Conference 7.286::digital

To be honest, I've sort of lost track of what the new fees actually are.  There
was a mailing that went out last fall that described them in detail but since
I've heard nothing more, no late year reminders that the new fees would be
kicking in or anything else.

I suspect it will hit home when the new fees show up on the first statements.

For me personally, I will probably end up consolidating my savings accounts (I've
got about 5) but little else.  Having lost a credit union branch in Burlington
about a year ago, you are correct.  It has become less convenient and more costly
without easy access to a branch office.

Larry

    
    Re .0
    
>    Any readers out there with any thoughts on the newly imposed fees
>    at the DCU?
>    
>    I wonder whether there'll be a big backlash with depositors leaving
>    and more branch closings.  Losing the branch and convenience would 
>    be a big hassle for me.
    
    I believe that is exactly what is and will continue to happen. With the
    present policies the credit union will turn into a boutique credit
    union. Forever shrinking as more and more fees are put in place and
    rates and services become even more uncompetitive with other credit
    unions.
    
    In fact I feel so strongly about this and feel that Digital Employees
    should not lose the valuable benefit that the credit union could be,
    that I and a couple of other people have decided to run for a position
    on the Board of Directors to try and turn the situation around.
    
    Attached is a statement on what we believe should happen. For more
    detailed discussion of the DCU see the notesfile SMAUG::DCU.
    
    Feel free to extractr and forward this note to anybody you think may be
    interested in it.
    
    Dave

                   <<< USER$944:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DCU.NOTE;5 >>>
                                    -< DCU >-
================================================================================
Note 739.0              Joint Statement of BoD Candidates              4 replies
ASE003::GRANSEWICZ                                   63 lines  18-JAN-1994 15:01
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


		   Candidates for the DCU Board of Directors

			Christopher C. Fillmore-Gillett
			David J. Garrod
			Philip J. Gransewicz (incumbent)

	We share a similar philosophy and vision for DCU.  This philosophy
	and vision will be the basis of all decisions made as Directors.
	We feel it is very important for all DCU members to consider this
	when deciding who they should vote for in the upcoming election
	for DCU's Board of Directors.

			    "All members are equal"

	There can be no policies, pricing or otherwise, which divide the
	membership into classes.  DCU cannot penalize one member to reward
	another member.  The current "relationship banking" fees does
	precisely this.  We are OPPOSED to this way of doing business and
	if elected, will call for repeal of the recently implemented checking
	account fees.  It is neither in the credit unions long term best
	interest, nor in the interest of the membership.  The membership
	spoke loud and clear two years ago and we are ready to act on that
	mandate.

			 "Our strength is our membership"

	DCU's membership has proven itself, in both good times and bad times.
	In good times, our default rates are FAR below our peers.  In the
	difficult times that many of us are facing, DCU's membership has
	proven itself again with below forecast defaults.  The membership
	base must be PROTECTED and GROWN in order to ensure DCU's long term
	stability.  There can be no policies which result in DCU members
	taking their business elsewhere.  DCU's top priority MUST be
	membership satisfaction and participation, NOT increased profits.

			 "Moderate, steady capital growth"

	While it is very important to provide a strong capital base for the
	credit union, it should not be done at an overly aggressive pace.
	DCU's past losses due to "investments" in non-members have required
	DCU to replace millions of dollars in lost equity.  Record profits
	over the last two years have helped rebuild the equity base.  It is
	now time to better balance the needs of membership with the need to
	build equity.

			     "Dividends to membership"

	DCU's membership MUST share in DCU's success.  We believe it is now
	time to invest in the membership.   A portion of DCU's profits each
	year should be allocated to a bonus dividend or loan interest rebate.
	Even though it may be small at the beginning, it is important that
	DCU maintain its credit union roots and commitment to the membership.


	We believe that DCU has reached a defining point in its existence.
	It can continue down the road towards becoming a commercial bank or
	the membership can insist that DCU remain a credit union.  It is our
	desire to insure DCU remains a CREDIT UNION for Digital employees.
	Each DCU member must decide what direction DCU will take.  Please
    	vote in the upcoming election.  Your vote DOES matter.
	

    
    Since DCU is a cooperative, owned by its members, there is recourse
    available to the membership in the form of a VOTE.  If DCU is turning
    down a road you feel is not in your best interests as an owner, then
    you can (as we all did 2 years ago) change that direction by changing the
    people who decide the credit union's strategic direction.
    
    As with everything, nothing happens on its own.  People have to MAKE it
    happen, by being aware, by being informed, by being involved, and by
    VOTING.  Bottom line is DCU will only ever be as good as the membership
    make it...
    
    

    Well, here is another perspective on DCU.  I live in Minnesota, roughly
    1500 miles away from Maynard.
    
    Frankly, DCU just is not that important to me.  I have a credit line
    with them and now a car loan for my Plan-B-mobile (well, for as long as
    I can keep on plan B anyway).
    
    I remember the flyer that came out last fall and I made my decision
    right them:  Once my loan is paid down and DCU starts charging me for 
    the privilege of storing a few hundred bucks of my money, I will just
    draw it all out and put it in a bank here in Minnesota.  They want me
    to direct deposit  **how**  much per week with them?????  Get real!
    
    The only thing DCU ever offered me was convenience doing business with
    DEC.  DCU's loan rates aren't any better than what I can get here. 
    They have no value for me with 2nd mortgages.  The interest rate on
    their unsecured credit line is ridiculous.  I have no desire for a DCU
    Visa or Mastercard.
    
    I don't care who is on DCU's BOD, I don't care any more about the
    corrupt former president.  If a ballot comes in, I'll probably vote.
    I'm not going to raise holy hell, I'm not going to flame in notesfiles 
    (well OK, maybe a little), I'm just going to put my money in the place 
    that gives me the best deal.  
    
    So, as long as it's free, I'll let them store about $31 per week of my
    money.  As soon as they try to make me pay for the privilege I'll vote
    with my feet.  Life is too short and I don't have time to worry about a
    credit union 1500 miles away from me.
    
    - Greg Scott

    
    Re: .4
    
    > -< I'll bet thousands feel like I do about this >-
                   
    
    That's just what many of us are afraid of.  DCU may well say
    that satisfying customers like yourself is very difficult,
    but one might wonder why they went after your business to 
    begin with if that is the case.  I would bet the that current
    DCU infrastructure is *far* too expensive to be supported only
    by those who have access to a branch and that for those who
    don't, like yourself, most will vote with their feet when the
    fees show up.
    
    Steve
    

    
    Re .-1
    
    Greg,
    
    You are precisely the sort of member DCU should be satisfying. I agree
    that at present they are doing a really poor job at that.
    
    Re:
    
><<< Note 2861.4 by ANGLIN::SCOTTG "Dammit Jim, I'm a person not a resource!" >>>
>               -< I'll bet thousands feel like I do about this >-
    
    I hope so and I hope they all vote.
    
