X-Message-Number: 17775
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 19:32:22 -0400
From: fair4us <>
Subject: Answer on Alcor Membership Statistics

Several days ago, I questioned the "new member" statistics posted in "This 
Week at Alcor" by Jennifer Chapman, Alcor Membership Administrator.  I 
questioned them because it appeared to me that they might be unduly 
inflated by a number of former Alcor members returning to Alcor.  In an 
email to me, Ms. Chapman stated there were "a few" such persons in the 
numbers cited, and she said "In my opinion these would still be considered 
new memberships."  When I asked for a more precise answer, I received "In 
general, 2 - 4 of the total finalizations were returning members."

I am not sure if I agree with the idea that those are "new" members.  Long 
ago, no doubt, some Membership Administrator took credit for these folks 
already, as "new members."  That they left and came back only muddies the 
waters.

In the latest "This Week at Alcor," Ms. Chapman states that there are 
presently "approximately 90 individuals applying for membership."  We are 
left to wonder how many of these are also returning members.  I am not 
trying to say this is a good or bad thing that Alcor is getting members 
back, but to try to get a handle on how many are really "new."

Perhaps someone else at Alcor can provide some data that is less approximate?

My original post follows:
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In the recent "This Week at Alcor," Jennifer Chapman reported the following:

"... membership growth statistics for the third quarter.
Of particular interest, it was noted that sixteen new
memberships were approved, although a loss of seven
members also occurred.  Overall, there was a net gain
between July 1 and September 30 of nine new members,
which maintains the current net average of three new
memberships per month.  A comparison was also made
between the average monthly statistics reported in
2000 as compared to this year.  For example, the
number of membership finalizations has increased by
25%, cancellations have increased 53%, and the net
gain of new members has grown by 6.5% thus far in
2001."

She further explained that most of the losses were from international 
members who quit.

Not explained is the source of the 16 new members.  How many of these are 
former Alcor members who quit to form CryoCare (or for other reasons), and 
have now returned to the fold?  And since these are not really exactly 
"new" members, how would the exclusion of those from the above figures 
change the percent increase in membership finalizations, and net gain of 
new members percentage, mentioned above?  Also, how would it change the 
statistics reported in the following statement? ...

"To emphasize the significant impact this has had on
the organization, it is astonishing to realize that
the net membership growth rate would be approximately
+ 40 % for 2001 as compared to 2000 (rather than +
6.5 %)  if this unfortunate occurrence had not taken
place."
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