Neither can we afford to slight our tradition of taking very good care of our members. Not only have our more experienced members come to rely on this, not only is this a member benefit that cannot be had anywhere else, but it is a simple matter that such courtesy is part and parcel of “promoting the ideals of chivalry”. It has been difficult for your Consuls to reach the same level of service, largely because we don’t have the long history of corresponding with each of you that he enjoyed. In order that we may accomplish more with the limited time at our disposal, we have taken to computer automation; but we do so not without trepidation, and with close attention that this does not in any way depersonalize our service or ourselves.
One prime example of this is the [[Renewal Reminders]] we send out with each [[AugustaeumAugustæum|Newsletter]]. While their design is based on the forms previously used, we have worked hard to personalize each, advising which payments might be due, which may be paid in advance, and advertising only those [[Insignia|insignia]] which we believe the recipient is entitled. Clearly, much more work remains to be done in this field, but it may serve to demonstrate that computers, when thoughtfully applied to such routine duties, can render great aid to staff and member alike.
One tradition that was honored somewhat intermittently in the past is that of communications. We feel strongly that regular communications from Headquarters is essential—particularly while we resume activities—as the Newsletter will often be the only contact most members have. Sadly, very few members have taken the opportunity to reply, despite repeated invitations. We would very much prefer that the Newsletter were a conversation rather than an oration, but this has been very difficult to initiate. In the past, we had special publications like the [[Members’ Newsletter of the International Chivalric Institute]] which was created almost entirely from members’ submissions. I should like nothing better than for our Newsletter to become more like that. Perhaps a change of name would help?