I'm in an ancient HOA (formed in '68), but currently they only take dues for maintenance of the "park", which is a few acres, with a clubhouse, two pools, a tennis court, half-basketball court and a large area of grass. Also a children's gym set. Very nice, at about $50 per month. Never used any of the facilities, myself.
If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.