In a message dated 00-01-13 11:01:00 EST, you write:

<<
 Our clubs include the serious collectors, the land snail collector, the
 fossil collector, the beach shell collector, the crafter, sea bean
 collectors.....and just beach/ocean lovers. >>

This is the key, I believe, in drawing in all aspects of the shell collecting
community. Do I love shells?  Do I spend each weekend at the beach in pursuit
of shells?  Do I plan each and every hard-earned vacation around moon phases
and tide charts? Yes! Do I belong to a shell club? No, and neither do any of
the other shellers I know - some who are much more dedicated and out there
every single day!  I used to belong to a local shell club, but after a few
meetings decided it wasn't for me.  Not to step on anyone's toes, but it was
really boring and folks definitely had that jaded "been there done that,
crocheted the t-shirt" vibe!
 I've often wished that there was a club just for us, the people who live,
breathe, and dream seashells - but considered "non-serious" collectors by
those who've never seen us hit the beach at low tide!
Joni