TCA Amnesty Letters

The dues increase was $15.00. The $50.00 dues per year is more then reasonable. Back in the 80's and 90's I belonged to a car club and the dues then were $75.00 then. 

The angst over the $15 increase is beyond me. The one mistake the TCA made was not increasing it sooner. 

So come back and enjoy everything the TCA has to offer, it's a great organization. 

Not all left the TCA on purpose.  Some folks let their membership slip for one reason or another. The simple solution is not to rejoin if you're that opposed to the TCA.  At least this current leadership is making attempts to regain some of the membership through this and the online survey they did.  It takes small steps to start.

NMRA going through similar pains.  To be a member of regional club now you must join national.  Some folks choose to drop out altogether. 

I always enjoyed their advertisements.  Once eBay got going, it was a bit more cost effective to enjoy that.

The TCA is tone deaf to the reasons their membership is declining. We all understand members are dying off. Such is the reality of an "old white man's" hobby. However, they fail to comprehend that they cannot double their dues every time membership falls. The costs  are driving people away, both young and old. And I won't even touch on how they drive away younger members and children.

The dues are fifty dollars per year. Compared to the price of "O" gauge trains, that is not even measurable.

A print subscription to OGR is $35 per year. A OGR digital subscription is $30 per year. I don't think there is a discount for those who want both, but I could be mistaken.  I checked the prices on several other Model Train magazines and their prices are similar.

C W Burfle posted:

A print subscription to OGR is $35 per year. A OGR digital subscription is $30 per year. I don't think there is a discount for those who want both, but I could be mistaken.  I checked the prices on several other Model Train magazines and their prices are similar.

Currently we aren't able to discount a Print and Digital Package subscription, but that's coming very soon.

As to why the TCA losing members, I'll refrain from getting into that discussion.

Every few months the needle keeps skipping backwards on this record player.

It's very simple... if you don't want to renew, don't...  The rest of us don't necessarily share your "obvious" observations.  For some of us, there is value.  The continual whining from people about the extra $15 and starting new threads like this every few months really doesn't change anything.

Other organizations do the same thing with membership dues when it's just over the deadline.  Dues were in December for a certain professional organization I'm a member of, but they send me a reminder and indicate I can remain current if I pay by the end of the month(January).  Nothing unique to TCA for that part.

I belong to too many hobby clubs, some of which are more expensive than this, and out of which I get less, but I'd pay $100 for TCA membership (I am NOT encouraging or recommending this!) and I get my money's worth.   Others make their own choices.

Dave45681 posted:

Every few months the needle keeps skipping backwards on this record player.

It's very simple... if you don't want to renew, don't...  The rest of us don't necessarily share your "obvious" observations.  For some of us, there is value.

Other organizations do the same thing with membership dues when it's just over the deadline.  Dues were in December for a certain professional organization I'm a member of, but they send me a reminder and indicate I can remain current if I pay by the end of the month.  Nothing unique to TCA for that part.

 

Bingo!  Same old, same old.

The annual dues are $50. Geez, Louise, I pay MUCH more than that for several clubs and other "hobby" associations I belong to. Trains and otherwise.

Reminds me of the endless, angst-filled threads on train pricing.  You buy it or don't.  No biggie.

OGR Webmaster posted:

C W Burfle posted:

A print subscription to OGR is $35 per year. A OGR digital subscription is $30 per year. I don't think there is a discount for those who want both, but I could be mistaken.  I checked the prices on several other Model Train magazines and their prices are similar.

Currently we aren't able to discount a Print and Digital Package subscription, but that's coming very soon.

As to why the TCA losing members, I'll refrain from getting into that discussion.

I would love to see a package subscription option!

Dave45681 posted:

Every few months the needle keeps skipping backwards on this record player.

It's very simple... if you don't want to renew, don't...  The rest of us don't necessarily share your "obvious" observations.  For some of us, there is value.  The continual whining from people about the extra $15 and starting new threads like this every few months really doesn't change anything.

Other organizations do the same thing with membership dues when it's just over the deadline.  Dues were in December for a certain professional organization I'm a member of, but they send me a reminder and indicate I can remain current if I pay by the end of the month(January).  Nothing unique to TCA for that part.

 

Dave,

I don't disagree with you. There would be value for me also, if the TCA changed and became more inclusive of younger collectors and kids. I realize that the very mention of this topic is a nuisance for you. However, it is nonetheless a valid discussion which deserves attention. If it comes up so often, there must be an issue, right? Some of us want to fix the problems and affect change. Unfortunately, many in the TCA, having dispatched the women and children,  would prefer to don their best tuxedo, cling to a familiar railing, and ride their ill fated  club to the bottom of the sea. 

Ninety-six cents a week is too much? (and/or) You won't renew on policy principles?

OK, thanks for sharing.  

Sorry, I can't continue my scathing remarks...I need to register for my 60th York meet and go have fun.

There would be value for me also, if the TCA changed and became more inclusive of younger collectors and kids.

Let's separate the two.
What would you like to see the TCA do to be more inclusive of younger collectors?

This one really has me puzzled. Do you want to read more about Modern Era collecting? I don't think I fall into what you would consider the "younger" group any more, still I'd like to read more about the Modern Era. It takes members to write those articles. Some information is published in the TCA's online magazine.

