Increasing the ACF Membership is Important

 Hi Daniel - It occurs to me that the ACF has reached a crossroads, which in fact was the motivation for my recent editorial.  The message I was trying to convey may have gotten lost in my attempt to be diplomatic.  Which way are we going to go, I wonder.  Is the focus on money or mission?  Crossbow manufacturers are motivated by profit, as any commercial entity should be.  Any assistance/contribution from them is ultimately designed to increase the need for the goods and services they provide thereby increasing their profitability.  That is just good business.  Yes, there are a number of people in the industry who are genuine in supporting the goals of the ACF.  Whether you are a non-profit organization or a commercial entity, it takes money to exist.  Any assistance from a crossbow manufacturer should be welcomed.  However, that does not allow them the authority to dictate the direction of the ACF.  I see the ACF as the crossbow version of the NRA.  Our strength is in the level of our membership.  The more members an organization has, the stronger it becomes.  The NRA knows this, which is why they are continually soliciting for new members.  Manufacturers take notice of the numbers.  It is a captive market and they compete for market share.  Politicians take notice of the numbers because they represent potential votes.  From a financial standpoint, the more members we have, the greater our financial base will become, not only through member dues but also from manufacturers soliciting their goods and services.  All of this contributes to the ACF's ultimate goals and mission.  My comment/suggestion would be for the ACF, and all members, to make increasing membership our top priority.  Members can be as involved with the ACF as they are comfortable with being.  It can be as simple as renewing your membership, signing up a new member, or giving your last issue of The Horizontal Bowhunter to someone new to the crossbow (if you can bear parting with it).  I am pleased to hear the ACF is "alive and well".  Above all else, I am thankful for the dedication you provide in maintaining and promoting the ACF/Horizontal Bowhunter Magazine.  We all owe you a debt of thanks.  Thanks and, Good Hunting!  Jonathan Kaul, Proud Member #001639.