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        New Message Board Archives >> 2003 Posts >> Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
        
(Message started by: jonny on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:14pm)
Title: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by jonny on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:14pm
It use to cost $25 to join OUCH, now its free.....Who here would be willing to cough up $25 a year to be a member of OUCH?

Back when it cost $25 I was on the membership committie and they told me not to threatin people into joining (Like I had to if you had CH) so I paid for 32 memberships for people that claimed they had CH and couldnt afford to join (How does one prove that) then OUCH went free with its membership (Which pissed me the fuck off)

Now I see all kinds of OUCH auctions and such to raise money.......Thats all cool but dont you think reinstating the $25 memebership would go a long way with funds for OUCH?

The reason I post this here is cause the masses are heard more loudly than one person.


The question......Would you pay to be a member of OUCH?

........................................jonny
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:17pm
yes
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by catlind on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:18pm
Yes
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by BillyJ. on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:21pm
Yes.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by kim on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:22pm
Yes.  I'd pay.  No problem.  If a sufferer comes aboard during difficult financial times a "sponsor" helps them out.  This was the case for me.  I can only say that when the financial difficulties subsided, i doubled the contriubtion.  I kinda get the feeling that sentiment would succeed in this forum and can't understand why it was abandoned????

That is not to say the auctions and other fundraising ideas are not equally if not "more" appreciated!
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Brian_Y on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:25pm
Yes.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Charlie on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:26pm
Sure.

We need to think more about it but: Sure.

Charlie
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Annette_Emond on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:27pm
Yes
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by brain_cramps on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:36pm
yes
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Karla on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:43pm
yes
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Melissa on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:59pm
yuppers
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Linda_Howell on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:13pm


 of course.

LindaH
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by ozzman on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:28pm
yes
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by ave on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:47pm
yes
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Elaine on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:49pm
YES!
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Prense on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:00pm
absolutely
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Linda_Howell on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:04pm
disclaimer to my answer:

I believe that us old-timers,(Ihate that phrase) those involved in OUCH, chronics, and the ones who post here a lot would ALL be willing to put up the lousy 25.00 per year.

How many of the  members we now have who only come here once a year or so, would.... is debateable.

How many members would we have right now if we hadn't changed the rules.   I think it would be a LOT less.   LindaH
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by ckelly181 on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:06pm
Yea.

Why was the fee rescinded?
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Mr.Happy on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:07pm
Sending in a check sucks.
I'll join every other week, just to use that PayPal clicky thing.
With any luck, some yutz will steal my iden-titty online. Let THAT simple suck absorb my lousy credit rating, and do the 8 years in debtors prison I was facing.

It's a damned poor atom blaster that doesn't point in both directions........
RJ


on 12/21/03 at 17:04:46, Linda_Howell wrote:
How many members would we have right now if we hadn't changed the rules.   I think it would be a LOT less.

I'd rather Win with 50 members, than Lose with 1,000.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Cerberus on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:47pm
The man has a point........I'm in. 8)


Ramon
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Big_Dan on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:56pm
-Big Yes
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Patrick_A on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:58pm
Yes!

Patrick
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by cathy on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:59pm
Yes  :)
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by jonny on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:15pm
Did I mention to "Keep your chatter" to yourself?

Its Yes or no!!!!!

......................................jonny
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by BlueMeanie on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:32pm
YES, but I agree with Linda. Too many episodics who may not join.

Sorry jonny. It's hard not to chatter.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by taraann on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:42pm
Personally I couldn't afford it (yeah $25 seems like a small amt to pay to alot of you but to me it's alot of money that could go to diapers or towards bills!)  We have been tight on money for along time now and scrambling to climb outta the whole for along time now.  

If I had money the answer would be yes, but at this point in time my answer is no and that's why I try to contribute in other ways (such as writing an aritcle for Donna's newsletter)
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by jonny on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:48pm
No problem, I have well over $800 signing people up......im sure you will kick in when you can.

..................................jonny
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Roxy on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:59pm
Yes
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Woobie on Dec 21st, 2003, 7:01pm

on 12/21/03 at 18:15:49, jonny wrote:
Did I mention to "Keep your chatter" to yourself?

Its Yes or no!!!!!

......................................jonny



you sounds like my 3rd grade teacher - "keep your chatter to yourself"....

ggeeeesh!

tina
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by don on Dec 21st, 2003, 7:02pm
This discussion went on and on over on the OUCH board with little membership input.

I will start a poll thread over there again and let the membership sing out !

