David Gray of Dreamland Comics in Libertyville, Illinois read Joe Field's explanation of ComicsPRO's membership benefits (see "Joe Field of Flying Colors on ComicsPRO Early Releases") and had this to say.

There is everything wrong with preferential treatment in an organization like ComicsPRO.  Especially when it affects the release of comics.  If you want to use the organization to get better discounts and special pricing from distributors, then the choice is mine to join to get those discounts, but when you use it to 1-up the retailers that aren't members, then you aren't improving the comic market, your only benefiting the members of your club and forcing retailers to join to be on the same playing field.  I haven't joined and have been "on the sidelines" because ComicsPro doesn't offer any benefits that I would like to take advantage of at this time.

I've been a comic retailer for 17 years now and understand the importance of an organization like ComicsPRO, but I believe it has stepped over the line with the early release of a comic for members.  If you're going to compare your organization to AAA, then make ComicsPRO a for profit organization and offer services such as early releases, or specialty cover comics and merchandise that you can't get from Diamond.  AAA provides a service for a yearly fee, and I've been a member and have used their services many times in the last 20 years.  I resent your comment of "You can't beat us, so you might as well join us!"  I'm not out to "beat you," nor do I wish the organization to go away.  With that kind of attitude, I'm less inclined to join.

In case you forgot:

What is ComicsPRO?  ComicsPRO is a trade association for comic book retailers.  We are a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to improving the comic book specialty market.

The goals of ComicsPRO are:
-  To help to develop better marketing and daily business practices for comic book retailers.
-  To improve the condition of their industry by educating the public about comic books in general.
-  To provide a voice for independent comic book retailers.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.