Re: [ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM
On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 at 23:26:45, Jeremy Taffel wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) >I was one of the many that resigned my Quanta membership in protest to >mis-use of honoraria back in the mists of time (about 1990 I think). ... and don't forget the very large amounts of money (>£9000 per annum I think) that were paid at the start to one of the founder's family members. It was IQLUG then. This resulted in an AGM coup at Swindon. Dangerous territory. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@.co.uk http://firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 Skype: tonyfirshman TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM
On Thursday 31 March 2005 19:20, gwicks wrote: > I think there is something that is a more urgent priority. I was surprised > to discover this year that committee members do not pay a subscription. > This is not in the constitution and I have no idea when and why it was > approved. > > As a matter of principle I have made a donation to Quanta equivalent to the > subscription. I wonder what other committee members have done, Well, since you ask the question, I can confirm that I have paid my membership for this year. I came onto the committee last April (2004) and as such had already paid my membership fee in January 2004. The usual practise has been for committee members to then not pay a subscription while serving and to receive a free subscription the year after they stand down to make up for the year when they initially stand. As such I could then expect to get Jan 2005 to Dec 2005 subscription paid for by Quanta. I have already paid Jan 2005-Dec 2005. My reason for payment is a far more simple excuse. I also pay associate membership fees giving an annual fee of £24. Rather than having to change direct debit forms and Quanta receiving unusual amounts, I just continue to pay my normal fee and the difference is treated by Quanta as a donation. Nothing Machiavellian, I just cannot be bothered with the excess paperwork to gain £14 pounds and I might then forget the following year. I have in the past not paid on time and been late because I assumed that the fees matched the magazine, running Feb to Jan, when in fact they run Jan to Dec. The constitution clearly states that committee members can award this free membership. When this first came into practise I do not know. Perhaps the previous Treasurer, John Taylor, can remember, but I suspect it was before his time. Regards John S ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM
I was one of the many that resigned my Quanta membership in protest to mis-use of honoraria back in the mists of time (about 1990 I think). John Southern wrote: On Thursday 31 March 2005 18:28, Tarquin Mills wrote: I going to put forward a special resolution for next year to abolish clause 11.0 (Honoraria) which basically means giving officials money out of Quanta funds. At worst this is corrupt, at best a waste of precious money that could be better spent elsewhere. If this clause 11.0 goes some people might join Quanta. Has this clause every been used? Speaking for myself, I would happily vote to delete this clause to remove any ambiguity. John S ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM
John Southern wrote: > Has this clause every been used? > Speaking for myself, I would happily vote to delete this clause to > remove any ambiguity. I have heard that it has been used in the past, this does not surprise me as an honoraria was given to ex-Quanta chairman Syd Humphries at the Bramerton Computer Club which is run by ex-QLers. -- Tarquin Mills (Chairman) ACCUS (Anglia Classic Computer Users Society) http://www.speccyverse.me.uk/comp/accus/ http://www.PetitionOnline.com/Spectrum/ (We want a Spectrum +4) ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] US floppy disk drives
In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, David Tubbs <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes A floppy drive is a floppy drive - 5vand sometimes 12v , he could pick up at Tandy or anywhere else, If he wants an external housed set then definitely buy in the States for 110/120vac Ah yes but to use them on a standard QL he would have to have them in a case and have power going to them. I have the cased drives but it would cost as much as the drives to ship them to the US and then they would be 240v instead of 110v which is used in the US. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM
- Original Message - From: "Tarquin Mills" To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 6:28 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM I going to put forward a special resolution for next year to abolish clause 11.0 (Honoraria) which basically means giving officials money out of Quanta funds. At worst this is corrupt, at best a waste of precious money that could be better spent elsewhere. If this clause 11.0 goes some people might join Quanta. I think there is something that is a more urgent priority. I was surprised to discover this year that committee members do not pay a subscription. This is not in the constitution and I have no idea when and why it was approved. As a matter of principle I have made a donation to Quanta equivalent to the subscription. I wonder what other committee members have done, Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM
