I think there are a lot of considerations here and a lot of things that
must be done before we can reasonably consider this. Personally I think
money, if collected should be done on a case by case basis and certainly
nothing formal because as John has pointed out it will be a serious
chore the accounting and responsibilities. Right now the Taug is very
rich and active because of all the people involved in the lively
discussions, we really have to weigh in how voluntary dues would help
and what we really need them for. So I think when and if the time comes
that we as a group really need money to do something (so far we haven't
needed any money and have been very successful in our goals) then we
should consider it then. For the time being lets do it case by case. My
two cents worth.
------
Shidan
On 3/13/06, John Van Ostrand <[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>> wrote:
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
<http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Net+Direct+Inc.,+564+Weber+St.+N.+Unit+12,+Waterloo,+ON+N2L+5C6,+canada&ll=43.494599,-80.548222&spn=0.038450,0.073956&iwloc=A&hl=en>
[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ph: 519-883-1172
ext.5102
Linux Solutions / IBM Hardware <http://www.netdirect.ca> Fx:
519-883-8533
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