New Membership Options for USCF

Whether we like it or not, there is now an option to go "magazineless" as a membership option for USCF - but hurry rates are going up on January 1! Say what? Right now, according to the December issue of Chess Life, "Premium USCF Membership Rate" for 1 year with magazine (adult paid online) is $41; if paid by mail or telephone it goes up to $49. Contrast the "Regular USCF Membership Rate" for 1 year without print magazine (online version only) adult (paid online) is $29; if paid by mail or telephone it goes up to $36. So - what is the USCF going to do with increases in the Premium Rates in 2009? Talk about a sucker bet, geez! I have no idea how much USCF is now earning for selling print advertising in its monthly magazine - but I can practically guarantee that the amount will go down once the magazine moves to "online only" version, which is the current fate of Chess Life once the new changes take place. Can you say USCF CUTTING ITS OWN THROAT. Bwwwwwwaaaaaaaahhhhhhhaaaaa!