- Original Message - From: "John Gilpin" To: "ql-users" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 9:08 AM Subject: [ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM Availability of Current copies of the Constitution: When the Constitution is changed, it is updated on the Library Guide (LibGuide - disk LG01) as a series of Quill document pages and notification of such a change is noted in the next available Quanta Magazine. This Library disk - like other disks - is available either from the librarian in the usual way or by purchasing the library CD - available from the librarian or at most Quanta Sponsored Workshops.(Price £10.00 inc Post and Pkg.) The library CD is updated every year in time for the AGM. Ahem, why should members have to pay for a copy of the constitution? It is only 5 pages long. Given the continual moans about a lack of copy for the magazine it should be easy to reprint it in the magazine once a year. I'll do a bargain. Any one who wants a copy of the constitution and can't afford a tenner, can send me a stamped addressed envelope and a first class stamp and I'll send you a photocopy of mine, Best wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Quanta AGM
- Original Message - From: "John Hall" To: "QL Users" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2005 11:10 AM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Quanta AGM I was surprised that there had been no comment re. the special resolutions - I think that the new clauses 5.3 - 5.6 are a very bad idea and will be voting against the resolution. (If I was a conspiracy theorist I might read something into the fact that they are not mentioned in the relevant section of the Chairman's Report...) I am also surprised that there has not been more discussion of the constitutional amendments. I am not sure what John infers by his conspiracy theorists comments. I was intending to remain silent but, in the absence of official Quanta comment, here is some background information. The first that I and other committee members heard of the amendments was when we were confronted with them at the committee meeting on 5th February 2005. The chairman assures me, and I have no reason to doubt his word, that he had sent the proposals to the Secretary before 1st February in accordance with article 8.3 of the constitution. This does raise the question about why the proposals were not circulated to committee members well before the meeting. At the meeting no formal vote was take, but my impression of the consensus was that members felt the proposals merited more detailed discussion within both committee and wider membership and should lie on the table until the 2006 AGM. I was therefore surprised to find the motions on the 2005 AGM agenda and on 24th February I emailed all members of the committee giving my objections. Only the chairman reacted to this email. In a long telephone discussion with the chairman on, I believe, 25th February we reached a substantial measure of agreement. Namely that whatever the misgivings of the committee members at the meeting, they had had ample opportunity to think about the resolutions and no one had raised any further objections. To be absolutely sure about this the chairman offered to email all members of the committee allowing them to again object to the proposals. This he did on 26th February and no member of the committee reacted to this email. I am therefore satisfied beyond any shadow of doubt that the special resolutions are committee resolutions and that my five committee colleagues actively support them. I shall expect them all to vote for and support the resolutions at the AGM. As the single dissenter on the committee I am allowed some leaway. I shall vote against special resolution 1 and for special resolution 2. I can see some theoretical merits in special resolution 1. Indeed I have tried to persuade other committees I have been on to adopt similar procedures, although I would have preferred elections for a 2 year term with half of the committee to stand down each year. In practice however, given the present reluctance of members to stand for the committee, I find the proposals idiotic and unworkable. Special resolution 2 is the reverse position. I loathe it theoretically, but believe we have no alternative in practice. Given the small size of the present committee the present quorum is unrealistic. I should add that the present proposal is an amendment of an earlier version, and, as it is my amendment, I am duty bound to support it. One final point. At the committee meeting no member of the committee was aware that constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority. On another issue, I think members should be aware that, whatever the outcome of the AGM, the new committee could be confronted with a major crisis. They have to find a new editor for the magazine, and if this proves difficult or impossible, it could have serious repercussions for the implementation of many of Quanta's aspirations for the future, Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM
On Thursday 31 March 2005 18:28, Tarquin Mills wrote: > I going to put forward a special resolution for next year to abolish > clause 11.0 (Honoraria) which basically means giving officials money out > of Quanta funds. At worst this is corrupt, at best a waste of precious > money that could be better spent elsewhere. If this clause 11.0 goes > some people might join Quanta. Has this clause every been used? Speaking for myself, I would happily vote to delete this clause to remove any ambiguity. John S ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM
