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The New Electronic Cross & Crescent Magazine
Brothers,
The electronic version of the Cross & Crescent Magazine was launched this morning! This new magazine will replace the old printed C&C for at least a year. The magazine will be published monthly with 16 pages of content. The magazine will be available in PDF format for those of us who prefer a paper copy. I have a short article about Theta Kappa Nu in this issue. I hope you like it! Feedback is important and is sought by the C&C staff. Please be kind.... IHQ will be sending a postcard to the 115,000 Lambda Chis who received the old paper version of the C&C. In case you are interested, here is the website address: www.crossandcrescent.com Yours in ZAX, Mike Raymond, ZUZ |
Speaking as an old...well, middle-aged fart, I need some guidance. The idea of "blogs" is something I have yet to wrap my arms around for a variety of reasons.
I'm reluctant to put my thoughts/opinions/semi-cogent commentary online in that specific forum because I've heard of instances where legal action has been taken against a blogger. In effect, you're being criticized for having an opinion that may not go w/the prevailing thoughts of the majority. Admittedly, there's not a lot of difference between keying in something for the 'Chop Blog and what I've spewed here, but I'm still reluctant to get involved as a blogger. Any thoughts, gentlemen? In ZAX, BF |
While I realize that there are Cost Cuttings needed at IHQ, I am sad to see the Printed version of C & C go by the wayside no matter for how long.:(
Since it is going to be done now, there is no use crying over spilt milk. Time will be the proof of the pudding so to speak. Blogging, Boz, I am with You! From what I have seen on GC, some of the Bloggers get a lot of crap and I dont need any part of that. Like You, I dont even know if I would know how to do it!:confused: |
I hate to see the print version go. I however do support an online version. It is how I get my news now anyways. I also like that submissions are now easier.
Hopefully this will lead to more content being published. I deffinately think the 250,000 could be spent much more effectively. I would support a "subscription" to the C&C for something like $20 per year however. Only brothers who want the "paper" magizine would have to spend the money. The rest can read it online basically for free. |
Matt, it was starting to be set up that way. If a address came back, then it was cut from the mailing list.
There was also the thought about charging non donating Members. It does Cost a lot of money to produce the type of C & C that We were getting. I tried over the years to let My Zeta Brothers know how to let IHQ know of any changes of address and emails. It is very hard to get done. I know only to well as have been trying to find Brothers of My Zetas for Years now. When they dont send changes, I lose them. Luckly, I got 4 from Homecomming this year! What is funny, is that they are so grateful. Now will wait and see if the give changes in the future. It is a good idea of charging, but then I wonder of Brothers think it is worth it? We have been told for Years that Becoming an Alum will cover the cost. Well, it doesnt does it!:( |
Locked up Comptuer whne I tried it!:(
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I like it... it is something I would have liked to seen at my chapter as well.
I do agree that the online version will save $, but I do also understand how important a print version is as well - not only because some people are more comfortable with a hardcopy, but a print magazine is also a great recruiting or information tool to have even just lying around the chapter. That being said I do have high hopes for the electronic version of the C&C - being more accessable might mean more contributions... but more importantly more communication by in effect providing a central touch point (well more that the Fraternity website) for all Brothers no matter where they are. Keep up the go work, and here's hoping for a bigger and better C&C now (or at least one that I actually get :) ) |
I know I sent IHQ a story idea about my wedding. 4 of my 5 groomsman were brothers and most of my chapter was in attendance. I got a response of "we don't print personal interest stories" with no info on who to contact for an alumni info update. I would hope they would print more stories like this now with an e-newsletter.
I know I am interested in reading how brotherhood is experience in other chapters. I think it's a shame that IHQ decided the stories of brothers just aren't important enough... |
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In the case of the wedding I could easily see it included under the chapter/alumni news section, but not really as a main story item - unless of course you married someone famous ;) or drawing on your interest in brotherhood included the wedding as a part of a larger picture focusing on brotherhood within your chapter... |
I Think I'm With You On This One Right Now!
