It's as good as any other TV stuff, but some people just like how the characters look quite alot and so a market began. I guess one reason would be that you can do a lot more in Anime than you can in real life.
But why, WHY did you go to an Anime fanclub? The diehard fanbase of any medium of entertainment are always annoying and confusing. Anime fans are not exception, with the absolute most diehard ones called "Weeaboos" who damn their every existence of not being in Japan, hate it whenever an Anime gets dubbed into English and lives in some cocaine infused world where in Japan, everything is made out of sunshine and rainbows and all their favourite Anime characters will walk the streets and be their friend.
What I'm trying to say is this. It's about as good as TV. People love it, people hate it. Although I don't even count Anime as a genre or something (More of an Animation style, if even that) I will happily say that it is still something fun to see.
So, yeah, you're going about it the wrong way. Don't attend meetings. Just find one that everyone agrees is good and watch it. No clubs, no "Kawaii Desu" crap. Just you, a snack, and the video.
Calumon: Uhh... You could watch mine, I guess.