[MR] The surcharge

[Neca D Johnson]

and Renard LeNoir replied:
> My apologies, milady, I should have been more specific.  What I meant is
> that these merchants offer discounts to "carded" members of SCA....
And Ceara responded:
Ah, I see. I'd have to agree with ya there, it's an excellent idea! Of
course, as a consumer, I'd have to say any discount is a good
thing...<grin>

I view any discount that SCA merchants would offer much the way I view the
Hertz rental discount I get as an American Express employee "Nice to have, but
not the main reason why I work here."

People purchase a membership (or any other good) because they feel like its a
good value for their money.  Maybe they want to be an officer, or a fighter (in
kingdoms where they can't fight w/o a membership card), or maybe they just
consider it important.

But there seems to be a large group of people in the SCA who I think of as
"casual SCAdians."  These people go to a number of events, rarely attend
business meetings, don't hold an office, and are infrequently fighters.  They
go to hang out with friends, shop, and "be a part of the show."  Maybe they are
new, their lifestyle doesn't permit more active involvement, or their interest
isn't as all-encompassing as it seems to be for so many SCAdians.  I am not
criticizing these people - but the fact is they have a very different view of
the SCA and membership than does the run of the mill "avid SCAdian" who can't
seem to find time between events to clean out their desk of paint the guest
bathroom, holds multiple offices and autocrats when they aren't too busy
cooking feast.  It says a lot for this hobby that the avids seem to far
outweigh the casuals.

But these "casual attendees" are the folks that will be a tough sell on the
intangible value of membership.  Yes, its great that Sir Gregory of Lochac can
come to an Atlantian event and can "prove" who he is.  Its great that I can fly
out & fight in Estrella war with the same armor I use here.  But for the
"casual attendee" these intangibles aren't very important.

The challenge (presuming you believe these people should be encouraged to join
the SCA) is to sell the idea to this casual attendee that membership is of
value.  The simplest way is not through selling them on the intangibles they
may or may not value (insurance falls here for many people too, even though its
important).  The easiest thing in the world is to show them a simple equation
that says "Membership costs $35.  You will save $20 at Pennsic plus $3 at each
additional event you attend.  If you attend more than 5 events, membership
saves you money."

I don't feel strongly for or against the non-member surcharge, but as an
economist I can see why it would be the simplest way for the BoD to encourage
people to behave in the desired manner i.e. Paying membership dues.

Neca