the one about memberships...

I am currently reading on the theory and philosophy of community, or sense of community, whereby a few criteria is proposed as to answer what makes people stay together, or what makes a person feel the sense of belonging to a particular group or community. In short, the philosophy of membership.

Thinking about membership, I am also member of various shops, supermarkets and establishments, so I went through my wallet to see if they're still valid...

Being geeky, I can't help but joined all the bookshops memberships (except Kinokuniya and Borders... okay almost all), and the one that gave the most privilege is Times Bookshop. At any point of time, it gives 10% discounts on books and 5% on magazines. From time to time they will have members' special discounts up to 20%, and once a year during your birthday month, you're entitled to get 20% discounts on your purchases but only valid for one transaction. Another thing I like about Times membership, is that they will keep a record of all your purchases, and at the end of the year, they will forward a copy of your total books purchases statement that is verified by LHDN for your tax rebate. Membership is RM10/year (if not mistaken).

Second is MPH Readers' Circle. This is not a discount card, but it collects points for your purchases, like Bonus-link. You're then entitled for redemption of books. The other benefit (which I've never utilised) is you're allowed to read books in their designated lounge or reading corner (which is more comfortable than the outside benches)... Occasionally they have members' discounts... but too bad there's no MPH Bookstore here in Sabah.

Popular Bookshop has a good variety of middle range books (not so expensive) but the only problem is that almost 50% of their books are in Chinese... But they give 10% discounts on all purchases including books and stationeries. Only applied to white tags, though... the yellow tagged items are on best buy, so no discounts (and they have a lot of those).

This membership... or rather not so much membership, but more like a debit card, cannot be used in Malaysia. I got mine in Hong Kong. How it works is that you put in some cash to debit the value of the card, and then the next time you come, you don't have to bring cash. Doesn't do much (or anything at all), but I must have it in my wallet la... show off, kan?

This is by far the most expensive membership I've bought... the Recreational Club Membership at Shangri-la Tg Aru Resort. It includes the usage of the gym, sauna, jacuzzi, tennis court, swimming pool, bicycles and some more I can't remember... also gives up tp 20% discounts on F&B at affiliated restaurants, except for alcoholic drinks at BlueNote. Membership fee? RM1600.00 annually.

This membership was bought just to get a discounted rate for 1 (one) melalak session, and then never utilised again. Got it with Ewann, but felt cheated because the karaoke facility there isn't the greatest in town, not even the second greatest... Rather go to KK Box for karaoke, but the so-called membership there is even crappier.. really can't win with these karaoke joints. Don't know why this card is still in my wallet though...

Ah, probably the best membership I've got... free with the compulsory purchase of a certain meal that people normally wouldn't -- X-meal or something like that -- but gives 20% discounts on chicken products purchased between 2pm and 6 pm every Tuesday. 20% is a lot, I tell you... On Tuesday afternoons, KFC that's where I want to be!

This is also another white elephant in the wallet, but luckily this was given free after a hefty purchase of their Sony goods... will get a certain amount of discounts for my next purchase, but I've found an even better place to get my Sonys, so not going to use this also...

Another one that gives the best discounts is Jusco Card or J-Card, 10% off for all purchases of F&B, merchandise and sometimes CDs at Starbucks Coffee... but I can't scan it here because I left it in another bag. Membership is RM10 per annum, and can get subsidiary card for free.

Other memberships to consider:

1. Survey Hypermarket Card
2. Esso Rewards Card
3. Malaysian Kennel Association if you have a pooch
4. 2 Ringgit shop seemingly also has membership now... maybe can get an imitation whatever with your RM2 stretched even further!