ORIGINAL: Rat1
It would be a much better value to me and possibly may other non AMA members if we could purchase the membership without havignt o pay for a magazine or having to pay for other people with OUR money.
They should make the magazine optional as well as donating money to let young adults join for a couple bucks.
Does not look like I will ever be a member unless they make these two things optional.
I got 30 bucks in my pocket waiting for the day it does happen.
Young people can join for a buck. By the time they are young adults they are going to have to set their priorities, drive a BMW or something more modest, get along with just a 36 inch flat screen TV vs 60", etc. and spend $58/yr on AMA dues that will open up flying fields and a place to learn some of the subtleties of the hobby.
As for optional magazine, it was tried once and so few opted out that it was not worth the extra effort to send them the required simple newsletter required as a Non profit 501 organization. Maybe they should offer it again considering so many are now seem to be somewhat reading impaired.
Your statements " having to pay for other people with OUR money" and "donating money to let young adults join for a couple bucks" seems kind of opposing each other, unless you think the AMA has a significant source of income other than our dues.