Official scientific societies were chartered by the state in order to provide technical expertise.[23] This advisory capacity offered scientific societies the most direct contact between the scientific community and government bodies available during the Enlightenment.[24] State sponsorship was beneficial to the societies as it brought finance and recognition, along with a measure of freedom in management. Most societies were granted permission to oversee their own publications, control the election of new members, and the administration of the society.[25] Membership in academies and societies was therefore highly selective. In some societies, members were required to pay an annual fee to participate.