Gene,

This issue, in my opinion concerns those who are new to the hobby or those who not that just that dedicated to it.

Let me explain by restating a conversation that occured at our chapter meeting last Sunday. A well respected member of the CC>CC, he is currently co-authoring a book in a specialty area, told as that he joined the Atlantic City chapter several years ago. He did not know of or was he interested in the CC>CC at the time. After about 1 1/2 years, and many conversations with other members, he decided to join the CC>CC. He now thinks it is the greatest thing and attends all the conventions. If he had been issued an ultimatum after being a member of the AC chapter for a year, to join or get out, he may have walked away from the AC Chapter and from the hobby. I would have never have met this friend and our hobby would be less a collector and author.

My point is that it takes time, some longer than others, for those entering our hobby to learn about the CC>CC. I do not want to lose any of these new potential members. Why can't the Chapters have some control over their membership rules in order to figure out the best way for them to bring people into the hobby?

Gene, I know that I am not going to convince you to change your point of view. But you are right. If this was only about a cheapskate who does not want to spend the $20 to join the CC>CC, then they do not belong in a chapter either.