    Re:
    
>    Frankly, DCU just is not that important to me.  I have a credit line
>    with them and now a car loan for my Plan-B-mobile (well, for as long as
>    I can keep on plan B anyway).
 
    DCU should be trying to keep your business not drive it away.
       
>    I remember the flyer that came out last fall and I made my decision
>    right them:  Once my loan is paid down and DCU starts charging me for 
>    the privilege of storing a few hundred bucks of my money, I will just
>    draw it all out and put it in a bank here in Minnesota.  They want me
>    to direct deposit  **how**  much per week with them?????  Get real!
 
    I hope you stay on long enough to vote. I don't blame you at all
    inwanting to vote with your feet if DCU wants to nickel and dime you
    with fees just because you wouldn't currently have a loan or multi
    thousand $ deposit. If I get elected and there are enough people that
    agree with me this current policy designed to drive members away will
    get axed.
       
>    The only thing DCU ever offered me was convenience doing business with
>    DEC.  DCU's loan rates aren't any better than what I can get here. 
>    They have no value for me with 2nd mortgages.  The interest rate on
>    their unsecured credit line is ridiculous.  I have no desire for a DCU
>    Visa or Mastercard.
    
    I agree. At present DCU is more interested in comparing itself against
    a Bank, note the concept "Relationship Banking". DCU needs to return to
    its credit union roots.
    
>    I don't care who is on DCU's BOD, I don't care any more about the
>    corrupt former president.  If a ballot comes in, I'll probably vote.
>    I'm not going to raise holy hell, I'm not going to flame in notesfiles 
>    (well OK, maybe a little), I'm just going to put my money in the place 
>    that gives me the best deal.  
 
    Exactly. People should do business with DCU because it is a good deal
    for them NOT because they fit some model of what a DCU citizen should
    look like.   
    
>    So, as long as it's free, I'll let them store about $31 per week of my
>    money.  As soon as they try to make me pay for the privilege I'll vote
>    with my feet.  Life is too short and I don't have time to worry about a
>    credit union 1500 miles away from me.
    
    I'd like to see the credit union be a place where you'll get a good
    deal and want to stay. DCU exists to serve ALL its members be they
    local remote or whatever. Today unfortunately DCU has goals I strongly
    disagree with.
    
    Hang in there and vote,
    
    Dave

    With Digital shedding approximately 35,000 employees over the last few
    years, and very little new hiring, the DCU should be VERY concerned
    with keeping the current membership happy.  HEY DCU MANAGEMENT: Guess
    what, it's going to be harder to attract new members in this "new DEC".
    
    Charging fees to keep accounts the DCU helped us set up isn't the way 
    to keep your members happy.  Separating them into different classes 
    isn't the way either.   I have heard the DCU managment was unhappy 
    about the members who had a 7-12 accounts with a dollar or two 
    depositing into them each week, and the resulting bookkeeping overhead 
    this generated.  I can understand that.  But a simple solution would have 
    been to limit the numbers of such accounts for each member.  I used my 
    three extra accounts to help me budget for my monthly obligations:
    car loan, mortgage and Christmas club.   The car loan account was
    set up when I had a car loan and I never closed it when I payed it off.
    This was set up by the DCU.  Ditto on the Christmas club.  I set up
    the mortgage as a "u-name-it".  I think it's outrageous to charge your
    members a penalty fee to take their own money out of a Christmas club
    account (or any other account) if they feel like it.  Sometimes you
    get stuck and need the money.   
    
    Here is what I have done to avoid DCU fees after being a charter member
    for 16(?) years and paying them thousands of dollars in loan interest:
    I have closed all accounts, except my primary savings.  
    
    This is my answer to being called an "ABUSER" by the DCU board in their
    own board meeting minutes, because I had multiple account in "my" (HA!)
    credit union.
    
    The primary account has the minimum $5 in it and I am keeping it open 
    so I can cash my live paycheck every week.  
    
    The way I feel about DCU right now is they wouldn't get any new
    business from me even if they PAY ME A FEE every month to give them
    my money.

   I think the new fees SUCK big time and I was shocked when I was
   "reminded" by the teller. I am VERY disappointed at this
   dis-service and will look into other banking alternatives.

    I have a share 1 and 5 account, the share one has little more then $100
    going into it monthly....I use it for lunch and gas for the car, so I
    guess I will be giving them the $2 fee a month. 
    
    share 5 has a lot more then the min of $500 direct deposit per month so 
    the $4 fee is waved...its never there long as the money is used to pay
    my bills and such.
    
    so I will be giving them $24 a year...I guess, I might have mis-read
    the notice.
    
    Im not to pleased but for the fact that the DCU is right here where I
    work what am I gonna do...I vote to get rid of it.
    
    Ive been a dcu member for 11 years.
    
    
    Chris

My understanding (vague as it is) is that if the average balance of
your *total family* accounts is greater than $500, the fee is waived,
regardless of individual account balances.  Can anyone affirm or deny this?

-steve-

    
    I thought the numbers were: 
    
    1)	500 per month directly deposited or 
    
    2)  a combined total of: 
    
    	a) Average monthly balance of 3500 or more (total from all
    		deposit accounts)
        b) 3500 or more balance on a loan (Visa card, Car loan, Mortgage,
    		Etc.)
    
    With one of the above the fee is suppose to be waived.  Fall below
    these requirements and wham 2 for this account, 4 for this account,
    blah, blah, blah. 
    
    Did I get it right?
    
    Ken
    
    	

    
    Re: .11
    
    I think you've got it.
    
    Steve
    

    one thing i did not like with DCU, is that i used sometimes to stop
    by to our local branch here in ZKO and nicely ask for a print out
    of the activity of my checking account for the last say 10 days or so, they
    quickly punch few keys on the key board and print it for me on the
    little printer on the side ( i did this sometimes to check if a check 
    was cashed etc..).

    i went there the other day, and asked (nicley again) for a print out
    0and they told me this now will cost me like 3 whole bucks to do ! 
    i was flabigasted, i mean 3 bucks just to get a print out of my account ?

    i think the people who work there are very nice and friendly people
    i just think this service should be free for DECeees.
    
    \nasser

    Well I too have been a DCU member for several years, and owe them,
    and owe them, and owe them, and .....
    
    So what kind of service charge do "outside" banks charge?  I think
    I will qualify for the minimum on everything and will not be charged
    a service charge anyway, but would like to know what the outside is
    like in case I change my mind.  Right now, it's not worth the trouble
    to go to banks and find out, since I am not paying a service charge
    anyway.
    

    re: .14
    
    >So what kind of service charge do "outside" banks charge?  I think
    
    STOP!  DO NOT COMPARE DCU TO A BANK!  That's exactly what a majority of
    the current BoD and the DCU President want you to do.  Compare DCU to
    another CREDIT UNION.  As mentioned earlier, banks make profits for
    their stockholders and pay taxes.  Banks make a profit on the fees they
    charge customers so they can pass a portion of the profit to the
    stockholders.  A credit union has no stockholders who expect a profit
    and it doesn't pay taxes.  In addition, since DCU pays no rent for its
    branches located in Digital facilities, there is no reason in the world
    why a credit union, especially DCU, should have higher fees, lower
    interest savings, or higher interest loans than a bank.  They are not
    even in the same league.
    
