Do the fat cats on the AER board care? Did they wake up after ten years and just now realize they need to increase revenues? These people don't have a clue.

Let us also assume that AER's expenses gradually increased over the years. Like any business, why didn't they pass along small increases as needed over the last ten years? According to one of Merlin's spies on the board, it was said that even if AER lost half its membership due to the increase, they would still "survive financially". That's really great! We don't need all those members anyway. They just clog up the mailing lists.

Think how much easier it will be to find a seat at the conference when only half the former attendance shows up. AER is at risk of turning into an elitist organization made up of fat cat administrators and pseudo-intellectual crap artists.

Who really cares about the newest professionals just coming into the field? Let's make them earn the right to become an AER member by working in the field for about ten years until they can afford membership. Merlin's same spy relayed the fact that at the recent AERLift conference in D.C. that there was almost no discussion or concerns voiced on the issue.

It can't be denied that the recent 1998 International AER in Atlanta was one of the best ever, both in content and logistics. However, the real effects of the dues increase may not be felt until another year has gone by and members face the decision on whether or not to continue their membership.

Merlin says if AER wants to stay in business, it better begin acting like a business and put the customer first. Otherwise, go ahead, fold now, and don't delay the suspense. I don't apologize for my feelings, I am really upset. And so are a lot of other members.