Question about the SFWA?

[jasonandrew]

I am certain that some of the members of my friends list are members of the SFWA.

I have two sales that qualify as professional sales according to www.sfwa.org which would place me as an associate member.

Is it worth it to join now or should I wait until I get that third sale?

Comments

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

I suppose I should say that it depends on what you want.

For me the main values of SFWA are 1) being in the Directory, 2) having access to the forums, and 3) being able to say I'm an active member of SFWA, 4) eligible for the Nebulas...(You get 1 and 2 with only 2 sales.)

I've only been a member since 2007, and so far I haven't noticed a editor-attracting halo, nor do I have instant reconition anywhere. We need pins, or something, to wear to cons ;o)

Please note that it's worth it to me. I'll probably stay a member for the near future. THere have been a lot of changes in the last couple of years that I hope will soon make the organization more helpful to us all.

[maryrobinette.livejournal.com]

It's worth clarifying that you don't have to be a member of SFWA to be eligible for the Nebulas, however, only Associate and Active members can nominate works.

There are two reasons to join SFWA.
1. By doing so, you support the genre by giving the organization more leverage. There are some issues, like the Google Book Settlement, which affect all of us, but which only a large organization can be involved in changing. The more members, the more we can do and the better the landscape is for you as a writer.

2. Member benefits. An associate member has all the benefits of an active member save for two. Associates may nominate for the Nebulas, but not vote in them. Nor may they vote in elections. Other than that, you get the same promotional and networking opportunities that an Active member gets.

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

Yes...you're eligible to nominate for the Nebulas, and associates did start that this year, so #3 is also applicable with 2 stories...

Her #1 is an important point. That's the over-arching reason for all of us to join together.