is good, too. I still believe the answer to our declining membership problems is looking at each of us in the mirror every day. When I talk to a new prospect, I would love to show him my colorful membership card. The one I have now is not shown to anyone.
Thanks for asking for our opinion. It’s great to be a barbershopper!
I think whatever the outcome of the decision is, I definitely agree that more needs to be done with the cards. I realized when I thought about it that the only time I pull the member or quartet card out of my wallet is to put the new one in.
Imagine the paper we’d save and the headaches it would cure for the registrars of BHS events if instead of having to print cards for each member attending, if the members just showed their member card when they signed in and then put the card into the plastic holder that goes around your neck instead. I’m sure there are other uses that would have as beneficial results too.
While I think in theory, the magnetic stripe or barcode sounds great. It would allow benefits of easy tracking and registering for sure. However, I would be concerned that the added equipment, programming and monitoring that would add would use up any cost savings if not cost more, not to mention the logistical problems that keeping track of something like that would entail.
I am also definitely in favour of finding a system that reduces the amount of time, money and paper that sending out the new cards every year entails. I know the guys really enjoy getting pulled up to the front of the chorus to get congratulated on being ‘one year older’, but I can’t help but think that there must be a paperless way to do that. (sending out stickers would be no more cost effective and would be messy and rough looking)
I guess in short, I have no issue with the card I have now, or the credit card version being suggested, but I would like to see them sent out only every 3 or 5 years and used for much more than they are now.
As to the grapics, good luck on that one. There have been so many good suggestions, I myself can’t decide!
My wallet space is pretty precious to me. I don’t like any more cards in there than absolutely necessary. I have been a member for 9 years and have never been asked to show my card so I no longer carry it. Unless you can show me a reason to carry a card, I think it is a waste of money. All I need is a membership number which I write in a list of numbers I keep.
I totally agree with Mark Larsen. I really don’t need any more plastic to carry around. As a 26 year member (and i have most of my old pieces of paper), I don’t need to write my Member Number down anywhere. Having a sticker to peel off and reapply each year is silly (and messy).
The fact that the Society has always used the “year in” concept, which is somewhat confusing, having member since the first processing date would be clearer. But of course, what do you do for lapses? i.e. “Member for 10 years, since March 15, 1985.”
Looking over this topic and seeing the interest in saving money, why not have HQ send renewal information to chapter secretary instead of individual member and process the renewals at the same time so all the renewal cards go to secretary at once instead of one now, then two, etc. The Secretary could send all information at once.
Wow a lot of ideas and commentary. A new card would be great as long as it becomes a necessary tool when ever we attend events, make purchases etc. Bottom line however is to keep it simple and inexpensive.
Not completely sold on the magnetic stripe just because those can wear out and would need replacing. I have problems with my debit cards going that way already.
I leaned towards the sticker idea because it would give a way for people to look at the year and sticker and easily know it’s a current card. I like what Ev suggests to a point as long as it is helpful overall. Anyway, I’m sure that you’ll decide the right thing. I’m not so attached to any one idea that I’m going to complain (much) 
.
The change I most wish for is ink that doesn’t transfer to wallet windows.
I favor the magnetic strip or similar data encoding device. Properly designed and used, they can save many volunteer hours now used tallying attendance and similar tasks, and would allow accumulation of useful statistical information. Those who wish could opt out, but I think in the era of the ubiquitous Internet it is a vain hope that one is anonymous.
Looking at the illustrative concept I prefer the District name to be written out. I dislike the trigraphs (DIX, MAD, CAR); they come to me as abbreviations, which I think inappropriate on membership cards.
I prefer symbols and icons to photographs.
Using “Member since” instead of “Years of Service” makes it unnecessary to explain why at the end of one year of service you get a card that says 2 years of service.
Tom hit the nail on the head: the current “years of service” isn’t years of service at all, it’s “years of dues paid”. Our “pay a year ahead” dues collection is already very difficult to explain to new members. The money-saving 18-months-for-the-price-of-12 introductory dues structure is even more complicated to explain. Handing a guy a “1 year of service” card when he joins just makes the whole dues scheme seem crazier.
Some folks are saying years of service accounts for lapses in membership in a way that “member since” can’t. I wish I had a better solution for that than stickers.
