> Howdy All,
> 
> I just wanted to reply to a portion of the e-mail that Michael posted. I
> deleted the parts that I didn't want to address (although they may be valid
> concerns). See his comments below my e-mail.
> 
> Michael makes a list of "professional vendors" and "hobby vendors" that
> benefit financially from this list. He wonders if they should bear a portion
> of the operating costs of the list, and, if so, how that portion should be
> determined.
> 
> Among the vendors listed are: Bus Depot, Chris "Jordan" Turner, VolksCafe,
> Van-again, and Stan Wilder with his ceramics and coatings company (sorry I
> can't remember the name right now, Stan). Not mentioned was Boston Bob,
> Daryl at AA Transaxle, David Marshall at Fast Forward or Chris DeLong
> (sorry, forgot your business name also Chris), whom I'm sure gets some
> business from the list. There must be other also.
> 
> I can name all of these people, because not only do they sell on the list,
> but they are also VERY valuable sources of information and assistance. Of
> the names above, the only ones I haven't either e-mailed or made purchases
> from are VolksCafe and Chris DeLong (no reason, no bias, just haven't gotten
> around to it yet, but I plan on stopping in to meet Chris next time I'm in
> Seattle).
> 
> Yes, they profit from the list, but they also give a great deal of
> information. I can think of countless posts that each and every one of these
> businesses or business owners have made just to support the community. They
> work with Vanagons all day. They are kind enough to share their knowledge
> with us. That is a major, major contribution. The list would be much worse
> off if it had more money but none of these people shared information with
> the rest of the list out of the kindness of their hearts (I AM NOT
> SUGGESTING THAT MICHAEL INSINUATED THAT THESE FOLKS SHOULDN"T BE ALLOWED TO
> POST!).
> 
> Because these folks are in the business they have the unique opportunity to
> learn an enormous amount about Vanagons. They have all, to a person,
> selflessly shared that information with the list. Some of them even have
> discounts for list members.
> 
> I think (from what little I know about them) that our financial arrangements
> are fine now. If we find the list needs money down the line, maybe it is the
> folks that are getting all the free information that should help pony up $1
> or $2 each. If everyone on the list did that we would be in great shape.
> Look what happened to RoadHaus. We saw an outpouring of generosity when one
> person and one Vanagon were in need. If the list is in need, someone needs
> to start a thread and we can all formulate a solution.
> 
> Right now I like the balance of the list. It is basically non-commercial,
> and folks can post things for sale, and there is no paid advertising. I'd
> like to see it stay that way.
> 
> Just my 2�.
> 
> Cheers,
> Bruce
> motorbruce
> motorbruce@hotmail.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> From: "Michael S. Nichols" <msnichols@MINDSPRING.COM>
>> Reply-To: "Michael S. Nichols" <msnichols@MINDSPRING.COM>
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: It's been almost 5 years that Gerry and I have lived
>> together...
>> Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2004 19:05:16 -0400
>> 
>> Hello fellow listers,
>> 
> SNIP
>> 
>> The large commercial and "hobby" parts sellers, what might they contribute?
>> Bus Depot is a successful concern, not just a mom and pop company.  Chris
>> at
>> JordanWv, well, he advertises  lots of parts, but only for a hobby.
>> VolksCafe, Van-again, both for-profit concerns.  Stan W. in Dallas, Texas,
>> did I miss anyone?
>> 
> SNIP
>> Regards,
>> 
>> Mike Nichols, Atlanta GA 30306
> 
I for one would be happy to pay a fee to be on the list
Wish I had the computer knowledge to help in that area too

Cory Sammons
84 Westy
99 New Beetle
Gardiner, NY