  The study of cataclysmic variable stars has long been a fruitful area of
co-operation between amateur and professional astronomers. In this Presidential
Address, I shall take stock of our current understanding of these fascinating
binary systems, highlighting where amateurs can still contribute to pushing
back the frontiers of knowledge. I shall also consider the sky surveys that are
already coming on stream, which will provide near continuous and exquisitely
precise photometry of these systems. I show that whilst these surveys might be
perceived as a threat to amateur observations, they will actually provide new
opportunities, although the amateur community shall need to adapt and focus its
efforts. I will identify areas where amateurs equipped for either visual
observing or CCD photometry can make scientifically useful observations.