Here it is;

http://www.clusterheadaches.org/members/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=news
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by BobG on Dec 21st, 2003, 7:36pm
Yes
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by don on Dec 21st, 2003, 7:45pm
Please posts reponses on the OUCH board. Membership is automatically verifed that way.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by stevegeebe on Dec 21st, 2003, 7:59pm
Yes.

Steve G
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by grumpett on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:32pm
yes!
But would that be canadian or american?

Or was I allowed to ask?

[smiley=lick.gif]
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Mark C on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:37pm
Yes.                
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by TxBasslady on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:38pm
8)

Yes
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by 5-string on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:46pm

...........Yes......
....Mark..
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Pinkfloyd on Dec 22nd, 2003, 1:57am
why take a poll?
If you take out the 32 that jonny keeps reminding everyone that he paid for, from the number of members you had back then, you'd have a pretty good idea of the numbers of people willing to pay up.
If you're going to poll, maybe you should also be asking how many people are also willing to pay someone else's way, and add the expected "hardship" memberships to the paid members.

Just my 2 cent donation to the thread... ;;D

PF
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by HannahFroukje on Dec 22nd, 2003, 2:01am
Yes

PAYPAL is HANDY for people abroad!
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by ZAIRA on Dec 22nd, 2003, 5:03am

YES!!!  ;)
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by don on Dec 22nd, 2003, 6:44am

Quote:
If you take out the 32 that jonny keeps reminding everyone that he paid for, from the number of members you had back then, you'd have a pretty good idea of the numbers of people willing to pay up.


Want an easier way? Count the number of people who actively took part in the elections.

Here some questions to ponder.

What benefits do paying members recieve as opposed to a non paying member that visits the OUCH web site regularly?

Do we anticipate grant money in order to finance the work of OUCH ?

Do non paying members have access to the OUCH MB ?

Can non paying members attend the convention?

Are we more concerned with raising money than we are with raising membership?

It is not as easy as flipping a coin. Maybe Bob or DJ can dig up the membership numbers just prior to becoming a free organization and post them over on the OUCH site. What we decide here could have major, and I mean major, implications as to how seriously we are taken by the research and medical community.


Boasting a membership of 84 does not impress insurance companies or anyone with a potential to finance OUCH. Weather or not our 1000 (+) membership is active is irrelevant. What the numbers say to the medical community is there is a need. What the numbers say to pharmacuetical companies is there is money out there in providing for CH. What the numbers say to the insurers is that we are unified and demand to be heard.

Im my opinion, the amount of dues that will be collected is not worth jeapordizing all of the above.

The "Fundraising Team" has been doing an incredible job in raising enough money to sustain OUCH. Do we need to reach into the pockets of the membership? The future of OUCH will depend largely on funding from grants in order to fullfill our mission of education and awareness (i.e education sessions)

OUCH is about education and raising awareness for sufferers and their loved ones. We are losing focus.


Quote:
Our mission is:

The Organization for Understanding Cluster Headaches (O.U.C.H.) provides information and emotional support to cluster headache sufferers throughout the world.

We encourage, support and participate in research to develop new and improved therapies and practices for treating cluster headaches.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by thomas on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:13am
Count me in for 25 bones, no problem, I can waste that much in an hour in the bar on Friday night. [smiley=laugh.gif]
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Ree on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:25am
yes eposodic hubby here would join...!

and if you think that go down on the fee even 10-15 bucks is bettah than no bucks........... ree

(who is much bettah this week)
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Patrick_A on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:05am

on 12/22/03 at 06:44:25, don wrote:
Want an easier way? Count the number of people who actively took part in the elections.

Here some questions to ponder.

What benefits do paying members recieve as opposed to a non paying member that visits the OUCH web site regularly?

Do we anticipate grant money in order to finance the work of OUCH ?

Do non paying members have access to the OUCH MB ?

Can non paying members attend the convention?

Are we more concerned with raising money than we are with raising membership?

It is not as easy as flipping a coin. Maybe Bob or DJ can dig up the membership numbers just prior to becoming a free organization and post them over on the OUCH site. What we decide here could have major, and I mean major, implications as to how seriously we are taken by the research and medical community.


Boasting a membership of 84 does not impress insurance companies or anyone with a potential to finance OUCH. Weather or not our 1000 (+) membership is active is irrelevant. What the numbers say to the medical community is there is a need. What the numbers say to pharmacuetical companies is there is money out there in providing for CH. What the numbers say to the insurers is that we are unified and demand to be heard.

Im my opinion, the amount of dues that will be collected is not worth jeapordizing all of the above.

The "Fundraising Team" has been doing an incredible job in raising enough money to sustain OUCH. Do we need to reach into the pockets of the membership? The future of OUCH will depend largely on funding from grants in order to fullfill our mission of education and awareness (i.e education sessions)

OUCH is about education and raising awareness for sufferers and their loved ones. We are losing focus.



