AOS--To join or not to join?

[Pupka]

Hi, guys, not sure exactly if I am posting in the right subforum. Hope that it's fine. I was thinking about joining AOS and thought I'd ask your opinion/advise about it. Are here any AOS members? Please advise on whether or not one who is interested in orchids should join AOS. I know membership isn't that cheap, but I'm a student and student membership costs $35 a year. I will receive a free orchid and monthly magazine, and other discounts on shows, etc.. I thought it's not that bad as to price. Are they serious about free orchid? Has anyone received a free orchid from them? Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Phalguy]

I joined 2 years ago and I`m very happy with it !
Nice article, beautiful pictures !
Some people are swearing by AOS, other prefers Orchid Digest !
Go for it.... :-)

Phalguy

[Tricho]

Go for the AOS!

I'm very happy to have an orchid magazine to read every month. It is great.

Orchid digest is very good too, I also receive this one, but it is only 4 numbers per year and if I had to choose I would go for the AOS.

If you can pick both!

[Phantasm]

I've been an AOS member since 1978, and the organization has had it's ups and downs during that time.
The magazine seems to be improving these days, and the various articles are especially valuable for beginning orchidists. It's always important to learn as much as possible, and joining the AOS is one of several ways to enrich your education. Definitely join....

[Ross]

I'll chime is as a disenter. I was a member for many years in the 60s and I found it to be an elitist organization that served only certain interests. If you like really strange orchids on really strange trees found by really strange folks, you'll like it. Otherwise, you might be disappointed (as was I.) This is just my opinion - and I will probably never re-join AOS again.

And, by the way, AOS sponsors some wonderful publications, a few of which I own.

[Dorothy]

This has been discussed before so for the sake of those who have already answered .. you can read this link
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...embership.html

Aw Ross - I wanted to spare you the blood, sweat and font .. you are just too swift

[Bolero]

I recommend Orchid Digest but I'm not sure if they have student rates or not.

If you can join the AOS for $35 then it's definitely good value, otherwise I'm not sure it is.

[Charles]

What about member benefits? Are there any real benefits to being a member?

[cb977]

Originally Posted by rsfrid

I'll chime is as a disenter. I was a member for many years in the 60s and I found it to be an elitist organization that served only certain interests. If you like really strange orchids on really strange trees found by really strange folks, you'll like it. Otherwise, you might be disappointed (as was I.) This is just my opinion - and I will probably never re-join AOS again.

And, by the way, AOS sponsors some wonderful publications, a few of which I own.

Ross...the 60's...that was like 40 years ago, right?

I know the argument regarding AOS membership will go on forever because everybody is entitled to their own opinion.

Pupka, my suggestion to you is this: if you can get a student discount and pay only $35, then do it. If you don't like it, don't renew

The magazine has gotten better and if you have the opportunity to visit any botanical gardens, most of them give a discount to AOS members.

As for the free plant...you'll get a voucher for the freebie, with a list of about ten well-known vendors...but you'll have to pay $15.00 shipping

[Dorothy]

Hey! I was born in the 60s
-and I'm only 25 yrs old ..
Where does the time go?

Never said I was good at math