Thanks, lesson learned, and a challenge!
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When I put my offer up I knew we would get something. Just did not know that this would be the result. From the bottom of my heart thank you to all who bid, percentage matched, and those who just gave what they could because you are good people.
I learned once again that SB members have big hearts.
I learned that with those big hearts have deep pockets for good causes.
I learned again that one person with an idea can get other single persons to come together and make a real difference.
I learned that you guys are creative as all get out when it comes to raising money
I learned once again that SCUBA brings people together and brings out their best
I learned that if you want to do something good, just friggin do it! No need for permission from anyone.
I learned that I have some really great old friends and some really great new ones:angel2:
I learned that I somehow managed to just write one of the most expensive diving related books!:cool2:
I learned that I have the most amazing girlfriend to put up with these events over the weekend:kiss2:
And I really learned that should I ever decide to open a dive op and run a shoddy operation and through that hurt someone I better not take on a certain group of crazy scuba divers:nailbiter: and expect to have an easy time!
:nuke:
Now the challenge: Itzok and Wookie have stepped up to the plate. I am issuing an open challenge to every manufacturer and shop here on Scubaboard. You may buy ad space and I'm sure you benefit from those ads. But you also benefit from the open, frank, and honest opinions of the general public that frequent these forums. Their voices allow you to make the money you spend on those ads and supplement them at no charge to you. A number of you frequently give back in the form of discounts and special promotions.
Now imagine there is no one to see the ads, take advantage of the promotions, or more important continue to order. The demise of this board could mean the demise of more of them where you find business. If this "woman" succeeds in even slowing this site you lose as well. Big time. I often refer divers to companies and shops that treat me well here. As do others.
So here is what I am asking. Try to beat the total my thread did with anything you want. Look at your stock, your inventory and imagine one item you can put up for auction and do it! Do you really need to sell that BC or reg that has been sitting on the shelf for two years? Why not turn it into good will that may make sure your other stock doesn't set around that long. That safety sausage might bring 50 or 100 bucks for SB and the person who wins it may decide to buy a reg from you just because you're a nice guy!
Hey Clay, Peter, Wayne and all you other liveaboards that get great reviews here, why not fill a spot with one of us at a great price like Wookie is doing with the Spree. This board has 175,000 people looking at it. One of those may be your next regular customer if they get a deal just this once.
So pass the word.
My auction is over as of Feb 15th. I do not know the exact total but it looks to be well over 2 grand with a good bit of that sent or on the way snail mail. Your turn. And thank you.
THis duplicate thread posted with permission of NetDoc. Just ask him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I put my offer up I knew we would get something. Just did not know that this would be the result. From the bottom of my heart thank you to all who bid, percentage matched, and those who just gave what they could because you are good people.
I learned once again that SB members have big hearts.
I learned that with those big hearts have deep pockets for good causes.
I learned again that one person with an idea can get other single persons to come together and make a real difference.
I learned that you guys are creative as all get out when it comes to raising money
I learned once again that SCUBA brings people together and brings out their best
I learned that if you want to do something good, just friggin do it! No need for permission from anyone.
I learned that I have some really great old friends and some really great new ones:angel2:
I learned that I somehow managed to just write one of the most expensive diving related books!:cool2:
I learned that I have the most amazing girlfriend to put up with these events over the weekend:kiss2:
And I really learned that should I ever decide to open a dive op and run a shoddy operation and through that hurt someone I better not take on a certain group of crazy scuba divers:nailbiter: and expect to have an easy time!
:nuke:Now the challenge: Itzok and Wookie have stepped up to the plate. I am issuing an open challenge to every manufacturer and shop here on Scubaboard. You may buy ad space and I'm sure you benefit from those ads. But you also benefit from the open, frank, and honest opinions of the general public that frequent these forums. Their voices allow you to make the money you spend on those ads and supplement them at no charge to you. A number of you frequently give back in the form of discounts and special promotions.
Now imagine there is no one to see the ads, take advantage of the promotions, or more important continue to order. The demise of this board could mean the demise of more of them where you find business. If this "woman" succeeds in even slowing this site you lose as well. Big time. I often refer divers to companies and shops that treat me well here. As do others.
So here is what I am asking. Try to beat the total my thread did with anything you want. Look at your stock, your inventory and imagine one item you can put up for auction and do it! Do you really need to sell that BC or reg that has been sitting on the shelf for two years? Why not turn it into good will that may make sure your other stock doesn't set around that long. That safety sausage might bring 50 or 100 bucks for SB and the person who wins it may decide to buy a reg from you just because you're a nice guy!
Hey Clay, Peter, Wayne and all you other liveaboards that get great reviews here, why not fill a spot with one of us at a great price like Wookie is doing with the Spree. This board has 175,000 people looking at it. One of those may be your next regular customer if they get a deal just this once.
So pass the word.
My auction is over as of Feb 15th. I do not know the exact total but it looks to be well over 2 grand with a good bit of that sent or on the way snail mail. Your turn. And thank you.
THis duplicate thread posted with permission of NetDoc. Just ask him.
