STC.org Restricting Access

A few weeks back, the STC International Web site announced

The STC Web site will soon include a "members-only" section that will contain the STC jobs database, full-article publications search, the STC member directory, and other premium content from the current Web site.

Today, Sept 30, the site is "Temporarily Unavailable" with the message:

Beginning October 1, the STC Web site will include a members-only section featuring such premium content as the STC jobs database, membership directory, and current issues of Intercom and Technical Communication.

To ensure a smooth transition, we've taken the site offline temporarily. Please visit us again on October 1 to browse the new site!

On the one hand, it provides members some value for their dues dollar that non-members do not get. On the other hand, it makes us less altruistic in a time of sizable unemployment in our sector

Some local chapters have already done this sort of thing, by making the current issue of the newsletter available only to persons whose identity is on file with the chapter.

What is your reaction to this concept?

comment [] 8:10:40 AM