For me, - When I found the TMA,I was a "newbe". I joined the " open FORUM" a couple of things occurred =
1. I found a group of individuals that "REALLY cared that I was here & were willing to help me out any way they could, without being condescending or PC. . ( unlike another forum, I was on.)
2. Individuals that not only enjoyed the "sport", but were determined to keep it TRADITIONAL.
3. The TMA was OWNED/RUN by the MEMBERS !! (not an individual/or select group, who did things their way,& to H^*L with the members)
It wasn't the "thingies" ( weren't many then)
I liked what I saw & being "old fashioned", I decided to "support" the TMA. ( after all I was "taking up a stump & sharing a few "cups" & in my "world" you support Your "camp".
( Like most org.s, only a very few support the org. The majority are "pew warmers etc. simply Enjoying the org. That is NOT ME. )
I paid the "paltry" $15.00, got a couple of GRMMers to join ( also got a "bumper sticker & a "paper Mem. cd. ) & went from there, growing, learning,making some life time Friends & NEVER regretted it.
We have come a LONG WAY & are still growing, but the Main reasons, I spent $15,00 ( & renew ), Have NOT changed.
BTW, I am a NRA TC. I paid $$$$ for my membership, but I also have to pay each year to teach ( $10.00 per discipline, for me about $80.00)
Jack