I will say this for Needlebar. Yes, it's exclusive. They want people that will contribute in some way. Questions, providing photos, copies of manuals, etc. To help other members learn...membership is free. Your membership is discontinued if you don't log in or post on occasion.
Alan (the owner)often seems as if he's got a stick up his...well...you know the rest of that saying....but he's done well to keep the board to business and spam free.
I've learned a lot there from the more seasoned members, and I often find answers for folks here on Needlebar...guess if that makes me a bad person for supporting them, then so be it...