Greg,

I think most of us would agree at least on this -- that a newbie introduced through a chapter be allowed to attend as a guest a few times before joining anything, and that he be able to join a chapter with the understanding that he must join the national within a year, say by the time he renews with the chapter or at the same time he renews with the chapter. Why hit the poor fellow with a $40 to $50 outlay at one instance (in some cases) when he is just starting out chip collecting?

I also think everyone would agree that a local club starting out wouldn't/shouldn't go for chapter status when it is just beginning. Why go through all the paperwork and correspondence with the national when you don't even know if there is enough interest for a local group?

No real controversy on those points, I hope.

Robert