At $46.50 per year, or $84 for two years, it seems that this magazine may well have priced itself out of the ordinary grasp and into that of the elite. The jump from $72 for two years to $84 represents a 16.7% increase - surely a bit more than the current rate of inflation.
The cost for the privilege of holding an AOS-judged show is now $150, if you want the AOS trophy. For our society, that represents the yearly dues from more than 8 people. Much information is available on the web these days, and orchid photos are plentiful. Orchid advertisers have their own web sites. Maybe orchid lovers don't NEED "Orchids" - $46.50 buys several nice plants. According to the AOS's most recent Form 990 for the fiscal year ending 6-30-02 (available on the web at Guidestar.org), year-end investments and securities were valued at $3,131,580. Mr. Cooke's compensation, including retirement contribution, totaled $150,445. It is now two years later. Has Mr. Cooke's compensation increased by 16.7%? What rises in expenses account for the need to raise the price of "Orchids" by so much? Does anyone have the answer? Susan Tragesser, Wisconsin, with Epipactis helleborine sprouting the the front yard.
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