I agree with Illini & Dick on that one Dyan! Most of the articles I've read in model rocketeer and sport rocketry are done by folks with a lot of practical in the lab and field experience. I can't Think of one that gave the impression "do this or don't do it at all". Most of these detailed studies follow months and years of work on a particular aspect of the hobby. It's always been the dedication to the dessemination of data and information that has driven these publications. Your apparent approach is to have everyone reinvent the wheel which is simply unproductive and really wastes a lot of time they could be using to advance a lesser researched skill or subject.
I complain about the price every years...but pay it for the reasons I cited in the earlier post. And because I've come to realize, like Jim broke down it's really a tiny fraction of the total money I lay out every year in the hobby.
Bob: I flew for almost 10 years back in the 60's "with the family" like you before being introduced to the NAR. Back then it was truely inexpensive and the insurance was/is a great way to get other landowners to let you use there fields.
I really think all this goes back to my original statements about the NAR going back to it's original SERVICE orginization roots. Where they layed the gournd work for the NFPA and FAA exemptions. worked with local clubs to secure fields and did MUCH more PR work than they have in the last 6 or 7 years. If your flying from your own property your very lucky. Most of us don't have that luxury, We must deal with property owners, insurance and state and local laws.
Siverleaf: Why would you think we'ed flame you for bringing up very good points. I have to agree 62.00 is a very high price to pay for a magazine and a membership card. Especially if your not using the insurance part of the package. But you guys must also realize were talking about a fairly small group, 4300 -5000 people nation wide is a tiny bunch to try to insure. These small circulation numbers will also make the publication of the magazine costly, especially if trying to compete with other publications like extreame rocketry, or the HPR mag. If the NAR will realize..I guess accept, we are a nitch hobby with some growth potential but NOT unlimited growth, perhaps they will then concentrate on bringing new youth members into MODEL ROCKETRY, we can have a better chance of "staying in business"
Maybe Bunny needs to better define "all" those membership services he mentions in better detail for the average consumer.
Like you, all I see for the money is a Magazine, Insurance and that all important membership card