John Hall wrote: > John Gilpin wrote: > > The rest of the resolution covers any situations to avoid all the > > committee members standing down at the same time and to decide who's > > turn it is to stand down at any given point in time. > > [Clauses 5.3 - 5.4] > > But in doing so it creates the situation where a malicious/misguided/ > incompetent officer (or group of officers) has 3 years to reek havoc! I going to put forward a special resolution for next year to abolish clause 11.0 (Honoraria) which basically means giving officials money out of Quanta funds. At worst this is corrupt, at best a waste of precious money that could be better spent elsewhere. If this clause 11.0 goes some people might join Quanta. -- Tarquin Mills (Chairman) ACCUS (Anglia Classic Computer Users Society) http://www.speccyverse.me.uk/comp/accus/ http://www.PetitionOnline.com/Spectrum/ (We want a Spectrum +4) ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
RE: [ql-users] Re: QPC-On-a-Stick
I am using Qpc on an Ibm 1gb Microdrive (compact flash II) since more than 1 year now, and it is perfect in term of speed and usability. I tried Qpc also on a 1gb SD but I do not see any benefit. Ciao Fabrizio - Messaggio originale - Da: "Claude Mourier 00"<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Inviato: 31/03/05 13.35.26 A: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]"<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Oggetto: RE: [ql-users] Re: QPC-On-a-Stick I tested Hi-MD and found it is a very, very slow media for computing. And ATRAC is only known by Sony products with awfull copy protection :-( -Message d'origine- De : [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] la part de [EMAIL PROTECTED] Envoyé : mercredi 30 mars 2005 13:56 À : ql-users-q-v-d.com@lists.q-v-d.com Objet : [ql-users] Re: QPC-On-a-Stick Glad to see someone is using more reliable technology than CD-ROMS. I've just recently bought a Hi-Minidisc recorder and have configured QPC2 to run on it. The big advantage over memory sticks is the cost of the recordable discs. £4.99 (from Amazon.co.uk) for a massive 1Gb or around 50p for 270Mb with existing 80 minute discs. And you have portable high quality sound too (better than MP3). I'm hoping to write a article for QL-Today about it. The trickiest part of configuring QPC2 to run on portable media is telling QPC2 the root directory of the device you've just plugged in 'cause it will be different on each PC you use. Ken Bain is right about lack of documentation on DOS directories. I didn't know aboout the 'dot backslash', I'll have to give it a try. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
RE: [ql-users] Re: QPC-On-a-Stick
I tested Hi-MD and found it is a very, very slow media for computing. And ATRAC is only known by Sony products with awfull copy protection :-( -Message d'origine- De : [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] la part de [EMAIL PROTECTED] Envoyé : mercredi 30 mars 2005 13:56 À : ql-users-q-v-d.com@lists.q-v-d.com Objet : [ql-users] Re: QPC-On-a-Stick Glad to see someone is using more reliable technology than CD-ROMS. I've just recently bought a Hi-Minidisc recorder and have configured QPC2 to run on it. The big advantage over memory sticks is the cost of the recordable discs. £4.99 (from Amazon.co.uk) for a massive 1Gb or around 50p for 270Mb with existing 80 minute discs. And you have portable high quality sound too (better than MP3). I'm hoping to write a article for QL-Today about it. The trickiest part of configuring QPC2 to run on portable media is telling QPC2 the root directory of the device you've just plugged in 'cause it will be different on each PC you use. Ken Bain is right about lack of documentation on DOS directories. I didn't know aboout the 'dot backslash', I'll have to give it a try. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM
John Gilpin wrote: > Special Resolution Number 1. > > Cutting out the wording regarding how the various paragraphs will be > renumbered, this resolution boils down to "in order to improve the > balance between continuity and refreshment of the Quanta committee > it is suggested that no member shall serve on the committee for more > than six years without standing down for one year before seeking > re-appointment." [Clause 5.2] I don't have a particular problem with this, but equally I don't see why it should be considered important enough to spend time and effort on in the twilight of Quanta's existence. > The rest of the resolution covers any situations to avoid all the > committee members standing down at the same time and to decide who's > turn it is to stand down at any given point in time. [Clauses 5.3 - 5.4] But in doing so it creates the situation where a malicious/misguided/ incompetent officer (or group of officers) has 3 years to reek havoc! [Clauses 5.5 - 5.6] If taken literally, it could also force a committee member to stay on against their will! This is typical committee nonsense - attempt to solve a "problem" that no-one is worried about and create a much worse problem in the process! John ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Sound
Wolfgang Uhlig schreef:
Hi all,
does anybody know how to test whether the sound extension is loaded or not?
I was planning to integrate sound in some of my programs, but if you write
the command "COPY mysound.up TO sound2", then the system thinks, it's
just a file in case the sound extension is not loaded.
I'd like to have a "IF 'sound ext exists' " clause first.
