GIRS Membership Benefits as seen by Members

GIRS Members were recently asked "Why did You become a Member?" and here's what some of them had to say...
*My first day on the forum I had 2 members extend a helping hand.  I met one in person,  DONE!!
*+1 on Members' being helpful and extending a helping hand.  Glad I joined and looking forward to doing more with the Club/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif
*To support a local resource.  Just like if you don't support your LFS-they won't be around long.  Same with the forum.  About a month before Thanksgiving I lurked around the forum and decided to become a member to support the cause.  Shortly thereafter I started noticing special Member deals for Black Friday and special discount codes for online retailers.  I've saved roughly $60 already in a short amount of time just in my dealings with AC&C with their Black Friday sales and GIRS Member discount.  So, for a wealth of knowledge, discounts on both new and used equipment and, a social network of fellow enthusiasts-$20 is very well spent and ROI [sic: return on investment] continues to pay for itself over and over and over.  I haven't yet attended a Club meeting, Frag Fest or even any other Club event.  That will even further my gratitude for Membership.  I've also met some super nice people in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Marshalltown and Waterloo that sold me great corals or helped me plan out my setup.  Truth be told- I spent $13 on lunch yesterday.  That was 'one and done'.  I'm not getting much ROI on that $13.  This $20 membership dues lasts all year and opens the door for countless opportunities.
*I want to help support and get involved with the Club as much as I could.  I felt if my $20 helped to keep things going, it was money well spent.
*The interaction that takes place, the willingness of Members to reach out and the information that is shared- $20 is a drop in the tank.
*A sense of belonging to something that shared my passion for the hobby.
* +1
*After meeting people in the Club during a tank tour that was open to nonmembers I decided that I should join because I haven't found many decent reefkeepers outside the community.
*Tim at IA Petfoods told me about Spring Fest 2 years ago so I joined before going to that.  I picked up a ton of frags and learned enough that my head hurt and, I met some great people.  Since then my ROI has been stellar what with the DIY food and group buys, etc.  +1 on supporting a local group also, kind of a pay-it-forward thing.  I think in the near future there will be many great benefits and opportunities that will come with Club Membership.
*Someone made me...I was under duress and everything.  It's ok now though, I do it on my own/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/biggrin.gif
*I just like to be involved with as much as I can doing something I love.
*I became a Member to unlock extra forums where I found answers to questions I was able to find in the free community...I can't count or even remember whom all have responded to questions or lent a helping hand or even gave me something to help get my tank to where it is today.  This community always throws in a new curve ball on the reefing hobby nad I know being on here daily will help keep me ahead of the game.  Can't wait to see what new thread posts are on here when I get up in a few hours.
* I am somewhat new to the Club and I lurked for awhile and then realized I could just pay my dues online with PayPal... I enjoy helping and sometimes need my hand held too.  I don't always have time to research for hours on a topic or something and it's nice to ask a question at 9pm and get someone to help a guy out.  It's just this simple.  For the price of $20 you will get as much as you want to ask for... Also as we all know we get this part of the forum to communicate away from nonmembers, but in the hobby we are all the same and trying to achieve one common goal and that is to enjoy this wonderful hobby.   Enjoying the hobby is what it's all about-nothing more and nothing less.
*I can't think of any reason not to join.  If you own a reef tank, you can afford $20 a year to come to this site and lurk.  Personally, I don't go out of my way to help nonmembers.  I'm just sayin.
*I found myself needing local resources.  Those of us who have been in the hobby for many years have often found ourselves needing 'hands-on" help.  We can't get that from other forums or clubs.  I have a Club Member as my Mentor and I don't know where I'd be without that Member!  Probably out of the hobby/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/crying.gif  Paying dues through PayPal is a breeze and $20 is a drop in the bucket when reefkeeping!  If one can't afford $20 to belong to a local Club (that runs on volunteers), one shouldn't be in the hobby.  We all know this hobby is expensive but Club Membership helps...we get special pricing on frags and equipment from other Members, we get group discounts from retailers (locally and online), we get special admission pricing and/or (free) raffle tickets at Club-Sponsored events and, we get to attend informative and fun Regional monthly meetings.    Board Members work their butts off to make this Club better everyday.  We just don't see what goes on behind the scenes as many of us are not able to volunteer our time, effort and resources.  We do get to provide input into Club affairs and when it comes to "crunch time" for events and affairs, ALL Members are there!  I've heard nonmembers express concern about where the Membership dues goes.  I had that same question before joining but figured once I got my Membership, I'd ask.  I asked a Board Member many questions about where the money went and I was given answers immediately.  I didn't want 'hard' numbers, just a general idea.   I found out that attending the Annual Business Meeting is where the Club details finances and other Club business matters.  Having childboards available to Members Only is a final thought.  As a Member, I can express my thoughts and ideas freely and not bother those whom care less.  Having the video library is a resource beyond comprehension.  Leading experts in various facets of reefkeeping share their knowledge with us whenever we are needing their input with just a click of a button!  MACNA 2011 presentations are available through the library...I didn't have to pay for a DVD...it's free to Club Members!  Did I say "final thought"?/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/whistling.gif  I could add much more to this question but I'll leave it at this:  GIRS is a Progressive Club and I can't wait to see where WE go!!!


Just go to the "Join GIRS" tab above and become a Member!  According to the Members above you have nothing to lose and much to gain.  If the Members weren't convincing enough, ask a Club Trustee in your Region about attending a Regional meeting to help you decide.  Remember that SpringFest is just a few weeks away!  GIRS Members are always willing to chat with you, sell their great corals and, Vendors are always willing to sell the hottest corals and help meet your needs!  And finally, EVERYONE who frequents this site NEEDS to visit the HOME page as this is where you will find the most UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/wow.gif

 

Fantastic write up Teri, you really nailed it.

 

Thanks Mike! The Members' nailed it ;-0)