You can't earn miles if you don't an account, so why NOT join? It's not as a simple as it seems. Some programs offer bonuses to merely sign up (1000 miles for US Airways, 500 miles for American, 500 for Alaska, 4 credits for Southwest), most require you to take a flight (5000 to 10000 for Delta, 1000 for Air Canada, 1000 for Air France/KLM) and some don't give you anything at all (I'm looking at you United/Continental). And that's not even considering the hotel programs!
If you're not planning to fly on an airline for which you have a frequent flyer account, it still is a good idea to join if only to be in the loop for any non-flying promotions...be sure to sign up for email communications when you join. For instance most programs have mileage-earning opportunities through the Rewards Network which awards miles for dining, as well as online shopping portals for each FF program.
Now the counterpoint: Concentrate on the few programs you currently belong to and wait for more lucrative, commitment-free bonuses to appear. It contradicts conventional points & miles wisdom (which encourages collecting as many miles on as many programs as cheaply as possible) but if you're diligent and monitor the best sources daily this strategy may work out well.
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