As a relative newcommer to the hobby, here is my 2 cents worth. When I signed up for the club, I also did not know the value of the club or how good the club bulletin was, so I took the cheapest option. However, when I renewed my membership I continued with the bulk mailing option because I was getting my bulletin as quickly or quicker than many of my friends that were paying the first class rate (Maybe this was due to my living in Iowa, so close to mailing point in Minnesota). I could see no reason for spending the extra money (I may now change my tune on that). So would I be upset if there was only a first class oprion? No, not now that I know the value. I feel that we do need to keep membership cost low to newcommers. We have not proven ourselves to them, and they don't have any idea what they are going to get for their money. After we get them "hooked", most would not have a problem paying a higher price for membership from then on.

Many businesses offer special rates or additional services to newcommers.IE: Credit Cards with low introductory interest rates, your first order of checks free with a new checking account, free "this and that" with a test drive of a new car. This list goes on and on.

Why not offer a low introductory membership rate to attract (or at least not scare off) newcommers, and a higher membership dues rate after the introductory period. This would allow newcommers to experience the club, see the value, and pay a little more for that value after have proved ourselves.

I believe that Jim P. is right to a certain extent (I know some of you cringed at that thought!). Although I don't believe that you have to be rich to be in this hobby (Proof by the fact that I am in it!), I don't think that you can be poor and be a chipper. Just collecting at face value would be too expensive for someone on a very limited budget. So yes, I agree with Jim, there are none of us that could not afford the extra cost of having the bulletin sent first class, but this "introductory rate" allows newcommers to easily experience the hobby and as we all know it is very easy to be "bitten by the bug"! Sure, the hobby veterans higher dues would be subsidising the "newbies" that first year, but new people entering the hobby are the life blood of the hobby.

Just my thoughts on this matter.

Steve Brock