    Bob
    

    Gee,back about seven years ago when I took my money out of DCU,it felt
    like I was alone in my dis-satisfaction. Now,it appears that they've
    succeeded in making LOTS of folks mad. Hope they go out of business!
    
    Ken

I haven't had a DCU account for 6 or 7 years.  I originally left it because I
found a local bank that had no fees, paid a higher interest rate, and had a
totally free ATM card.  That bank has since changed owners, and I've recently
switched to another local credit union, I-C Federal Credit Union, with offices
in the Fitchburg/Leominster Mass. area.  As a point of comparison, here's what
they currently offer:

- free checking, with either:
  - no minimum balance and no interest earned
  - $400 minimum balance and interest earned (~2%)

- first order of checks free

- canceled checks are returned each month

- totally free ATM card (no fee to use at any machine anywhere in the world)

It doesn't sound like the DCU has improved since I left.

-Mark

    Re:  .18
    
    One thing about IC CU in Fitchburg, was researching remortgaging my
    house, and found them rather "user unfriendly" by phone.  Called the
    Leominster CU a coupla times, and it took them a couple of minutes to
    quickly pre-qualify me over the phone.  Friendly, eager to please and
    do business, and fees to remortgage were significantly less than the IC
    CU...  FWIW...
    
    Oh, and found the DCU to be complicated and "user unfriendly" the first
    time I called, a while back, I'll admit, don't know if anything has
    changed in recent memory...
    
    /m

    I once was up to a total of 4 federal credit unions I belonged to. DCU
    was one of them and I joined only to cash a Travel Letter while on
    travel (so I deposited minimal amount to open the account). I've been
    notified of a fee to maintain the account so I dropped it.
    
    I'm in the field so don't see a lot of benefit to DCU anyway. I
    maintain membership in multiple credit unions (once a member, always a
    member) just for the event of being able to choose the one that offers
    the best benefit when I need them.
    
    My current favorite gives me a set number of ATM transactions per month
    without fee (used to be unlimited) regardless of location.
    
    I dropped DCU simply because they had nothing to offer me personally
    and it would cost me to keep an account there until they did.

    OK, I swore I wasn't going to flame in notesfiles about this but I'm
    curious.  And I have not followed DCU's politics.
    
    But didn't the BOD we elected a couple years ago throw out the earlier
    bums who were running that outfit?  I thought the mess was cleaned up
    after the last hullaballoo.  What happened?
    
    Dave G, et al, I'll vote for you guys if I'm still employeed at this
    dump.  When do the ballots come out?
    
    - Greg

    RE: -1

    Greg your right we did vote them out 2 years ago.  Two of the four
    candidates that ran on the no fees or should I say keep the line on fees
    platform (which gave us a 4 to 3 advantage) had a change of heart and 
    went over to the other camp.  The two that are left both voted against
    the fees although one of them did vote to hide them which leads me to
    believe he's sitting on the fence. 

    Joe

    Since I have direct deposit into the DCU the fees won't effect me. 
    
    It seems the fees will only effect people without direct deposit, who
    have balance and no loans.  I don't think these people bring very much 
    money into the DCU so if they leave because of the fees the DCU wont  
    miss them.

    -Bruce  

    a couple of years ago, a shot was fired over the bow of DCU.  Members
    sought to get control back.  Well, it happen, almost.  Four candidates
    unmder the banner of 'real choices' were elected to the Board.  Things
    have improved somewhat.  But there is still REAL concern, and just
    becasue the feed don't affect you today, don't become too content.
    
    The board choose not to listen to its members, nor solicite input
    regarding the fees.  They talked to us.  This was an improvement.
    The board in secret decided to implement the new fees.  If it was
    thought that all members would gladly embrace the new fees, this should
    have been done in the light of day.
    
    Two years ago, members voted for no FEES.  Its the Digital culture to
    have people helping people.  I really have to question why we want to
    drive members away with fees, instead of enticeing them to stay by
    offering better rates than they get elsewhere. 
    today we have seen what appears to be over 10% of the membership
    leaving DCU.  I don't know why, I didn't ask them.  But the majority
    left after the announcement.  I wonder how many will leave after the
    implementation?
    
    Why do we need these fees?  Just why is a low deposite account costing 
    us money?  Do we really want classes of membership?  
    Do we really want board members who would vote in secret on these kind
    of issues and keep the minutes secret for months?
    
    This issue affects you if you are a DCU member even if you pay no fees
    today.  I encourage to to look at the voting records of the current
    BOD.  Look at the statements that Phil, David, and Chris are making.
    
    many members considered another special election when the new fee
    structure was announced.  That would have cost DCU again.  and the
    results could have been temporary as in the last special election.  We
    do have a means of telling the board what we want.  Lets add three
    directors in this election  to the 1 in place and have  four directos
    who will vote as the membership would like.
    
    It is going to be your choice, but please don't neglect to mail your
    ballot back no matter which way you decide.
    ed
    
    

    RE: .23  by YIELD::HARRIS 
    
    >Since I have direct deposit into the DCU the fees won't effect me. 
    
    >It seems the fees will only effect people without direct deposit, who
    >have balance and no loans.  I don't think these people bring very much 
    >money into the DCU so if they leave because of the fees the DCU wont  
    >miss them.
    
    I have direct deposit.  I have no loans.  I have no checking.  I am
    informed by the DCU that, yes, I will be charged $2/month for the
    privilege of loaning them money.
     

    re: .23
    
    You didn't read the fine print.  Let's say I take out a 4 year $25K car
    loan.  Sounds like DCU will make a rather good amount of money on that
    right?  No fees for me, right?  WRONG!!!  As soon as the loan balance
    drops below some magic number in the $3,000 - $4,000 range, I'm back
    to being pond scum and start getting charged fees again.  What did I do
    wrong?  Nothing.  I simply made my loan payment on time for the past 3
    years.  Why has my worth as a customer changed?  Will I get a car loan
    from DCU?  Not as long as the current policies are in place.
    
    Now, let's take a real example.  In 1991 DCU made at least $425 PROFIT
    (not income) on my use of their credit card.  In 1992, they made $0.00. 
    Why?  Because they wouldn't waive the $25 annual fee on the credit
    card.  I don't know any other business that would rather lose $425+ in
    profit than waive a fee.  My other credit union is very happy to have
    this profit and NOT charge me an annual fee.
    
    Bob

    re .23

 >It seems the fees will only effect people without direct deposit, who
 >have balance and no loans.  I don't think these people bring very much
 >money into the DCU so if they leave because of the fees the DCU wont
 >miss them.


