David,

Thanks for your comments below.  We are making some progress on the very
things you mention below.  Costs are somewhat lowered by on-line
transactions, mostly for the member.  We do see charges for credit card
processing and paperwork is still generated on this end....having someone
review charges before they are debited or credited probably will be
essential for a while yet.  As for the idea about the newsletter, I
personally think it would be a good idea.  A new newsletter editor will
take over next year and it may be the time to experiment with putting NL
on-line.

I will forward your comments on to the powers-that-be for their consideration.

Mike


At 08:05 AM 11/18/2001 -0500, you wrote:
>As I navigated through the SHA Web site to renew my membership and pay out
>an additional $20, the thought occurred to me to ask why SHA does not more
>readily adapt to the electronic world to cut its costs and the costs passed
>on to its members By paying my dues electronically, I have eliminated
>another piece of paper arriving via the USPS. A payment system is possible
>that eliminates most processing by the SHA. I also would elect to receive my
>newsletters in Adobe PDF format if the option were available. Renewal
>notices and election information: send them along electronically, too.
>
>Is there any way for the SHA to explore a sliding dues structure to cut the
>dues for folks who elect to conduct their business with the organization and
>who are amenable to electronic publications (I like my Historical
>Archaeology in its traditional paper format just fine!)? Membership in the
>SHA is worth every penny, I just think that with the increasing options for
>paper to electronic conversion, the costs do not need to keep increasing.
>
>David Rotenstein.