I do not question the assessment made of Tom's complaint about ARRL. On the other hand, I would not want us to become so shallow as to pass off all such complaints so readily. Remember, where there is fire, etc. I suggest for consideration that ARRL is a victim of a couple of transgressions. But, first, I readily admit that whenever anyone or any group does something, those who are reactionary thinkers often sit on the sidelines and take cheap shots at the doers. I don't think there is much of a question that we are PERCEIVED negatively by a majority of hams who have no specific beef against the League. These are members-lost at least temporarily, in that they are lost to our membership roll when we need them most and they need us most. Perception may be totally wrong, but, again, it may be totally correct. Most often it is based tenuously and partly on fact that has been twisted. Regardless, it is real and we ought to deal with it in a positive manner in an effort to reverse the negative impression. We are of sort a business. Whenever a responsible business is attacked with adverse publicity, it springs in to the offensive to defuse and reverse the attack. Those who are successful in defusing and reversing an attack end up winners. Giving free books and other similar perks to become members is not the way to defuse and reverse. Why don't we get together a little, appropriate shock and aw to establish a more favorable and correct attitude in the community? Incidentally, take a look at the list of benefits to ARRL members as shown on our Join or Renew membership page. Everything that is listed is true, but I do not believe we are putting our best foot forward even there. Well, I wore out another borrowed soap box, after all. Jim W. AMATEUR RADIO: The only fail-safe communications system in the world. ARRL: The reason Amateur Radio is! Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director, Great Lakes Division ARRL 5065 Bethany Rd., Mason, OH 45040-9660, Tel. 513-459-0142, E-mail k8je@arrl.org