Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2001 10:56:24 -0500 (EST)
From: Larry Moss <moss@balloonhq.com>
To: Balloon Twister List <balloon@balloonhq.com>,
Subject: Balloon HQ membership explained

While attending TJam and IBAC, we learned that there's some confusion about
what Balloon HQ membership is and how to determine if you are a member.
Please take a moment to read this so I can sort out the confusion and let
you all know why you should care.

If you're reading this, you already know that much of what BHQ offers,
including the mailing lists and most of the web site are completely free to
use.  This is made possible by sponsors and, more recently, BHQ
memberships.  The sponsors, those folks with banner ads appearing
throughout the BHQ web site, are all balloon related businesses. We don't
want to throw random ads from unrelated companies at you, so we accept ads
from only those businesses that can help you.

BHQ members are people that have paid a fee to support BHQ in our efforts
and to gain additional services.  Think of BHQ as shareware.  Most of the
package is free, but if you use it, your payment gets you everything we
have to offer, including user support, and you make it possible for us to
continue development of the stuff you want to see online.

You'll note that I said above that *most* of BHQ is free.  Our aim has
always been to educate the balloon industry and everyone else that enjoys
balloons.  Because of that, we have no desire to restrict access to
information.  However, we are constantly rolling out newer services that
you've asked for.  These new services are often for members only.  For
example, you can get a balloonhq.com email address, you can list your own
balloon related events on the BHQ event page
(http://www.balloonhq.com/events) and you can post equipment for sale in
the classified ad pages of BHQ (http://www.balloonhq.com/classified).  Find
out about other stuff we offer (or will offer) at:
	http://www.balloonhq.com/member/

Much to my surprise, a number of people said they didn't know if they paid
us or not and wanted to make sure they supported our efforts.  If you're
not sure, you can always look at the directory of balloon artists at:
	http://www.balloonhq.com/dbindex

Search for your name.  If you're a member, it will say so in your listing.
If you aren't in the directory at all, make sure you add yourself:
	http://www.balloonhq.com/dbindex/add.html

Other random things currently available for members:

* Help with web site development - Tom Brooks has offered to assist any BHQ
member with web site development.  This is a real generous offer on his
part and I have no idea how long he'll continue to offer it, so if you're
interested contact him now.  (Details can be found on the BHQ classified
page.)

* Mousepads - If you were in Austin or Chicago for the recent conventions,
you probably received one of these.  If you're a BHQ member and didn't get
the cool BHQ mousepad but would like one, send me a note.  I'll send it out
free.

* BHQ Embroidered golf shirts - ok, these aren't just for members, but they
are for sale through T Myers Magic:
	http://www.tmyers.com/tjamleft.html


Membership is only $25/year.  Visit 
	http://www.balloonhq.com/member
and register now.

If you still have questions about BHQ membership that I've overlooked,
write to me, or ask on the mailing lists.  

Larry Moss
BalloonHQ.com