All such wonderful questions and ideas...... which we've discussed ad nauseum in presidency meetings for years.

Adam
(edit- fixed it, yes I'm an idiot)

Silly thoughts...

So should guests post things that they have to sell or trade in buy/sell/ or trade since they're not paid members? (side thought: I find it interesting that some paid members have no problem getting something from a guest, but have heartburn if it's the other way around)

Other than mainly being folks from Utah what seperates this forum from other ones available online? Shipping charges if you trade or buy from another on the forum? Mark's everchanging hotline?

 I think that the discount some stores give as well as being able to show off our tanks (say on the reef tour) are the two best benefits the club offers as a club

I believe that if you make guests wait while paid-members pick through frags there will not be anything left for the guests. Well maybe some Xenia

The fact that guests pay more when they buy frags from the club I think works out well. As soon as a guest buys 5 frags from the club the bring in more money for the club then a paid member in a year that also bought 5 frags. (Dues + frag cost)

As a non-profit organization should WMAS have just enough money, a surplus, or be a means for "elitists" to procure rare corals cheap?

I think Connie has a great idea. It gives visitors the chance to take a look around. They get to see the benefits of belonging to the club.

Connie wrote: I think that the club should allow 25 post and then if you wish to contiune to gain knowledge, support, and deals, you must become a member...... That is just my 2 cents or 25.00 bucks.....Either way, I think its the best 25 Ive ever spent... If you dont agree, you should not have the advantage of club... Or maybe members should trade and or sell only to member thus giving incentive to join... Just a thought

As for the visitors that continue to use the resources, but dont want to spend the $$$. Put them on a payment plan at 21% bill them $8.00 a month for three months. Or better yet. After the 25 posts or views, give them the oppunitity to purchase a 30 day membership for $5.95. If they like what they see, they can convert it to a annaul membership.

Foremost, I am not to keen on paying for those who want a free ride. This world continues to teach people that they can expect everything, but give nothing in return. Yet retaining all the benefits that the life has to offer.

If the benefits are the same, then I dont see alot of difference from joining/not joining. My accountant wont even let me take the tax deduction for the membership fee. I would rather donate if thats the case.

I am also very new to salt water.  I knew that to truely get into the hobby I needed to belong to a club.  I agree with smQQkin that yes this is an expensive hobby and $24 a year is nothing compared to what you pay throughout the year on your tank.

I believe that those who do pay the membership fee should have first choice at frags that are being sold at the meeting.  They were the ones willing to pay the dues which allow for the meeting to be held in the first place.  If it weren't for those who pay the small due there wouldn't be much of a club.

I understand there are those out there that do offer advice for free on this site.  I would love to see a paid member section only, but then a general post section for those that aren't paid memebers.  This would allow the benefits to those who do pay and also allow for those free riders in life.

I am still a "Rookie" compared to some in this club. However, I agree with charging membership dues. It helps the club provide useful information about this hobby, provides technology(the use of this forum), and provides us a place to meet.

I also think that the frags that are being offered should only be offered to those that have a current membership first. Then if there are frags left, sold to those individuals that do not have a membership.

What is the motivation to those that choose not to pay dues or fees? If you can afford to set up tank, you should be able to afford the membership.

Yes well said Mark.

Adam