I was a member years ago and had to terminate my membership because of my financial situation at the time. Wanting to re-join a few years later I was told that I would be issued a new member number because the number had some sort of importance in representing how long you were a member, which had something to do with your trustworthyness, etc........BUT if I were to pay all my back dues, all that stuff is out the window because I can buy my old number back. It was all about the money....the integrity or the trustworthyness didn't matter at that point. It kind of turned me off and I haven't been a member since. That's ok because being a member or not.....I have a fine collection and still enjoy the hobby very much. I have made some friends on this board and have made some very substantial deals here also. I have been to the SB show many times and the convention once in a while. A club number isn't necessary.