    I too had direct deposit into the DCU but was informed that my transfer
    of funds to my daughters account did not constitute direct deposit to
    shield her from fees (shes at college and this is her allowance
    account) would cost me $$$ per month.  So I went to my friendly
    bank down the street and both of us got free accounts and as a
    signature on her account can transfer funds directly the same as I
    was doing a DCU and with NO COST.
    
    I have a loan but because it is lower than the minimum (less
    than a year to go) and it does not qualify me as a relationship member.
    Of course I will probably have to buy a new car in the near future
    but since I have closed most of my accounts with DCU, I will take
    this loan business down to the bank.  I won't pay fees to DCU until
    they allow me to have another loan to qualify me as a relationship
    member then only to fall below some minimum later and lose this
    "relationship" status.   Relationship is to me a long term concept
    not something that is evaluated on the month to month basis.

    Since I use various credit instruments, I am considered by many
    financial institutions as someone to be courted.  In the long run
    I would be generating loan interest to the DCU but they don't want
    to wait.  (In the next month I will close my loan early so they
    will lose interest at 12% also.)
    
    
    

    I have DIRECT DEPOSIT to DCU , and maintain several savings and
    checking accounts. Living in FLORIDA , I have no real interest in the
    DCU . It currently provides me with "FREE" checking , which currently
    is about the ONLY benefit. The VISA card they offer is a joke - compare
    it to all of my applications for free cards in the mail every day, with
    lesser interest charges. I have been quoted for car loans, but instead
    have chosen to go with BETTER rates from AAA (which uses a 3rd party
    bank). 
    
    When they decide to get competitive, maybe then I will use their
    services. If not, then close the doors.

    Bottom line is that they were created as a CU but are trying to act
    like a bank...if a groundswell of members do not speak up know, this
    will only continue.
    
    Meanwhile I've voted with my money...I'm closing all three of my
    accounts today!

    
.29>    Meanwhile I've voted with my money...I'm closing all three of my
.29>    accounts today!
    
    Why not leave $5 and make a real vote for a real change in the
    coming election?
    

    
    Change must start at the TOP.  And in DCU's case the top is the
    MEMBERSHIP.  It is the membership that votes for Directors.  Directors
    set the strategic direction of the credit union.  It is therefore very
    important to know who you are voting for and what their fundamental
    philosophy is.  Typically in the past, writeups of Board candidates
    have not focused on this information.  It is CRITICAL that members know
    this information.  If you're a member of DCU, then the Board's
    decisions can and will affect your daily financial dealings, your
    MONEY.  
    
    In the current election, the membership will vote for *3* Directors
    positions.  It is within the memberships power to vote for candidates
    that believe in credit union philosophy.  The credit union can be whatever
    the membership VOTES it to be.
    

    reply to .31
    
    but didn't the last group elected say they would not want fees ? but
    look what we got, fees ? if Im wrong on this point then Im sorry...but
    if Im right then do we have the power to over rule the fee that
    are now in place ?
    
    say one thing then do another....where have I seen this before ?
    
    Chris

    re: .32
    
    Your reply is directed to one of the 2 BoD members who voted AGAINST
    the fees.
    
    The only way you can overrule the fees is to vote out BoD members who
    voted for fees and vote in those that oppose fees.  The NCUA (the
    government agency that controls Federal Credit Unions) has ruled that
    members can NOT do anything that limits the powers of the BoD of any
    credit union.  As such, our only recourse is via the ballot at the
    annual elections.
    
    Bob

    Well my loan is now down to $3,400.00 and my monthly direct deposit is
    $450.00 so guess what?  I have to pay this "Bank type fee".  Slowly but
    surely my tiny disposable income is being eaten away by fees,
    surcharges, taxes etc.....
    
    I've toughed it out through the last few years of problems and issues
    with the DCU - I vote everytime and I was one of the thousand or so
    people crammed into the Framinham Sheraton but enough is enough.
    
    I will be taking my loan and clean/good credit elsewhere.  The DCU
    wouldn't give me a mortgage - 2 other banks practically threw the monay
    at me - so now one of them will benefit from my direct deposit and good
    payment history for my loan, checking account, savings account and now
    I'll be able to open a new "Christmas Club" and not be penalized for
    making less than $30,000.00 a year.  Once again the cliche the rich get
    richer and the poor get poorer - those of us who need every last dollar
    each month are getting strangled.      
    
    So I saw to any DCU BoD - its been real, its been nice, but it hasn't
    been real nice.                 
    
    Joyce Tomao
    Future ex-DCU member

    
    
    
    To those who don't understand the difference between a bank and
    what some of us think a credit union should be, .34 is a perfect
    case in point of DCU stupidity.
    
    Steve
    
    
    

    
    RE: .34
    
    PLEASE WAIT!  Please don't go anywhere at least until after the
    election.  The membership will have the final say on this issue but you
    have to stay to vote.
    
    Members, such as yourself, are precisely why I am UNWAVERING in my
    opposition to these fees.  They drive small savers away from the credit
    union.  Credit unions were started FOR small savers and borrowers.  The
    worse part is that you will loose, DCU will loose a very good customer,
    and the remaining members will loose because we just lost a customer
    and all the future business that they represent.  DCU should not be
    placing economic yardsticks next to its members when deciding who pays
    for what.  Trust me when I say that I am as frustrated as you on this
    subject.  But I haven't thrown in the towel yet because the membership
    hasn't had a chance to speak in a formal election on this issue. 
    

    
    
    So, I went to the teller machine to transfer money out of Christmas
    club account to my checking account to make my house payment.....
    I found that I no longer HAD a Christmas Club account but that now I
    had a Holiday Account. I also found that I couldn't transfer money
    from said Holiday Club to my Share Draft account. 
    ?? this is new (to me at least)
    So this morning I called DCU and asked why I could no longer do that
    transfer and she told me it was because It's not a Christmas Club
    anymore, it is now a Holiday Club...ok....so what's the difference?
    Well, you can't take money from a Holiday account until a Holiday...
    SO far it all makes perfect sense to me. You CAN take money out of a
    Christmas account, but not out of a Holiday acount....
    (I could swear that I was putting my money into a Christmas account...
    when did THEY move my money to a holiday account so I couldn't get it
    anymore???)
    I do have the option, I was told, of closing my Holiday account for a
    $5 penalty, and they would mail me a check for the amount. OF course,
    they won't just transfer it to my checking account cuase that way they
    wouldn't have my signature telling them to close my holiday account...
    
    wait a second...this is MY STINKING MONEY. I WANT IT AND I WANT IT NOW.
    
    Needless to say, I am closing my Holiday account, and my SAVINGS acount
    and my Share Draft account TOO and they can take my $5 penalty fee and
    invest it in a bright and prosperous future.
    
    signed.
    REALLY PISSED

    
    Re: .37
    
    Please, AT LEAST wait long enough to vote.  Leave $5 in your savings
    so you can vote in the candidates that are committed to putting 
    a stop to this sort of thing.
    
