PFWA and other organizations

So I get the PFWA e-mail with the all-NFL team, and it got me thinking. I just finished covering my first year of NFL, so maybe I should join this PFWA.

I go to the web site, http://www.pfwa.org/ and there's no way to join.

Is this free? It can't be. How do I join, anyone know?

Also, are groups like this worth joining? What other professional societies should we be in?

 

Usually the local chapter chairperson will approach people about joining.

Value? Negligible. The fact they're picking an All-NFL team shows the priorities are misguided, as they are with most sports writers organizations.

 

I joined pfwa this year... Only because i want someone on my side if i get screwed by the redskins somehow.

 

how do you know it's a "priority"?

 

So if you cover an NFL beat, you have to be "approached" to join the PFWA?

Who the hell do they think they are? Augusta National?

 

Because they're doing it. Writers' organizations should exist to help writers, not to pin ribbons on the athletes they cover.

 

I asked one guy how to join. He pointed to another guy, the immediate past president. I asked him and he told me who to e-mail.

I was the one doing the approaching.

 

Geez, guys, it's not some secret society or anything. Call Howard Balzer. He's been their secretary-treasurer for about 100 years (OK, not that many -- sorry, Howard).

http://apse.dallasnews.com/dec2004/18-19pfwa.html

 

Like Groucho, I'd never join a club that would have me as a member.

 

The PFWA definitely does not pick and choose who comes in. There are guidelines for membership (mostly dealing with who you work for), but it's nothing crazy at all. Go to the aforementioned link or check your black book for the number or email of your local chapter chairman. THey are happy to take anyone willing to pay the dues.

 

C'mon. Daniel Snyder would NEVER screw anyone over.