I've done a one-name study but didn't join the GOON because I couldn't see any advantage when you don't live anywhere near London.
I've got to pick up on this. I live in northern Scotland, far from most Guild meetings, seminars or annual conferences. But I still registered a study, about 16 years ago, and am still a member today. And I thought it might help if I said why.
There are plenty of benefits of being in GOONS even if you can't go to meetings.
The biggest for me is that GOONS acts as a central place for people to go to find one-name studiers. I get a lot of contacts via the website, from people who have found my study there. Yes people can google for a website, but realistically how are they going to find your study and website if you're not in GOONS? For me my one-name study is as much about sharing information with fellow Cavers descendants, as it is about doing the fun research, and it's vital people can find me.
The Journal of One-Name Studies, sent out to all members, is in my opinion one of the very best family history society journals there is. It's got much of interest to any enthusiastic genealogist, but particularly to one-name studiers, with many tips and ideas on how to do your one-name study well.
On that topic the Guild a few years ago published an Art of One-Name Studies book, which again is full of excellent advice. Fortunately it can be bought by non-members too, from their sales shop (see the website), but it's just another example of how they encourage excellence among members.
And there is the Guild email forum, which only members can join. This is very active, and full of ideas and tips for doing your one-name study effectively. And if people have a query or a problem there is usually someone on the list who can help answer it quickly and point them in the right direction. There are other means of communication between members, such as the Facebook group and a bulletin board. But the email forum is probably still the most actively used.
GOONS also now has regular hangouts on Google+, which allow one-name studiers from all over the world to meet virtually, with a webcam or microphone, and chat about their one-name studies.
Those are just a few things. More than enough for me to continue as a member. My one-name study is a Scottish surname BTW.