[wlug_org] InstallFest Money

[Wood Brent]

> So, after the InstallFest, thanks to the donations, we are left with
> $337 dollars in cash.
> 
> The next question is what shall we do with it?
> 
> I briefly asked some people on their views, and the trend was it was
> something that could be decided within the org group.
> 
> I'm not so sure. I think generally speaking it's really good to run an
> inclusive policy. I think, that, although it was mainly the org team
> were involved in the installfest, there were many non org list people
> helping and making it happen. So the mainlist should be involved.

In which case, let's get rid of the org list altogether so we can have a warm
fuzzy group where everyone has no choice but to receive the org & other emails
in one nice inclusive list. 

I thought the point of the org list was to allow free access to such msgs to
any LUG members that wanted to get involved, but not force them on those
members who preferred not to. So now we can ignore their choice & say hey guys,
you're GONNA BE INVOLVED ANYWAY, we don't care if you chose not to.

The org list is open to anyone who wants/chooses to be involved. Most members
have chosen not to. My preference is to abide by their choice, not ignore it &
force them to participate coz WE think they should. 


> 
> So, What I think we should do is basically ask the mainlist for their
> suggestions, select the top 5 suggestions based on feedback, and make a
> decision based on that at the meeting.
> 
> 
> <tangent>
> I think it's best to be inclusive. Frankly I've been mindful of the
> non-org traffic on the org list. That last thing that I personally want
> to do is split the community into 2. 
> </tangent>

IMHO, it IS inclusive. The two lists allow members to participate in different
aspects of the LUG. A significant number of members don't want to be involved
in org issues, pretty clearly expressed. No-one is excluded unless that is
their choice, because they DON'T WANT TO!!!. Just because someone else may feel
they SHOULD be involved, therefore we will make sure they are is getting pretty
dictatorial.

I suggest an auto message monthly on the wellylug list reminding people that
the org list is there & if they are interested, they can browse the archives or
subscribe at <url>. Maybe a sentence or two on the meeting reminder msg?
So they are invited to get involved, but can choose, & we should respect that
choice.


Anyway, the money is a LUG asset, like it or not, we have it. If we don't need
to spend it now, we don't have to. Open a club bank account with a couple of
cabal signatories & it is there is 'til we do need it. 

As I see it, people gave this as thanks & to help keep the LUG going coz they
believed it was worthwhile. So keep it until we can use it for just that. We
may well find a use for it at another 'fest, or for a local ISO server or
whatever. 

Is there a problem with acting responsibly & managing the $$ in the normal way?
 Or do we need to reject orthodoxy & hide it under the mattress because of some
obscure philosophical policy I'm unaware of? 



In terms of thanks to Silicon, not needed, unless a letter of appreciation from
the LUG??. They seem pleased with the exposure & contact with potential
customers. About half their server sales are Linux boxes (& increasing, as well
as the odd workstation), so they do see value in supporting such events.

I suggested getting Shane & his family a meal somewhere as a thanks for the LUG
venue, but someone who knows him could judge better whether that would be a
suitable thank you. A card signed by the LUG members might be an option, if we
just wanna say thanks....


Brent