Just one more thought in defense of my club:
This is a very busy field we have grown from 145 members to 357 in two years. Clubs are closing all around us.
( Now I know how the spotted owl feels )
So when you say "a newbee" try to remember how many people you know or recognize at your club; All of them?, most of them? I see new faces every time I go to the field. I don't know how 357 compares to yalls clubs, but that's allot of folk's to keep up with.
At one time we thought of putting a cap on the membership, It was voted down by a large number. I wish I knew which snooty hastard came up with that concept. but that's another thread.