<html><head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">
</head><body text="#000000" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">Dear Wrench Colleagues,<br>
<br>
Also as a user of this list for over 20 years now - it has been
invaluable - not only for technical knowledge - but for the historical
legacy of decades of off-grid experience and community not supported in
any other forum.<br>
<br>
I also contributed and may contribute more - I encourage all to donate
if you've benefited from the experience and knowledge on the List.<br>
<br>
And thanks for your years of patient service Michael!<br>
<br>
Best,<br>
<br>
Jeff Clearwater<br>
Village Power Design<span></span><br>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite="mid:304bd6cb-caa6-5f67-fdd5-6838d011f959@solarray.com"
style="border: 0px none ! important;">
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="__pbConvHr"
style="margin:30px 25px 10px 25px;"><div
style="width:100%;border-top:2px solid #EDF1F4;padding-top:10px;"> <div
style="display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;width:49%;">
<a style="color:#485664
!important;padding-right:6px;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none
!important;" href="mailto:ray@solarray.com" moz-do-not-send="true">Ray</a></div>
<div
style="display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;width:48%;text-align:
right;"> <font color="#909AA4"><span style="padding-left:6px">May
6, 2021 at 10:56 AM</span></font></div> </div></div>
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="__pbConvBody"
__pbrmquotes="true"
style="color:#909AA4;margin-left:24px;margin-right:24px;">As a user of
this list for almost 20 years, it has saved me from costly
mistakes dozens of times. Donating just 1% of what this invaluable
resource has saved me over the years is way beyond the suggested
donation, but yet is still incredibly cheap. In that same time period,
I spent over $30k on my cell service. Think about what this biz would be
like without this form, and then support it accordingly. Biz has been
good, don't be a chump!
<br>
<br>Rant off, Thanks Michael.
<br>
<br>Ray Walters
<br>Remote Solar
<br>303 505-8760
<br>
<br><br>_______________________________________________
<br>List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
<br>
<br>Pay optional member dues here: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://re-wrenches.org">http://re-wrenches.org</a>
<br>
<br>List Address: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>
<br>
<br>Change listserver email address & settings:
<br><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org">http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org</a>
<br>
<br>There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work,
try the other:
<br><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/">https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/</a>
<br><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org">http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org</a>
<br>
<br>List rules & etiquette:
<br><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm">http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm</a>
<br>
<br>Check out or update participant bios:
<br><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.members.re-wrenches.org">http://www.members.re-wrenches.org</a>
<br>
<br>
</div>
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="__pbConvHr"
style="margin:30px 25px 10px 25px;"><div
style="width:100%;border-top:2px solid #EDF1F4;padding-top:10px;"> <div
style="display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;width:49%;">
<a style="color:#485664
!important;padding-right:6px;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none
!important;" href="mailto:drake.chamberlin@redwoodalliance.org"
moz-do-not-send="true">drake.chamberlin@redwoodalliance.org</a></div> <div
style="display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;width:48%;text-align:
right;"> <font color="#909AA4"><span style="padding-left:6px">May
5, 2021 at 6:01 PM</span></font></div> </div></div>
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="__pbConvBody"
__pbrmquotes="true"
style="color:#909AA4;margin-left:24px;margin-right:24px;">Hello Wrench
Associates,
<br>
<br>While he's made it optional, I want to encourage you to respond to
Michael's request for financial support for the Wrench List. Michael
Welch founded the list in October of 1999, and has been the
administrator of it ever since. He is now working strictly as a
volunteer. He deserves our support.
<br>
<br>He has suggested a minimum of a $50 donation. Some installers, like
me,
find the list much more valuable than that, and have upped the ante
accordingly.
<br>
<br>His email from a couple weeks ago lays out his request. It is pasted
below. The following link can be used to pay your dues. It can also be
found in the footer of every list email.
<br>
<br><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://re-wrenches.org">http://re-wrenches.org</a>
<br>
<br>The List is valuable in many ways.
<br>\u2022 It often provides a preview of what to expect when trying new
equipment.
<br>\u2022 Many Wrenches give technical support that is superior to
manufacturer\u2019s tech support.
<br>\u2022 The list can get the attention of knowledgeable technical
support
people from manufacturers when the agents who answer the phone can't
help.
<br>
<br>Let\u2019s keep this valuable resource going.
<br>
<br>Thank you,
<br>
<br>Drake
<br>
<br>Drake Chamberlin
<br>Athens Electric LLC
<br>Ohio Electrical Contractor\u2019s License 44810
<br>CO Master Electrician\u2019s License 4526
<br>NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>Help Ensure Wrench List Continuance
<br>
<br>As you are probably aware, the Wrench List has been under the
personal
direction of myself via a small, local nonprofit I work with, after Home
Power magazine ended sponsorship of the list.
<br>
<br>When we announced the sponsorship change back then, I promised that
we
would start asking for funds from members. At the time I was willing to
keep going as a volunteer, which I'm still doing. I spend 8-20 hours a
week on this list and I'm committed to continuing to do so. But we need
to start bringing in funds to help cover list costs, including my time.
<br>
<br>It's been over 2 years since the final Home Power financial crises
killed its two magazines, ending all our jobs (mine included) and
financial support for this listserve. There is no outside funding for
this project. Lacking the likelihood of any big corporate sponsors, it's
finally time to implement paid Wrench List membership!
<br>
<br>Toward that end, we're beginning an annual dues/membership program.
But
don't worry\u2014nobody will be excluded for lack of contributing. Paid
membership is not mandatory, but would be greatly appreciated and will
go a long way to ensure The Wrench List's life into the future.
<br>
<br>We are suggesting that each individual member contribute an amount
commensurate with the value of the list for that member, starting at $50
per year. If you find the Wrench list particularly helpful, and/or your
business is doing well, maybe $100 \u2013 $300 would be appropriate\u2014it's up
to you. Major manufacturers on the list might consider thousands, if
they recognize the value the list has to the RE industry. So, if you
find this listserve of value please consider membership at the level
that works for you.
<br>
<br>We've already had a few Wrenches send checks voluntarily\u2014thank you!
We
look forward to a robust membership as more and more of you join.
Membership dues are a legitimate business expense with full business tax
benefits, but can also be treated as a tax-exempt donation for
individuals who do not have a business.
<br>
<br>As always, if you have feedback, questions, or concerns about this,
please contact me off-list.
<br>
<br>Here's how you can submit your member dues:
<br>
<br>By PayPal or Credit Card
<br>
<br>
<br>By mailed check (make payable to Redwood Alliance):
<br>Redwood Alliance
<br>RE-Wrenches
<br>PO Box 293
<br>Arcata, CA 95518
<br>
<br>Thanks for all you do, and looking forward to hearing from you.
<br>
<br>View this email in your browser
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br>
</body></html>