Hello Shidan:
Glad we are on the same page. With regards to TAUG, whether or not an NPO -
to me is irrelevant. I hope you have not misunderstood me - I am not trying
to convince you or anyone, that we should go the route of formalizing an NPO.
It was merely a suggestion - nothing more - indicating that it has certain
benefits. No doubt, along with the benefits, comes certain obligations and
responsibilities, which could be a pain.
On that note, NPO or not an NPO - my offer to provide some financial backup for
TAUG activities that requires finances, still stand. I'm glad to see that a
number of us have made solid pledges.
Cheers!
Reza.
----- Original Message -----
From: Shidan
To: Reza - Asterisk Enthusiast
Cc: TAUG
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 4:22 PM
Subject: Re: [on-asterisk] Pledges & Supporting future TAUG Events
My two cents, where a lot of people (at least 30) are attending on a
regular basis - all meetings of TAUG... warrants to get things more formalized
- for the benefit of TAUG & others interested in TAUG. The group has grown
from a small group to 160 plus.
Believe it or not the first day TAUG started out it had 60 members. Asterisk
is something people are really passionate and enthusiastic about. In the end I
really believe this group is alot more special than your typical users group.
People here really learn from each other. To some (specially me) it was like a
second run at grad school in telephony.
I would hate this to become something like the bigger users groups with
dues, do they really benefit as much as we do?
I see no harm but great benefit to the TAUG entity, where you have willing
donors.
The reason in my opinion we need "voluntary dues" -- from people like
myself and others willing to support financially - is quite simple. That is to
support TAUG where expenses are involved, to allow TAUG a presence / booth.
I agree fully, but I still think it should be on a case by case basis and
that an NPO is a very bad idea. Right now, as you can see, there are many
people like yourself and myself who wont think twice about funding events when
needed.
But for now, I'm game... to help support Simon's enthusiasm!
What can I say asterisk is a fun ride. Its hard not to share Simons
enthusiasm or to support him 100% and there is no one here that doesn't.
Cheers,
Shidan