I am seeing more and more operator oriented material in the quarterly magazine.

And what would you like to see the TCA do to be more attractive to children?

The TCA has it's kid's club. While my kids were members, they sent out an occasional newsletter.  No activities in my neck of the woods, but then again, there are no adult activities either.

The Eastern Division's York Train show is a division function, not a national TCA one. The York show has had a play area for children for quite some time now. I don't remember when it started. And I think the Eastern Division has even started to allow strollers in the halls again after banning them since sometime in the second half of the 1980's.

The number of display layouts at the York show has also been increasing.

GregR posted:

Dave,

I don't disagree with you. There would be value for me also, if the TCA changed and became more inclusive of younger collectors and kids. I realize that the very mention of this topic is a nuisance for you. However, it is nonetheless a valid discussion which deserves attention. If it comes up so often, there must be an issue, right? Some of us want to fix the problems and affect change. Unfortunately, many in the TCA, having dispatched the women and children,  would prefer to don their best tuxedo, cling to a familiar railing, and ride their ill fated  club to the bottom of the sea. 

I just went back to make sure I didn't miss it, but I don't see anything in your post stating what you would like to happen to make it more inclusive to younger members and kids.

They have the kids club, while I do not have kids of my own who have been involved with that, I know friends whose kids have been in it and I believe those members think it was a good experience for their kids.  (in addition to participating in TCA activities with their dad, one friend's child wrote for the kids club portion of the headquarters news at least several times)

Ew a Titanic reference. 

MartyE posted:

Ew a Titanic reference. 

I think it's a requirement (or maybe even on a checklist) for people who start these threads.

Those of us that enjoy York are held hostage by the TCA. Including the dues increase. If I reach the no York stage, bye bye TCA. The Museum is very nice but it's a money pit and they keep pouring more money into it. So they always want more money. Donate your trains to them so they can be sold off to spend more.

Wow  - "amnesty, punishment, drop dead, old white men" all in one comment.  Pretty dramatic words to describe nothing more than a simple letter offering renewed membership in a toy train organization.   

I have the highest regard  for all the people at TCA who step up to the plate and devote an awful lot of their time, energy and at times aggravation to try to manage and steer the organization through changing times and multiple issues.    

Being one of those "old white guys" you refer to has some definite advantages having learned a few things along the way.  

For example, I would never think to bad mouth a group or organization who has members that actually have volunteered to get involved and be responsible for trying to resolve problems.  Criticizing is really easy.  Offering up valid suggestions for a solution takes some thought.  

But then again, what do I know,  I am just one of those old white guys you make reference to.

Ed

C W Burfle posted:

There would be value for me also, if the TCA changed and became more inclusive of younger collectors and kids.

Let's separate the two.
What would you like to see the TCA do to be more inclusive of younger collectors?

The TCA could offer a basic welcome for new members, both young and old. Even a quick, welcoming, promotional call from someone on the division Board could certainly go a long way to establish a positive initial impression.  This may not be as necessary for older members, who will quickly and naturally assimilate into a crowd of similar individuals. But this type of outreach it is really important for younger members, women, minorities, or others who may be marginalized and not feel welcome to bond with the group or establish the same social connections. This is a hobby which should be inclusive for all.

This one really has me puzzled. Do you want to read more about Modern Era collecting? I don't think I fall into what you would consider the "younger" group any more, still I'd like to read more about the Modern Era. It takes members to write those articles. Some information is published in the TCA's online magazine.

I am seeing more and more operator oriented material in the quarterly magazine.

And what would you like to see the TCA do to be more attractive to children?

In the 1970's and 1980's many members had children, and brought them to meets.  The entire experience seemed more child friendly. Many members were at a point in their journey where children were part of their daily lives. Sure, there were always a few wayward grumps who despised kids. But they were silenced by the more stable majority of members with kids. Today, there are virtually no children to be seen at TCA meets.  This  issue has been difficult for many years.  I applaud the efforts of many TCA leaders, including those of the Southern Division, to reach out to children, provide activities and show genuine kindness. However, the membership at large needs to be given an attitude adjustment with respect to how they interact with children and families. These table holders, who to the eyes of the outside world represent the TCA,  must learn to be polite, attentive and friendly. Don't yell at families about  strollers, give  kids the evil eye, or act with rudeness or contempt. Don't ignore children. Promote the hobby instead of behaving as if your bridge tournament at the seniors' home was interrupted. The "kids areas" always seem nice at face value, but what purpose do these truly serve? Do these areas truly foster interaction with older members from whom the young can learn the hobby? Or, do they merely segregate children to the periphery, keeping those little hands away from the curmudgeonly member tables?

The TCA has it's kid's club. While my kids were members, they sent out an occasional newsletter.  No activities in my neck of the woods, but then again, there are no adult activities either.

The Eastern Division's York Train show is a division function, not a national TCA one. The York show has had a play area for children for quite some time now. I don't remember when it started. And I think the Eastern Division has even started to allow strollers in the halls again after banning them since sometime in the second half of the 1980's.

The number of display layouts at the York show has also been increasing.