I know this idea is not being presented incorrectly. To me it is very clear. But the strong-arm recruiting tactics are not going to convince anyone with a mind of their own. When someone challenges your ideas with valid remarks, why put them down? Money IS an issue for quite a few people these days. They, me included, are forced to trim down (as if i'm not a friggin scarecrow already). To belittle them by saying $20.00 is "nothing" is demeaning to some. Plus you probably have no idea how bleak their personal situation might be. If $20 is "nothing" to YOU, then why don't YOU pay for their membership?

Point is, there is no reason to tell someone their choice to join or not is beneath your choice. It is their choice to make, not yours. Bottom line is they either will or they will not. Be happy with YOUR choice.

Personally, my membership is NOT current. It has lapsed. And I do NOT have the funds available at the moment to renew. I COULD drop $20 on basic membership but that is NOT what I CHOOSE to do. I am selling off some of my valuables (valuable to me and have some worldly worth) in order to pay the $50 membership fee. I will renew when I can do THAT. But my hospital bills are past due and the dryer just got fixed TODAY and.............. all true but redundant..... add others personal situations here____________.

I have spoken to Wolf on my situation more than once. He NEVER tried to strong-arm me, never talked down to me, never said "you have until.... or take a hike." More important, the point that seems to be missed completely is, no one is being "turned away" for not joining. They WILL have forum access. Those that additionally support (fund through memberships) get more access and more perks. This IS how a successful organization runs. I do not know how much clearer these points can be made. Though I have TRIED to make them from both the concerned non-members (choice to join, not join) and from the point of the organization (basic access versus additional access/perks). I mean really, what more is reasonable to ask of either?

-Mike Pratt