EMPS Needs Support VERY Small Membership Fee Is Being Considered

Admin Joined : 09 Mar 2008 Posts : 4 Location : CA

Hi everyone. This is a touchy topic. To me it makes sense, but we all have different points of view and that is why I am open to your thoughts. When I started EMPS I had no idea whether or not it would last. I hoped it would. Now after some months I see that it's the greatest thing I have ever done. Pitiful isn't it? hehe I am still very hopeful and confident that my Cafepress Charity Store will be a huge success. We are doing great!. All of the proceeds earned by EMPSWEBSTORE goes to ONE.ORG, as you all know. I am thrilled to be a part of a community of such giving people. A lot of you only know me online, but the truth about me is I am very creative and I never do anything "just a little bit". I over-do everything. My mother will attest to that. EMPS is now my obsession...my love...it has become a window to a map of where EMPS will go and who I will become. Membership numbers are climbing rapidly. It is time to let EMPS grow, which means I want to begin offering membership packages to everyone. Otherwise, EMPS will fizzle out because there will be nothing left to offer. I want it to grow and spread like a virus...the good kind...if there is a good kind. The more people who join...the more people will purchase things from the Cafepress Charity Store and ultimately the more money we can send to ONE. ORG. This is all good and happy, but what about EMPS itself? I work very hard to bring you awesome designs and keep everyone involved and happy. I care very much about this Society , so it is logical to me to begin implementing membership fees (I am considering $1 - $3a person for a lifetime membership or per year). I have three forms of Membership I am toying with. (IDEAS AT THIS POINT) They are the ZOMBIES ($3 1 year)...the VAMPIRES($2 6 months)...and the MUMMIES($1 3 months). I was thinking I'd create a very special logo for each person who pays the dues so they can post it with pride on their site and I could begin production of some sort of patch or something else to send to each member after they join. I am still working this all out in great detail. I have gotten so delightfully consumed with Cafepress (with obvious import), but I forgot that EMPS also needs our support. I am designing membership packages with cards and welcome letters and things of that sort (which will be a lot of work), but it is all contingent upon the membership dues. Another issue is...should the existing members pay the fee and should it be optional or just an entrance fee (very small) for new Zombies. I believe EMPS is worth $1 or 2...And maybe add a basic membership free but they have to buy membership items, rather being a part of their membership. I don't know yet. I do want to be fair to everyone.
Also, keep in mind...I am on my own. I have NO help. The officers thing just didn't work out. I enjoy all of the work, no doubt, but I'm just one person with less than an infinite amount of finances to support EMPS. I'm just a scientist with a future. I want EMPS to be around for a long time.

LiveJournal/Cafepress/Blog sites they all have fees to stay afloat. They do have free options, but the ones that are worth a damn have some fee, much greater than what EMPS is asking. This is all conjecture, so please leave comments and very thoughtful suggestions. I will ultimately make the decision based on EMPS needs, but I really care about what you think...the members. I will take into consideration all of your comments.

I pay $8 doillars a month to keep the Cafepress store open even if it makes no money. That doesn't seem like a lot, but I am trying to explain to you my commitment to EMPS and its causes. Not tooting any horns...just please try very hard to see or imagine how great I can make EMPS with your help. I understand you already give money to Cafepress and I appreciate that so much and hope you will continue to support ONE.ORG through www.cafepress.com/empswebstore

Just remember...EMPS does promote charity, but EMPS is an entity unto itself and Elle is one person who is asking for your support to keep EMPS growing with exciting things. I have so many plans on paper that cannot put in motion until I have some money coming in to afford it all with the membership growing as fast as it is...

I have a business account with PAYPAL. They have already verified my identity an d my bank and everything I am doing. I am all set to get started. All I need a little input from my friends at EMPS. If I do go for it, I hope you will not leave. I would love it if you guys would stick it out with me and watch EMPS become the coolest thing you've ever been a part of. There will be PAYPAL buttons installed on my page created by the PAYPAL site (you can go check it out yourself) where you can choose your type of membership. PAYPAL is safe and private.

EMPS is now registered. There's a Trademark and legalities for days. Woohoo. I am designing an official .com and .org for EMPS at present. It's difficult designing web pages when you don't have Myspace to help. Smile

On these sites I will have bracelets made by me (hand made). Every one original and made of clay/sculpy. Some of the proceeds will be sent to either the SPCA or UNICEF. There will also be membership items there and t-shirts etc for your specific membership needs.

Ok, that was a mouth full. I will end it here. This is where my heart is and I wanted to be straight with you guys. I really with all of my heart and soul want EMPS to be the biggest nerdiest Society in the world and who knows...maybe in 200 years they will be digging up our badges and do a piece on us on the History Channel. Yes, I really am this dorky.

Ok, please discuss and be angry or happy or concerned. Spill your guts. Let's figure this out together. If it happens that I make the decision you in particular did not agree with please have an open heart and stay with us. I only want to do good things. Have faith in me. I won't let you down.

Humbly-respectfully,

Elle Morgan

Building something from nothing? Reminds me of me. Sure, I'll get behind ya, on that. You're easily worth a paltry three bucks a year. Maybe four!

Admin Joined : 09 Mar 2008 Posts : 4 Location : CA

Thank you, RS. Your support means everything.

Joined : 12 May 2008 Posts : 1

hi elle,
while i'm still learning about what all you do, i think you're trying really hard. l'm behind you!

Joined : 12 May 2008 Posts : 1

Whatever you need, you know I'm there. Though, technically, it's "here" isn't it? Whatever. Must turn off nerd. --- Rambling on and repeating, you know. Right? Yeah, you should. --- And now for emoticon fun: cherry

I'm feeling very cherry cherry.

Admin Joined : 09 Mar 2008 Posts : 4 Location : CA

Wait tiil you see the EMPS new offical deal. It's going to be the greatest thing since pop rocks.