It can become a harmless addiction, a passion, so captivating are the efforts required in grappling with a problem. The ACA is a non-profit organization with no limits on membership, devoted to the dissemination of cryptographic knowledge. Officers receive no reward for service other than the joy of promoting cryptography. Cryptographers are diversified in every way. Hardly a trade or profession has missed representation among us.
Formal education seems totally unrelated to the curious talent.
Once a year members and friends, experts and novices, gather at a Convention. Many meet for the first time, although they may be old friends by mail. New enthusiasm is generated for the hobby as mutual help is given and experience is shared. Good descriptions of the mechanics of cryptanalysis, with emphasis on the people involved. Clear, concise descriptions of many ciphers and how to attack them.