Re: [FRIAM] neccessarily high fences, and an appeal for support.

[Steve Smith]

Don/Nick - I agree that FRIAM shouldn't become the venue for our begging, but the sfComplex concept did incubate within the context of FRIAM (the list and the Friday AM Caffeine binging).  I think the community will be patient with us if we revisit the topic from time to time. I would like to add: For the folks trying to figure out how to send money - I am sure we can find it in our heart to accept any or all of the following: Checks (made out to "the Santa Fe Complex"?) Stacks of Currency (US or other) Bags of coins Gold (Jewelry, Old coins, Krugerands, nuggets, but please, no dental in it's original form) Useful and valuable equipment (see "dear Santa") Stocks, Bonds, and other negotiable instruments Loose change/bills in the refreshment kitty at events. Endowments Pledges Volunteerism Pitching your rich friends Pitching your creative friends Pitching well connected friends Bringing your work into the Complex Writing grants or proposals for new work you can bring to the Complex Collaboration with those already within the Complex Encouragement Thoughtful and kindhearted advice Like that.   - Steve First, let me thank Nick for sending a funding appeal on behalf of Santa Fe Complex. Neither he nor I intend to use this list for future appeals but please allow us this one. After years of discussion, we've launched this nonprofit venture to implement Stephen Guerin's vision for a center for applied complexity. We have a committed corp of volunteers who have contributed literally thousands of hours to open the complex and organize its initial events. We have a board with representatives from the scientific and arts communities who believe in our mission and will work to make it succeed. And, we have a community that has responded enthusiastically to our opening on June 14. (For info on the board, etc. go to our wiki. For info on the events, try our blog. And, to see snapshots from recent events, try this.) Like any start-up (or child, for that matter), we're confident we will be able to run but we need help taking our first steps. The City of Santa Fe started that process with the $29,000 grant Nick mentioned. We believe several foundations will come to our  support as we work through their grant cycles. We are already seeing our participants ranks growing, especially with inquiries following the grand opening. We're asking you to join this effort. Nick discussed the possibilities of affiliation with the complex. If you prefer, you can make a contribution without becoming an affiliate. As Marcus pointed out, the page for a donation is here. Due to my lack of sophistication with the e-commerce page we're using, the page is set up to all $50 & $1000 donations. If you want to give $5000, say, buy 5 of the $1000 donations. (I'll buy you a cup of coffee or an IPA, depending on your preference. <g>) Any donation, however, is appreciated. If the site doesn't work, please call or email me. If you would like more information, please call or email me. If you want an IPA, . . . Thanks. --- Don Begley Managing Director Santa Fe Complex 624 Agua Fria Santa Fe, NM 87501 www.santafecomplex.org 505-216-7562 505.670.9432 (cell) On Jun 21, 2008, at 12:04 AM, Steve Smith wrote: Nick - Great phrase that - "Neccesarily high fences"!  It is of special meaning to me as a recent escapee of same.  I still go back inside for some "cleanup work" but always carry my small bolt-cutters in case I need to cut my way through said fences.  Some personal body armor wouldn't be a bad idea either! Thanks for the credit for organizing "Metaphor, Morpohology and Category" this past Wednesday....  Thank YOU for  your own great contribution!  The great panel lineup was only exceeded by the great audience participation! As a member of the board and an active participant of the milieu that is the emerging sfComplex, I challenge the rest of this list to pitch in, at least in the short term.   Laptop memberships ($100/ month) from a significant fraction of this list  would pull us out of the current potential disaster.   *now* is a good time to pitch in!  Now like before July rent, before the city matching grant period is over!  Now like NOW! We may have a sustainable model that will kick in over the next 3-12 months, but for the next 0-6 months an excess of patrons and laptop members could make the difference. I plan to maintain a dual personal laptop and a corporate membership to help tide the Complex through... For the socialists, communists, liberals on the list, this is a call for "from according to ability"... if you can cough $100 (or even $20) per month to see us through to the next phase... bring it on! For the Libertarians... lighten up... and come down and see what is happening and apply some enlightened self-interest...you might find yourself pledging a one-time or multi-month contribution to make sure the Complex makes it over the hump... makes sure it is still there when you want it. my $.02 worth.  Contribute early, contribute often! - Steve ============================================================ FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College lectures, archives, unsubscribe, maps at http://www.friam.org ============================================================ FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College lectures, archives, unsubscribe, maps at http://www.friam.org

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FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv
Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
lectures, archives, unsubscribe, maps at http://www.friam.org