02-01-2012, 03:41 PM
Gary McPheator Wrote:Perhaps the reason for not taking up membership is simply people do not see enough of the money being invested in them. We are spending almost 40% of the budget on internationals which only benefit a small percentage of chess players in this country. We need to offer more to the majority of players than a website and online grading system.
I tend to agree with you in that for the majority of chess players in Scotland a website with an online grading system with your live grade obviously isn't a big enough pull. As evidenced by our membership numbers.
On the discount system available through membership you need to play ten tournaments to make your entry fee back in a season (@ £2 discount per entry). Now for many that is incentive enough for membership as they make their money back. For others it is the combination of the discounted entries and the live grading system and website.
However, for a lot of players that just isn't doing it for them so as you have suggested perhaps there are some other new initiatives or builds we can add to the benefits to encourage greater uptake of CS membership.
Growing old is compulsory, growing up is optional!