Dave Heil wrote:
Len Over 21 wrote:


The biggest moneymaker at the ARRL is their Publishing. They break
even with QST but the gold is in the numerous books they have for
sale (shipping charges extra if ordered from Newington but same
prices, no shipping charges if bought over the counter at HRO).


Why is with your shipping charges fetish? There should be some
incentive for folks to buy League publications from dealers, saving
shipping costs (that's if the consumers forget that they are going to
pay sales tax when they buy from dealers). MFJ does the same thing.
Buy direct from MFJ and pay full list price. Almost all MFJ dealers
discount substantially.


Publishing pays nearly all the bills at ARRL, including all the so-called
membership services that are supposed to be so wonderful and
"cost nothing" to members...renting of banquet rooms for the BoD
get-togethers (and probably travel expenses, too?)...maintenance of
W1AW and the museum...and the legal and lobbying fees in DC.


Tell us how that differs from how things work at AARP, NRA, VFW or
American Legion, Len.


Membership fees don't go for much directly. That pays for the
"fulfillment services" (mailing lists, printing, distribution of QST) with
the rest of it spread throughout Hq; membership magazine QST
gets its income from advertising charges...just like the other
independent magazines of interest to amateurs.

The 2002 Federal Tax Returns for ARRL showed an operating
budget of around $12 million. Given only 170 thousand or so
memberships, that multiplied by annual dues isn't going to hit any
$12 million.

ARRL stays alive by BEING a business. Their self-promotion is a
necessary thing. Unfortunately, many members don't see that,
preferring the delusion of some altruistic, noble, kind, and good
organization "solely for members." shrug


What is the deal with you and the ARRL? You aren't a League member and
you aren't a radio amateur. What is any of this to you?

And what is the deal with the publications in general? I enjoy them and
buy them. They gather information that is of interest to Hams, and we
buy them and they make money. They are happy with the arrangement and so
am I and plenty of other people. Sounds like the American way to me!

- Mike KB3EIA -