Take an old Crysler badge off a car at the dump and wear it upside down on a bit of string.

I have already spent quite a few dollars on literature by CoS members (not just the works by Dr. LaVey). I would also like a few items from the Emporium at some point. I don't know exactly where all that money goes and how it is spent later on (and I don't want to start a gossip thread about that, either)--but regardless, it all comes down to supporting the CoS, even if it's a few individual members and not the organization as a whole.

I do understand the reason for affiliating and I intend to do so when I have the financial means.

Let me place this in perspective, and I am not addressing you in particular.

Does anyone here have a favorite band? Do you purchase their CD's and DVD's? Do you attend their concerts? How much do you pay for that? Before doing so, do you contact them to find out exactly where the money is going? Do you start rumors about it when you don't receive a detailed answer?

How about purchasing items at a retail store? Do you question the cashier as to the nature of the price of goods, and exactly how the monies are distributed?

This has gone on long enough here.

No one is forced to join. The fee is nominal. Take it or leave it.

End of story.

No you don't.

You asked a question and made pure speculation on your ignorance. If you had truly understood why members affiliate then you wouldn't have done such a thing. Stop trying to cover your ass!

I wouldn't care where the money goes to as long as $200 is sufficient for The Church of Satan.

I want them to recognize my appreciation for their existence and how much of an impact they have on my life.

It is also a contribution to keep them going if they ever need that money.

I want to be a member because I support The Church of Satan and I want to pay my respects to Anton LaVey. (R.I.P. Anton!)

Being a member is my way of doing that.

Even if they don't need the money, I still would like to give them the $200 for membership.

So... Here I am waiting for a response.

That's totally unnecessary. I hope you feel like a real big shot now.

Magister Phineas pretty much summed all of this up perfectly, there's nothing left to discuss. Thread locked.