Perhaps another way of reading Pat's comments is that we should look at LFS, especially LFS that go out of their way to sponsor and support CCA, as part of us vs. adversaries.
In other words, we're all part of the same hobby...and the health of LFS is a pretty good indication of the health of our hobby, overall.
And the health of LFS, if anyone has checked lately, isn't too good.
Congressional Aquarium isn't focused on fish geeks like us. If they were, they'd have gone out of business long ago. Their prices prices (and store) reflect that they sell to more casual fishkeepers in a fairly affluent area. The store is one of the cleanest and most pleasant around. My wife doesn't complain when we go there to look around. And - to their credit - have happily allowed us to post CCA cards on their front counter (note to self: see if they need more).
I primarily go to Tropical Fish World in Gaithersburg, which is a both a solid supporter of CCA (with several employees who are members) and a store that strives to strike a balance between the needs of fish geeks and more casual hobbyists. We've done group buys with them...and they've special ordered stuff for me and other members. They give decent credit for trade ins...discounts to members...they try to stock stuff beyond cookie cutters. They promote the club to customers. We really couldn't ask for much more. That said, rare, wild fish aren't $2 per bag there.
In closing, LFS are a business and must make enough money to operate. If dealing with fish clubs and their members is - or seems like - a constant transaction-by-transaction shakedown, then LFS will be loathe to give discounts or support the club. On the other hand, if members support the stores that go out of their way to support hobbyists / the club, then the relationship will be mutual.
As an aside, I've suggested a program in which we demonstrate how much CCA supports stores by collecting receipts at monthly meetings...tallying them (by store) on a quarterly basis...and sharing the results with (select) stores with whom we're interested in establishing a relationship / discounts / etc. Maybe setting goals with the stores tied to discount levels. I think that quantifying the collective economic impact of CCA could be really powerful...
Matt
So, I won't have to bribe my kids to come to the meeting from now on. Unfortunately, I know I won't be able to make the next two meetings.
