"HMGS-South Extends Memberships" Topic

Given the extraordinary circumstances we all find ourselves in the board of directors of HMGS-South voted to extend all memberships one year at no charge. Members in good standing and current on their dues for 2020 will have this done automatically.

Huzzah! Hey Great Lakes Chapter, you listening?

That's worth two thumbs up.

It would be nice if HMGS-East did the same.

Come on HMGS-East!

For those who think memberships should be automatically extended under the current circumstances, please allow me to offer a different viewpoint.

For years, I (like others) have belonged to a variety of organizations (including HMGS (East)) where I pay annual dues. Many of them have annual conventions. All those conventions have been cancelled for this year.

I know how those organizations operate well enough to know that just because they don't have any convention related expenses, that doesn't mean that they don't have other operating expenses for the year. My dues go toward keeping those organizations up and running until things get better and conventions (and convention revenue) return (hopefully sooner rather than later).

When the time comes, I'll renew my HMGS membership (along with my other memberships). If a group wants to credit my dues for a year, that's fine. But I don't expect it.

In the meantime, I hope that convention-centric groups (like HMGS) continue to provide alternate programming and services to their members. HMGS CYBER WARS was a good start. So was posting additional lectures from the HMGS War College to the "Members Only" section of the HMGS web site.

Let's wait and see what HMGS has planned for the "next generation" before we cancel our memberships or ask for a refund.

I have four years left on my 5-year GL membership. Having served on the BoD in the past, I am well aware that the pandemic is causing major disruptions in the finances of these Chapters. I had to cancel our "Drums at the Rapids" convention at Fort Meigs which hurt both organizations. It is also causing problems for HMGS members. Each Chapter should at least have a discussion about helping their people if at all possible during these stressful times.

47 – Do you realize how much money HMGS has in the bank? I'm pretty sure HMGS doesn't need that membership money.

Further, unless you just like giving your money away, why would anyone re-up until they knew another con was going to run for sure? Your money, spend it as you like, but please don't plead poverty on behalf of HMGS as that's just ridiculous.

I would argue that extending the membership another year would keep more people on the rolls and engender good will for bearing with them during these tough times.

HMGS-Midwest, extended their memberships after Little Wars canceled in 2020. They a re valid up to Little Wars 2021.
Benefits include the Newsletter, the Cyber Sale, Autumn Wars, and the Pritzker Game Days.

I believe that membership dues are on the agenda to be discussed at the next board meeting of HMGS in a few weeks. There are actually a few decent options being considered in addition to extension. HMGS will most likely take a substantial loss in 2020, but that is what reserves are for. The board just needs to be prudent and put some thought into where they direct funds.

Brian…wish I knew what the substantial loss would be. Many folks paid their admissions, flea market etc and renewed their membership for another year (including me) and didn't attend this past cold wars due to the outbreak.No ones fault but the money wasn't returned or future credit established. I haven't complained but to renew for another year without a clear vision ahead is foolish. HMGS has alot of money and can easily weather this.

Hi Dave. There are a lot of fixed costs that need to be paid whether HMGS has conventions or not. And HMGS also issued refunds and credits to the vendors who attended Cold Wars due to the lower attendance. This was all discussed at the recent membership meeting, but not many people called in. In any case, HMGS does not post financial specifics on TMP, but it's all available on the website. You can also email me or any other board member for a quick answer. A lot of people do, and they all get responses. You are correct, HMGS is in a good position to weather 2020, as well as help other clubs who were hit hard, so I'm pretty sure they will come up with a decent plan. Hope this helps.

Sounds good. Thanks for the update. Let's hope 2021 is kinder to our conventions.

Thanks Brian

Glad to hear that. Which reminds me that I still have not cancelled my room reservation at the Hurricane motel.