Suggestion to "green" ASQ - Option to not receive the magazine

[Sidney Vianna]

ASQ should have an option for members to opt out of receiving the Quality Progress Magazine. I find most of the issues totally useless and irrelevant. The magazine goes to the recycle bin in less than 10 minutes.
If ASQ could reduce the number of printed magazines and all other useless mail they send to the membership, not only they could reduce their operating costs, but contribute to less waste, and, thus, becoming a more environmentally responsible organization.

 

[CarolX]

Re: Suggestion to "green" ASQ

Excellent suggestion, Sid. I, too, do not get much out of QP. Usually sits on my counter for a few days, then into the bin.

 

[BradM]

Re: Suggestion to "green" ASQ

Some of them are pretty good; some of them are not useful at all to me.

I get the feeling 1/2 the magazine is for self-promotion (certifications and the like).

They could take the money they spend in the magazine, and invest in some decent discussion board software.

 

[Marc]

Re: Suggestion to "green" ASQ

I get the feeling 1/2 the magazine is for self-promotion (certifications and the like).

Only half? I guess I'm getting old. It's almost always warmed over stuff I already know and understand. I will say that is one reason I am not an ASQ proponent. I believe most of the purpose of the ASQ organization is self promotion and outright profit.

How much do they take off dues if we 'Opt Out' of receiving the physical printed magazine?

 

[Tim Folkerts]

ASQ does have an "Associate Member" level.

• You get electronic access to QP, but no hard copy.
• You aren't automatically a member of a section, but you can add one for a small fee.
• You get access to ASQ discussion boards
• You get discounts on books and certification exams (often worth the price just for that)

This is the level I am at the moment. It is only ~$70 instead of teh regular ~$120

Tim F

 

[Marc]

It is only ~$70 instead of teh regular ~$120

Do you remember how much the dues were last year? They raised the dues again this year, didn't they? I *think* they've raised dues the last 2 years. I may be wrong.

 

[wmarhel]

ASQ does have an "Associate Member" level.

This is the level I am at the moment. It is only ~$70 instead of teh regular ~$120

Tim F

Thanks Tim for the reminder about this option. I'll probably take advantage of the reduced price this renewal. There isn't much point in paying the full price given my current situation. I've been much more involved in the operations/lean side of things the last 5/6 years, and have been focusing much more on the APICS meetings and certifications.

I still recognize the importance of quality, so I'll keep my membership, but for how much longer is up in the air. ASQ doesn't seem to have a focus anymore and seems to be more watered down. Like other comments, QP has become more of a 8-10 minute exercise in browsing. The Lean Enterprise division in hindsight isn't really worthwhile, as there are already organizations which offer excellent training and have well regarded programs.

I just hope you aren't expecting a cut from my savings Tim. I would like to pass on my employer's appreciation regarding this cost saving measure though.

Wayne

 

[Tim Folkerts]

There are three things missing (that I have noticed) as an assiciate member.

1. No hardcopy of QP (although ASQ was nice enough to send me a copy of the May issue with my article in it ).
2. No voting rights, which was a slight concern last election when I wanted to make my protest vote for anyone other than the "establishment" candidates.
3. Must be a regular member for 1+ years to apply for senior membership. Not a big deal for me right now.

 

[Randy]

Even though my membership is reimbursable I still see no personal value in it even at half the cost.

 

[Helmut Jilling]

Do you remember how much the dues were last year? They raised the dues again this year, didn't they? I *think* they've raised dues the last 2 years. I may be wrong.

I think they creep up a bit each year.

For the record, I like the magazine, thought the articles are only sometimes useful. Quality Digest is a little better. Maybe they could merge. I like the fact that Quality Digest is available electronically instead.

I think we need to support ASQ. Each industry needs an organization. We should just try to get it to be more useful. My local chapter seems pretty relevant. A good group of folks. Don't have much exposure to National, however.