SOS ... SOS ... SAVE OUR SHIP ... IT'S SINKING

[Nilsson Associates]

Chuck's vacation cruise fund goal is $3,300<br>and we've only raised around $840 as of last night ... mostly forum regulars and some new people so ... Guido Famiglietti wanted some suggestions how to get this fund raiser wrapped up.<p>The 76 who have pledged so far cough up some more money by changing their contribution to $43.50 each and we're done with it. It's still not a lot to ask and seems fair because the &quot;regulars&quot; get the most use out of the forum and have been here the longest time.<p>How does that sound? To me it sounds good, were done, now we move onto phase two which is to collect the money, and phase three which is to arrange press coverage.<p>By making the trip possible for Chuck, you show solidarity as a group, prove that you are not the ... penny pinching, no good cheap crumbumbs everybody says you are :) <p>Two others who suggested and support this remedy ... and they are ...<p>Ed Wagner of Turfquip.com<br>David Fiveash - Grassmasters <p>Next step:<br>Let's have each of the original 76 contributors repledge at the $43.50 level.<p>Phil Nilsson<p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><br><p><font size="1">Edited by: Nilsson Associates

[Nilsson Associates]

Okay I'm first ... I stick with my original pledge at $75.00 <br>Phil Nilsson

[jeffyr]

Say again how to get the money to Chuck.<p>I missed it.

[Nilsson Associates]

Where to send money for Chuck's cruise?<p>Instructions for payment:<br>1. Make check out to LawnSite.com Vacation<br>2. In the (memo area) of check write - KEOUGH<br>3. Send it to:<p>Bank of Belton<br>204 Main St<br>Belton, MO 64012<p>Notes:<br>. Chuck's Bank will deposit your check to the vacation account.<br>. Your paid check is returned to you with your bank statement.<br>. The account is already established and knows what to do with these funds when they receive them.<p>Phil Nilsson <br>

[Guido]

Phil, You can count me in if you answer my e-mail correctly! I can only afford one or the other right now. I have already sent $25.00 directly to Chuck on the 7th of June, before the account was setup. I'll add another $20.00 to that no problem! Come on guys, lets do this!! And don't feel like you HAVE to give all or none (it would be nice though), if you can't afford the $43.50 just give what you can. We need to get this rolling again. Now I have one suggestion, and I think a lot of people will agree with me. Chuck needs to put up a page with the name and ammount of each contributer so we can track what money has been raised, not what people say they'll send, plus it will confirm that our funds have made it to the account safely. Hope this works out!!<p>----------<br>&lt;a href=&quot;http://communities.msn.com/guidosequipmentpics/&quot;&gt;&quot;Guido&quot;&lt;/a&gt;<br>David M. Famiglietti<br><p><font size="1">Edited by: guido

[thelawnguy]

I already sent $50 so if someone comes up a little short my contribution should help even the score.<p>Bill

[Nilsson Associates]

Nobody put me up to sayin this but ...<br>if this were my forum and I put all the work into it that Chuck has ... and if I didn't receive support on this from all the folks around here? I would ban any nonsupporter on the theory that they didn't deserve my support either and rip them off the boards ... in a New York Minute. After doing that, they'd come limping back soon as they had a question that needed to be answered ... you know, the kind that saves them hundreds of dollars. If that didn't work, I'd shut it down completely, for good because if that's what a person gets? go figure? <p>If Chuck doesn't make that ship? what a slap in the face and what you're really sayin is that nice guys finish last. If you have to twist arms over it, what's the purpose? is that all there is? is this as good as it gets?<p>Phil Nilsson<p><p>

[plowking35]

Once again boys. Change to a payed site and all this will go away.5-10$ sign up fee, and chuck will have enough$$ to do what he wants with and end this PBS pledge driving.<br>The cruisers will either pay up or get out. And the rest of us can get on with business instead of pledge breaks

[slingshot]

WE NOW RETURN TO BARNY ALREADY IN PROGRESS

[trimmer]

I remember this post but I don't know what the original amount even was maybe you could post that so people knew how much to send.<p>Exquisite Lawn Services<br>Central Floridia<br>

[Toroguy]

If the ship doesnt sail buy Chuck a big screen TV.<p>I havnt sent my original $3.50 pledge yet, I figured the $$s might not add up. If the $43 idea gets unanimous support I will send that in.

[pspadaro]

i raised my original pledge from $5 to $10 and put it in the mail this morning. as someone who has been a lurker here since last year but has never posted, i feel like i know most of the regulars personalities. i've gotten plenty of helpful info from this forum. if more is needed i'm willing to kick in more. but i think phil should cover anyones plegde who doesn't send in the money.

