IMOP... from what I've heard locally, there's been a sizable decline in the hobby in general. Can't say it's necessarily the economy, but then again if everyone is busy trying to keep up with the cost of living, that could be part of it. Here on L.I., we've lost a lot of our flying sites and the nicer ones that do exist cost a few hundred to join. It just seems the hobby's not replacing its members at the same level it was 20 years ago. We've grown old. Always enjoyed the social aspect. The hobby just isn't as popular anymore, unfortunately.