On Mon, 2006-03-13 at 14:05 -0500, Reza - Asterisk Enthusiast wrote: > Founders & Members of Taug: > > I guess this group was set up in 2004. Now it's 2006 - almost 2 > years. Though I have attended only 2 or 3 meetings, I have learnt a > LOT and of course met and made new friends. This is how I feel about > TAUG. It is one of the rare community groups that does not charge an > annual membership.
I also have found TAUG to be a great benefit to me and a great resource
for bouncing off telephony ideas.
> I belong to a number of other non-profit groups. Some of the groups
> out there, registered as a non-profit, are not worth the dollar to be
> quite frank.
>
> My suggestion is to open a bank account for TAUG - and MOST banks
> offer 100% free accounts for non-profits and community groups. So we
> will not have to worry about a monthly bank maintenance fee that can
> range between $5 and $25 / month. The expenses as a result of the
> TAUG fund can be provided as open disclosure to all members - because
> I have no doubt it would be put to good use.
The contribution isn't a problem. But one has to think about what to do
with the money. Right now it's a trade show and the people putting the
money in know where it's going. Allow me to play devil's advocate. When
the shows are over, what should be done with the excess? Charity, pizza
for those that attend, a book library, also for attendees? There may be
members that disagree with where the money is being put to use.
Also the ongoing work of accounting for the money is another issue. For
many it is a boring and thankless task. I'm not a lawyer so I have no
idea if doing this without a formal designation is "legal", but if a
gray area exists, it may represent a liability for the the person who
takes the reigns.
> What I propose - is those who are willing to make a contribution
> larger than $5, well... TAUG aught to accept it with a smiling
> face :). I think it would be nice to have a voluntary $5 or $10
> annual dues. Those who wish to financially support, excellent... and
> those who want to hang out & learn, why not.
>
> I am willing to make a substantially larger amount than $5 - to
> support TAUG annually, and I suspect others are likely to do that
> also. I hereby pledge $50 CDN (to start off) supporting future works
> and activities of TAUG. I wish others will follow with a pledge of at
> least $5. Please reply to this post if you are willing to pledge any
> amount, to show support for the TAUG group, to help support its
> founders & dedicated knowledge contributors carry on their wonderful
> activities.
>
Still in the end it can be nice to have a little money for things like
this. I would be glad to contribute for my company as well. I just don't
want to see those involved end up with more than they wanted in
responsibilities.
--
John Van Ostrand
Net Direct Inc.
Director of Technology
564 Weber St. N. Unit 12
Waterloo, ON N2L 5C6
map
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Ph: 519-883-1172
ext.5102
Linux Solutions / IBM
Hardware
Fx: 519-883-8533
signature.asc
Description: This is a digitally signed message part
