[RE-wrenches] Wrench Membership Dues

[drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org]

Hello Wrench Associates,

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.

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.

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.

http://re-wrenches.org

The List is valuable in many ways.
•	It often provides a preview of what to expect when trying new 
equipment.
•	Many Wrenches give technical support that is superior to 
manufacturer’s tech support.
•	The list can get the attention of knowledgeable technical support 
people from     manufacturers when the agents who answer the phone can't 
help.

Let’s keep this valuable resource going.

Thank you,

Drake

Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric LLC
Ohio Electrical Contractor’s License 44810
CO Master Electrician’s License 4526
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional



Help Ensure Wrench List Continuance

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.

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.

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!

Toward that end, we're beginning an annual dues/membership program. But 
don't worry—nobody 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.

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 – $300 would be appropriate—it'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.

We've already had a few Wrenches send checks voluntarily—thank 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.

As always, if you have feedback, questions, or concerns about this, 
please contact me off-list.

Here's how you can submit your member dues:

By PayPal or Credit Card


By mailed check (make payable to Redwood Alliance):
Redwood Alliance
RE-Wrenches
PO Box 293
Arcata, CA 95518

Thanks for all you do, and looking forward to hearing from you.

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