Dan Schrimpsher gives some reasons why people are not joining the National Space Society and other space advocacy groups in droves: Why I am not a member of the NSS - Space Pragmatism - Dec.1.05

And Ronnie Lajoie of the Huntsville Chapter of the NSS explains why people nevertheless should join the NSS and their local chapters: Why I should be a local Huntsville member of NSS - Space Pragmatism - Dec.2.05.
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If only a "real" space sci-fi adventure could get this sort of active devotion from fans: To Boldly Go Where No Fan Has Gone Before - Wired - Dec.05.
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Here's a great resource for hobbyists and students: Science Toys. The site provides directions for how to make "toys at home with common household materials, often in only a few minutes, that demonstrate fascinating scientific principles."