"I'M boycotting the AOS"

[cneos]

from Royal "but it was AOS that established judging centers across the country to make them freely accessible to all growers."
Although it costs nothing to have a plant judged, when an award is made, the cost of an award covers paperwork, etc. There are costs associated with AOS judging whether an award is made or not - i.e. judging center facility rental.
A Judging Center is 'open for business' on a set day, usually for about four hours. Whether a plant is awarded, or even whether people bring plants to judge, the rent is due. Incidentally, AOS judges are VOLUNTEERS who DO NOT GET PAID for their time nor are they reimbursed for mileage.
These days, many non-profits including AOS are struggling to make ends meet.
No one is forcing me to support AOS or other organizations to which I belong - I do it because I have the CHOICE to do so.