If the BCS doesn't want to control membership of the IT profession (in a way comparable with some other professional bodies) then that is a very good thing and I welcome it. I fully support the idea of a body that spreads knowledge and tries to give the IT profession a good image, whether through ethical standards, good deeds, charity work or whatever. What I would like to see is understanding for the decision *not* to join the BCS. It does not necessarily mean that a person is "less professional", it just means that they are not convinced that the BCS would add to their life just yet. A small note about failing government IT projects too: I think it is important not to assume these failed (just) because of the people who work in IT. It could be all sorts of reasons and the only way to fully establish what went wrong would be an inquiry.