    Steve
    

    is GroundHog Day a DCU Holiday?  :-)

    
    
    re .39
    
    >is GroudHog Day a DCU Holiday
    
    actually I asked...she was NOT amused......

    Re: .37
    
    I found out the same thing last week and I went crazy. I needed this
    money to pay for my bills. I need a answer on this from BODs. Who
    decided to close christmas club and convert the christmas club member
    into Holiday Club member. I never received notification on this. I was
    never given a choice. I am not ready to pay $5 fees and I also need
    this money badly. I need a help. 
    
    regards,
    Bharat S. Shah \
    

    
    
    I agree.  These people who are telling folks not to leave may be a
    little late.
    
    
    Mike

    I would like to strongly suggest that the DCU discussion belongs in
    the DCU conference (SMAUG::DCU). I suggest this for a couple of
    reasons. One is that DCU and Digital are separate entities so DCU
    issues are not strictly within the charter of this conference. When
    I was a moderator here I would have said so and shutdown the topic.

    Second, and more importantly, in the DCU conference people have a
    better chance of communicating with people who can make changes.
    Several members of the DCU board follow the DCU conference. One of
    them replies regularly. Others on, rare, occasion reply as well.
    Lastly, with appropriate security permissions and percussions the
    senior management of the DCU has access to read the DCU notes
    conference.

    Thirdly, there is a DCU election that will take place soon. There are
    5 candidates for 3 positions. Several of the candidates are expressing
    their opinions in the conference so it is a good place to get information
    that may help you decide who to vote for.

    For reference and for the person who said they needed an answer from
    the Board, here are the Email addresses of the DCU Board of Directors.
    The members who are also Digital employees (6 of the 7) are also
    listed in ELF so you could always look up their phone numbers.

LEDS::ROSS				! Lisa Demauro-Ross, Chairperson
MTS$::"MSO::Thomas McEachin"		! Tom McEachin, Vice-Chairperson
MTS$::"MSO::Tanya Dawkins"		! Tanya Dawkins, Treasurer
ASE003::GRANSEWICZ			! Phil Gransewicz, Secretary
MTS$::"MSO::Gail Mann"			! Gail Mann
MTS$::"MSO::Paul Milbury"		! Paul Milbury
US1RMC::"[email protected]"	! Paul Kinzelman 

    		Alfred

    		(Acting) DCU Conference moderator

    I am extremely sad to hear of all the hassle that DCU members are being
    given around their accounts. I really understand your frustration. I
    felt so strongly about the issue that I am a candidate for the upcoming
    DCU Board of Directors elections. If I am elected I will do my very best
    to set a strategic direction to put a stop to all this nickel and dimeing
    and messing with peoples accounts. If the majority of the board agrees
    DCU management will be forced to back off the current counter
    productive policy of "Relationship Banking" and fees for everything.

    I believe that we're members of a credit union, not a for profit
    faceless bank. I'm totally against fees for basic services.

    I am running on a platform with two other candidates (Phil Gransewicz
    a current DCU director and Chris Filmore-Gillett). Our very clear
    joint position statement is posted in .1 of this notes string.
    I sincerely hope that everybody that is as upset as I am with the
    current DCU policies doesn't just up and leave but instead exercises
    their right to vote in the upcoming DCU election. If you are that fed up
    with how DCU is treating you and don't currently want to deposit money,
    maybe due to the obnoxious fees, all you need to do is leave $5 in your
    primary savings account (there are no fees on that) and that'll allow you
    to continue to be a member and vote. If you are happy with the outcome of
    the election you can then go back to being an active user of the credit
    union.

    Dave
                                                                       

    
    I would like to suggest the note remain.  It's obviously getting a 
    fair amount of visibility.  Even a DCU BoD member replied.  I, for
    one, appreciate the discussion here.  I rarely think to read in the
    DCU notesfile.
    
    

    Alfred I see your point but I think this is a great note with more
    visibility than just having the ::DCU file
    
    Pesonally - I am in the process of closing my DCU checking account and
    have applied for a loan at another institution.  I will leave my
    savings account open - for now.  I will once again read what the
    candidates have to say - though after being burned by Lisa and Tanya I
    am a little less trustful about 'campaign promises' and see what
    happens *this* time.
    
    Wish us luck - we will need it
    Joyce

    
    >Alfred I see your point but I think this is a great note with more
    >visibility than just having the ::DCU file

    There's visibility and then there is visibility. If all one wants to
    do is complain to the largest possible audience this is a better place
    to complain. But if you want to complain to the largest number of 
    people who can actually change something at DCU then I think the DCU
    conference is the place to do it. 

    			Alfred

    re .37, you are not alone.  I probably tossed my announcement
    from DCU about the new fees..  I ate the $5 to get my money out
    (did it at the DCU branch, too, so don't believe that hoke
    about not transferring it for you) but they sure didn't win
    any friend here.  (BTW, they won't even let you re-open it!
    Go figure that one out.)

    DCU doesn't seem to realize that people use it because of the
    convenience.  I can get fee-based services elsewhere.  As soon
    as I'm not a "relationship member" (doesn't that sound cozy?)
    I'll be looking for a better deal.

    
    
    fwiw, I made a special trip into DCU this afternoon to close my
    checking account, and to pay the $5 ransom money to free my savings
    that was kidnapped from my Christmas club and held prisoner in some
    hellish Holiday account...
    
    I left $5 in my regular savings account (also for now), just to add to the 
    needless mound of useless paperwork DCU has to go through every month,
    and just so they have to spend $0.29 a month to send me a statement
    telling me that my $5 is still there being a real pain in the old BUTT.
    
    I get treated with alot more respect by my local Bank. 
    I never feel like THEY are trying to screw me over.
    
    aaaaaaaaaaarrrrggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 
    (still pissed...but starting to feel MUCH better now :-)

    
    I'd also like to see this note remain since many people just can't
    keep up with the DCU conference.  For those that want all the
    nitty-gritty details and debate, check out SMAUG::DCU.
    
    Two years ago, over 1300 DCU members attended a Special Meeting at the
    Sheraton Tara.  It was very clear to everyone that attended the meeting
    and voted.  The clear decision was that fees on basic services was NOT
    an acceptable way of conducting business.  There have been attempts to
    get this issue voted on by the entire DCU membership.  Those attempts
    have failed.
    
    That now brings us to this years election.  As customers, you can take
    your business elsewhere, but as OWNERS you have MUCH more power at your
    disposal.  In a few weeks you will be receiving a BALLOT.  That ballot
    can and will decide DCU's direction.  Please take the time to vote.  Your
    vote does matter since typically not that many people vote.  What DCU
    will be depends on your vote.  Also, let others know of the importance
    of this election.  The results can and will affect thousands of Digital
    employees and their families.  Do you want to hassle with nickle and
    dime fees and wonder every month whether you've jumped thru the
    relationship hoop (while DCU makes millions of dollars)?  Or do you
    think DCU can do better by its members/owners/customers?
    

