[UK-CONTEST] OT: RSGB move and QSL bureau - closure?

[Andrew]

Don Field wrote:

> On another matter, G7TWC's comment about "value for money". I would only ask
> that Mike check out the annual sub for PW or any of the bookstall computer
> mags. And then compare that with RSGB, whereby one gets a magazine and a
> whole lot more besides (much of it by unpaid volunteers). But I guess some
> folk are never satisfied.

Don,

If you want to compare "value for money", it's best to compare apples
with apples!  I've performed a quick straw poll of various amateur radio
societies around the world to see what they charge for membership.

RSGB membership = £44
ARRL membership = $39 (~£20)
IRTS (EI) membership = €30 (~£21)
VERON (PA) membership = €45 (~£32)
NZART (ZL) membership = NZ$95 (~£36)
WIA (VK) membership = AU$75 (~£32)
RAC (VE) membership = CA$52.95 (~£26)
SARL (ZS) membership = R305 (~£22)
UBA (ON) membership = €45 (~£32)

The only one I've been able to find so far that is more expensive is
DARC at €66 (~£47).  Unfortunately, I couldn't navigate far enough into
the other European societies websites to get their subscription costs
but that's simply because I don't speak enough of the various languages!

All of these societies provide broadly similar services for their
members so it's interesting to see such a wide range of subscription
costs from £20 to £47.  The average of those listed is £31.20/year.

How many of those people who are currently put off by the RSGBs, upper
end of the range, £44 subscription do you think would subscribe if it
was somewhere in the mid-range of those above, say ~£30/year?  Maybe
with all the cost savings by moving to the new premises the subscription
cost might come down to a more palatable level for those who think it is
too high?

Andrew AC6WI (GI0NWG)