(In response to Lonnie and Mac)
1) It takes money for an organization to do things.
Sometimes vendors put up that money so that their customer base thrives.
(Some times they do not).
2) It's always hard to get dues-paying members, especially when the most
value is the listserv.
(Again, it ought to cost something to be here. If they want free, go to
ISP-Wireless).
3) Be careful how you represent your relationship to vendors.
This is how one org received the reputation for being an RBOC tool.
You need a pro-member reputation.
4) That said, how many people on this list post more than once a week
and are NOT members?
How many lurk - read every message - but aren't members?
5) Most here don't understand the energy, effort, time and money it
takes to run an association.
If you give a hoot at all, you spend 2 to 5 hours daily on issues,
messages, board and committee stuff.
Then travel to DC. Travel to some shows to get the WISPA name under the
lights.
PR costs money, but to date are we doing any?
Rent, utilities and salary even for a part-time administrator would be
$30K per year (if outsourced to a certified association management
company).
6) The problem becomes when there are parties here who do not 100% agree
with the direction of the org.
(And we have seen that problem recently). Unfortunately, the answer for
those that do not whole-heartedly agree is to pack their stuff and
leave. (Now that is real adult). This association is by and for the
members -- to do everything to help you thrive and survive. You as
WISP's have responsibilities too - to comment, join, volunteer, steer,
and row the boat. If you don't want to do any (some) of that, why get
mad at the people and the direction? What did you do to steer?
[Note} And PLEASE don't give me the I'm-too-freaking-busy or
I'm-too-poor to help. That is an excuse. If you use excuses, then you
might as well close shop now. Just fess up: I'm too selfish or It is
easier to be a back seat driver. (As a back seat driver, you don't pay
for gas, can point out all the short comings, and claim you weren't
steering.)
7) If you are going to be in the Wireless Broadband Industry next year,
join WISPA now. The more members, the more voice. Plus you get to vote
for the new board.
7b) If you aren't going to join, and continue to be a free-loader, then
don't complain that you don't like the direction. No potshots from the
bleachers, okay? If you don't like something, volunteer to work on it.
Be a part of the Solution, not a piece of the problem.
Whew!
Now, go sign up a customer, so you can join WISPA, since one client will
pay for your membership dues.
Peter Radizeski
RAD-INFO, Inc.
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