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  #21  
Old 06-12-2012, 01:27 PM
springer springer is offline
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: AZ/MN
Posts: 376
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I am one of the newer guys on the block. Finished my RV-4 in '88, became a hanger queen in '03 and sold it in '09. Found this site last month. After a few days of reading, this site was so well done, it rekindled my interest in RV's and immediately sent in my "membership dues."
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  #22  
Old 06-12-2012, 01:32 PM
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bsacks05 bsacks05 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Posts: 1,187
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I am a proud yearly contributer to VAF. Have been since 2005, I think.

One thought that crosses my mind is, does Van's Aircraft contribute to the maintenance of VAF? Vans seems to do well having VAF deflect much of the technical questions which would otherwise be jamming their phone lines, as one example. I don't have the data but I would bet there is much more traffic on VAF than Van's Facebook page as well. DR provides a world class site to complement Van's world class planes. I just hope DR is fairly compensated by the company he so unselfishly promotes.

I guess it would be hard to quantify the value of VAF to Vans Aircraft but if VAF went away I bet there would be a noticeable hit to Vans bottom line.
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  #23  
Old 06-12-2012, 01:38 PM
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larrynew larrynew is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In New Braunfels, ist das Leben schön!
Posts: 871
Default AUTO PAY DIY

Since Doug won't give us an auto-pay option, I would encourage everyone that donates to set up an annual payment using bill pay at your bank. It was really easy (5 minutes) and now I don't have to remember each year! Plus, Doug will receive a check and save on the paypal fees.



Quote:
[ed. Thanks Larry.

Auto-pay works great in theory, until everyone’s card expiration date eventually needs updating…or their card gets lost/cancelled. Now my workload goes up considerably. I bet you've noticed that a few times over the years when you call Van's they need you to give them your updated expiration date.

Let me suggest instead adding a yearly, self-recurring reminder to your calendar. If you use Outlook, use these instructions.

Kindest,
Doug]
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RV-7A - Built, flying 900+ hrs
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Last edited by larrynew : 06-12-2012 at 01:51 PM.
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  #24  
Old 06-12-2012, 01:39 PM
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Phil Phil is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Waco, Texas
Posts: 1,658
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Check out my new signature. You should do the same thing.
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  #25  
Old 06-12-2012, 01:42 PM
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dicel87 dicel87 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 182
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bsacks05 View Post
I guess it would be hard to quantify the value of VAF to Vans Aircraft but if VAF went away I bet there would be a noticeable hit to Vans bottom line.
Thats a great point - maybe Vans should carve out some portion of their Oshkosh display this year (and every year) to help promote VAF.

And I completely agree with the option of VAF being set up for a recuring charge to a credit card....which after reading Doug's comments above I guess is not really such a great idea. Bank draft seems the way to go.
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Happy to be a 2012 and 2013 VAF supporter

Last edited by dicel87 : 06-12-2012 at 01:49 PM.
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  #26  
Old 06-12-2012, 01:45 PM
srv srv is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 96
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My vote for autorenewal if possible also.

I am a paying 'member' but I rarely log in, use multiple devices to read the forum, and wonder if that behavior skews the site statistics? If many of us lurk, but don't sign in, do we have an accurate view of the non-participatory community's size?

Doug runs a very professional service here, and is obviously a very humble guy, and probably loathes talking about money. Many passionate people just want to pursue their dream and not have to be blocked by financial obstacles. I want to support that, but note that we have a hobby that is shrinking in size (my anecdotal opinion) and the suggested donation rate has remained unchanged over the years.

Many users may not be in my position, but $25 vs $50 is not a big deal for me. I'm going to send more this year, but have to admit my contributions to various groups is swayed by membership sizes, statistics and what they ask for. I wonder if I'm like or unlike most others and just give $25 because that's what's asked for, not because that's the pareto optimal in this market.
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  #27  
Old 06-12-2012, 01:53 PM
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AX-O AX-O is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,452
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DR,
If it is important to the user (RVator or not), they will pay the $25. If it is not, then they can figure out how to build their plane or do their research the old way. I bet that once they find out how difficult it is, without VAF, they will pay. It is ridiculous to me that people can spend thousands of $$$$ building a plane but can?t pay $25/year for this service. I got it, I want to save $$$$ too. And build something that I can afford but lets put things into prospective here.

If you are flying an RV (or other plane); how about flying half hour less a year so you can pay your $25.
If you are not flying yet; how about one less trip a year to the airport to look at planes so you can pay your $25.

My personal opinion (which may be worth nothing) is that it is a yearly fee. No different than EAA, AOPA, XM weather, Spot tracker, etc.
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RV-4 fastback thread and Pics
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  #28  
Old 06-12-2012, 01:53 PM
fmiddleton fmiddleton is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 52
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Quote:
Originally Posted by larrynew View Post
Since Doug won't give us an auto-pay option, I would encourage everyone that donates to set up an annual payment using bill pay at your bank. It was really easy (5 minutes) and now I don't have to remember each year! Plus, Doug will receive a check and save on the paypal fees
+1. That's a great idea.

EDIT: Done.
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Alpharetta, GA
Paid =VAF= dues for 2013
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Last edited by fmiddleton : 06-12-2012 at 02:17 PM.
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  #29  
Old 06-12-2012, 02:01 PM
rv9aviator rv9aviator is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 1,505
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I sent in my "membership dues" at the first of the year and I just sent my bi-annual membership dues in today. I get way more out of this site than I pay for.
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RV-9A N9JW 90919 SoldArkansas
http://www.jimsairplanes.com
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  #30  
Old 06-12-2012, 02:17 PM
60av8tor 60av8tor is offline
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Harrisburg, Pa
Posts: 759
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4th post - payment sent.
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RV-7A purchased flying - Sold 6/16
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