Slowrider, this is a word-of-mouth industry. When we hear of a new agency that sounds good, or of the benefits of being indy, or whatever, we tend to check it out. I think its safe to say on behalf of most of the SPs out there, that we are looking for a good place to work out of where we don't get dinged too bad on our earnings. Maybe SU is doing something different these days that attracts the indys?? And yes, there is definately a buddy-like system. We have a hard occupation. Most of us like it, but we all have a few bad days, right? It's good to have a couple buddies in the biz to share opinions, thoughts and feelings with. Sort of a mutual support system. (On a bitter note....you'd think I would have figured this out earlier in my career.....say, a week or two ago)