    RE:.47
    Alfred,

    	I have to disagree with you as I think this note should stay open. 
    This problem at DCU affects approxamently(sp) 76,000 members, that's over
    3/4 of Digitals population and even if 1/3 of that are family members
    or ex deccies that still leaves 50,000+ Digital employees that should
    be told what's going on at their Credit Union, and what better place to
    tell Digital employees something than in a Digital notes file.  I've been 
    a member of DCU since it started and I didn't know that my Christmas club 
    was no longer a Christmas club until this evening.  This topic deserves 
    the largest possible distribution it can get.  Please don't forget to
    vote.

    Joe  

    +---------------------------------------------------------------------+
    | Permission to post this message in its entirety is granted.         |
    | Permission to forward this message in its entirety to any DCU member|
    | is also granted.  This message may not be altered in any way.       |
    +---------------------------------------------------------------------+

    The following information distribution system has been set up for those
    DCU members that wish to be informed about election events.  The system
    gives everybody a quick and easy method of receiving documents via
    email.  The system also maintains a distribution list of members that
    wish to receive email on the current DCU election.

    To access the system, simply send mail to ASE003::INFO.  The keywords
    specified in the subject line drive the system.  The explanation below
    explains what option are currently available.  Any questions, problems
    or suggestions may be sent to ASE003::GRANSEWICZ.

    

	The following keywords are the only ones recognized by the INFO
	system.  If the subject line is not recognized, you will receive
	this memo describing the capabilities of the system.  The keywords
	are not case sensitive.

	"Index"			Request a listing of available documents

	"Doc <1>"		Request a specific document by number.
				<1> should be replaced with the actual document
				number.  The document number is required.
				Example:   Subject:  DOC 1

	"Add <1> <2>"		Add your name to the INFO electronic
				distribution list. <1> should be replaced
				with your first name.  <2> should be replaced
				with your 3-4 character location code.
				Example:   Subject:  ADD Jane MRO3

	"Remove"		Remove your name from the INFO electronic
				distribution list.  You MUST send mail from
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	"Help"			This message.

                <<< SMAUG::USER$944:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DCU.NOTE;5 >>>
                                    -< DCU >-
================================================================================
Note 751.0                Holiday Club Notice ($5 fee)                 4 replies
ASE003::GRANSEWICZ "Candidate for DCU Director"      32 lines   8-FEB-1994 09:43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    	[Official DCU Response]
        
        In response to member questions regarding the changes to DCU's 
        Holiday Club Account, DCU's Board and Management have 
        unanimously agreed to waive the $5.00 fee for closing this 
        account through March 31, 1994.  In addition, members who have 
        already paid this fee will be reimbursed.
        
        All other Holiday Club Account conditions remain in effect as 
        outlined in DCU's Truth-in-Savings Disclosure and Savings 
        Account Agreements provided to members in September 1993.  
        These include:
        
        o  the minimum balance required to maintain active status is 
           $.01.
        
        o  a member must payroll deduct or automatically transfer from 
           his/her DCU checking account no less than $5.00 weekly.
        
        o  a member may open a Holiday Club Account between November 1 
           and January 31, or when opening a DCU membership.
        
        o  a member's Holiday Club Account balance will be transferred 
           to his/her Primary Savings Account each October.
        
        o  a member may not withdraw funds directly from his/her Holiday 
           Club Account unless closing the account.
        
        If you have any questions, please contact DCU's Information 
        Center at DTN/223-6735, 800/328-8797 or visit your nearest 
        branch office.

>        account through March 31, 1994.  In addition, members who have 
>        already paid this fee will be reimbursed.


    [Official member response]

    That's excellent.  Good move

This is great news.  I will be closing my "holiday" account immediately.

Happy Holidays DCU!

                <<< SMAUG::USER$944:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DCU.NOTE;5 >>>
                                    -< DCU >-
================================================================================
Note 750.1           Automated INFO System/Distribution List              1 of 1
ASE003::GRANSEWICZ "Candidate for DCU Director"      12 lines   9-FEB-1994 12:19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    There appears a problem with the handling of Internet and All-in-1 mail
    addresses by the system.  I'm heading out of town for a few days and will
    fix it when I return.
    
    If you have sent mail to ASE003::INFO to be added to the distribution
    list using either of these methods then you'll have to re-send your
    request once I have fixed the problem.  I'll post something when the
    problem has been fixed.
    
    Sorry for the inconvenience.
    

    To those individuals who protested against us disgruntled DCU members who 
    are sick and tired of this commercial bank fee mentality and voted with 
    our money instead of leaving $ 5.00 in the account and vote at the next
    annual meeting, go suck an egg.  
    
    I worked in banks for 10 years prior to my DIGITAL career and one thing
    I learned from my consumer-based management is that you don't "mess"
    with someone's money.  Do it once, shame on you.  Do it twice shame on
    me for putting up with this crap.  Our recovery plan in banking was to
    make sure our disgruntled customer, when it was clearly a bank error or
    a matter of cust sat, was to "delight" the customer, not just appease
    them.
    
    Two years ago when DCU started imposing fees on checking accounts, I
    closed out mine.  When the inital decision was revered, the local
    branch manager, whom I had known in banking, asked if I'd like to
    re-open.  I said I would if I could continue using my same checks.  She
    said I couldn't, that I'd have to 'pay for new checks.'  Needless to
    say, my checking accounts (2) are elsewhere.  
    
    Last week I called DCU after getting notice of the refund of the $5 fee
    and I asked if I could re-open my 'Holiday' Account.  I couldn't in
    1994 since I had closed it.  Why did I close it?  To pay some Christmas
    bills, after all, this was my Christmas club and funds had accumulated
    since the Nov 1 disbursement.  I had not wanted to close my account
    intially, only withdraw some money since I had direct deposit into that
    account.  It was DCU who MADE me close it out , but since I had done
    so, EVEN AFTER REVERSING THEIR POLICY, they wouldn't even let me reopen
    the account in 1994.
    
    DCU, it wasn't nice knowing you.  So long, and maybe someday you'll
    fulfill your charter as a CREDIT UNION instead of trying to imitate a
    commercial bank.
    I had closed it
    

    
    Gee... I don't think anyone here is "protesting against" those who are
    so frustrated with the DCU that they are removing their business. I
    personally share your frustration, and I am "protesting against" the
    management that has turned you away.
    
    But DCU owners who vote with their feet are exercising only part of
    their power. It seems such a simple thing to leave $5 behind (consider
    it a refundable deposit) and vote in a way that can make a concrete
    difference.
    

    re: .57
    
    From an egg-sucker ...  I take no offense when someone is mad and
    closes out all accounts, not even keeping $5 to vote.  Really, I
    understand.  I've almost done the same.  Instead, I decided to stick it
    out and do what I could to improve DCU.  It's a personal decision. 
    After all, it IS YOUR MONEY!  
    
