X-Message-Number: 1847 Subject: CRYONICS - A Suggestion for Alcor Funding Problems From: (Edgar W. Swank) Date: Fri, 26 Feb 93 21:51:11 PST In Cryomsg 1794, Keith Henson explains at length why Alcor is running short of funds, using up its endowment, has to raise dues, etc. In Cryomsg 1798, Thomas Donaldson suggests raising dues, lowering Alcor salaries and increased reliance on volunteer labor. I would like to suggest that Alcor can bring in some cash and more efficiently utilize its human and capital resources by -unbundling- its services and offering them -at a healthy profit- to members of other Cryonics organizations, such as ACS and CI, who are willing to pay for them. Currently this doesn't happen because Alcor insists on providing services -only- to Alcor members and -only- as a -complete- package of legal custody, transport, perfusion, storage, and suspension fund management. I think Alcor unbundling would be a win-win arrangement for all concerned. ACS and CI members would get a larger choice of service providers. Alcor members could be charged lower dues and suspension charges than would otherwise be possible. Alcor employees and even volunteers would expect to receive market wages for work done on non-members. Other service providers (e.g. Trans Time) might be moved to improve their efficiency and range of offerings by the stimulus of competition. -- (Edgar W. Swank) SPECTROX SYSTEMS +1.408.252.1005 Silicon Valley, Ca Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=1847