Advantages of being KCBS member...

The Bullsheet. A monthly newspaper related just to bbq.

If you compete, its kind of a reservation system for your team name. There are only so many variations on Smokin' or Sauced or Porkin' out there.

You can take a judging class if you have an interest in that area. You will learn things that may help you when you start competing.

And I guess just supporting the craft

You don't have to be a member to compete except for the Sams club events.

If you wish to be involved in or are interested in competition BBQ then you really should join, because KCBS sanctions contests, certifies judges, and otherwise exists to further the ability for people to have BBQ contests.

You do not have to be a member to compete, but it seems rather silly to me personally to spend all of the money to compete but then get all worried about the small cost of membership which goes towards helping those very contests you join to begin with.

1- You do get access to Restaurant Depot
2- The monthly Bullsheet, which usually has a couple good articles in it.
3- Being able to compete at Sam's Club events
4- Being able to vote for board members
5- Supporting BBQ, KCBS does a lot to keep our hobby going to the general masses.

Their membership fees are not that expensive, especially once you figure out how much money we all spend a year on BBQ. I would also add, that getting a membership here on the Brethren is VERY worthwhile, if we want our BBQ hobby to keep going, we all need to support these type of things!!!

Supporting the Hobby (an aside)

Hi,

I apologize, as this is not really on-topic, but for those people that advocate joining the KCBS to help support the hobby, you might want to consider a donation to the BBQ Brethren (if you haven't already).

You get perks like greater pm space and niftier icons, but it's really about helping to pay the enormous costs that come with running the best resource for BBQ on the planet.

You can just click on the little 'Purchase Subscription' button on the top tool bar, right hand side.

Eric