[MR] The surcharge

[Jeff+Karen Hill]

Mes Camarades,

I think we're overlooking a few things here.

1.  If someone attends just 1 event a month, you're saving money by being a
member.

2.  Encouraging paid membership is a good thing.  The more members, the
lower the cost of insurance (per person).

3.  HRM & HRH have already stated that the Atlantian law covering the 3$
discount/surcharge is going to be repealed in sync with the coming Society
regulation.

4.  A paid member is less likely to win a lawsuit if injured while playing.
Yeah, I know, but a halfway decent attorney could blow so many holes in
that waiver that it would look like a piece of swiss cheese.

I do agree that the manner in which the BoD reached this decision appears
to be less than...dare I say it...chivalrous.  I would also like to see
more benefits for membership.  One suggestion would be to convince some
merchants to offer discounts to SCA members.  This would encourage
membership by offering a tangible benefit, and would likely help their
business by attracting more customers.  I know I would prefer to patronize
a place that offers me a discount over one that does not.  Anyone who
doubts this effect, look around at restaurants the next time you're out
driving.  The ones with all the police cars out front are the ones that
offer discounts to law enforcement.  

I also agree with Milady Alisoun that a "tax" by kingdom would be more
appropriate (not to mention more period).  Perhaps by suggesting this to
BoD members (repeatedly, and with great enthusiasm), we could get more
response.  This would place the burden of raising funds on the individual
kingdoms, who could then delegate it down through the baronies, cantons,
etc., and allow for more creative ways of raising funds.  

Adieu,

Renard LeNoir of Salesberie Glen (Formerly Sarum Tor, formerly Sarum Henge)



--- Jeffrey Hill
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