Davis, >> you'll pay $100 per year. $400 subs, 400.
> But then you'd have to randomly audit members to ensure they were > accurately reporting this information. Given that some WISPs don't even > want to provide this information to the government when mandated by law, Not at all the case. There is plenty of motive to do it, by the honor system. If someone lied, so what, let them. I look at WISPA (non-profit) as a charity, not as a commerical organization. A WISP with more users, has more interests to protect, and could easilly justify additional charitable contribution. There are many larger WISPs, suggesting they should and are willing to pay more. They want WISPA to do more for them, and they know their money will help. They just don't want to unfairly solely fund the organization, and have their competition of similar size take advantage of their contribution, without contributing equivellently themselves. They don't expect small WISPs, to be able to contribute equally. One way to incourage honesty on member size, is to simply advertise member's status. For example, in the WISP MEMBER LIST, at request, List the WISPs' number of subscribers. It will allow the larger WISPs to advertise that they are in fact a larger WISP, whether its for ego, or attracting investment, or promoting their success. The fact is.... Small WISPs can't afford high increase in membership. Increasing membership for them, would reduce the number of WISP members. And for WISPA to maintain credabilty, they must attract more, if not all, small WISPs. There are only four ways to fund the growth of WISPA. 1) For a Fee, Fund Raising efforts. Meaning Selling the work WISPA completes. 2) Charge members more, that can afford to be charged more. 3) Charge vendor's more. 4) Grants. Answers... 4) Grants, is a no brainer best option if possible. But it takes a lots of time, and its not likely someone will spend that time, without getting something significant out of it. For example, if someone took the time to write a grant to for $100K, and actually got it, wouldn't it be more beneficial for them to put the money in their pocket, by starting their own Non-Profit?. 3) Vendor's would likely pony up, but again, then we migrate to a heavilly Vendor influenced organization. 1) A possibilty. Selling Cale implementation guide is an example that WISPA is trying. But, I think WISPA loses value, when we enable non-members to benefit from WISPA's efforts. Who else would need WISPA efforts other than a WISP? Shouldn't we be doing everything possible to have these buyers as members instead? 2) The only thing left is charge some members more based on size. To me, it appears to be the best option. The least negatives. It does not need to be mandatory for the WISP to disclose their number of members. We can have ranges (1-100, 101-400, 401-1000, 1000-10000, 10,001- greater.) selected on the honor system, and then let group peer pressure control one;s contribution. Personally, if I had 2000 users I'd want it known. As far as comparing it to Form 477.... Thats a different issues. Most WISPs don't want to report, because of either the hassle in timely "detailed" reporting, or afraid to advertise how small they are. There is little risk in reporting a subscriber count, as for taxation, the governement only cares about revenue. A subscriber could means $30 or $3000/month. An alternate option would be to charge membership by stated revenue. Again, could be done on an honor system. Could be enforced by listing the members by member level. The only other option I can think of, is special project funding. Have someone willing to pony up cash to have us work on a specific issue. But then again, we'd be following the direction of sponsors, not the majority membership. Tom DeReggi RapidDSL & Wireless, Inc IntAirNet- Fixed Wireless Broadband ----- Original Message ----- From: "David E. Smith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "WISPA General List" <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:34 AM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Suggestions for Executive Director > Marlon K. Schafer wrote: > >> I still think dues should be based on customer base. If you have 100 >> subs 10,000 subs...... I was over >> ruled on this when we first did the bylaws though. > > But then you'd have to randomly audit members to ensure they were > accurately reporting this information. Given that some WISPs don't even > want to provide this information to the government when mandated by law, > getting them to provide accurate information voluntarily, especially > when they have an explicit financial interest in under-reporting their > membership... > > You'd have a bit more money, but you'd turn around and spend it all on > "compliance" or some such nonsense. > > Anyway. > > I think one of the most important details in such a position would be > making sure that this person is held accountable to the board, and > doesn't start lobbying for stuff without the board's approval. The last > thing WISPA needs is someone in a flashy suit going into business for > himself. (See also "sleeper agent.") > > I don't like the job title - he'll be taking direction from the board > and the membership, not giving direction himself - but that's a quibble, > and even if it's misleading the name sounds weighty and impressive. > > David Smith > MVN.net > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > WISPA Wants You! Join today! > http://signup.wispa.org/ > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > WISPA Wireless List: [email protected] > > Subscribe/Unsubscribe: > http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless > > Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.21/1458 - Release Date: > 5/21/2008 7:21 AM > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WISPA Wants You! 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