I attend 2-3 meetings a year usually to meet someone because I am selling or buying fish. I had no idea there was no auction this past meeting or what was going on with people selling stuff on the tables. I liked the vendor tables idea but I think the auction works for stuff people want to get rid of for the club to profit from. I think there needs to be better communications, especially for new members. Like, I ignore the refreshments because I would feel bad not paying for it. Maybe a donation jar next to the pizza would help offset costs. I was lucky/or not to sit with Reed at my very first meeting 2 years ago. In between trying to sell me his fish learned a little about the club..I do try to help in the forums where I know something. Otherwise I'm a casual observer. My 2 cents.