Again Scott, some very good points!  I agree with you on the post count thing.  Probably not a good way to determine eligibility.  You're right, some members here may not post much.  Great point and duly noted.  Still, something about joining SMA  soley to enter the contest rubs me the wrong way...But that's my issue

  In my estimation professional means being skilled enough and savy enough to be paid for any given service.  So, yes by my definition you are a professional.  Agreed...Slippery slope!

  Let me say this:  It is an absolute privelidge to belong to SMA!  This discussion could have, and on many, if not most model forums would have, degenerated into a name calling, nasty argument.  Believe me, I thought long and hard on the consequences of posting such a radical idea as changing up the contest.  I paused over the "POST" button for a while.  Then, I thought to myself YES, the membership here at SMA can handle this!  It's so refreshing to be able to voice an idea or opinion, no matter how volitile, and get thoughtful respectful responses.  That's how great things happen.  I mean, how many people thought Wilbur and Orville were crazy for having their ideas?  Or JFK? Or Abe Lincoln?  It's been almost 48 hours since this was brought up and not a nasty word written.  Sure, some Guys have voiced some strong opinions but that shows passion and conviction.  There are many, many model forums (and a lot of you guys can back me up) where a member would have been berated and flamed to the point of resignation over such a suggestion! 

  Whether SMA sees fit to use any of our suggestions or not doesn't matter a hill of beans to me.  What IS important is that we are all free to voice ideas and opinions in a tolerant and respectful environment.  That is what makes SMA so rare and special.  I sincerely hope that this mutual respect we all share never goes away!

Spelling Edit...Here's another suggestion...How about a built in spell checker