discussed here on the chipboard, especially when looking for opinions of others.

My request was in in reply to the proper way to submit suggestions to the BOD which is either posting on the club board or emailing any BOD member. I contend that if you want to make a suggestion that is seriously considered and discussed by the club BOD, that it is done properly, which is NOT here on the Chipboard.

In fact, there have been past Presidents of this club that refused to post on the Chipboard at all because that was not the proper place to discuss such things.

I don't disagree that posts on the chipboard get a lot more views than those on the club board.

My last response and displeasure was pointed at Westens last post which stated specifically "for posting Club topics on the Club Message Board, I give up on it. It is a dog. Until our Club takes it seriously I'll refrain from adding content."

I see absolutely no benefit to the club in someone making that statement and it leads others to believe that they don't have to follow the BODs request either. I take it seriously, the rest of the BOD takes it seriously, but I guess Westen does not take it seriously.

It is not that the club cant afford to spend $500 on banquet meals. Its that the BOD constantly makes decisions based on a budget and how we best spend our money. As John mentioned, we have been losing money the past few years and are looking for some cost cutting measures to get us back in the black.

Even if we were breaking even though, if we spend $500 on this, what do we cut $500? Do we spend $500 less on advertising? Maybe cut out the volunteer gifts? No longer provide refreshments at the business meeting or auctions?

I see a lot of suggestions on the boards which are all great if money was not an option. People want to see free admission to the convention, lower dealer table fees, more advertising, more benefits and a lot of other things.

The reality is that we live in a world where food costs have increased, insurance cost has increased, storage costs have increased, printing costs have increased, postage costs have increased...... All while revenue is dwindling and our membership dues have not increased in many years.

Can we ask the membership to donate to a program like this? Sure we can, but remember we are already asking them to donate to the Raffle, the auction, the club, the MOGH, and on and on and on.

Many of the people I see on this board have never donated to either of our 2 largest fundraisers. Do we really want to ask for more donations?

Not saying this cant be done, just pointing out that everything is not as simple as it seems, especially where there are a whole lot of other things that may be a much bigger priority.

I hope everyone can understand where I am coming from on this.