Wow, 21 messages today...there is some life left in this old loop list eh? Before we get cut off talking about the new AGLCA, let me say I agree with all the posts! There is good and bad stuff going on there! Yes, I tend to like AGLCA and have enjoyed gaining information over the years. I too saved a lot of information to use as we loop and visit new places, and like sharing with others. We joined back when the Stobs were active and it was different then. We bought every back newsletter issue to soak up their good information about the loop. I was very active in the old Forum, even being accused of being prolific by Fred Myers many years ago! I love sharing info that helps others have fun, like my free docks list, friendlymooringplaces.com (absolutely free and non commercial!) AGLCA is still a recognized group of boaters and fun to get together when we can.....next week actually! We have ~15 looper boats coming to Corinthian YC next week for a gathering event. If you are active on the loop, then I do believe it is worth joining while you are looping.....but.... So what about the new AGLCA? Sorry, but I can’t say I like it as much. I have to agree with a lot of the criticism. I would not bother buying past newsletters now...they are not 1/2 commercial ads and the looper backslapping, but quality content is way down in my opinion. I now toss them. I think we pay higher dues but I’m not sure what member benefit all the commercial content/revenue has done for the actual members. What incentive for past loopers? I have lobbied the Kromers a few times to do things I felt were a benefit for the members, and it ticked me off to be turned down since it conflicted with their advertisers...... ( they would not send a plea to keep the Venice free dock open for loopers since it might conflict with a marina sponsor. They would not take a press release about CYC celebrating 110 years and offering $25 dockage special to Loopers in 2013.... “a little on the commercial side for us” and deemed “an ad from a non-sponsor” !!!!, etc ) To me this speaks volumes. But it’s a changing world out there on the water. This Loop listserve , the T&T list, and now eBoatCards.com are still free for the users. Other pay groups like MTOA and SCCA exist and have great members/info. And others for sure! ActiveCaptain has been great for good boater information and it continues to get better IMHO. Still free for the users. The new eBoatCards is going to have some sort of locater service this summer that will probably be of interest to active boaters and loopers. http://www.eboatcards.com/cruising-america/ AND, there is the eBoatCards group there called CRUISING AMERICA which might be of interest to loopers, as well as many other Groups for many of the Loop segments such as Erie Canal and Bahamas Groups ... another new forum of social networking that will certainly grow. (and where is AGLCA there?) So, yes I would recommend them to new aspiring loopers, but I’m thinking that there are now some growing alternatives too! My first Looper Burgee is now worn out after 6 or 7 years of periodic use....now tattered and repaired, I’ve put it on the wall of Corinthian YC with my looper map poster too! Jim TWINS