Who here would be interested in setting up a DIY audio parts purchasing co-operative? I know I'd love to have a single source for all the hard-to-find bits and pieces needed to build all this wonderful stuff...
A co-operative could import parts more easily than an individual, and could benefit from large-order discounts as well as offering parts to hobbyists at near cost. I have no idea what would be involved in setting up something like this, but I'm sure someone out there has some experience at this sort of thing...
My other idea is to set up some sort of DIY audio club here in the Bay Area (maybe something like this already exists?). I'm sure there are other hobbyists who don't have the space for a proper workshop at home (esp those loudspeaker builders out there...), or who can't afford expensive professional tools and software for one or two projects. I'd be willing to pay a pretty decent annual fee in order to have access to a nice workshop...
Thoughts anyone?

A co-operative could import parts more easily than an individual, and could benefit from large-order discounts as well as offering parts to hobbyists at near cost. I have no idea what would be involved in setting up something like this, but I'm sure someone out there has some experience at this sort of thing...
My other idea is to set up some sort of DIY audio club here in the Bay Area (maybe something like this already exists?). I'm sure there are other hobbyists who don't have the space for a proper workshop at home (esp those loudspeaker builders out there...), or who can't afford expensive professional tools and software for one or two projects. I'd be willing to pay a pretty decent annual fee in order to have access to a nice workshop...
Thoughts anyone?