Hi Oscar, I hope you and family are well. it's actually very common for nonprofit organizations to make their core mission avilable to the public while reserving enhanced tools, databases, publications, or other premium features for members. For example:

- American Philatelic Society (APS): Basic stamp collecting information is public, but research libraries, expertizing services, specialized publications, and member tools require membership.
- American Numismatic Association (ANA): Educational resources are available to everyone, while members receive access to publications, courses, archives, and other benefits.
- American Library Association (ALA): Produces extensive public educational content, but many research reports, webinars, standards, and professional resources are available only to members or by purchase.

How is the CCA any different?

The vast majority of the ChipGuide is freely available. THe more advanced features will require supporting the organization that built and maintains them.

Think about it this way: you sell casino chips on eBay. Nobody expects you to give away your collection simply because you're a collector. In the same way, why should the CCA be expected to give away every feature of a database that represents more than 25 years of volunteer work, research, photography, cataloging, and ongoing maintenance?

I don't see that as gatekeeping. I see it as protecting and sustaining the club's most valuable asset.