Past meeting: April 5, 1997
East of the Cascades

On 5 April, Elspeth Pope and I flew to Spokane, WA to meet with indexers east of the Cascades. Our goal was to discuss how PNW/ASI could better serve members in that part of our region. Currently, our chapter's meetings have been held along the I-5 corridor. Although this is a densely populated area for indexers, we'd like to be sure we aren't alienating folks who live elsewhere.

Three indexers attended the meeting: one from Spokane; one from Richland, WA; and one from Idaho. All were beginners, and appreciated having Elspeth and I answer their questions.

Ideas considered at this meeting mirrored those previously considered:

• Establish a listserv (or other email list or newsgroup) for indexers in our area. The drawback to this is that many members are not online, and won't have access. We would also need a list moderator (or organizer) and an internet provider that supports listservs.
• Support local, informal meetings in more remote areas.
• Publish a newsletter.

• Video- or audio-tape meetings to sell to those who can't attend. This would also be a great addition to our chapter archives. The drawback is the investment in money, time, equipment and professional services to produce these tapes.
• Organize bus or van rentals for traveling to meetings requiring long drives.
• Organize a "hosting" service that matches local indexers willing to share their homes with indexers traveling far for the meetings.
• Plan major meetings east of the Cascades in places with other tourist attractions.