We've gone around this many times, but I've always been of the opinion it's more important to grow the hobby, not necessarily the CCGTCC. If thechipboard.com is read by more people, what does that really matter? The club should facilitate the hobby, not the other way around.

The major benefit to joining the CCGTCC is the magazine. Yes, I know there are other things as well, but that is the thing most casual collectors mention. Sure there are some things closed to non-members at the convention, but most is open to people off the streets. I'm just making up numbers here, but what if there were 6000 gaming collectors worldwide. Why is it so important that those 6000 people join the club if they are getting involved in other ways (i.e. thechipboard, going to conventions, etc). I understand the ease and desire of having a central hub like the CCGTCC to coordinate, but I don't think it is necessary for the success of the hobby.

I know I've been a broken record on this point, but I've always thought the CCTN should be free for anyone who wants it (electronically). I know many article are available online, but if someone with a passing fancy wanted to know about the club, what better way than to go and see the newest going-ons in our award winning magazine. Download it, see what it's all about and join if you want. (The alternative now is emailing the club Secretary and get a sampler in the mail later when perhaps they have forgotten why they were interested.)

Yes, I also know this argument: "If you give it away for free, people will not pay their dues." Ok, I get that SOME people will quit the club. But think about it. If the ONLY reason these people are paying their dues is to get the magazine, do we need them on the CCGTCC rolls? For these people, if we saved the cost of printing & mailing the magazine, mailing ballots, manufacturing and mailing pins, etc, we might be better off. If you want a paper copy of the magazine, as well as all the other benefits of the club, you pay your dues. If you just want to be a part of the hobby as a whole but not necessarily the club, read it online.

That is my opinion and I respectfully know it is NOT the opinion of most. (I also know there might be some issues with minimal magazine print runs, etc.)

So, I guess in my long about way I'm saying I don't think that growing the club necessarily will grow the hobby, which I believe should be our main focus.