I am curious about those that say they are "supporting their hobby". Do you think if you and others didn't join that we'd go back to an era before 1979 when you weren't allowed to legally make your own wine and beer?
You don't have to go "back to an era before 1979" to see how the AHA supports the hobby in regard to legalization. There are still states where it's illegal to brew your own beer & where the AHA is involved in changing that(see recent thread re Alabama"). There are still states where you can't buy commercial beer in higher abv, or can't buy/sell growlers, or other issues pertaining to our rights as homebrewers, or professional brewers, or consumers of craft beer. The AHA is part of the larger Brewers Association that also represents pro craft brewing interests as well as homebrewing interests.
It's primarily interest groups of home or pro brewers in specific states that spearhead the fight for our rights, but they are supported by the AHA & BA. Whenever an 'issue' gets attention from the media, they go to the industry association for quotes & info. You'll often see Paul Gatza, Gary Glass & other BA employees being quoted in articles about beer & brewing issues.
Zymurgy is a benefit of membership, as is Pub Discount program, AHA Rallies, the National Homebrew Competition, the National Conference, this forum, and many other benefits listed on the AHA website...
http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/pages/membership/membership-benefits This is all made possible because of the strength in numbers as we band together as members. Thankfully, AHA membership is currently growing - that hasn't always and may not always be the case. Help keep that trend going, and help grow the strength of the organization & our hobby by joining or renewing your membership.
The homebrewing community is incredible. I'm proud to be part of it and to be an AHA member. Besides, it's OUR organization. If you want to see additional benefits of membership, get involved & help make it happen.
{getting down off the soapbox}
Mark Tumarkin