At 10:31 AM 3/4/98 EST, you wrote:
>I suggested last week we have a discussion about how much the licensing cost
>should be on a Vanagon List Hat.
>
>Rather than wait for that discussion, one brave list member from San Franciso
>sent his order yesterday for hat. His check was for $13--$7.50 for the hat, $3
>for postage and a $2.50 license/donation to the list. His hat was mailed this
>morning--next day service--and he should receive it in 3 or 4 days.

Hi Lynn,

I had rather hoped for a discussion, as many of us made contributions [as
our budgets and inclinations permitted] several months ago when the need was
made known for the new server, etc.  Let me stress that i find this list
extremely valuable, and appreciate the efforts of all involved.  And I can
imagine that a popular item like a hat, especially so reasonably priced,
must seem like a good vehicle for fund-raising.

Though I'm a bit behind in reading my mail, I haven't seen any headings
discussing financial issues, and I'd like to know more.  I, for one, have
found the recent list problems quite confusing.  What I understand is that
the type 2 list was extremely accommodating in keeping us going, and our
listadmins were, for the most part, not communicating.  This is nothing
personal, but I found it extremely frustrating not to be able to learn the
status of the list for weeks at a time.  I contacted the website,
repeatedly, but info was scarce---occasional updates, but the one for
12/21(?), which was invalid within 3 days, stayed up for weeks.  I would not
have thought a weekly update, if only to the effect of: "no news yet, but
still trying [*date*]" would have been helpful.  I finally emailed Ken
Hooper and even his response, there and later on the list, conveyed
frustration in that he, too, was being left in the dark.  I got the
impression that it would be best to limit list traffic for the time being to
*necessary* stuff.  I continued reading the list, and am aware that others
did not feel so inhibited.

I've only been on this list for about 15 mos., and confess that I have not
the slightest idea what is involved in the duties of list administration.  I
would imagine the chores would be increased when there are major hardware
and/or software problems.  And that those who volunteer to be responsible
should be entitled to some kind of reward, or at least full remuneration for
expenses.  But Gerry [the original] never solicited for funds, that I know of.

As I said, I value the vanagon list very highly, and appreciate the efforts
of all who contribute their expertise, energies and inspiration to keep it
going.  I am fully willing to contribute my share to upkeep, to the extent
that I can.  But I'd like to understand more about the need and purpose for
this donation.  I saw on the list only a brief acknowledgment of Ken
Hooper's contribution, and wondered if more might be appropriate.

Thanks,

gail
__________________________
Gail Fitzpatrick
'87 GL Westi, 124k   [Frieda]
Sacramento, CA
<redwood@speedlink.com>