Centennial Directory
 

How often do they do this? When I called to update my info, I used my current apt and not my home address - she assured me that since they had my email address as well, it wouldn't matter if (when) I move. Also, they list our profession in the listing as well, assumedly for other brothers to help when help is needed. For undergrad's, we'll be listed as students until the next update assumedly. Even if it is published hardbound q 10 years or so, it would be much better if an electronic upgrad was released annually or so. This could possbly be accessed by logging into the website and dl'ing a file.

But I am most definitely getting CD and Hardbound book - exciting stuff.

In ZAX,
Adam

I finally got a card as you did but I did not send it back in as I am where I have been for 16 years with no plan to move but to a hole in the ground!:D

It is only as good as the updates to IHQ for record keeping! So please all make sure you tell your Brothers to update it everymovee! We have lost to many of our old members not through death but not updating and I for one would like to know where they Are!

I was lucky so to speak as I got one when I visited IHQ and they had extras and I got a hard back copy!:)

The card I received is different. It says, "A brief telephone call will ensure your listing is completely accurate and up-to-date. Please, give us a call at your convenience within the next two weeks so that we may verify your information with you. CALL TODAY - TOLL FREE"

I did, and made some corrections and changes, even though I've lived where I am for 29 years.

Knowing the most recent initiation numbers at several chapters, I tried to find out if their numbers were also up-to-date, but they claimed not to have that information. How could they not when they're the ones putting it together?

I bought the 2003 directory, and the names for my chapter add up to 443. But as of the end of 2002 we had initiated 629. All the names and numbers are in LCA's database, so there is no excuse for this kind of discrepancy.

I have no intention of wasting my money on a new directory unless it is absolutely complete, with every single brother ever initiated into Lambda Chi Alpha unless they have a money-back guarantee. Do they?

Can anyone out there tell us why these directories are never complete in the first place? Why IHQ has all the names, but not all of them seem to make it into the book?

Some people choose not to be included thus they fall off the face of the earth. Or at least the pages of the book.

That leaves me a choice of believing that 186 brothers - 30% of my chapter - specifically requested not having even their names in the LCA directory when it was perfectly fine when they were listed on our chapter's website. I do not for one minute believe 30% of my chapter opted out.

Those who have fallen off the face of the earth - even if they are now deceased - won't even get the card, but they were still initiated and should be included in the directory with or without any personal information.

Admit it. The databases are screwed up. That's why the "2007 UPDATE" from the LCA Educational Foundation had total numbers for my chapter five years out of date.

I got that card too, but I just assumed they wanted you to call so they would have a better chance to make a sale.

Was that not the case?

Yes sure, the purchase options (hardcover, softcover, CD-ROM) are presented at the end of the conversation, but in all fairness their primary concern is to make sure the information is accurate. They will be collecting data through the end of September, so there's plenty of time for them to market the directory.

The main reason I ask - email is actually a more accurate method of confirming information. Details can be easily misunderstood over the phone. But, a chance of a sale increases over the phone.

Funny you should mention that. One thing I corrected was my email address, which in the 2003 directory was "juno" instead of "jono". A snail mail card with a one-letter error stands a better chance of still being delivered. It can also be forwarded to a new postal address if the recipient has moved, whereas an email to a bad address will either bounce back or just disappear in cyberspace.

Wasn't referring to that - an incorrect or outdated email could happen regardless of method used.

I was responding to your comment about making sure your personal info was correct. Studies have shown that there is a much greater chance for error (due to "mishearing") when done on telephone vs. typed into an email, electronic form, and any other form of electronic communication, since you then have a virtual hard copy.

And, of course, there's plenty of studies that show sales increase significantly when solicited over the phone. That's why telemaketing is such a huge (and, increasingly regulated) business.

I would also mention that when I was president of my chapter's alumni association we would send newsletters electronically or under the school's bulk permit. Once a year, however, we sent something first class mail, which the USPS will either forward or return as undeliverable. In any case we would know the address we had was bad and could then try to track the brother down using other methods. You will notice Harris Connect sent the card via first class mail. That's the way to do it.

Yes, I would agree that USPS would be better than telephone.

Oh, I see. You're talking about the response method, not the initial contact?

Ok, but I was more speculating that the real reason they asked you to call was to increase their chance of a sale.

That's the same company that did the directory for my college last year. If directories are their specialty then I would suspect they'd like to sell as many as possible. It would make good business sense - and the greater the potential market, the lower the price can be (I think).