Here are the results of my little survey a few months ago: 1. If you are a member of a local club, why? 83%-Socialization with like-minded people 16%-Interesting speakers & topics 2. What is the "focus" of your club? 67%-Socialization, public out-reach 16%-Group observing 16%-Not sure 3. Has the club experience helped you enjoy astronomy more than if you hadn't joined up? 100%-Yes 4. What do you most want to change about your club, if anything? 67%-More star parties and hands-on activities related to observing, greater member involvement 16%-No changes 16%-Not sure 5. Would you be involved in the hobby if there was no club? 83%-Yes 16%-Probably not Admittedly, the sample was small, but our error range is insignificant. I find it interesting that local clubs are a mostly social excercise, with little or no science being done at a club level. This is strange, since I know personally several people who gather data and do patrol work regularly. I wonder why actually "doing" the science doesn't seem interesting to rank-and-file clubbers? We seem to be predominantly "nature lovers" as far as observational astronomy goes. Thanks to all who replied! Chuck __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send FREE video emails in Yahoo! Mail! http://promo.yahoo.com/videomail/