I have to say though, that the value of membership in the IGDA isn't what it used to be, at least for individuals. I was a member back when we'd get GDMag as a soupcon, and for some time afterwards. But when the IGDA and CMP ended their relationship (which also included CMP's assistance in managing the organization, not just the magazine subscription), a lot seemed to change with the IGDA, as they stopped focusing so much on supporting developers and put more effort into just managing the association themselves. I think things like the current, broken-down website are a symptom of that. Another thing I've noticed is despite "International" in the name, some of the offers available to full members are only really relevant to Americans (for example, the health care program).

In short, the IGDA can be very relevant at the chapter level, but as you get higher, it seems less and less so, unfortunately. If I had ideas on how to change that and make things better, I'd probably rejoin and put my name in various hats, but as I don't, I can't see a reason to rejoin when I can already participate in my local chapter anyway.

I think last years elections had all of these as very very relevant issues (specifically the, "What are you doing for me?" question that is on everyone's mind). I'm not sure what they've been up to lately, but I know it was a very large concern to a lot of the people that were voted onto the board. This was back when I was on the board of my universities IGDA chapter, which forced me to be a little more in the know. Since then I kind of stopped paying attention.

And QFT to their horrible forum switch. If people are upset with this site's forum revamp you should have seen the igda one. You had to wait 30 minutes just to complain about how crappy the forums were. It did kind of force you to write well thought out long posts rather than short one liners though...

I know I'm a bit late to the party on this topic, but I just wanted to add that from my standpoint, I feel IGDA is quite relevant. The forums might not have much going on, but I don't feel that forums alone really showcase all of what IGDA can do for developers. What's more useful is getting developers together in the same physical space so they can network and make lasting friendships in their field. Beyond this, setting up situations where developers can learn, or show off their latest work, or otherwise grow together.

It's true that IGDA Chicago didn't have a lot going on for a bit there and the forums were certainly gathering cobwebs. Regardless, over sixty people showed up for the reboot event, and we've continually had great numbers at subsequent events. There's clearly an interest in getting together, even if it isn't being articulated on the forums. In other areas around the globe, there are probably similar situations with chapters that just need a bit of life breathed back into them. It can be done! Unite and start planning fun things for your chapter!

Above and beyond individual chapters, IGDA is also amazing as a voice for developers. Look at recent things like the Amazon developer terms, which IGDA was able to raise a great deal of public awareness about. It's fantastic that we have a strong, unified force behind us, closely examining the treatment of developers by large corporations and publishers. Additionally, we have the continuing push for quality of life in the industry and health insurance plans, both of which IGDA has been championing for us all. There are quite a few ways IGDA is helpful, above and beyond bringing us all together.

As a student, I'm not incredibly bummed out that I don't get Game Developer magazine for free. IGDA has been amazing for me in so many more critical ways! The most recent example I have is of course the E3 scholarship, which I'm proud to say I was a recipient of. Above and beyond the amazing insider experience IGDA gave to the scholars (I could ramble on forever about how awesome it was,) the fourteen of us formed an amazing fellowship over our time together at E3. I'm beyond excited to have friends spanning the globe now, friends I intend to stay connected to and reunite with at future conferences and events. I have IGDA to thank for the colleagues and opportunities I gained from my E3 scholar experience!

The most recent example I have is of course the E3 scholarship, which I'm proud to say I was a recipient of. Above and beyond the amazing insider experience IGDA gave to the scholars (I could ramble on forever about how awesome it was,) the fourteen of us formed an amazing fellowship over our time together at E3. I'm beyond excited to have friends spanning the globe now, friends I intend to stay connected to and reunite with at future conferences and events. I have IGDA to thank for the colleagues and opportunities I gained from my E3 scholar experience!

They do an E3 scholarship now too? They should just double the amount of GDC scholarships they do or add GDC austin/euro scholarships. I think those would be a much better learning experience for students.

Congratulations though. If you enjoyed E3 I'd recommend GDC if you can save up the scratch. Amazing learning experience.

[quote name='Heather M Decker' timestamp='1308204691' post='4823952']
The most recent example I have is of course the E3 scholarship, which I'm proud to say I was a recipient of. Above and beyond the amazing insider experience IGDA gave to the scholars (I could ramble on forever about how awesome it was,) the fourteen of us formed an amazing fellowship over our time together at E3. I'm beyond excited to have friends spanning the globe now, friends I intend to stay connected to and reunite with at future conferences and events. I have IGDA to thank for the colleagues and opportunities I gained from my E3 scholar experience!

They do an E3 scholarship now too? They should just double the amount of GDC scholarships they do or add GDC austin/euro scholarships. I think those would be a much better learning experience for students.

Congratulations though. If you enjoyed E3 I'd recommend GDC if you can save up the scratch. Amazing learning experience.
[/quote]

Thank you! I've been to GDC two years in a row now and I absolutely loved it! I've promised myself I need to make sure I can go back each year.. however I can make it happen. For instance, last year I had access to more sessions thanks to volunteering. Perhaps this next year I can get into the CA program! GDC has been super helpful to my growth as a developer and, of course, my networking efforts!

As far as E3 goes, the experience we had as IGDA scholars was invaluable! However, if I had just purchased a regular floor pass and wandered around the show floors on my own, I would not have had even remotely the same benefits and takeaway from this. We we truly given a special experience, in addition to the general overview of E3.