Wolfgang
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There is a small extension 'exists_bin' (on Dilwyn's site? )
You can 'Lrespr' it and REMark $$asmb=winx_exists_bin,0,10 (for Qlib)
if EXISTS("soundfile")=1: do this:else:do that:endif
François Van Emelen
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[ql-users] Sound
Hi all, does anybody know how to test whether the sound extension is loaded or not? I was planning to integrate sound in some of my programs, but if you write the command "COPY mysound.up TO sound2", then the system thinks, it's just a file in case the sound extension is not loaded. I'd like to have a "IF 'sound ext exists' " clause first. Wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] Fw: RE:Quanta AGM
This message forwarded to ql-users - original message bounced because BT have changed my default email address for a trial broadband service. JG - Original Message - From: "John Gilpin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "ql-users" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2005 10:37 AM Subject: RE:Quanta AGM > Here is my response to queries regarding the Quanta AGM, Proxy votes and > Special Resolutions etc. > > The Proxy form clearly states that any Quanta member who is unable to attend > the AGM is permitted to vote by proxy. By default, these votes will be given > to the chairman of the meeting although the member has the option of > choosing someone else (another member) by deleting "the Chairman" and > inserting someone else's full name and address in the space provided. If > your vote is decided beforehand then you should indicate your choice by > ticking the relevant boxes OR you can appoint your proxy voter to vote in > whatever way he/she feels fit at the time. Time is now running very short > for you to effectively use your vote. I am sure that the Secretary (John > Southern) will be only too pleased to help you register your vote for the > AGM. > > Special Resolution Number 1. > > Cutting out the wording regarding how the various paragraphs will be > renumbered, this resolution boils down to "in order to improve the balance > between continuity and refreshment of the Quanta committee it is suggested > that no member shall serve on the committee for more than six years without > standing down for one year before seeking re-appointment." > > This means that the committee member has the time to reflect on whether > he/she wishes to continue on the committee and also offers the committee > position to another member who would like to offer their services.(without > actively challenging the current committee member for his place on the > committee.) > > The rest of the resolution covers any situations to avoid all the committee > members standing down at the same time and to decide who's turn it is to > stand down at any given point in time. > > Special resolution Number 2. > > Since Quanta is aware that it is very expensive to run a large committee > whose members live mainly throughout the UK, it has been noted that the > current constitution states that a quorum of four persons must be present at > any committee meeting. This is getting difficult to arrange - with a > committee size reduced to six members and this resolution provides for a > varying quorum. It proposes a minimum of two members or one half of the > number of committee members (whichever is the greater) and the constitution > already states that one of those attending should be an officer (Chairman, > Secretary or Treasurer). > > Availability of Current copies of the Constitution: > > When the Constitution is changed, it is updated on the Library Guide > (LibGuide - disk LG01) as a series of Quill document pages and notification > of such a change is noted in the next available Quanta Magazine. This > Library disk - like other disks - is available either from the librarian in > the usual way or by purchasing the library CD - available from the librarian > or at most Quanta Sponsored Workshops.(Price £10.00 inc Post and Pkg.) The > library CD is updated every year in time for the AGM. > > If anyone has any further questions regarding the AGM etc. please ask. > > Regards, > > John Gilpin. > Quanta Treasurer. > ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] Fw: What happened to BACC
This message forwarded to ql-users - original message bounced because BT
have changed my default email address for a trial broadband service. JG
- Original Message -
From: "John Gilpin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "ql-users" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2005 9:51 AM
Subject: Re: What happened to BACC
> Following up on the thread about BACC.(British Association of Computer
> Clubs).
>
> As far as I am aware - and if I am wrong, I'm sure someone will correct
> me. - Quanta's original affiliation to BACC was mainly to be able to
> purchase reasonably priced Public Liability Insurance for Quanta itself
and
> its Sub-groups. Quanta insured itself and nine sub-groups - I don't think
> that it was ever documented which nine - for £2 Million indemnity at about
> £250 (year 2000 figures) { this works out at £25 per sub-group}. When I
took
> over as treasurer, the bill for the first year had risen to £600 and I was
> asked by committee to investigate the insurance market for cheaper
premiums.
> I received various quotations and all of them were considerably higher
than
> what we were paying. Some Insurance companies even refused to quote
stating
> that they "no longer offered public liability insurance on its own" and
that
> it would have to form part of a complete business insurance package. Other
> companies would only accept proposals from each individual sub-group
direct
> and at one point I was offered a "minimum premium" for any form of
insurance
> of £1,500 per annum. As I learned from BACC that their insurers were
likely
> to double their premiums for 2003 and that they (BACC) were having similar
> responses to their own insurance investigation, I finally took out a
policy
> with Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) to cover Quanta for its
sponsored
> events, committee meetings and AGM. Sub-groups were informed that Quanta
was
> no longer able to provide PL cover for the sub-groups who should consider
> the matter individually and make their own arrangements.
>
> I understand from a recent email from BACC that this is similar to
> difficulties that they are experiencing and that at this moment in time
BACC
> is "effectively dormant" although there may be a "revitalisation route"
> following discussions with BCS.
>
> I am sure that my contact at BACC will keep me informed and, of course, I
> have wished BACC well in their fight to recovery who, like Quanta, are
> suffering from a reduced level of membership.
>
> I hope that this helps to answer the question.
>
> John Gilpin.
> Quanta Treasurer.
>
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