There are so many comments here, that I probably missed someone else saying this, but Member Since doesn’t work for many of us who joined, then took some time off.
I joined the Society (with Buckeye) in 1976, but career, etc. stepped in and I had to drop out after 8 years. I now am into my 17th year in this fantastic organization after getting back in first with the great Concord (NH) Coachmen, and now the amazing Land of the Sky (Asheville) Chapter.
Ev makes an interesting point. I like the idea of a durable, functional card that can be used to track participation in schools, conventions, activities, etc. As it is, my card stays hidden in my wallet from year to year. You could possibly combine the membership card with the quartet card. Would that save money?
I live in the desert year around, play golf every week, and always carry a wallet. My current card is in my “dress up” wallet. My previous card goes in my “golfing” wallet, which regularly gets perspiration-soaked. The old membership card is still readable, and I occasionally do show it to prospective barbershoppers, if I’m recruiting at the golf course. So, why change? Perhaps the card should be revised to provide a more attractive one, but why spend money on that? Bottom line: The mailing cost is prohibitive and might be unnecessary, too. Couldn’t a printable card be emailed to me, the Secretary, and be presented to the proud member by me? We would receive the renewal card more quickly, too. The Society is to be commended for asking the membership to respond to this poll.
BOTH “Member since (date)” AND a spot for an updated “Years of Service” sticker.
Plus: change the background to white and so that the 4 colors of the facial profiles and the BHS “title” will show up a little better.
Also, it does not have to be as thick as a credit card. I get discount cards on plastic from Firestone and Staples that are about as thick as a playing card, and they are pretty durable.
While I’m on the soapbox, I don’t see a real need or ROI on putting any date on a magnetic stripe on this card.
See there are a multitude of comments already. BUT, would like to see our Society “Logo” taken care of, also !! FIVE lines on the usual staff, please ~~~~~
The prior ideas to both include Years of Service, and Member Since features are fine. Seems like a permanent card (maybe plastic) but, with the ability for US to print it ourselves – instead of involving HQ personnel – is the way to go. And, a prior responder suggests choices on-line, to pick our own different features to the card. That way, we’d be even more proud to display it.
Keep it simple. Leave out the member since date and don’t provide a years of service sticker. Member name, number and chapter would be enough. Cards would be permanent but you could not tell from a card if membership was current.
If you must be able to tell if membership is current then keep the current card. I hate stickers. Send new cards to a chapter secretary only once a month to reduce costs. It doesn’t have to be the same day of the month for each chapter.
The “member since” date doesn’t mean as much when service is interrupted and reinstated.
A years of service sticker is almost as bad as a whole new card.
Keep the card thin. I like the weight and feel of the one you use now.
plastic; slot at top for a cord or ribbon; first name very large (to use as name tag); full name; member number; chapter; district; magnetic strip to swipe on back; Society phone number;
happy to discuss
Lee
Would like to acknowledge our roots. How about the SPEBSQSA emblem
That’s a very interesting idea. It got me thinking about when I EVER needed to use my membership card in fifty-plus years of active membership. The answer is never.
Unless I could use it as a name tag, I don’t see that I need one at all. I know all the stuff that might be on it and, if I need to look something up, I can go to the BHS ebiz page and find out.
I don’t indulge in nefarious barbershop activities (if such things exist), but I’m not all that anxious to have my BS stuff tracked electronically.
I can not believe the size and number of remarks and there is no way I’m going to read them all. But I would like to add my two cents.
I have cards with stickers from the AAA and AARP, no a great idea. As people have said about the current ink on the card, the stickers also like to come off.
The idea of a permanent card is wishful thinking. Most credit cards if used at all don’t last to expiration.
I think the idea of a permanent card is WISHFUL THINKING. I have a wallet full of credit cards and very seldom do they last more than one or two years. The extra expense of making heavier cards is a waste of money. As for appearance, go back to the old Lyre, SPEBSQSA logo and get rid of the Girl Scout logo we have now. IMHO
Surely this proposal will cost a ton of money.It appears that this money could be better spent on other things that benefit the membership, such as a reduction in membership dues,etc. IMHOP
Hi Dick,
To clarify again, this proposal actually came up to SAVE money. Believe it or not, it is possible to create a sturdier card for less money than we are spending now.
Saving money was the catalyst for this “new membership” card idea.
