Appreciate your input Jake.... this may be something for us to consider in the future. The information here is all free. The rule is written (as I understand it) for the photography forum to avaialable for charter members to post their photos, as an additional benefit of membership, one of the perks. However, we are constantly reviewing these rules to improve our system and make this forum the best that it can be for all members: web members and charter members alike.

The finances of this forum are openly posted in the BOD minutes (see link in one of the boxes at the left of the screen) and more information can be found under "About Us" and "Membership." We use the funds for a variety of things, such as the cost of having the online forum (hosting company) and also to get educational events for our membership (again, open to both web members and charter members). This past weekend we had a great educational and informative presentation on Reef Biotopes at our monthly meeting, which was free for all members to attend, both web members and charter members. In 2009 our speakers included Bob Fenner, Mark Levenson, Anthony Calfo, and Eric Borneman. There are always some expenses associated with these sorts of events.

Hope you will join us in the future if you are interested in learning more about reefkeeping and getting more involved. We are currently beginning plans for our annual conference, TMAC (Texas Marine Aquarists Conference) which will feature some educational speakers as well. The date has not been finalized, but should be in the fall sometime, thinking possibly October.