Hello, John, and welcome to the JRA. Now that you are a member, maybe you should use our 'dating service' and see if you can go for a sail on a junk-rigged boat in your area. Unfortunately, I can't suggest anyone near to you because you only say you live in USA. A big place!
Perhaps I can explain a little more about us.
There is a vast amount of information on the website available to non members, which is in itself, a good way of communicating with those who are superficially interested in junk rig. Joining the JRA, however, gives access to other resources, not the least of which is the ability to pick the brains of experienced junkies. Obviously, you've worked this out for yourself!
You're not required to fill in the information on your profile, but the main reason behind it is in order to provide useful facts about your boat for other members, who may be contemplating converting a similar-sized boat, or have a similar boat with JR, that has some issues. As in most Associations, there is an assumption that people would like to communicate with one another, and for this reason we usually supply a few details to expedite this aspect of the JRA. There are, however, several levels of privacy and you can offer as much or as little information as you want. (I see you have chosen to keep very private.) However, the JRA can only flourish if people give, as well as take.
The Yahoo site, to the best of my knowledge and belief, does not produce a 64-page magazine every 4 months. I think most members would reckon that this alone is worth the $11.78 of your currency. I think you will find the JRA is rather more than a discussion group: if you explore the website thoroughly I am sure you will find a whole heap of resources that could be of use to you. Having been involved with junk rig for a long time, I can tell you that I would have appreciated having a 'one stop shop' for information many times in the past.
The website is not free and needs to be paid for. Part of your $11.78 goes towards this. We also encourage our members to take part in the AGM and the 'voting papers' also need to be paid for.
We have members doing research work, acquiring historical information and compiling data about what works and doesn't work with junk rig. Sometimes these projects require money to be spent and the Committee feels that in order to encourage people to Join In, it is good that they know they don't have to end up out of pocket. So some funds will go here.
Most of the members of the JRA, particularly those who post, are people who sail junk rig. Thus the value of the technical information is usually backed up with 'hands-on' experience.
Several people who have decided to convert their boat to junk rig have had an extraordinary amount of assistance from members of the JRA, who have done everything from designing a rig for them to holding their hand through the sewing process, suggesting methods and wrinkles to simplify their task.
It's great that you've joined. I hope you feel you get your money's worth from this' fine little private club'. I think you'll find that you will be able to obtain a huge amount of information, help and comradeship here, and when all's said and done, it's only for the cost of a couple of beers.
However, if you feel that the JRA is not for you, it is very easy to cancel your membership. I'm sorry that you feel that doing so is an imposition, but our volunteer membership secretary has a lot to do, and chasing up people who decide to leave but don't bother to tell her is more than should be expected of her. But I hope that the situation won't arise!