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I think that I will give "blogging" on our Official Site a little more time before I jump in, too! I do like the "Chop Blog" concept though.... I try not to get too far out there with my comments as it is now on this site. Since it is an "Official" Lambda Chi Alpha site we should expect IHQ to be "sensitive" to what is posted there. If I was a "Mod" of this site, I would also be "sensitive" to what is posted here. Personal comments and "Official" comments get blurred together by "outsiders" sometimes. I really don't want anybody to confuse my comments or, God forbid, Earp's comments with "Official" Lambda Chi positions! Sorry Tom, I hope you understand where I am coming from on this one! I couldn't resist the temptation. Right now, "Semi-cogent" best describes my thinking.... So, I will close. Yours in ZAX, Mike Raymond, Zeta-Upsilon Zeta |
I wouldn't have suggest that they make a full page article describing every portion of my wedding. However, they have requested articles decribing how you have experienced brotherhood. I can't think of many more brotherly experiences than talking to someone about who they are going to marry. Actually two of the people who first knew I was going to ask my wife were GH Phi Doc Smith and former COO Kipp. I simply wanted to opportunity to write the story to see if it would be worthy of being printed. I think they should welcome stories of brothers and print those they feel "fit" within the framework of the C&C.
Also I was never given any contact info for "alumni news" portions of the C&C which bothered me as well. I guess I just don't donate enough to be given such information, even though I have donated every year I was an undergrad and was in the Mason Circle. |
My God, are we that f-ing broke?
Whats next, garage sales on Founders Road to pay the Electric Bill? ELC's doing bake sales to get to the next campus? Sure, there's something to be said for cost cutting... but there's also something to be said for credibility. We're an inter/national org. We need to look and dress the part. I'll eat my hat if we see it return to a print edition....ever. BTW, will I get a refund of my unused subscription? See, when I was an AM in 1992, Kevin O'Neil himself explained to me that part of our initiation fees paid for our lifetime subscription. So that leaves us with a few outcomes; 1) Kevin O'Neil lied to me as an AM. 2) Much like the social security system, they never put enough into the system and cant afford to print it anymore. 3) There never really was a 'c&c trust fund' established and just printed it out of the general budget... And what becomes of the savings generated? Will it just be another stop-gap measure? What gets cut next? What is there to cut? I really cant wait till July and GA to see what the latest financial data looks like.... While I am sure the content is *fabulous*, I'm sorry Mike if I dont share in your excitement. |
I would like to see IHQ go to a mixed media format. Print the C&C quarterly, but update the C&C website more often. I agree there is something to be said for a printed magazine.
***edit*** and I have no doubt many of us were lied to about what our membership dues to IHQ went to...Perhaps the $250,000 could go to figureing out our financial situation. |
Actually, I Prefer a Paper Magazine
I try to be as supportive of IHQ as I can be. This does not mean that I agree with every decision made by them. I understand that we are in very serious financial condition because our funds were not properly managed in the immediate past. I also know that steps were taken by the GHZ to correct the problem. They took direct control and made many significant decisions. Leadership has changed, employees laid off, the C&C changed to the electronic version, and the current staff has been given more duties to perform than in the past.
Long term the problem will be solved by increased recruitment and Alumni donations. But both sources of revenue are problematic and probably will not secure a speedy recovery. I doubt if anyone really likes to see all of these cutbacks and changes. I am a collector and a big part of my collection is paper based. I love books and magazines. I want to see a new edition of our history book and a return of the C&C to its traditional format. I agree that our fraternity will be judged, in part, by its publications. I receive about 20 fraternity/sorority magazines and enjoy reading them. Most are well done. I know that the C&C has a wonderful history and is a benchmark in the world of fraternity publications. I will use whatever "influence" I have to build a case for an early return to the paper C&C! As to the "life time" subscription issue. The electronic C&C staff anticipated that that this would be an issue and they have posted information about this in the November C&C. You might have to "dig" abit, but I think you will find it. I also remember that an electronic format for the C&C was approved at the 50th GA. Again, I am not the spokesman for IHQ. I do believe that tough decisions have been made that will help us recover financially. But I also know that we are in deep trouble and it will take time. Hopefully, we have reached bottom and can now start digging out of this financial crisis. Yours in ZAX, Mike Raymond Zeta-Upsilon Zeta |
A quarter of a million dollars
That is really what we're looking at. What can that one quarter of a million dollars buy?