    That said, I would still encourage anyone that is dissatisfied with the
    system to stick around, pay attention, contact those that do or may 
    represent you -- and vote!  
    
    I have been working with the managers and officers of DCU.  There REALLY 
    ARE people there that are working hard to make it better.  The DCU has 
    come a long way over the past few years.  But, these people can't make 
    your credit union what you think it should be without your vote and 
    support.  Most directors of DCU are Digital employees and are available 
    to you by phone or by email. 
    
    Steve 

    i don't mind paying fees as long as they are front and up about it but
    what i hate most is these things you get in the mail trying to
    loor you into something and in the last minute you see in the
    fine print hiden under the last page somewhere some hidden fees.
    
    i also think it is a good idea to leave small amount of money in your
    account anyway even if it is 5 bucks becuase you never know when you need 
    it like in my saving account at DCU i have one buck still sitting there 
    from the day i opened it many years ago becuase DCU told me i need to 
    have something in there to open it and so i put it in and forgot about 
    it and left, it will be surprise to see how much it becomes when i 
    retire many long year to come.
    
    \nasser

    Maybe you didn't "read & comprehend" my note good enough.  I know from
    personal experience since I worked in banking for 10 years, including
    my last 4 as a Branch Manager.  We had an annual meeting for our bank also
    but, BY FAR, the best 'vote' any consumer has is with his business. 
    The threat of your vote at an annual meeting, at best, is good only at
    the time prior to said annual meeting.  The threat of voting with your 
    business happens every day. 
    
    It's stupid, short-sighted DCU Management decisions that have placed
    them in the situation they are in today.  They have NO BUSINESS running
    the cu as a commercial bank.
    
    As of a few weeks ago, I will no longer be effected by their decisions,
    good, bad or indifferent.

	How long is my $5 going to last if they hit me with a $4 fee
each month?

Vern

    
    re .61:
    
    You said you had annual meetings in your banking experience. Were these
    annual meetings of stock holders? What percentage of the the voters at
    these meetings were also customers of the bank?
    
    In a credit union, the stock holders *are* the customers, and the
    annual voting has a much better chance of reflecting the desires of the
    customers *and* owners, rather than just the owners. The focus and
    outcome of such votes can be very different from a bank.
    
    You're absolutely right about stupid, short-sighted DCU management
    decisions. That's why a fair number of us owner/member/customers are
    itching to exercise our franchise and substitute in a few people who
    understand what a *credit union* is all about.
    
    
    Re .62:
    
    There is no monthly fee on the primary share (savings) account.
    
    Yet.
    

    .63
    
    The bank I worked for was a 'Mutual' as compared to a stock.  The
    difference was that as a mutual, account holders 'owned the bank' like
    in a cu, but in a stock bank, you are right, the  stockowners own and
    control the bank.
    
    I'm sorry for not making that clarification but my point remains:
    
       If ANY management wants to retain and grow business, it has to meet
    the needs of the customers (account holders) while following the
    charter of the type of institution - credit union.  A cu is chartered
    to 'serve' the members needs, not gouge its account holders by
    changing to a commercial bank 'fee structure'.  Enuf said - I do hope
    for the remaining members sake that the 'new' board elected will
    remember why and how it got elected, not change coats after the
    election is over. 

    >        How long is my $5 going to last if they hit me with a $4 fee
    >each month?
    
    Being a member of 2 Government Credit Unions for over 25 years, I have
    never seen a fee imposed on my account for being inactive. I believe
    there's a law that allows institutions to collect this though.
    
    My account truly was inactive (a minimal balance only for the privilege
    of cashing a check when I had to). The notice that I would be charged a
    fee for keeping the account and common sense is why I closed out. I
    still have 2 other credit unions for service and they are local.

    
    RE: .65
    
>    My account truly was inactive (a minimal balance only for the privilege
>    of cashing a check when I had to). The notice that I would be charged a
>    fee for keeping the account and common sense is why I closed out.
    
    Are you referring to a Primary Savings account or a checking account?
    

>>    Being a member of 2 Government Credit Unions for over 25 years, I have
>>    never seen a fee imposed on my account for being inactive. I believe
>>    there's a law that allows institutions to collect this though.

Well DCU did this to me back in 1986.  I just joined DEC, opened an account to
try to get a car loan - put DOUBLE the min in (ie $10.00) a saving account.

I later (several days) withdrew the loan request - they could not beet the
dealer rate.  I then forgot about the account.  Six months later I get hit with
a $5.00 "inactive fee".  I went and withdrew my remaining balance and closed
the account.  

Now I re-joined when I moved to ZKO I opened a savings/checking because of the
ATM being right in the building.  No "inactive fee" has been imposed on the
savings account, even though I have only a bit over $10.00 in there.

bjm

        [Permission to forward or re-post this message, in its entirety,
         is granted within the policies and procedures of the company.]
    
    Re:
    
>    Any readers out there with any thoughts on the newly imposed fees
>    at the DCU?
    
    I have lots of thoughts on the newly imposed fees. What I'm interested
    in is your thoughts on the fees. If you are interested you can let
    Phil Gransewicz, Chris Fillmore-Gillett and myself know about your
    thoughts if you happen to be in one of the facilities listed below. We
    may add more facilities to the list later.
    
    Dave
    
                   <<< USER$944:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DCU.NOTE;5 >>>
                                    -< DCU >-
================================================================================
Note 760.0             1994 Election:  Invitation to Meet              2 replies
AOSG::GILLETT "Candidate for 1994 DCU BoD Elections" 46 lines  22-FEB-1994 13:28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        [Permission to forward or re-post this message, in its entirety,
         is granted within the policies and procedures of the company.]
    
Dear DCU Members:

In a few short weeks, members of DCU will be receiving ballots for the
1994 DCU Board of Directors Election.  This is a most important
election, and your vote counts.   This election will help determine
whether DCU will remain a true financial cooperative, or whether it
will become just another commercial bank.  Whatever your decision, it
is critical that you cast your vote in this election. 

Phil Gransewicz, Dave Garrod, and myself have endorsed a common
position. We are against fees on basic services, and we support an end to
relationship banking.  We believe that our strength is in our
membership, and offer the membership a pure credit union philosophy
that will take DCU successfully toward the next century by increasing
membership and membership business with DCU.  We believe that *ALL*
DCU members are valued members, without regard for personal wealth.
We would like to share our vision for the future of DCU with you. 

Beginning on February 24th, we will be having lunch at various Digital
sites throughout the GMA and New Hampshire.  It is our hope that many
of you will join us to discuss the election and the future of DCU. 

