Re: Volunteers [was Subject: Re: [Leica]M6 for Brian]

[pchefurka@plaintree.com]

I agree with this sentiment whole-heartedly.  I was always taught that
acts of kindness or generosity were not to be paid back, they were to
be paid forward.

If I were in Brian's shoes I'd be very uncomfortable with this type of
gesture, no matter how heartfelt it was.

In fact, I think the intent of the original post has been misunderstood -
if you'll recall, the original poster enclosed his $20 *in his email*.
In that spirit, here's mine:  $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$

Thank you Brian, may your generosity serve as a light we can LUG
around with us in the darkness!

Paul Chefurka

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Volunteers [was Subject: Re: [Leica]M6 for Brian] 
Author:  <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us > at internet
Date:    10/21/98 8:50 AM


     
Brian said: 
   Please don't do this. It would embarrass me awfully. 
   I have gotten my money's worth out of the LUG. [...]
     
I think making sure that Brian knows how much we appreciate the 
service that he provides the leica community (and the rollei 
community, the killifish community, the fools, and other lists he may 
someday support) is very important.  Thanking him occasionally, on the 
list and in private email is a Good Thing.
     
On the other hand, it can be frustrating to volunteer something to a 
group and then have them try to [re]pay you for it.  I'm much happier 
when the people who benefit from _my_ efforts turn around and
     
  PASS IT ON.
     
So maybe the way to thank Brian is to:
     
  - contribute some time, materials, or $$$ to a photography program
    for folks who otherwise wouldn't know the joys of photography.
  - contribute some $$$, time, or images/services to the Nature
    Conservancy, the Sierra Club, the Mono Lake Committee, or 
    whomever, to help preserve the landscapes that we love to shoot.
  - ...
  - do something unrelated to photography, but that involves sharing
    what you know or have with others and helps them improve/enjoy 
    their life.  Then encourage them to Pass It On.
     
Volunteerism is a powerful force, let's keep it going.
     
g.