I find myself having to agree with Don on this one. We just need more ways to raise money. We need ways to get our Organization in with the "United Way". I dont know how many people voted last year, but i'd venture to say less than 100.
Lets think of ways we can get money into our OUCH through donations, and not Membership.

Patrick :)
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by jadedgazer on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:48am
Yes, no problem.

I had just become a member of OUCH right before the elections and didn't feel that I had the right to put in a vote. I haven't been here very long, and felt that I didn't have the right to have a 'voice' yet.

Just my 2 cents.
Title: poll bearers
Post by rumplestiltskin on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:52am
I'll chatter any time I want ...Elvis!

That said.

Yer preachin to the choir!

.....somebody send Jonny a Funk and Waggnel's Metaphor book fer CHRISTmas so he knows what that means.

Love
den
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Bob P on Dec 22nd, 2003, 10:13am
In January 2002, after OUCH being in existance for 2 years, we had approxiamtely 150 paid members.  This was after going through $10 per member, $25 per member and $25 per member and supporter.

In the little over a year since OUCH membership became free, membership went from 150 to over 1300.

Persoanlly, I really don't care to part of an cluster organization that requires sufferers to pay to be part of it.

To all the yes answers above, there is a donation page at the OUCH site, what's stopping you?
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by thomas on Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:50am

on 12/22/03 at 10:13:29, Bob P wrote:
To all the yes answers above, there is a donation page at the OUCH site, what's stopping you?

Great question.  I think I'll just have to put my money where my mouth is. :)
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Jimi on Dec 22nd, 2003, 12:15pm
I gotta agree with Don and Bob P. If past history is still relevant, this may take our membership numbers way down. An organization of 100-200 members does not appear near as powerful as one with 1,000-1,500 members. Arguing that; well, all 1,000 members should pay the $25 doesn't mean it will happen. Unless we really NEED the money that this would generate, and it would be quite a bit  ($5,000 or so) I would think real hard before I would add a membership fee. That said, I would pay the $25 to remain a member. How's that for both sides of the fence? [smiley=nopity.gif]
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Mr.Happy on Dec 22nd, 2003, 12:24pm

on 12/22/03 at 10:13:29, Bob P wrote:
Persoanlly, I really don't care to part of an cluster organization that requires sufferers to pay to be part of it.


Command or demand, I'll balk every time.
Given freely, I'll keep on giving.


on 12/22/03 at 10:13:29, Bob P wrote:
To all the yes answers above, there is a donation page at the OUCH site, what's stopping you?

Have a look-see. It really works:
http://www.clusterheadaches.org/donations.html

Try it. You'll like it,
RJ
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by AlienSpaceBabe on Dec 22nd, 2003, 12:48pm

on 12/21/03 at 19:45:36, don wrote:
Please posts reponses on the OUCH board. Membership is automatically verifed that way.



Yes (and I'll say that on the ouch board too, when i can get there)
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Elaine on Dec 22nd, 2003, 1:28pm
Every year we only have 70 or so people who vote.
Where are these 1300 members Bob? They are people who search the web and find O.U.C.H. and they sign up so they can read the information. Most never return, and nine times out of 10 they more than likely don't have clusters. Is O.U.C.H a real org? There is no way we know if anyone truely has clusters or is a supporter. At least if they send in a membership dues of $5 we know they are intrested. Its not the money that matters, its REAL intrest and its real numbers we want, real members that care. You guys Clusters are rare and that means members would be low.
Just my opinion!
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by kim on Dec 22nd, 2003, 1:37pm
like most things there are 2 sides represented here.  

1.  The need for legitimate marketing/funding

2.  Clarity in membership

these will always overlap.

I still think paid membership of a modest fee is beneficial.

How that crosses over to legitimate marketing and expansion of OUCH remains a challenge.

That said, I still feel that it is reasonable to ask the membership dues of $25.00 per year from members.  I really feel that if you suffer from cluster headaches, $25.00 is worth every single word you ever read here.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by don on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:07pm

Quote:
$25.00 is worth every single word you ever read here.


And it is but it should not be fee for service.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by hdbngr on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:30pm
From a non-profit/fundraising standpoint, that which is free can be ascertained to have little or no value....even oraganizations that provide a service to low or no income families incorporate a $5 membership fee.

