I'm going to try to bring this thread down a notch. I can't agree more with the need for responsibility. Perhaps the reason I was becoming frustrated with you is I saw your need to reinforce how wrong benjamin was as somewhat hall-monitorish (I hate sounding like nutnfancy) I agree with you in the sentiment of paying latefees when late. I, being a subject of a HOA, also agree with Benjamin on how annoying they can be. In my case, I have had to pay late fees twice (monthly dues) in my three years here. I didn't complain, I just wrote a check. However, there is no consequence for the HOA not promptly fixing siding issues, not scraping snow from driveways, having trash pileup at the collection sites, etc., etc. I do attend meetings, but often wonder why I bother doing so when I see how unproductive they are. In addition, I don't see why you felt the need to single redneck out on a public forum for receiving money from his grandfather. Seemed a little out of place to me. I believe your message, though pure in essence, was delivered in a very negative way.
What??? Don't like the HOA and the contract that you signed??? How on earth do you expect leniency or exception to the contract that you read and agreed upon???? Oh....it's not enforced equally upon all members/neighbors?? Well...get used to it..it's just like our laws and government. However, one thing is for sure, if you pay on time or ahead of schedule, you won't get charged a late fee.