Hmmm, possible Glitches in PUT renewal system?

[NightOwl]

I just learned that  B-Flat  was cut off from the board on May 11 with no advance  warning or e-mail notification  that this was the date of her  expiration.  She is hurt and puzzled since her e-mail address is correct and unchanged and with all the recent changes in her personal life lately couldnt remember herself the exact date she needed to renew.  Sounds like it was a jolt for her.  I am sure with so many of us, and since not all memberships expire at the same time, that it isnt  easy  to keep up with all of the  notices needing to be sent.

I mention this example not as criticism, but  in hopes that the   PUT software will be able to keep this from happening to other members now and in the future.  Gosh, I hope there havent been other poeple who got left out accidently--we've all had such fun together  on the new board and every  camper  here adds to the fun and useful information.  And it is  really sad to think of someone accidently  being left out and no longer being able to enjoy  the magazine and the fun on the board.

[angelsmom10]

Also, she is not showing up in the members area as a past member or anything.  I can't believe that all those people with 0 posts or a few posts are still active members.  What happens to those people who sign up for a trial membership.  Do they still stay on the list or what.

[birol]

There must be a glitch in the software. PUT already stated that the software is supposed to send an e-mail message before the membership expires. She is jolted alright ! She can't even access the free parts of the board anymore

[mike4947]

As always a email to Dave or Steve works wonders. Something for all folks to check is if you're on an ISP that provides for a spam filter or have one installed on your computer is to make sure PUT is on your accepted address list.
Both AOL & MSN have at times have caused  emails to be declared spam and dumped when they aren't.

[NightOwl]

well, I KNOW this didnt happen to Nancy on purpose!  We all know that.  I sort of recall that she changed her e-mail adress not long ago-- come to think of it,  I wonder if  she remembered to change it in her PUT records.

And, yes, Mike--I agree that going directly to PUT is the best way to get these things solved.  I always write Dave or call the ofice if I run into some kind of problem about the board--they always respond  quickly and helpfully.   I am not sure if Nancy has  contacted them yet or not.  

And it is good to know that the PUT software  is designed to help to avoid  these kinds of screw-ups..

[Jeffrey]

Emailing Admin is one way?

But I think we should have a protest, maybe a class-action suit, or call the Attorney General.
To expire a membership when it expires is wrong.
This can't be allowed to continue!!!

But that's just my opinion.
Jeffrey - Who doesn't know why mine hasn't expired yet?
I'm just hanging in PopUp Limbo

[NightOwl]

Well, here's what happened: although  B-Flat's  e-mail address had been updated, somehow the PUT software didnt pick up on it and so she didnt receive the advance reminder of expiration that has been going out to most of us.  She told me that today PUT had  sent  her a very  gracious explanation and apology for what happened.  But as it turns out,  the membership expiration  was just kind of a coincidence coming at the same time that her life  got too busy to keep up with the board.

So, actually, Nancy's membership expired simultaneously with a lot of changes in her life both personally and professionally--some very good changes, I might add. Because of  all these changes,  she had reluctantly concluded that she  really is not going to have a lot of time to spend online anymore--at least not enough to make  it worthwhile to renew her membership.  She has just received a nice professional promotion and is busier than ever  with the demands of  her work.  She also has recently moved into a new house, has a new  husband and resulting  enlarged family,  (actually, she's still "honeymooning" )  In addition, she is greatly involved in the busy  NC BlueGrass scene  so all of that leaves little or no opportunity to come to the board and  take part in what is going on here.  (HUH--I guess NOT--I dont think many of us could keep up with her busy schedule.  Wish I knew what vitamins she takes! )

It is too bad she is not coming back so she could say  goodbye and personally  list all the stuff she is doing now and  we could all at least wish her bon voyage.  Like a lot of you, I'm going to miss her knowledge and her witty observations,  Some one else will have to fill in the gaps when we get on the subject of  caring for cast iron and a bunch of other camping stuff (especially when it comes to camp cooking and organizing)   And she has always been a big booster for the joys of living in NC.  Some of us will be keeping in touch with her now and then via e-mail and I at  least still  hope to camp with her in NC at a BG festival.

[wiininkwe]

I can't help wondering if Nancy was a lone victim of this little glitch,or if others have been dropped from the membership that we aren't aware of because they can no longer post.   Has anyone received e mails from friends who have had this problem?  Seems strange that PUT would have an updated database, but wouldn't use it?   If anyone else has heard from other members that they have been dropped, please let someone know about it, so the problem can be solved.  
I'm going to miss Nancy too, from the board, she has always had lots of good input, suggestions and information for all of us to share.  It's good tho, to know that she'll keep on camping, and stay in touch with us.
T