Meliswan, can only relate my personal experience in regards to your question. When I first moved to Commerce, I attended a meeting and the Guild in (and only one) in a neighboring town. I was pretty taken aback, it was very chilly reception-wise (and 50 bucks per year), not like the last guild I was in (that was like old home week). I eventually found a group of gals (10) that had started their own little quilting group. I haven't looked back since. My old guild, and the group I'm with now, did/do not require fees. If there is something that we want to attend, we all pitch in equally, assist each other in any project, join together to kick out quilts that are needed quickly, make lap quilts for the local NH's , and just generally enjoy not only our hobby, but each other as well. I don't do well with "stuffiness/stiffness" when it comes to large groups. Let alone dress to the "nines" when it comes to quilting. We do attend several local events and show/talk to folks and it's been a blast. I guess what I'm trying to say, is visit, if it fits you, then it's all good!