I'm probably going to get blasted for this, but hey, I  fundraise for a living....the casual visitor will be discouraged unless there was something tangible thrown in, like an OUCH key chain or bumpersticker imprinted with the web address for the fee. Or a membership/emergency ID card that could be of use at a visit (This has come up as a need before, promotion and identification at physician offices)

Why not come up with a small token item that a paid member would receive? Money would be raised, OUCH advertising accomplished, and there is a constant reminder that the resource is there (even if the pain is making it hard to think).
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by don on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:33pm
In the past paid members recieved a membership card if that counts.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by hdbngr on Dec 22nd, 2003, 4:34pm
It counts, but not still available?

There was a link from OUCH for use in ER's/physician's offices that basically detailed:I am a cluster sufferer, please treat me with respect. I am not a drug seeker, etc. THIS would be nice, although it would probably have to be tiny print.

Another good one was a post and a suggestion for a poster of the Hypocratic Oath a nice decorative/peaceful background. Send it to all of the Docs on the site first with an intro letter, they might post it in their office. Then hit every "headache specialist" by state, thereafter.

"I will prescribe regimen for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgement and never do harm to anyone. To please no one will I prescribe a deadly drug nor give advice which may cause his death."

If this could make treatment options easier, now that would be a service.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Carl_D on Dec 22nd, 2003, 4:36pm
YES! (And I am a poe boy.)

OUCH means that much to me.

Peace,
Carl D
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by raleigh64 on Dec 22nd, 2003, 4:43pm
Count me in. This site is a must for me.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by 172Driver on Dec 22nd, 2003, 5:36pm
I paid before, I'd do it again.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by don on Dec 22nd, 2003, 5:56pm

Quote:
Count me in. This site is a must for me.


A little reminder. We are not discussing ch.com here.

DJ already tried charging me a hunert bucks to post here. I just told him to fuck off and he left me alone.

The site in question is ch.ORG. The OUCH site.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Jackie on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:34pm
Yes...
I paid membership fees to belong to OUCH before and would gladly do so again.

This is a complex situation.  OUCH wanted numbers.  By dropping the membership dues they accomplished this.
My question is...how real are those numbers?  Does it matter to OUCH if those numbers are real or not.....I don't know.  

I've never belonged to ANY organization that required nothing from it's members.  It seems to me that part of belonging to any group is giving something....be it $5.00 or $25.00.  

There should be some requirement that would validate membership.  If a potential member could not afford a small membership fee then perhaps they could pay in 'soft money' (volunteer for a committee or project......something).

I have no idea what the answer is but I do know that OUCH's survival will ultimately depend on the members and their willingness to participate.  There are approximately 5,600 people registered here on ch.com.  How many are registered on OUCH......127  :(

Jacks 8)
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by don on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:40pm

Quote:
My question is...how real are those numbers?  Does it matter to OUCH if those numbers are real or not.....I don't know.  


The answer to that question can be found in my post on the OUCH board.
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Jackie on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:51pm
Thank you, Mr. President. :)
Apparently numbers are an important consideration...real or not.  That makes some sense to me but I still feel there should be SOME requirement.
What that requirement would be I have no idea.
Ya think we'll ever figure it out... [smiley=huh.gif]

Jacks 8)
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Not4Hire on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:53pm

on 12/22/03 at 20:40:44, don wrote:
The answer to that question can be found in my post on the OUCH board.



so can mine: and here it is....


Quote:
i must be a dumbnuts... if the the pole/poll/pohl is: pay for your membership?....f**keneh

if it's $25:    f**ken-NO.... $10 is enough to weed the wannabe-a-member-of-something-for-free from the yes-i-am-but-strapped....  

i gave up smokin' fer a week to send in *MY* two-bits... and now that i'm working, i'll send in another...  

i also agree that, to be credible, to be given our *due* by the freakin pharmers, and the doctors who keep them in Bu$$ine$$, we have to have money, (guns), and numbers....  

but there is more than one way to wring a neck... and media exposure is the way that people (these days) sell nuts... i mean. ONE SHOT of/on OPRAH ... and holey nuts.... i have seen more teevee progams on ***RARE*** stuff than i have on Uncle Fester's terminal jock-itch.... and  UFTJI can be seen at 4:15am on cable....

...what was the question?


...and the OUCH censor is MUCH stricter than DJ's...
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by captdshea on Dec 23rd, 2003, 10:04am
Yes

Sure non-members can and will still find support here

David
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by gmlevenhagen on Dec 23rd, 2003, 10:16am
yes ;;D
Title: Re: Unofficial poll........(FU Don)
Post by Leesa on Dec 23rd, 2003, 12:37pm
HELL YEA!!!!!!!!!!! Paid before will be glad to pay again!  ;;D  Hell I still have my membership card and so does Dave!! Like the Amercian Express card never leave home with out it!!
Leesa


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