-- Start log: Wednesday, October 25, 2000 9:00:45 pm ASI Meeting Server time --

Greg-1 says, "Do we have an agenda for tonight's meeting, Mr. Chairman?"
Severy says, "Only the same old agenda as before" Scottyg says, "And a fine
agenda it is!" rhodab follows Severy into the room
Severy says, "Hi, Rhoda!"
rhodab says, "That's easy enough for you to say! :)" Severy says, "Let's
get this show on the road....." rhodab says, "More like 'lo Rhoda'"
Severy says, "Not as easy as it sounds :-(" Severy says, "Scotty, it sounds
like the key item on the agenda is the credit card processing" Scottyg
says, "The agenda is available at:
http://www.moonsociety.org/private/leaders/agenda.html" Severy says, "I
read your report on what you have found, and it sounded rather depressing
:-(" dcarson says, "if we need to can we still go through LunarTraders
since they sell a varity of stuff?" Scottyg says, "Yep. I'm not at all
optimistic that we'll get approved without changing how we do things."
rhodab says, "What about Ian's contact?" Scottyg says, "I have nothing new
on Treasurer's reports, so that brings us to credit cards." Greg-1 says,
"What do we have to do/"
Greg-1 says, "?"
Scottyg says, "I didn't have time to follow that up today Rhoda, but I
will. But what I'm being told is that MC & VISA simply will not approve our
kind of arrangement. Ian's contact is a third-party arranger, so I'm not
optimistic he can help." Scottyg says, "Greg, did you see my email from
yesterday?" Scottyg says, "Perhaps I should expand that to: "Did everyone
see my email from yesterday?"" rhodab says, "I saw it, Scotty."
Greg-1 says, "I'm looking for it nw."
Greg-1 says, "now."
dcarson says, "I saw it"
Greg-1 says, "Aha! I must not have a filter set for leaders@moonsociety.org."
Scottyg says, "It was addressed to leaders@moonsociety.org, and the subject
was "Meeting Reminder & Credit Card Processing"" rhodab says, "CyberTeams
uses a third-party provider in The Netherlands because they handle all of
the cards, plus an electronic check for funds drawn on US banks. They
charge a fee and retain a percent to handle returns. " Scottyg says,
"Rhoda, the bank's concern seems to be that if the Moon Society folds,
members could request a full refund of dues. So their exposure is a full
year's credit card income." rhodab says, "Banks are very cautious that way.
However, I don't believe Multicards has that same hangup. Plus, they are
not a bank." Greg-1 says, "Aw, geez ..."
Scottyg says, "One company suggested that a CD in that amount posted a
security MIGHT get it approved. But that's more than we can afford to tie
up." dcarson says, "which is a problem for any membership group" Scottyg
says, ".....as security...too"
Scottyg says, "Yep Dana. They aren't picking on us." Greg-1 says, "That
dumb law screws up just about the whole world, except for goods that can be
delivered physically." Severy says, "How can other organizations offer
memberships via credit card?" Scottyg says, "Goods or services delivered
within 90 days of the credit card billing." Scottyg says, "Grandfathering
Randall." rhodab says, "Our orchestra is non-profit and we don't have that
problem with our bank." Scottyg says, "But even that is getting iffy
according to one vendor." Greg-1 says, "That shoots down magazine
subscriptions, too." rhodab says, "I don't understand it. I get e-mails
weekly from credit card providers. The only thing they don't take is
payment for sex!" Greg-1 says, "Um ... in Nevada, they even accept credit
cards for sex." Scottyg says, "Same here Rhoda. I have 45 solicitations
saved in a mail folder. I've contacted 6 different vendors and am getting
just about the same story from all." Greg-1 says, "It sounds like our best
best is option C." Scottyg says, "We are the 1% who DON'T get approved."
Greg-1 says, "Instead of annual dues, make it a non-refundable donation."
Scottyg says, "Greg, I like that option except it complicates things about
who gets to vote in elections." rhodab says, "Why is that?"
dcarson says, "you can' make voting depend on donating otherwise it isn't a
donation I'd assume" Greg-1 says, "Individuals who have donated $35 or more
during the previous year shall be designated active members of the Moon
Society and entitled to rights and privileges thereof."" rhodab says, "If
the membership is defined as anyone who donates x then they can vote"
rhodab says, "Bingo!"
Scottyg says, "Gimme a minute to think about that one." Greg-1 says, "The
key plot point would be to use the words "non-refundable donation"."
dcarson says, "I'd want to talk to a tx person about what that does to
calling something a donation" rhodab says, "Scotty, have you filed the
1023?" Greg-1 says, "Yeah, it's hokey, so it probably would not work."
