Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/07/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Today's question: Why would a LUG person NEED the LHSA when they have the LUG? I belong to both groups. Here's what I find: The LUG is free. The LHSA costs either $25 or $50, depending on whether or not you're a current member. Leica IRC is also free. 1. Information. If you have ANY question about Leica ANYTHING, a post to the LUG gets you an answer within a few hours, if not minutes. The LHSA gives you a nice magazine (when it shows up--evidently I get mine at the end of the cycle) 2. Camraderie. No shortage on the LUG. I've met some incredible people though it--though you do have to make an effort to get together. It's well worth it. 3. Buying stuff. No shortage of things for sale on Friday FS posts. Much of it at VERY attractive prices. LHSA catalog comes quarterly. In my experience, much of the stuff seems expensive (and the reasonably priced things I want are often sold when I inquire). Most of my Leica equipment has been purchased through LUG Friday For Sale posts. 4. National convention. The LUG's NYC event was a blast. Speakers were interesting, the Leica guys were great, food didn't send me to the slats (as with our LUG leader). Admission free. Total cost for the day was about thirty bucks. LHSA for the past three years has been in Boston, San Antonio, Portland. Except for Boston, all would be a major haul for me (and about 2/3 of the US population, located between Boston and Virginia). Bottom line: cost of one LHSA convention= at least one major piece of Leica equipment. So....for most of us, we can get our Leica jones free on the web, meet lots of people, get questions answered, and buy stuff at good prices. All for NOT $50, NOT $25, but NOW, FOR THE LOW, LOW PRICE OF ZERO DOLLARS. That's right, folks, ZERO DOLLARS!!! If they LHSA wants to attract members, what can they offer that the LUG doesn't already provide? Jim Shulman Bryn Mawr, PA - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html