I was one who never belonged to clubs in the past as I had plenty of space to fly where I lived.  I have been flying R/C for more than 25 years, from Park Flyers to turbines.  After moving back to the twin cities area, I didn't have wide open spaces where I could make noise with my glow powered planes.  I started looking into the clubs around the area and went to a couple to check them out.  At one, I was treated very well but, at the other, I wasn't given the time of day.  Which one do you think I joined?  I enjoy going to the monthly meetings.  There is always some kind of program, from foam cutting to battery building, to painting and covering techniques.  There is also a Show-and-Tell segment and there are always 3-6 planes brought in for show.  Everyone I have met there has been extremely friendly and there is even an after-meeting event (pie and coffee at a local restaurant) where I learn even more about the people I fly with.  I even pick up tips and pointers there from people with WAY more experience than I have.  In addition, the club has activities going on at least 2 of four weekends a month, including GWS pylon racing (these are not your momma's park flyers) building contests, fun flys, r/c combat heats, etc.  The club has been in existence for more than 50 years so they must be doing something right.  The cost for the club is 65 dollars a year (100 dollars initiation fee) so, with my AMA license I spend, what, $120 a year?  That's cheaper than any of my other hobbies.  I understand the feelings of people who have had bad experiences with clubs and my answer would be, "try another."  We have five or six in this area.  I shopped around the same as shop around for anything else.   Bottom line:  I am glad I joined a club.  I am also glad I didn't get discouraged by the club I didn't choose and kept looking for one that fit me.</p>

I guess that's more than $.02</p>

Tim</p>