Nss member listing update

[marietta caver]

What’s up with the NSS? Over the past few months I’ve been solcited five times now to “verify my listing.” The first couple of times I went on line and checked that my informaton was correct. The third time I called the NSS to ask what was up and was told I was all set with my info but they wanted to see if I didn’t want to buy a bound copy of the updated membership listing, or barring that, maybe a sweatshirt. I declined but since then I‘ve rceived two more emails with the same request.

This seems like one of those never-ending PBS membership solicitations. ENOUGH ALREADY!

[vpicaver]

From NSS President

Folks,



There has been a lot of bandwidth taken up with the NSS’s new Directory Initiative. We’ve contracted with PCI to act as our agent to create a directory. I wanted to include some FAQ’s that may go a long way in explaining the project. Some of you may have been involved in similar undertakings as these directories are commonly put together for colleges, universities, etc. The company was used by the Boy Scouts to do a similar project. We found their references to be in order and announced the project in the NSS News and also in social media. Note the effort includes an attempt to contact both existing and past members of the NSS. Some folks have expressed concerns that we’ve sold our data to a third party. We have not. PCI has been contracted to do the work but we retain the data and they can no distribute it or sell it to anyone.



We have heard that some of the sales associates may do a hard sell to get you to buy some of their projects. Just be instant and say no if you don’t want any. If it is really annoying, call the number in the FAQ and complain and also let me know about it. PCI has a number of packages that include the Directory (about $99) as well as shirts, totes, etc (for much more). You may wish to purchase some of this material or not. I will purchase a directory as I want to try and track down some of my old caver friends that I’ve lost track of but already have enough other stuff. PCI covers the cost of their research efforts by selling the Directory and other bling. There is no obligation on your part to purchase anything or to even provide data. You can certainly opt out.



Thanks for you understanding and I’m sorry for any trouble this may cause folks. We think it is a worthwhile member service and very modest fundraiser for the NSS (I think we get about $5 per Directory). We’ve heard both positive and negative comments on the effort and trying to address any issues.



Thank you for your attention and please feel free to forward this message.



Sincerely,



Geary Schindel

President

NSS

[email protected]

[vpicaver]

There have been lots of discussions about this on our club listserv. Most people are annoyed by it and it seems like more trouble than it is worth. I will be curious to find out how much the NSS winds up making off this. My guess is not much...

[FW]

What’s up with the NSS? Over the past few months I’ve been solcited five times now to “verify my listing.” The first couple of times I went on line and checked that my informaton was correct. The third time I called the NSS to ask what was up and was told I was all set with my info but they wanted to see if I didn’t want to buy a bound copy of the updated membership listing, or barring that, maybe a sweatshirt. I declined but since then I‘ve rceived two more emails with the same request.

This seems like one of those never-ending PBS membership solicitations. ENOUGH ALREADY!

I just throw mine into the trash.

[Squirrel Girl]

I agree. I doubt the NSS will make much. I doubt many cavers/cave divers care about these things. Apparently you'll get solicitation cards for a while, then phone calls. Eventually they give up. I ignore it all and let the company spend it's money on the effort. As much as I like Geary, I think this is a dumb idea.

[sandy]

I called to update info for me and my daughter, and I told the person that. After I updated my info, he started in on the sales pitch. Each no by me was met by a lower cost alternative. After a few alternatives, I said screw it to myself and hung up. I decided not to waste my time giving my daughters information. If the NSS is only getting $5 a book, they need to change who is negotiating on their behalf. I sent this to Geary for what it was worth.

[MORGAN]

I threw the cards away without replying, so they called me. I verified my information and then declined the several offers of merchandise.

In our house where we have always worked day and night shifts, the chances of a caller waking somebody up are high. So we tend to be less than well disposed toward people who ring our phone trying to sell us something.

[jeandiver]

I threw the cards away without replying, so they called me. I verified my information and then declined the several offers of merchandise.

In our house where we have always worked day and night shifts, the chances of a caller waking somebody up are high. So we tend to be less than well disposed toward people who ring our phone trying to sell us something.

Eyups , know the feeling. Hate that , work 12 hours , try to sleep in the daytime , and PHONE RINGS !!! (grrrrrrr)

Jeano

[WEPIV]

I threw my card away immediately too as I recognized it having dealt with the exact same thing before with the Sons of the American Revolution trying to sell me a membership book. They won't take no as an answer and at our house we quickly lose patience with phone solicitation/sales calls. (I usually don't even answer the phone at all unless I recognize the number or person. I figure if it's important, they'll leave a proper message and I'll call them back.)
It bothers me as they want you to "verify" your information, but that's not at all the reason they really want you to call. If they accepted no thanks right away and hung up, that would be much better.

[vpicaver]

You can also update your info online to avoid talking to salespeople. I think you need the info off the yellow card.
https://myupdate.publishingconcepts.com/nss/