Until a few years ago, we had a "donations" system. A survey was conducted and found that poorer families were not the ones foregoing the charge. It seemed like a matter of pride to them to pay their way. The majority of people not paying were college students, most of them from affluent families. They appeared to be not donating out of principle, rather than poverty (students wearing designer clothing and accessories wouldn't seem impoverished). This is one of many examples of the attitude that "the world owes me" among college (undergrad and grad) students. The attitude seems to be rampant, and a poor justification for maintaining a donation system. Since the donation system was not benefitting the target group, it was decided to switch to admission charges. Robin K Panza [log in to unmask] Section of Birds, Carnegie MNH Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA