Also it seems to me that being a member gives you a little more creditability.
For instance, I feel more comfortable making a transaction with a member than a non.
Please, my non-member acquaintances, no slight intended. I was a non-member once but after I discovered all the valuable information available on this board as well as the honest willingness by its members in wanting to share information, experiences (successes and failures) as well as on hands help ... !!! ... All I can say is I paid my fees in the hope of helping continue the success and growth of this site and will never count it as money wasted.
I would have to agree. To be clear, paying the club membership fee isn't as much about "unlocking" hidden club features and being all "exclusive" as it is financially supporting something that you believe in. Although Ohio Reef isn't without its drama from time to time, it is a good organization made up of passionate people who love to help out and share ideas. I'm not one to join clubs, typically, when I can get what I want/need from a free membership most places, but I was drawn to Ohio Reef because of the collective knowledge, experience, willingness to help, and overall activity of the club. I'm still getting to know everyone, but I've already made some good friends and hope to be around for awhile.
On another note, the relationships you can sometimes build with the sponsors, since you are able to interact with them directly through Ohio Reef, is invaluable.