Greg-1 says, "The real key word is 'non-refundable'." rhodab says, "When
you set up a non-profit, you state what constitutes membership. For
example, anyone who donates $35 per year. That body then elects the
directors of the non-profit, who in turn elect the officers." rhodab says,
"If we are talking about the donation being tax-deductible, that's a
different animal. A 1023 must be filed to make the donation tax deductible
to the donor, and tax free for the organization." Scottyg says, "I haven't
filed the 1023 yet. I'm part-way through filling it out, but will need
another week or two to complete it." rhodab says, "It's not a fun thing, is
it? :0)" Greg-1 says, "Golly."
Scottyg says, "Nope. About 20 pages, a lot of which is narrative which
doesn't fit into the space provided." rhodab says, "This is your
government. They're here to help you!!! :)" Greg-1 says, "This is the
I.R.S.!"
rhodab grins.
Severy says, "Ok, what action items can we take out of this discussion?"
Scottyg says, "If you really want to know, look in:
http://www.asi.org/private/leaders/tax at the pdf files stored there."
Greg-1 says, "I think that depends on whether we think it's really hopeless
that someone out there will allow us to accept credit cards for dues."
Severy says, "Is it worth contacting someone like MultiCards to see if they
can handle us without the same restrictions as banks?" Scottyg says, "I
guess I should copy those over to Moon Society" rhodab says, "I'll get the
e-mail address for Multicards and send it to Scotty." dcarson says, "worth
a try"
rhodab says, "Since we're an international organization, makes sense to
have an international credit card provider." Scottyg says, "I'll be glad to
try. Meanwhile, dragging this out is creating a variety of problems."
Severy says, "Someone mentioned Lunar Traders before, is that an option as
well?" Scottyg says, "Jim still has not provided the changes to the web
interim database to permit the work to be split up." Scottyg says, "And
Rhonda is waiting for instructions from me about what to do with checks
they are receiving." Scottyg says, "On the checks, I would just have her
send them to me for Jennifer to process, except Jennifer doesn't have any
posters, and doesn't know what to send for a welcome letter. (Hint, hint)"
dcarson says, "Bob said that my original mail with the address never
arived, I gave it to him again, they should be in the mail, will check
again tomorrow" Greg-1 says, "Jennifer doesn't have the welcome letter?"
Scottyg says, "And Greg is supposed to be doing a new welcome letter?"
Greg-1 says, "I guess I am!"
Scottyg says, "(For Moon Society)"
Greg-1 says, "There's nothing I can do about posters, though." Greg-1 says,
"(Speaking of which, are they moved yet?)" dcarson says, "not yet, I hope
to move them this weekend" rhodab says, "I hate to leave, but I'm afraid
I'll have to. I'll get the log later." Severy says, "Ok, take care, Rhoda!"
Scottyg says, "Ok, so for the moment, our decision is to try the remaining
leads we have for credit cards?" rhodab has disconnected.
dcarson says, "I'd say so"
Severy says, "Yup"
Severy says, "Is there anything else we need to cover in HQ operations
tonight?" Scottyg says, "Ok, then next on the agenda is the non-profit
filing. As I said earlier, I'm in the middle of it now, and ETA for
completion is two weeks." Scottyg says, "I think thats all under HQ ops."
Severy says, "Ok, thanks, Scotty!"
Severy says, "Is there anything we need to cover in Outreach tonight? Or is
that all waiting on our getting our house in order first?" Greg-1 says,
"I'm still wondering why my name is next to the action item about the NSS
mailing list." dcarson says, "you said you knew someone?" The housekeeper
arrives to cart rhodab off to bed. Severy says, "Arggh, I still need to
move those action item pages over from asi.org :-(" Severy says, "The
original action item in the ASI Leadership Council for you, Greg, was:"
Severy says, "1.Write cover letter for NSS mailing " Scottyg says, "BTW,
the IRS documents related to non-profit filings are now at
http://www.moonsociety.org/private/leaders/non-profit" Greg-1 says, "I
think that one's pretty much a moot point." Severy says, "Sounds like it"
Greg-1 says, "Let's just write off the NSS mailing and start fresh." Severy
says, "Ok"
Severy says, "Dana, any updates on the speaker kits?" Severy says, "Should
we move on to Membership Processing?" Greg-1 says, "Phyne by me."
dcarson says, "still writing slowly"
dcarson says, "(sorry getting food)"
Severy says, "What can we cover in Membership Services tonight without Tim
around?" Greg-1 says, "I think we already did. (1) Jennifer needs posters.
(2) Jennifer needs a letter." Scottyg says, "Tim still owes us a proposal
about supplying incentives. His lack of attention is underwhelming." Severy
says, "Ok, that works for me ;-)" Greg-1 says, "The last I heard from Tim,
he was assuming that LT would not be providing the membership incentives."
Severy says, "Believe it or not, I'm actually making some progress on
enhancing Team Director to track membership incentives" Severy says, "But
it will probably be another week before that's finished" Greg-1 says, "I
assumed that this decision came up after we discussed having him do it."
