some countries have National Design Policies… They recognize, as a country, that design is an important part of global competitiveness, which they need, and put their money where their mouth is.
Instead of trying to lure designers in with a bad deal, their business model is to push good, free content out for designers and companies. That’s what the IDSA should be like.
If you’ve never gone there, you should check out the Design Council’s web site- it’s extensive, useful, and doesn’t require yearly fees.
PS - I think the new president’s background is entirely appropriate and wish him luck