Nothing makes me (a one-year collector of chips) more happier then seeing some great ideas on how to grow this great hobby.

Anything that spurs the interest of hobby (especially those who already know how amazing it is), is a great service to all.

I especially liked: Promote the hobby -- not the Club. Why? Because with the focus on the hobby, the Club will naturally grow.

I have considered writing my own thoughts about this subject, but for now, I will add one more thought concerning the Club itself. It might seem 'small' but I do believe it has some benefits ...

If one, like Al, has their membership expire ... and they return ... let the returning member have their original membership # back (instead of issuing an entirely new one). I could spell out many good reasons why ... but one, is that it keeps a sense of history (time-line) that the chipper has been a member. And even though I resepct all fellow members, yet when I receive an email from one with a low(er) membership #, I immediately know they have been an important part of this hobby for many years. To me, a club membership # is a significant part of the Club, the hobby, and its history.

Derek Bistricky "proud member of the " #R-8169