1. More chapter visits? 2. Keeping undergrad dues a bit more reasonable? 3. Expand HQ (it really needs it) with internally generated funds? 4. Retire some debt? Yes, that paper copy was nice. I kept it in my office, but few visitors ever picked it up. The on-line version can be printed out as a PDF file if you want a paper copy to read. It is sad, but the bottom line (pun intended) here is the wise use of limited funds. |
The only problem I have had with the "financial crisis" arguement is that I have been hearing it for four years now. I'm sure some of you have been hearing it longer. Obviously IHQ needs to figure out how to solve the issue. Undergrad dues are at an all time high as are alumni donations. With increased revenue should come increased benefits. All I have seen was the JT Charles Mentoring program and increased benefits to the ELCs (who desparately needed them, IHQ had not even been paying them a living wage). I'm not trying to point fingers, but at what point do they no longer say "financial instability" and begin saying we've figured out what we've done wrong.
I think we all agree that it is important to admit the errors of ones ways and ask forgiveness, but we also know that it is important to decide on how one would rectify the error. I'm still waiting on step 3... |
Another step
I view this as yet another step in getting our financial house in order. The problem didn't appear overnight; expenditures exceeded revenues for a long time. Saving $250,000 will move us further down the recovery road.
The annual budget is something like $3.4 million so the $250K would be something like 6% to 7% of the budget. That is a significant savings. By not spending those dollars we can bring expenditures down to closer match revenue and that is something that we must do. Cutting personnel costs was one tool that could be and indeed was used. Cutting the cost of the C&C is a cut in member services, but it is one that could be compensated for in some measure. Some costs are fixed - we have to maintain the HQ building, we have to cover chapter visits and pay employees. Insurance must be obtained. conferences must be planned and paid for. true, the foundation covers some of these expenses, but not all of these expenses. The balance, the biggest part of the budget, comes from undergrad dues and we need to try and keep those reasonable if we can. Something else had to go and the printed C & C was it. |
I am sure as was stated before, it took a while to sap the Finances of IHQ by at least one previous Ex. Director from what I learned and it will take a while to get the Ship of The Fraternity straight.
While a hard line does need to be taken, I wonder about some of the moves. It is not My decision to make, but, I hope it turns around quickly. As DocRoc said C & C is a leader among Fraternitys/Sororitys along with the ELC Program. For example K S has Volunteers for Divisonal Personell along with at least A S A. + 1 for us. While it may be true that Donations are growing and Recruitment is turning the corner it will take a lot of money for functioning in the day to day world. The IHQ Headquarters is only so to small, but there is land owned behind the current building for expansion if when ever. It will be very interesting to get the financial accountings from the G A next year and I hope that the ones who will be there will use a jaundiced eye. There are two Brothers on Site that I have never seen this upset before. Guess, We must bite the bullet for the time and see what transpires. Maybe if each would do as I have tried to do, Notify Your Members to contact IHQ to update their information. I have seen names for donations that have never donated to the Zeta and I dont have their emails in My Listing.:( No matter where each of our donations go, whether it be on the National or Local level, it all helps one way or the other. |
Cross & Cresent On TV!
According To Bookem, There will be a film version on TV, not sure where, Entitled "The Cross and Cresent. He will check when He gets Home and call Me and I will let You know!
Might be interesting to watch and compare!:) |
a film version? via your computer?
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This is a fascinating discussion so I wanted to add my 2 cents.
