The precipitating factor is that after peaking at about 130 subscriptions, we are now having more people leaving the mailing list than joining it. This was the main reason why I originally set up a separate mailing list for discussions of our future plans, but I think we have to do something now. I've tried to get the sense of the discussion, although it is a bit confusing sorting out mail sent to the CSTB from that sent directly to me or copied to me as a member of the Executive. There is definite support for the CSTB as a cyberspace type of organization, emphasizing the news and Email aspects. I have also expressed my personal opposition to classifying theoretical biology as an exact science.
Membership is international.
In the absence of meetings or a newsletter I don't see much basis for a membership fee other than the special JBS rate, so I think that should be the major focus of our actual membership solicitation. We can of course still negotiate federation with other organisations, but I don't think we can continue as we are for much longer.