[Killietalk] Shows, fish and my eyes tear up at what must be going on at MAKA

["matt kaufman" <igotadose at hotmail_com>]

Erny said it best: 
Charles,I echo your sentiment but it seems there is a mind set that one shouldbe able to "make money" from all of this or at least "break even" orwhatever. This is a hobby; an avocation. It should be a fraternity ofkilliefish aficionados instead it is turning into the haggling of vendorsat a fleamarket. It is about the fish, but more than anything it is aboutthe people! Sometimes you get burned but most of the time you meetand make friends. What is better than that?Erny 
It stops being a hobby when you 'just want to break even' or 'cover your expenses.' Every one I've known of in 18 years of keeping killies who starts out then says this, is out of the hobby soon after. You can't break even on most hobbies (well, legal ones anyway.) Killies are no exception. Enjoy it for the people, the camaraderie and the fish.
 
When I have the time and fish, I send them to shows, but lately I've had neither and what extra fish I have I bring to the PSKA or NWK meetings.
 
$4 minimum bid at my alma mater, MAKA, where I started the auction in 1990 is heartbreaking. I imagine the 'gotta break even types' have taken over. How sad,  it used to be a friendly place with a very spirited auction. The auction was for the club and for members to get a chance at fish at a reasonable price. I guess everyone's got dollar signs in their eyes now. Sad. So sad. Makes my eyes tear up at the thought. 
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