On one hand I think it is important to support our national fraternity (Raymond) because like it or not they represent us. However on the other hand I also feel lied to about the C&C "trust fund" as I am sure many alumni will feel about it when they see they dont get one anymore (Lifesaver). Let me express my middle road concern CONSISTENCY and ATTENTION TO MINUTE DETAIL Let me explain 3 years ago we got a quarterly C&C of a certain quality, that was consistently on time. Then it went to odd scheduling and the format varied widely with mostly negative response, this was to save money. Then we were told that the people that didnt "give money" or "ask for a subscription" would not receive one, and the format got upgraded again for the last two issues. Last summer I emailed Kip Zurcher to see whatever happened to the bound C&C editions as my chapter didnt have one past 2000 (Mike are you with me here- DAMN COLLECTORS!! I have like 3000 vintage comic books so I hear you when you notice out of sequence events) He informed me that the status of that was "up in the air" then it never happened~ Kip is gone so I assume that is done with forever now with no fanfare to the end of a 90 year tradition that ruled. Then I started getting these sweet emails from IHQ called "This Week at HQ"- high graphics and detail with insider content for like 6 months, then I didnt get them ever again (dont know how I got it and got on or off the list?). Then we started getting Bill Farkas's emails which were cool this year, now I havent seen one in a month or so (is this gone too?). Then we find out here from Mike Raymond that there is a C&C website and the paper one in all formats is gone. So the C&C saga changed like 6 times in that story mixed in with some emails that came and went as well. During all that time is when the LCA website has become almost totally irrevant due to content being impossible to find and in some cases wildly out of date. So now I am supposed to believe that ANOTHER website will be maintained with Blogs and such when the "directory chapter listing" for the entire fraternity is a year old at least and my chapter has a High Alpha listed that is 4 years out of school now? I would embrace this more if a consistent plan was being adhered to as well, but since www.lambdachi.org is such a disappointment I fear that C&C.com will be as well. (also there are TONS of typos in the new pedagogus so I'm doubly scared by that as well) In closing I will email all of my alumni (370 on the email group) to support the new C&C online from my chapter, and Ill even submit content-heck they put one of my pictures in the first issue that I looked at yesterday. HOWEVER my friends and brothers with the death of this as a printed material websites like this are now the new frontier of LCA print/ideas and news. Independent Online bulletinboards= Future I have learned more on this website about LCA than I did from any of the C&C's recently which had become slow out of date "PR pieces" anyway, unlike the glory years of Linn Lightner's incredible older issues. While Im sure some people will respond to the online items there, the love, interest and content on this very bulletinboard has become my "newspaper and editorial" on the day to day operations of real brothers and chapters that had never really been heard from before (why didnt Tom Earp have a quarterly column in the C&C, "Uncle Tom's Attic" or something? What did we do without this guy?). One of the cool things that is here that LCA cannot do is to have argument and dissent. While GammaZeta has pissed alot of you off, he makes me think, and think hard about things that we dont like to talk about. C&C really cant do that, so thanks GZ for being the dissent guy here, we need that, not alot of "yes men" and feel good stuff. So while guys like Mike Raymond and I cant collect items anymore, we probably are getting more content on this website- so tell a brother to "come home here" if they miss their C&C. And Ill see you here at the website tommorrow afternoon again guys like I do almost every day around this time with or without my C&C sort of like going to the house after classes to have a beer and shoot a game of pool. zax Lenoxxx |
As a quick update to this discussion on a very positive note- the online C&C content was able to be immediately transfered to our own website to have all of their content on a sidebar, we could never do this before- check it out on our main page left side sidebar
www.phitauzeta.org The cup is half full now! Lenoxxx |
I did notice that IHQ was able to "scrape" together the cash to print their annual "donations" list. FSU donated enough to subsidise the entire cost of the C&C.
