[Theforum] Re: [Fwd: evolt.org permanant funding]

Erika Meyer erika at seastorm.com
Wed Sep 4 14:33:37 CDT 2002


when someone uses the word "leverage" as a verb (twice!), it raises
huge red flags for me.  But I'm trying to understand... below is my
process of trying to reach understanding.  It may be that I'm just
being a spanner in the works of where evolt is going... I don't wish
to be.   I do wish to voice my concerns, however.  FWIW.

since I couldn't recall any messages indicating that evolt.org (via
the forum or steering) had agreed to participate in an affiliate
program... and since I didn't really know what an affiliate program
is... I have been using google to search evolt for more info.

I do recall the term "affiliate" being bandied about.

I found this post from Joe Crawford
http://lists.evolt.org/archive/Week-of-Mon-20000327/098599.html
which appears to equate affiliate programs with multi-level marketing:

"I would meditate on whether affiliate/pyramid/mlm programs would ever
provide you with an income worth the hassle and bad reputation that
MLM usually brings."

My ISP tried to get me involved in something like this a few years
back.  In my case at that time, it wasn't worthwhile... but regarding
evolt... I don't know...

So then I found this post in financing:
http://lists.evolt.org/financearchive/2002-June/000017.html
and that's about it.

So more background info would help me; possibly others as well.

Maybe a report from financing would be helpful at this point, or from
our treasurer at least.... something very simple: this is what we
have, this is what we need, this is what we've decided to do (or not)
to get from a to b.

Trying to decipher the note from Randy Dorman:
"We offer two quick and simple solutions that will provide the funding
necessary to continue the free online services and expand as the
industry joins the evolt.org mission."

What industry?

and is he saying that evolt.org is now receiving free services, but
that these free services will not continue unless evolt.org
participates in the affiliate program?

Randy says:
"We built the reseller site for functionality."

what site is he referring to?

And a design contest?  What's the deal with that?  I assume this is
just an offer and not a done deal.  When I hear the words "design
contest" my hackles go up.  Who would judge such a contest?  Who
would own the design?  We have some great designers at evolt, and we
know who they are.  What's the point of a contest?  So a bunch of
designers can waste their time building mockups for the possibility
of "winning" $500?  And then to sugarcoat it further, an additional
$500 carrot is dangled before evolt's starving mouth.

Sorry, all, but I think this is some scary stuff, if it is indeed
coming from the person who is supposed to be "donating" web space to
evolt.org.  But I'm really  unclear about all of this so.... I'd like
to be enlightened by those in the know.  I may well have been
mistaken about the agreement we have with Dorman/s.

I would really like the see a report from finance to explain it all,
and also from whatever group agreed to this scheme, if such an
agreement was in fact made.  Was this the answer to MEO problems
or...?

If we don't agree to the programs, what can we expect in the future
in terms of costs from this provider?

I want to support evolt thru donations.  I want evolt to be a legal
entity and donations tax-deductible.  I want evolt to have a (good)
attorney.  If I can help in any of these areas I would like to know.
(I actually may be able to network on the attorney issue since I am
associated with a law school.)

Can we also perhaps revisit our priorities?

I do not at this time support an affiliate program of this nature; I
have not been convinced, nor have I seen strong arguments, much less
a decision, made by any of the relevant groups.

Erika

PS Can forum members get info on or see any contracts evolt.org has
entered into... or has decided to enter into... or is considering?

>Let's get the marketing machine cranking on the the announcement and
>promotion of the affiliate program.  This program has the potential to
>cover our expenses and then some so let's do the promotion well.

<snip>

>-------- Original Message --------
>Subject: evolt.org permanant funding
>Date: Tue, 03 Sep 2002 23:36:02 -0500
>From: Randy Dorman <randy at nweinc.com>
>Organization: NetWorth Enterprises, Inc.
>To: Ron Dorman <sysadmin at csi1st.net>
>
>
>
>Hi Ron,
>Thanks for all the hard work.  We are ready for the initial user review
>of the hosting reseller site.  To make this kick-off very effective we
>should  coordinate some notices and information to the organization.  I
>do not know the limitations for informing the groups so I leave that in
>your hands, or let me know if I need to do something.  Please forward
>this to the appropriate evolt.org  leadership.
>
>Congratulations on the recent case study of evolt.org in the the "polar
>bear" book.  I am aware of your organization and applaud what you do for
>the industry.
>
>This is an exciting time for evolt.org.  It is a time when your online
>must be stable and poised for growth.  The deserved recognition brings
>new challenges, so its time to secure a financial foundation that is
>equal to the professional standards for which evolt.org has been recognized.
>
>We offer two quick and simple solutions that will provide the funding
>necessary to continue the free online services and expand as the
>industry joins the evolt.org mission.
>
>1) Continuous Funding - Hosting provides consistent cash flow and can be
>leveraged.  We offer a hosting reseller site with competitive
>functionality and price.  We will donate 10% of all services purchased
>by your  membership to evolt.org.  The same cost your membership now
>sends to various vendors can be leveraged to fund the evolt.org  mission
>indefinitely.
>
>2)  Periodic Funding - We built the reseller site for functionality.  We
>will sponsor a "Design Contest" for the interested membership to create
>a look worthy of your organization.  We will pay $1000 ($500 to the
>designer and $500 to evolt.org) for the winning design, and recognize
>the designer on the site.  We recommend the evolt.org also give the
>wining designer some recognition on your web site as the best of the best.
>
>Our company applauds evolt.org and will continue to offer new ideas and
>methods to create a solid financial foundation, that allows evolt.org to
>fulfill its mission.  The NetWorth Group can be just one of a growing
>number of supporting entities that recognizes what evolt.org does and is
>committed to  ensuring your growth.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Randy Dorman
>NetWorth Enterprises, Inc.
>(817) 498-2765
>
>
>--
>Ron Dorman                 * * * Increase Your Revenue * * *
>CSI, Inc.                  V-Team Technologies
>434-369-5466               866-816-9922 toll free
>434-309-1494 fax           804-964-7057 cell
>804-694-7057 cell          Team # 1012262
>http://www.csi1st.net      http://www.vteamtechnologies.com
>mailto:rwd at csi1st.net      mailto:rondorman at vteamtechnologies.com
>
>--

erika at seastorm.com



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