Look for us in the cafeterias on the following dates:

        Feb-24          SHR-3
        Mar-01          MRO-1
        Mar-03          MLO
        Mar-08          ZKO
        Mar-09          LKG
        Mar-10          MRO-3
        Mar-15          SHR-1
        Mar-16          MKO
        Mar-17          HLO
        Mar-22          NIO

Other dates and sites will be added and announced later.

We look forward to meeting with you.

Thanks,
Chris Fillmore-Gillett
Candidate for the DCU Board of Directors

                <<< SMAUG::USER$944:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DCU.NOTE;5 >>>
                                    -< DCU >-
================================================================================
Note 1.10                    Introduction/guidelines                    10 of 10
CVG::THOMPSON "Another snowy day in paradise"       128 lines  14-MAR-1994 07:47
                         -< Electioneering Guidelines >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Return-Path: powdml::mrgate::"a1::glover.ron"@powdml.mso.dec.D5NET.dec.com
Received: by quarry.zk3.dec.com; id AA02613; Fri, 11 Mar 1994 12:37:32 -0500
Date: Fri, 11 Mar 1994 12:37:30 -0500
Message-Id: <[email protected]>
From: powdml::mrgate::"a1::glover.ron"@powdml.mso.dec.D5NET.dec.com
To: @Distribution_List
Subject: Final Electioneering memo                                              1

From:	NAME: Ron Glover                    
	FUNC:                                 
	TEL:                                  <GLOVER.RON AT A1 at POWDML at PKO>
To:     See Below
CC:     See Below


    The following is in furtherance of our discussion on March 7th, 1994.  
    I have attempted to incorporate the suggestions I received from Mr. 
    Garrod and Mr. Gillett, consistent with the objectives I outlined in 
    our discussion.  
    
    This is intended to provide you with a handy summary of the applicable 
    standards of conduct for DCU candidates vis a vis the use of 
    Digital's Computers, Systems and Networks.  As always please feel free 
    to contact my office, or John Murphy is you have any questions.
    
    I would appreciate it if Mr. Thompson would post this in the Conference 
    Monday A.M.  
    
    Any reader/recipient should feel free to post this in any Digital notes 
    conference.
    
    
    1. Personnel Policy 6.54 "Proper use of Digital Computers, Systems and       
    Networks.
    
    	 a. Prohibits defamatory statements and/or behavior which is 
            contrary to the Company's Core Values or Policy.
    
    	 b. Prohibits the use of our systems, networks and computer systems 
            for solicitations of any kind.
    
    	 c. Subjects violators of this policy to Corrective Action and 
            Discipline up to and including the termination of their 
            employment.
    
    2. As is the case with all employees who use Digital's computer
       systems or networks, candidates for the DCU are required to refrain  
       from conduct or commentary that is disrespectful, demeaning, or 
       which is not in accord with the Company's Core Values and Policies.
       In that regard a note created by John Sims last year does an 
       outstanding job of summarizing expected behavior.  I quote:
    
       	 " First, and most critically; the notes files are Company 
         facilities subject to normal workplace rules of conduct. As such, 
         the same rules that govern conduct and comment in any other 
         Digital workplace apply with equal weight in these conferences.  
         Stated simply, if you wouldn't say it in a Digital business 
         meeting, you shouldn't say it in notes.  PERIOD.
    
       	 Statements that attribute improper, illegal or immoral motives or 
         actions to others, statements that cast aspersions on the 
         character of integrity of others or that amount to libel or 
         slander are not permitted.  PERIOD.  In this regard, it does not 
         matter whether the individuals subject to the comment are elected 
         public officials or directors of companies or organizations 
         disfavored by the author.  There is no "Public Figure" exception 
         in notes.
    
       	 Comments of a sexual nature, are not acceptable whether they are 
         about the author of the comment or directed at others.  Similarly, 
         comments that degrade, devalue or discriminate against others are 
         also prohibited.
    
       	 Finally, employees should remember that it is never appropriate to 
         spend working time in notes.  Activities in notes should be 
         limited to personal or assigned break times.
    
       	 Employee interest notes files and conferences were created to 
         provide an electronic forum to share ideas and opinions about 
         matters of common interest.  In supporting these conferences, the 
         Company understood that there would be occasions where employees 
         would disagree on issues, but we believed and continue to believe 
         it is possible to disagree without being disagreeable.  Personnel 
         Policy 6.54, Proper Use of Digital Computers, Systems and Networks 
         provides further information about appropriate conduct and comment 
         in these conferences.  Employees who fail to meet these 
         expectations, or who use the notesfiles in ways that are contrary 
         to the letter and spirit of that policy are subject to Corrective 
         Action and Discipline up to and including the termination of their 
         employment."  
         								  
         								  
       	 
    3. Candidates for the DCU Board must refrain from using Digital's
       Computers, Systems, of Networks to solicit support for their
       candidacy.  For the purpose of this election candidates may express 
       their views/state their opinion about DCU business matters 
       consistent with standards for disclosure established by the DCU 
       board (i.e. DCU policies, DCU board minutes, decisions, board memos 
       or other information published by DCU) within the DCU notes 
       conference.  Comments about the DCU by Board candidates must be 
       restricted to the DCU notes conference.  Candidates may not campaign 
       for election by soliciting others to vote for them, nor may they 
       directly or indirectly seek support for their campaign or candidacy 
       through the notes files.  Stated simply candidates use of the notes 
       files are limited to sharing information, not seeking support for 
       their election.  Similarly, any activity or comment by a candidate 
       which can be interpreted to be an effort to gain advantage by 
       denigrating or defaming another candidate will also be considered a 
       violation of policy.   
       									  
       									   
    
       Finally, candidates are reminded that they cannot use Digital's 
       Electronic Mail systems for solicitation of any kind, and that use 
       of Notesfiles is limited to non-working time.
    
    I would refer you to:
    
       - Personnel Policy 6.54
       - The Text of John Sims Message on the proper use of Notesfiles and
       - Digital's Core Values 
    for further guidance on appropriate behavior.
    
    While these rules are of particular interest and application to 
    candidates, they are broadly applicable to all employees who use 
    Digital's computers, systems and networks. 
    

    
    There has been a report of a return envelope not being sent with a DCU
    ballot.  Returning a ballot in an envelope other that the official
    envelope WILL INVALID YOUR BALLOT.
    
    If you receive a ballot, but not a return envelope, then please call
    Pay Coyle, DCU Election Coordinator, at DTN 223-6735 x180.  If her
    answering machine picks up, please leave a message with your full name,
    home address, account number and a number where you can be reached.
    
    Some other things to AVOID are:
    
    	1. Voting for MORE than 3 candidates.
    	2. NOT SIGNING the ballot.
    
    I'm sure they are others so if you have any questions, please give Pat
    Coyle a call.

    Got a notice in the mail yesterday that the elections are called off
    because of (paraphrasing) questionable campaigning tactics.  What's up?
    
    Jim

re: .71

Check SMAUG::DCU, notes 818 and 819