Like I've been saying I like the new version, but there are much larger issues than a magazine here. What is IHQs plan, what is their vision? |
There Was A Plan But Circumstances Changed
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You will also note that circumstances torpedoed much of the Action Plan. However, they did have a strong plan in place prior to the financial crisis. The mismanagement and poor communications of the past "leader" is the root cause of our current problem. While I would like to have the paper C&C in my hands, I am most concerned about the six people who lost their jobs and the current staff that has had to pick up more responsiblities. A Magazine is a Magazine but they are my Brothers and Sisters. I would like to see the GHZ share a new and comprehensive plan of action with us. Yours in ZAX, Mike Raymond, ZUZ |
Could someone in the "know" explain what exactly happened with all of our finances that has created this great financial problem? Ive heard alot of individual snippets on this topic from brothers in passing, but it seems to be the root of what we are discussing.
Lenoxxx |
Finances
There are several reasons why we fell into trouble:
The staff was expanded - people cost money, money in the form of salaries, benefits, and office space. An example is the introduction of the region coordinators: New positions. Vickie Hardin did a great job for us in the west, but she and her colleagues cost money. If you have access to an old copy of the C & C, say from the early eighties, look at the size of the staff. We started up LCA Properties - I don't know the funding of this activity but there had to be start-up costs; I don't know where those dollars came from. Revenues did not increase to keep pace with the head count increase. Investment income was down and new associations and initiations dropped. That equals less money. Insurance costs went up. Less money came in as more money went out. Should folks have been more vigilent? Yes, they should have been. Unfortunately, they weren't. As a result we will spend considerable time, treasure, and heartbreak putting our house in order. |
First off:
Cross and Cresent the Show on TV. History Channel at 8:00 Sun night. May be an intersesting watch. Second: I finally stumbled through the NEW C & C on line. I dont really consider it actually user friendly. Granted, it is going to take time to get use to it, but, I am not impressed. Two of The Greatest items We as a Internationl Fraternity had was C & C to keep in touch with Alums and Actives per sey. The Second Was The Web Site. This "Was" a way for Active and Alums to keep in touch. It was also an important selling tool that could be used for PNA. But, it too had fallen into disrepair/updating and was so hard to navigate that it was hard to find anything. Vicky Harden and many of the other hard working members or being cut and I will as I am sure many will miss them. They were not there for just the money alone but for a little of the love for the job, Members of The LXA Fraternity, and enjoying what they were doing. I have news that Vicky Harden is now working for another Fraternity. DTD. As I was told It is Their Gain and Our Loss!!!:( As I mentioned, there is land that LXA owns, and land is valuable, it may be time to look at selling some of it off and replentishing coffers that way. But, as was mentioned, by cutting staff back to bare bones, how soon will some get burned out and say "Who needs it"? Our Stature as An International Fraternity seems to be having a little glow taken from it and We are becoming another National Fraternity who is just getting by! Mike, I do not or ever will speak with an Offical Voice of LXA, but just a Brother who has been around a very long time. As lenoxxx said, I have learned more off of GC about LXA than any Publication We have. Thank Goodness, I have Brothers like each and everyone of You! Thank You All! "Uncle Toms Attic" Like it, but they dont have a reader who can scipher My Earp Speak!:D I joined a 1 st Rate Fraternity, I dont want to stay one of just The Normal Ones. We are and always have been Leaders enven though We are one of the youngest! Please dont let it be changed now. |
Tom, I looked up that show on the History Channel's website and it is about the Crusades. Looks interesting.
I thought you were talking about a new live talk show ( syndicated ) about and for brothers and associates. LMAO Boy, am I embarassed..... |
December Issue of C&C
Brothers,
The next issue of the electronic edition of the C&C Magazine will be posted tomorrow. It should be available for review bright and early in the morning! Also, it appears that the electronic Newsletter, that was sent to interested Brothers a couple of times a month, will no longer be published. Yours in ZAX, Mike Raymond, Z-U Zeta |
Hate to hear about about the weekly up dates. But, I am sure time constrictions with all going on and short staff dictate what is being done for other things!
I just hope the Navagation of the Online C & C gets better for us dumb Puter users!!!!:) |
Hey, gang--Greetings from 'Lanta, y'all, home of the 2005 NIC/AFA Convention! I've seen a number of IHQ-types as well as 'Chops plying their trade as Greek advisors. Very cool to be one of the crew.