Way too many ideas. You know what happens when a large commitee tries to design something. Please use the KISS technique. We all should be able to live with whatever your come up with.
Do we really need a card at all? The only thing I’ve ever used mine for was to look up my member number. Otherwise, it stays in my music binder, just in case someone ever wants to see it. I’ve got enough stuff in my wallet, I don’t carry membership cards (except AAA),
I have not read all the suggestions (I have another life) but Roger Ross comes close to what I would like. Printing on the face, a picture, such as YOUR CHORUS photo,
AND identify it.e.g. EAST YORK BARBERSHOPPERS.
Comment already submitted.
I correct my self. I did not see the new proposed card. This would be a much welcomed change. My apologies to those who took offense at my previous submittal.
Turn it into a larger name badge. Print the Society Name, members name, number of years served, and chapter name all in large print
Members society number somewhere in small print and make it the size suitable for mounting in a name badge
holder with a neck string. This way the chapters save the expense of buying name badges. The print is large enough that guest can easily read the members name. and for once,
the badge actually become useful
By the way. This questionail is far too long. very few people will read it. ust ask the question and ask for their suggestions.
Never used the card. Never expect to. Don’t need a card – just need my membership number. If I need a card, let me download it from the members website and print it myself. It will be current and can show years of service, active since, quartet memberships – anything you like, and always be up to date. Design, image, layout? Don’t even know what’s on my current one – it doesn’t matter to me.
What a ridiculous thing to even worry about. Aren’t there more important things to focus on besides “cards”? Do away with them altogether, it’ll save money and besides the Society and your chapter and you will know your dues are paid!
I am most proud of my first card and its appearance. The year (1958) was overprinted in red with large, outlined numbers over a white background and dark blue lettering. Of course it contained the old SPEBSQSA logo which, to me, is preferable to the new one (if you rotate the new card counterclockwise one-quarter turn the logo looks like a stock market index chart for the last eight years). “Member for (blank) Years” with the number sticker works for me.
i hope the new design would keep Barbershop Harmony Society prominent, so i can show my membership card to others when i’m talking about barbershopping. and i suggest the annual stickers (or whatever system is practical) sent to secretaries are important for individual recognitial at the chapter level, as others have noted. even our inactive members show up at the chapter meeting to be cheered by their peers when they get their renewal, whether they’ve been with the Society 2 years or 62 years.
I like the fact that my current card is so thin. I can keep it in my wallet and it does not contribute to a bulge. If we go to credit card thickness, I would probably leave the new card home.
recommend bringing back the original logo, as the current
one is similar to the Girl Scouts of America logo..other than that it is fine…do not like the current BHS logo and colors…
would like men in pictureand date of service
There are better ways of spending money than cooking up a new membership card. I’ve never had an occasion to show my card once since joining in 1977.
The only thing I would miss about the yearly membership cards is the fun we have at Chapter meetings handing them out and saluting the recipients. Other than that, I could care less. Just more clutter in my wallet.
If the funds spent producing and mailing out “membership cards” could be better used to grow our hobby and support our membership, I’d be ok with dumping them altogether.
A little card with my name on it: Who cares. More people to sing with: Priceless!
Me again but nothiing about associate status this time.
A lot has been said about the present card sticking and ink coming off. For a few bucks a member can buy a box of 10 self stick laminates for cards and they last for years.
A lot has also been said about showing a perspective member your society card. Today almost everybody has a computerl I make up my own businness cards with a head photo shot of myself, my name, phone #, e-mail address, chorus Logo, Disctict Logo, and BHS logo on the front. On the back of the business card are directions to the rehearsal hall, day of week and time they meet. Next to that is a map to the location. For these cards I have used Avery® Two-Side Printable Clean Edge™ Business Cards for Inkjet Printers #28877, White, Matte, Pack of 120. This way I can talk to a man while handing him a card he can keep. For only a few bucks you have 120 cards you can hand out rather than just showing your membership card and letting the guy walk away empty handed. Suggestion: Use PowerPoint to get all the info onto the card.
I don’t carry the current card now since it has no use in my daily life. I do carry business cards for my quartet and for my chapter to give to the curious or to a potential singer.
If there is a potential for saving money in a new design, do it. I admit, like some others who have responded, to enjoying being recognized at chapter meeting as another year of membershp passes (30+ so far).