Membership Renewal

[MartinB]

My MMOC membership is due for renewal, I have been a member for over 25 years (MMOC No. 3909) and feel a certain loyalty to the club (mainly to keep numbers up for any potential EU issues) but wondered whether it is possible to still be a member without getting a copy of Minor Matters. Basically I have a 10 second flick through MM when I get it and then it goes into the recycling pile unless something takes my interest (which it very, very , very seldom does). I just don't see the point in using the resources to send me something I don't really want! Otherwise I guess I will just let my membership expire.

Regards

Martin

[mike.perry]

The website has largely taken over as a point of contact and source of information, and of course has an immediacy which the printed word cannot match
Only 25 years?
Michael Perry (494)

[ASL642]

Contact the Club office and explain that you want to remain a member but would prefer to be taken off the mailing for Minor Matters 01332 291657

[les]

Your post suggests that if you continue to get the mag sent then you will not renew membership. Of course that's your right, but it seems a strange reason for leaving. Maybe you could pass the mag on to some youngster, or doctors surgery etc.

[IaininTenbury]

It'd be a lot better a find in a doctors or hospital waiting room than the usual dross you see in those places. I became quite familiar with a two year old Country Life and a similar aged National Geographic amidst the piles of Hello and other such trivia.
I've taken to leaving old Practical Classics etc every time I go to even up the balance...

[mike.perry]

In some NHS establishments magazines have been removed as a precaution against spreading infections, along with flowers, grapes etc.

[IaininTenbury]

Infections such as an 'infectious interest in old cars' for eg!
I did wonder how many grubby mitts have been at the mags. The 'Hello mags' were particularly dog eared... Nat Geographic reasonably tidy for saome reason. There wasn't much under 1 year old anyway.

[MartinB]

It probably seems a bit strange but really I am starting to lose interest in Minors so the mag really doesn't interest me, however I feel a bit of loyalty to the marque (as I have had my car and been in the club so long) so would stay a member to keep numbers up. I get enough stuff through the post I don't want and just think it is a massive waste of resources if I really don't want it. I do appreciate the effort that goes into it which is why I feel it is such a waste sending it to me.

[RobMoore]

I don't see how spending your money on a club just to "keep the numbers up" as serving any purpose tbqh.
but maybe there is room for having a two tier subscription with and without mag.
I also do little with my magazine after the inital 5 mins perusal, and given that I see zero benefit to being in mmoc will not be renewing next year.
I am a member of a great club here in the north east for all classics with work bays 4 post lift and loads of facilities and for me being in a club needs some benefit that you dont get outside the club, I see none here other than access to reduced national event.
The forum is the single most valuable place for me and is open.

[IaininTenbury]

It would seem reasonable as I imagine that the magazine production is one of the largest areas of expenditure in a club to have a discounted membership available to those who aren't fussed about having a mag.
Personally I enjoy the mag and see it as an essential part of the club as is the websiteand believe that the club would be much poorer without either, but thats just me.

[simmitc]

If one accepts that this forum is a valuable resource, then consider how it is funded - by the MMOC. It therefore seems only fair and reasonable that those who enjoy using the forum should contribute something to the club that provides it. The club also serves other purposes in ensuring that the cars can continue to be used. Membership is not expensive, and I would encourage everyone to renew. One doesn't even need to own a Minor to be a member, one needs only to have an interest in the cars. I commend anyone who feels a loyalty to the Club.

[ptitterington]

Afraid I have been thinking along the same lines especially living off the mainland and not able to attend any events. I currently get Minor Monthly which is a superior magazine,(in my opinion) I have found insurance which is as good as Footman James and I frequent another Minor board which is currently more active and allows discussion with less moderation in particular when referring to suppliers/ restorers.

So really I dont know of any reason why I would need to renew. Currently a member of the local Classics car club which have an event at least once a month and only charge £5 per year.

Just my 1p worth

[Jefftav]

I can understand a lot of the views expressed here and I do think a lot about what I receive for my membership fee given that I live beyond travelling distance of many events organised by the MMOC, my insurance isn't with FJ either and I could easily do without MInor Matters as most info could be (and probaly is) published on the web site or could be sent out in diary form at the start of the year. I always seem to come to the conclusion that there is strength in numbers and the larger the club then perhaps we will have more clout when the powers that be are deciding on whatever the next stealth is? Maybe I am misguided?

On the subject of MMOC paying/running the board that is fair comment and I have no problem in my membership fee contributing to the upkeep and running of the board but lets not forget the volunteers who contribute their time & advice freely as this is also very valuable. So I think it is equalled out with our fees paying for the board but members giving up time and knowledge freely.

[old sea horse]

I am currently not a member but have found in the recent past that the magazine has become very stale - to be frank it has to do with the dominating personalities in the decision/contribution making end of the club and would be very difficult to fix, yes its nice and glossy though! To suggest that the web forum should be for fee payers only is perverse indeed and would be counter productive as a lot of active and thought provoking contributers would migrate elsewhere and no doubt quickly set up alternatives, to the detriment of existing members of the club. I am retired and on an extremely tight budget, to the point that I have a choice of motoring or eating sometimes (i.e. this week I cannot travel anywhere for three days!!!) so to suggest that twenty odd quid is a small amount is a rubbish comment, its a lot of money mate. What about a small fee for associate membership? this was quite a popular way to do things in the past, for this you do not receive the mag but you do get a membership card, you never know, it might be another source of revenue stream, and yes, you would have some full members dropping down to this level, but you would have many more fresh members signing up, I'm sure (me included!). Sam