I'll find out what I can about the electronic stuff if/when I get a chance to chat w/folks in the know. If anything newsworthy's noted, I'll share w/the rest of the class. In ZAX in Atlanta, BF |
No tidbits...sorry, gang.
ZAX, BF |
:( Electronic C & C still isnt the same.
Oh well, hopefully times will get better. Boz, Wish I was there with You and all of the GC Brothers! Do Well!!!! |
You can download and make a paper copy of the C&C
Brothers,
I love paper too! Visit my house and you will understand what I mean. However, I do like the interactive nature of the electronic C&C. Check out the reference to the When? building in my current history article to understand what I mean. You can download the magazine to your screen and then print off a copy. It looks like a magazine and it is laid out a bit differently than the computer version. And, it does have a cover.... I have meet with the team that is responsible for both publications; they are talented and dedicated Brothers. They also like games and movies. Very funny in person. You would like them if you meet them. Yours in ZAX, Mike Raymond, Z-U Zeta |
Edwin Markham
Brother Bill,
I really like the quote from Markam that you use as a tagline. I happen to own a copy of his most famous poem, "The Man with the Hoe," that he signed with a dedication to the Grand Chapter of Theta Kappa Nu in 1928. Nicely framed, with the official colors of TKN, in my office. I will probably write about him in a future C&C article. And, Gamma Zeta, no jokes about the "hoe" in the poem's title! Yours in ZAX, Mike Raymond, ZUZ |
I was just looking at the Electronic C&C.
I like to see if there are any good parts under "voices" I enjoy Ed Leonard's travels. However, there is a "Voice"/BLOG that just says " I heard there are two chapters that are Hazing" Since it is the "Cross and Crescent" I would think it would be above that sort of gossip and innuendo. Heck, you dont even see that sort of stuff on here- i.e " I heard Univ of xxx is hazing..." Lenoxxx |
The January Cross & Crescent
Brothers,
The January issue of the Cross & Crescent will be posted on January 2, 2006. This will make three electronic issues that have been produced on schedule. Jason is doing a great job as the new editor. He is very dedicated to this project and has contributed much to its "interactive" nature. I have two articles this time: The Iswza Society of Cornell and Part Two of my Rene' d' Anjou article that appeared in the last paper issue of the C&C. I think some of you will really like the King Rene' article because I made some connections between King Rene', Lambda Chi Alpha, and Dan Brown's popular book, THE DA VINCI CODE. If you have not tried the new Electronic C&C, I urge you to do so. Yours in ZAX, Mike Raymond, Z-U Zeta |
Mike, looking forward to reading Your Articles as they are always well written and informative.
But, I would like to see more information out ot the New Electronic Cross and Cresent. If We as a International Fraternity are going to save Money this way, then put more meat into the Dang thing! I still am not impressed one iota. |
It's Here!
Brothers,
The latest issue of the C&C Magazine hit the electronic airwaves this morning. I want to direct your attention to Bill Farkas's comments. I believe that he is setting the stage for a series of articles about the condition and future of our fraternity. Please read what he has to say, comment on the article, and stay tuned for more insight from Bill and his staff. This issue has some real "meat!" Follow some of the links provided within the articles and you might be amazed at where they take you! There is much more content than meets the eye.... I would encourage the posting of comments about the electronic C&C and its specific articles and departments. The C&C is, in great measure, a volunteer operation. It is a great example of our leadership reaching out for help and our members responding in a positive manner. Happy New Year, Yours in ZAX, Mike R., Z-U Zeta |
Brother Raymond, another well written Article that does show History of LXA.
This C & C does have a little more in it. I guess it is like The Neophyte isnt it?:) One has to learn His/Its Way! As always, anything from LXA is always enjoyable to read, I was in hopes that the Brother that all helped to find would be in this issue. I didnt really know who to write about the passing even though I did send it in. |
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