Yes... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Well, not so sure about organized demonstrations, at least I don't see that as being a common strategy.

One reason we didn't start out just collecting money for memberships is that we want to be able to answer some of these questions before we ask folks to pony up a membership fee. We also wanted to feel confident that we could have a decent chance of making a go of this, before we started asking for and spending their money. There are a ton of questions we need to answer before we go forward. What corporate structure, where to incorporate, what's the business and operational plan, etc., etc. We're working on answering those questions and we're looking at others that have already tread this path and trying to select the best options. We also need to decide what sort of services we need to offer our membership, besides advocacy, and we'll be looking for that input from those who have expressed interest and elsewhere.

Doing what we propose, being an advocate for our freedom, is not a small thing. It requires a lot of money, which means it requires we build up a large and loyal membership base. We have to figure out how best to do that with the resources available. As such, for the initial start-up period we envision a large part of the resources will be aimed at signing up members, because ultimately, that is what gives us the power to be effective advocates. We need to take both a short view and a long view and not lose sight of the ultimate goal, the size of organization with the ability to influence politicians that only are interested in the loudest, squeakiest wheel. It is numbers that count here.

There are threads in all the knife forums and many other forums. You are right in that with rare exception, they haven';t evolved into gargantuan threads. Why? Maybe because a lot of folks are sitting back and waiting to see what happens. Skepticism? Perhaps. Apathy? I hope not.

We are gaining traction and I hope that over the next few days and weeks you'll be seeing and hearing more about USKTA. It's taking time just to get hold of the opinion leaders in the industry and every one of those conversations ends up being an hour long one it seems. I spent 5 hours yesterday on the road for a meeting that lasted an hour itself to get a check that was offered us to help finance the initial start-up for this. Some things can only be done in person. Meanwhile, I still have a day job or two or three. Sleep is not an option... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

We'll be making the Supporters page live later today. I'm pleased that about 80% of those who sign up stand up to be counted by providing their name and location. Others tell me I'm getting a good response, better than they expected, all things considered. As for me, I know how many from this forum alone ought to have signed up. I know how relatively few have. <shrug> Again, waiting, skepticism, apathy? I don't know.

Ultimately, it'll all depend on people like you who spread the word and get others to sign up and spread the word and... All I can do it get this started and try to guide it along during its start-up. If nobody else feels their freedom to own and carry the pocket knife they want is all that important, well, it won't fail because I didn't try.