I'm going out on a limb and will voice some things that have been suppressed.
I get your point that you think I am a freeloader and do not contribute. My problem for not joining is not a money one, but rather one of principle. I did get involved early on and saw that there was still an old guard of the good old boys. They played favorites early on and still do. Is it proper to support that? It would be very BAD for the Industry if one were to push and fight the GOB's, but, and this in not an excuse, I do not have to time for such fights. There are other more important things to do, so I lurk, and occasionally chime in when I feel something has been really missed or has gone overboard. It is better for me not to get into fights and the Organization does need that either. Do I support WISPA? Partly. When things like CALEA come up and people are sent to talk with the FBI and FCC, what is their game plan? What are they trying to do for the membership? All I saw was a few people were star struck that they actually talked the HEAD of the FBI for CALEA. BIG DEAL. Those people put their pants on one leg at a time like we all do. Did you tell these guys what would be best for the Industry? Did you even know what was good for the Industry? Or did you take your hat in your hand and come back and use all sort of tactics to get people to sign that they would be ready for CALEA compliance, when in fact nobody even knew what that would require? I feel that WISPA should have taken a much harder line on that and other issues. Any members who spoke against what the FBI and FCC told the WISPA group were quickly put down and isolated. It was disgusting to watch. It certainly was not a functioning democracy. It was pretty heavy handed. In short, I have not seen the organization really go to bat for the membership. I can only imagine the crap that would hit the fan if the FBI and FCC were to give the Telcos the same sort of treatment with regards to time and unknown requirements that they gave to the WISPA people. Sure you don't have the funds, but do you compromise everything until you get the funds? Or do you stand up for what is right and people either support you or not? My suspicion is you'll get the support if you represent what people want. People vote with their feet and pocketbooks. I've seen a lot of good people leave. I've seen a lot of good people forced out because the GOB's could not stand them. And I've seen a lot of good people (mostly everybody on this list) not support WISPA financially. Does that tell you anything? No you don't need more Vendors, you need a reality check so you can get more members. This whole idea that you need more Vendors because they pay the most is, well, so commercial sounding. I'm sure that business principles have to be used to run and account for things, but to raise money? No, that should not be a business. Lonnie On 5/17/07, Peter R. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
(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. -- WISPA Wireless List: [email protected] Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
-- Lonnie Nunweiler Valemount Networks Corporation http://www.star-os.com/ -- WISPA Wireless List: [email protected] Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
