[Businessmtg] Present Prudent Reserve & Agenda Item #1

[Steve Rankin]

In answer to Kimberly's question about ASP's average donations over the last
3 years, etc. . . 

ASP was 100% funded by me personally until last year, so we do not have a
long-term donation history.  We tried on 3 occasions to get ASP
self-supporting during those first 10 years and it didn't work for various
reasons.  So, we don't have the history you are asking about.  Additionally,
part of the history that we do have is during the time when ASP was
transitioning from my 10-year reign as List Administrator and List Owner to
the new ASP with a new List Administrator and ASP as the List Owner.  It's
just not possible to know what, if any effect the transition had on
donations from the members until some time in the future when we can look
back at this period.  

Also, a prudent reserve is normally based on expenses, not income.  The idea
is to have an ample reserve to pay those expenses should hard times happen
and income dried up.  It's generally considered OK for us to focus on our
expenses--that's how we pay our bills and how we keep our expenses in check.
On the other hand, if we focus on our income, we lose sight of our expenses
and they can run away while we focus on fundraising.  I see it as a subtle
tool that helps us keep our spending within our means rather than trying to
find ways to make the money to support our spending.   

As for donating to WSO, that's an entirely different topic that's on the
agenda later.  

Hugs,
Steve