Severy says, "I must admit I don't remember when it came up" Scottyg says,
"This originates from a request from Tim to me to be allowed to continue
supplying the incentives, since it is a large part of LT's income." Scottyg
says, "I recommended he make us a proposal." Greg-1 says, "Yup."
Greg-1 says, "Did he ever respond? Or did he just give up without saying
anything?" Scottyg says, "That would have to work like: We send LT a
Purchase Order to send x posters and Y bumper stickers to a list of names
and addresses we supply." Greg-1 says, "Tim had an impressive display at
the Space Frontier Conference. Almost no Artemis Project stuff on display,
though." Scottyg says, "When LT has completed the work, they invoice us and
we pay." Greg-1 says, "Yup, that would work. We'd want to agree on prices
up front, of course." dcarson says, "did it look like he was doing well in
sales?" Scottyg says, "But I've heard no more from Tim since the last
meeting, where he had to leave before we got to his business." Scottyg
says, "Lets see, I think I have what I sent him in email..." Greg-1 says,
"We can't keep the members hanging. So if we can get some posters to
jennifer, let's just get 'em mailed." Scottyg says, "Here was my mail to
Tim:" Scottyg says, "Tim:"
Scottyg says, "At this point, Moon Society is planning to take over all"
Scottyg says, "aspects of membership processing including handling the"
Scottyg says, "incentives. However, this is not entirely a done deal and"
Scottyg says, "for a little while longer there is still room for
discussion" Scottyg says, "on handling the incentives. I would recommend
that you make" Scottyg says, "a proposal to the Leadership Council at
tomorrow night's" Scottyg says, "meeting if you wish to handle these. I
think we would" Scottyg says, "consider an arrangement in which we issue
P.O.'s for" Scottyg says, "specific services such as "Mail posters to the
following" Scottyg says, "service and invoices Moon Society when the work
is done, and" Scottyg says, "Moon Society pays your invoice. That could
include a flat" Scottyg says, "rate for domestic shipping plus
reimbursement for excess" Scottyg says, "international shipping costs."
Scottyg says, "Of course, this is only my judgement of the situation...The"
Scottyg says, "Board of Directors as a whole will make the decision."
Scottyg says, "Scotty"
Scottyg says, "Ack. That go mangled a bit by the command interpreter."
Greg-1 says, "It sounds like this would work, if Tim wants to do it."
Scottyg says, "I think the line containing "list of persons to LT at an
agreed price, LT performs the" got left out." Scottyg says, "(Goes after
"Mail posters to the following"" Greg-1 says, "Well ... what can we do?
Call Tim to ask if he's interested?" Greg-1 says, "At the moment, it
appears he's not planning on doing this." Greg-1 says, "Heh. FYI, at the
moment, the SETI@Home ftp mirror site 1 has maxed out the number of users
downloading the software." Scottyg says, "Do we really want to do the deal
if he isn't interested enough to show up or follow up?" Greg-1 says, "I
would think not."
Greg-1 says, "Between his lack of response to you and the fact that he
mentioned to me that Lunar Traders would not be doing ASI membership
incentives, I'd say the only option is to go ahead and do it in-house as we
had originally planned." Greg-1 says, "This of course, assumes we can get
POSTERS TO PLANO." Greg-1 says, "posters to Plano, too."
Scottyg says, "Well, lets wait a few days and see if Bob comes through."
Scottyg says, "Ok, any other business tonight?" Greg-1 says, "Hmm ...
nothing on publications." Greg-1 says, "No Jim = no chapters."
Greg-1 says, "And that's about it."
Greg-1 says, "Does Bob even know he's supposed to send posters?" dcarson
says, "yes"
Greg-1 says, "Did he say he would send them?" dcarson says, "yes"
Greg-1 says, "Scotty, I'll set up a welcome letter in Word and email it to
you." Scottyg says, "Ok Greg, and I'll get it to Jennifer." Greg-1 says,
"Well then, maybe Bob will actually send some posters!" Greg-1 says, "And
on that happy note, I believe we have done what we came to do." Greg-1
says, "So, if nobody has any further business, I'll get on with the tasks
at hand." Greg-1 says, "G'night folks!"
Greg-1 has disconnected.
The housekeeper arrives to remove Greg-1. dcarson says, "OK see you all
later"
Scottyg says, "Gnight!"
dcarson goes home.
Severy says, "Sorry, I got a bit distracted there for a little while...
Thanks for covering for me..." Scottyg says, "No problem Randall."
In a blinding flash of light, Severy vanishes into thin air Scottyg has
disconnected.
The housekeeper arrives to cart Scottyg off to bed. Greg-1 arrives amidst
thundering applause. Greg arrives amidst thundering applause. Greg
disappears, leaving but a wistful memory that lingers in your mind. A crack
of thunder announces the arrival of Severy Severy says, "stop recorder"

-- End log: Wednesday, November 8, 2000 8:53:10 pm ASI Meeting Server time--