FAQ - Joining the BTS

I receive many e-mails from people who want to join the BTS but struggle to find the way through the site to find us. Don’t worry I have the same techno fear. With this in mind I decided to put together a guide to joining us and answer some of the frequently asked questions.

Q: I want to join the BTS. What are the options?A: There are a number of ways to join us. You can download a Membership Form from the site. Complete it and send it to the address on the form. The form offers you a choice of payment methods. You may join using cash, cheque (payable to the BTS) or Postal Order (payable to the BTS). You can of course use the internet and join online at the BTS E-store. This is by PayPal and is secure. To join in this way you will need to register on the BTS Forum. This is a security measure only and allows us to make sure that we provide the best service possible to you.

Q: I’m confused I have not been a member for a year but have received a Renewal Form. Why?A: That’s OK. When you join the BTS you receive three 48 page journals throughout your membership. (We have changed this from four, 36 page journals in an effort to save postage costs and again provide you with a better service) If you join just before a new journal is due you may receive two in a short period of time. We try to send out a journal as soon as you join.

Q: I was expecting a journal in May. It didn’t arrive until August. What happened?A: The journal has to be put together by the Editor and like all Committee members he produces it on a voluntary basis. Sometimes he runs a little late. Don’t worry you will receive all of your journals throughout your membership.

Q: I joined by PAYPAL last week but have heard nothing. Have I been forgotten?A: Don’t worry we haven’t forgotten you. Both of us work full time and we process the applications when we can. Like the Editor we are volunteers and run the BTS as a hobby. We try to process all applications within 28 days depending on our other commitments. If you have joined and are concerned then feel free to drop us an e-mail. We try to answer all e-mails at the weekend. Please be patient as we sometimes have holidays.Also when you join using the new updated BTS store you will receive a link to download the latest issue of the BTS journal, in this journal you will find the codes to the members site where you can currently download over 20 back issues FREE!

Q: I’ve got my Journal but what other benefits do I get?A: On the first page of the Journal you will see Username and Password. This is unique to every journal and gives you access to the member only site. Here you can download a number of back issues and read enhanced articles. You can join the BTS Forum and ask questions to experts and amateurs alike. Your membership card allows you to enter the BTS Exhibition at a reduced rate. In the future the BTS Lectures will be members only.

Q What are the future plans for the BTS?A. We are constantly striving to improve the club. We meet regularly to discuss ideas and decide what we can do to make you the best tarantula club in the World. If you have any ideas then we are always pleased to receive e-mails from you.Ray and Angela HaleBTS Committee