What is Our Computer Group Worth?

After reviewing our Web site, you might ask, "what will I get for my $25 annual dues in OPCUG?" OPCUG is a not for profit service organization.  Its purpose is to serve not only its members, but also the community at large. Folks like you and me, who have joined together to help each other optimize the use of computer technology.  Members include those who do not yet own a computer, to managers of corporate IS (Information Systems) departments, who want to share and help.  What is the value of an OPCUG membership:

• Ottawa PC News newsletter: Each month you receive a monthly newsletter that contains pages of information about meetings, activities, product reviews, commentaries, tech tips and computer news, plus lots of helpful information.  Many members join our group just for the newsletter.
• OPCUG Web site: Our Web site is just beginning but we intend for its conferencing services to offer members an opportunity to discuss issues, get help online, learn about telecommunications and communicate.
• Members Helping Members: One of the most valuable services from OPCUG is the member helping member's service. Volunteers have offered their help to other members in solving problems.  Consider that even a five-minute service call to a computer manufacturer's or software publisher's hotline now costs about $2 per minute and you've added at least another $10 per year to the value of your membership.
• General Meetings: The 10 general meetings each year (we do not meet in July and August) are worth a lot, especially when you count the annual OPCUG Swapnight in December.  Here we meet representatives of industry manufacturers who tell us about their new products or trends in the world of technology.  This is very worthwhile.  Let's say the meetings are worth $2 each for a total value of $20.
• Special Interest Groups (SIGs): Your OPCUG membership also allows you to attend all of our SIG meetings and the Question and Answer Forums held during the monthly general meetings.  These meetings range from beginners to advanced sessions on Windows/Windows 95, database, document publishing and a variety of Internet subjects.  Some commercial training organizations charge as much as $75.00 for one software title. T his is not to say that you will find all your answers at a SIG or OPCUG general meeting but odds are that you will find most of your answers and develop some very useful contacts.  It is a case of not what you know but whom you know.
• The PUB: OPCUG members have access to a library of Shareware and Freeware software programs located on our private communications server,  The PUB. Titles in our Library are verified virus free and you are guaranteed a 33.6 bps point to point connection.  Add $10 to the value of your membership.
• Special Discounts on Products: Computer equipment and software companies believe that user group members influence others to make purchases. That is why they offer discounts to our members.  OPCUG members are frequently offered software and hardware at significant discounts from normal street prices. Software offers are often at least $50 below list price.  Consider that your OPCUG membership is at least worth that of a small buying club catalog. Add $20 to the value of your membership.
• Door Prizes: At OPCUG events, we often have door prizes worth hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.  OPCUG members, when present at a general meeting, are automatically registered for the draw.  Compare this to a $1 raffle and add another $10 to your total. You win a prize, add a LOT more.