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Date:         Wed, 11 Aug 2004 18:57:13 -0500
Reply-To:     Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Who Supports The List
Comments: To: msnichols@MINDSPRING.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Howdy All,

I just wanted to reply to a portion of the e-mail that Michael posted. I deleted the parts that I didn't want to address (although they may be valid concerns). See his comments below my e-mail.

Michael makes a list of "professional vendors" and "hobby vendors" that benefit financially from this list. He wonders if they should bear a portion of the operating costs of the list, and, if so, how that portion should be determined.

Among the vendors listed are: Bus Depot, Chris "Jordan" Turner, VolksCafe, Van-again, and Stan Wilder with his ceramics and coatings company (sorry I can't remember the name right now, Stan). Not mentioned was Boston Bob, Daryl at AA Transaxle, David Marshall at Fast Forward or Chris DeLong (sorry, forgot your business name also Chris), whom I'm sure gets some business from the list. There must be other also.

I can name all of these people, because not only do they sell on the list, but they are also VERY valuable sources of information and assistance. Of the names above, the only ones I haven't either e-mailed or made purchases from are VolksCafe and Chris DeLong (no reason, no bias, just haven't gotten around to it yet, but I plan on stopping in to meet Chris next time I'm in Seattle).

Yes, they profit from the list, but they also give a great deal of information. I can think of countless posts that each and every one of these businesses or business owners have made just to support the community. They work with Vanagons all day. They are kind enough to share their knowledge with us. That is a major, major contribution. The list would be much worse off if it had more money but none of these people shared information with the rest of the list out of the kindness of their hearts (I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT MICHAEL INSINUATED THAT THESE FOLKS SHOULDN"T BE ALLOWED TO POST!).

Because these folks are in the business they have the unique opportunity to learn an enormous amount about Vanagons. They have all, to a person, selflessly shared that information with the list. Some of them even have discounts for list members.

I think (from what little I know about them) that our financial arrangements are fine now. If we find the list needs money down the line, maybe it is the folks that are getting all the free information that should help pony up $1 or $2 each. If everyone on the list did that we would be in great shape. Look what happened to RoadHaus. We saw an outpouring of generosity when one person and one Vanagon were in need. If the list is in need, someone needs to start a thread and we can all formulate a solution.

Right now I like the balance of the list. It is basically non-commercial, and folks can post things for sale, and there is no paid advertising. I'd like to see it stay that way.

Just my 2¢.

Cheers, Bruce motorbruce motorbruce@hotmail.com

>From: "Michael S. Nichols" <msnichols@MINDSPRING.COM> >Reply-To: "Michael S. Nichols" <msnichols@MINDSPRING.COM> >To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM >Subject: Re: It's been almost 5 years that Gerry and I have lived >together... >Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2004 19:05:16 -0400 > >Hello fellow listers, > SNIP > >The large commercial and "hobby" parts sellers, what might they contribute? >Bus Depot is a successful concern, not just a mom and pop company. Chris >at >JordanWv, well, he advertises lots of parts, but only for a hobby. >VolksCafe, Van-again, both for-profit concerns. Stan W. in Dallas, Texas, >did I miss anyone? > SNIP >Regards, > >Mike Nichols, Atlanta GA 30306


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