Date: Mon, 8 Sep 97 08:51:59 -0000 From: Ken Cusson <ken@mail3.casadyg.com> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg3433$foo@default> Subject: Missing CPN Back-Issues
Dear Fellow CPers, especially those who are members of ICPS:
I am afraid that I have not been reading the list as closely as
usual the last couple of weeks and did not see the questions raised
concerning the CPN until it was brought to my attention by another
member. Please accept my apologies for not responding sooner.
Indeed, we have been having some severe problems getting the CPN out
to many of our members, especially newer ones. As I have mentioned
before, the problem is my responsibility and I accept full "blame" for
the difficulties encountered.
First, the nightmare - Because of difficulties I was experiencing
with the program that was being used for keeping records, (MS Works - PC
format) and because of it's severe limitations, I made the decision to
move all of the data from our original database format to a more powerful
database format that, I believed, would allow much easier and faster
usage, especially on a cross-platform basis. Trying to transfer this
information has been a horrendous problem, with MS Works refusing to "let
go" of much crucial information. Add to this the fact that I experienced,
after 12 years of working with a variety of different computer systems,
my first complete hard drive crash and the loss of everything on the
drive - including my copy of the new database.
Since the database had been sent to others, I could simply get a new
copy - but all of the information that had been entered since that time
(over 100 renewals and new membership apps) was lost (and I had not had
the chance to adequately set-up the back-up process for this data).
Re-creating the lost information has been extremely difficult as many of
the forms were destroyed once they were entered and it was confirmed that
they were in the database.
Now the effort to wake-up from the nightmare - My family and I spent
many, many long days (many times until 2 or 3 in the morning) trying to
get the database up & running once again. We now have a database that is
reasonably accurate (I think) - but there are so many back issues needed
that the cost of sending them out as they are requested would be very
high, with the cost of first class postage where it is (and the
unreliability of 4th class delivery). Therefore, I decided, after
consultation with other board members and members of the CPN staff, that
it would be best, cost-wise, to hold all of the back-issues for one
"Catch-Up' mailing to be done in the summer (July-August). This would
allow us to send the majority of them out via bulk mail (the normal
shipping method) and save a considerable amount in postage.
This is where we are at this point - I thought the "Catch-Up"
mailing had already gone out, but I have just gotten word that it has,
once again, been delayed. I will be working with the CPN Publisher to get
this out as quickly as possible and, I am CERTAIN that the back-issues
that so many members are missing, will be in their hands by the end of
September (along with their September issue).
No more nightmares - I have taken strong steps to assure that this
does not happen again. I have an excellent back-up process in place. We
are requesting renewals earler this year, and no later than December
1997, to try and avoid the need for "Catch-Up" issues as much as possible
(a real time & cost killer!). The new database is installed and working
properly.
You can help me keep this from happening again in two ways ... 1)
Please Renew as soon as possible after Sept. 30. This will allow us to
get all of this mess dealt with in time for the first issue in March 1998
and 2) If you, or a member that you know of, does not receive a missing
issue by Sept. 30, please let me know ASAP, either by e-mail (preferred -
kenc@salinas.net only!) or a telephone call to me (you can leave a
message on my machine if I am not there) - I will then send them out
myself via First Class mail (ouch!). Please DO NOT send regular mail - I
simply do not have the time to send a "confirmation" of receiving each &
every letter and it will take too long to get to me.
Thank you for your kind understanding. Things WILL get better in
1998!
Keep growing & have a great day!
Ken Cusson, Secretary/Treasurer
I.C.P.S.
THE INT. CARNIVOROUS PLANT SOCIETY
c/o Ken Cusson, Secretary/Treasurer
339 E. Romie Lane, Salinas, CA 93901-3129
******************************************
E-Mail: kenC@salinas.net
Tel: (408) 783-1103 (after 6pm PST)
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