SAW members

[Rockytime]

Anyone here belong to SAW? I joined a few months ago. I received their membership packet and their latest magazine. Do not find much action there. The forum is discontinued due to lack of participation. Also the web site is a bit awkward. I know they are trying to regroup but will they survive?

[dgman]

I am not a member of SAW Les as I have not had the need to. I am a member of two scroll saw forums, formerly three. I have access to all the patterns I need. If I need help with anything scroll saw related, I come here or the other forum.

I suspect most scrollers feel as I do.

I know Rolf is a member. Hopefully he will chime in.

[WayneMahler]

I understand they are trying to reorganize and get new leaders. I have held off to see what happens.

[lawson56]

I have heard of the site,but never went to ck it out.I get all I need here,and at Steve's place.

[Bill WIlson]

I think SAW played a much bigger role in the development and promotion of the hobby, back 15+ years ago.  More recently, the advent of internet forums like this, as well as access to vendors and suppliers has made it a little like the small town newspaper, struggling to maintain some relevance in a digital society.  When I first joined our scroll saw club, it was made up of older members, most of whom were also SAW members.  They talked fondly of the picnics and various national gatherings that SAW sponsored, as well as the friendships that were cultivated though their membership and shared passion.  At the time, I think SAW offered some benefits to member clubs, like some liability insurance or something.  I considered joining then (12-13 years ago), but just never got around to it.  More recently, with all the resources available on the Net, it seems like the benefits are diminishing.  I respect those who have worked so hard to try & get it back up & running, but I fear they are fighting a losing battle.

[hotshot]

I think this is one of those cases where the organization will either adapt, or will continue to die a slow long death.  Days are gone where people jump to join "Exclusive" organizations.  I think SSV is what SAW should have been.

Edited January 30, 2017 by hotshot

[Rolf]

I have not been a member for several years, I think Bill says it very well regarding its purpose and what it has done for our scrolling community.

I was a member for many years when it was one of the only large organization and a great source of resources, local clubs, members etc. and yes it had some form of liability Ins. that helped club events.

But as Bill stated the prevalence of online sites makes it very hard to justify a fee based organization.

SAW depended heavily on article contributions from clubs and individuals and that is difficult to get, I was our club president for 3 years and secretary for several others and I am sad to say I failed in contributing.

 

John Nelson and Leldon  Maxcy made an effort to help resurrect it. And the SAW magazine they published did print a letter I wrote regarding my opinion for its demise. 

But in my opinion I am sad to say it is no longer relevant.