I suspect Roy Nelson would be the best person to ask about whether “sponsored” 1st year members stick around or not. I’m one of those. I can’t remember if it was Doug Smith or Doug Balduini (or someone else?) who incentivized me to join (I think it was half off the first year’s dues). I distinctly remember thinking “why bother joining? I can have all of the benefits I’m seeking without paying.” and it was technically true. I ended up joining because air had already received value from the members in the form of knowledge as well as buying and trading chips with members. I’m also one of those members that Archie alluded to, who is running out of rare chips to acquire in my narrowly defined collection. However, the hunt continues and I’m still a member. I’m now a 2nd year dealer as well, though I’m more just clearing out the stuff that’s not my focus rather than making this an actual business. So now I’m contributing well over $1000 per year if you include the table, extras, banquet tickets, poker/blackjack entry fees, raffle tickets (I just bought $200 worth) and so on. I’d say that original $15 incentive, borne by a member and not the club, has already paid for itself many times over, and covers any number of people that gave it a shot but quit. And I’d like to think I contribute to the value of the organization from time to time as well. Maybe someday, I’ll feel I have something of worth to share at a convention presentation, or I’ll write an article, or I’ll make videos like Oscar. Right now, I just want to see the organization grow with members who can start year one of 30, 40, 50 future years with us.