[Nilsson Associates]

Is this as good as it gets?

[Guido]

Somebody asked what a good defenition of a SCRUB was.........well here's one you can add to it: I think scrubs are people like the 12 memebers that can't send in $3.50 like the ones I covered with my $45.00 or it could be the 21 memebers Phil covered with his $75- and son on. Don't be leeches guys, I know a lot of you &quot;take&quot; from this forum, so heres your chance to &quot;give&quot; something back and keep it goin!!<p>----------<br>&lt;a href=&quot;http://communities.msn.com/guidosequipmentpics/&quot;&gt;&quot;Guido&quot;&lt;/a&gt;<br>David M. Famiglietti

[TGCummings]

Phil,<p>You're taking the 'voluntary' outta voluntary contribution. Is this a good cause or a tax on services?<p>My original pledge was $10. I haven't sent it yet, so I'll reevaluate it over the next couple days and see what I can spare to the cause. Having just invested another $5000 upgrading my business, my significant other is inclined to frown upon further expenditures of any variety; even to good causes; and I can't say I blame her. <p>Pressuring people to ante up won't help, it'll just serve to shy away some who have already pledged and leave a bitter taste in the mouths of those who haven't. <p>If you can spare something for Chuck's trip, god bless. If you cannot, please enjoy our free exchange of ideas.<p>Wasn't that the original premise?<p>-TGC

[Scraper]

I agree with you TGC. Also, I will be contributing more than promised, but since when did a cruise cost $3,000+? Even for 2 it shouldn't cost that much. Heck Stone was planning on a cruise to Bermuda for under $1,000 and we all know how frugal he can be....

[Eric ELM]

TGCummings: I agree with you 100%. You have to listen to the other half too, because they are part of this business too, even if they aren't involved directly.<p>Someone posted that there should be a post on who sent and how much. This will just make the bigger companies look bigger and the small ones look smaller, but that's just my opinion. I realize what Chuck puts into this forum is a lot of money, but a lot of hard work too. I get a taste of what the work involved in this is by being a moderator and that isn't anything compared to what Chuck is putting into this forum. I'm hoping if a post of what guys contribute is made public that all the hours of being moderator will be added next to my money contribution. <p><br><p>----------<br>&lt;a href=&quot;http://pages.prodigy.net/eric.erickson/&quot;&gt;Eric@ELM&lt;/a&gt;<br>The Grass is always Greener on the other side of my competitors fence

[Nilsson Associates]

If anyone cares to READ CAREFULLY they will understand. The fund raiser was expected to have over 900 pledges at $3.50 each, less than 10% of registered users have come forward. So what's the mystery with this?<br>So ... the $3,300 is around $2,300 for the trip (10 days) and $1,000 spending money.<br>Are you saying Chuck isn't worth it? Let's go back to the 900 plus registered. Now it's over 1,000 where are they when you need them? <p>You got it ... there otta here soon as they have to do more to make it happen. It's real simple ... we don't have the 900 we expected at $3.50 so we're saying that it's still possible at the $43.50 level. If Chuck or the forum isn't worth $43.50 to you? .. fill in the rest.<p>I'm just reporting the happenings with this thing ... now you're trying to defend being a cop out? c'mon bring your thinking to a higher level ... or maybe that's what the peoblem is to begin with. I figured this was a real good idea. Quite a few people agreed. Now, that the stakes are higher what do we see? We see let it happen attitudes ... when we should be seeing make it happen attitudes.<p>If you're not going to &quot;make it happen&quot; just say so. I'll stop with the progress report everyday ... which has now come to a standstill.

[Toroguy]

Phil,<br>What are the options if enough isnt raised? Im hesitant to send money if it will be returned.<p>I agree it is a shame that more hasnt been pledged.<p>If enough isnt raised their has to be something to give or present to Chuck with alot of fanfare, and publicity. I suggested a Big screen TV earlier for Chuck to watch the Chiefs or Rams on, but a vacation with a guest would be more memorable.

[Nilsson Associates]

I hate to see the thing die in the water. How come Turf Magazine hasn't pledged anything? Pro Magazine hasn't either? John Deere, Exmark and others. They must have heard about this. I'm pretty sure that both of those mags would want the story which would be very interesting to all concerned. Haven't given up yet. Still thinking on the ways and means of making it happen. Imagine Chuck standing there holding that check. Big photo suitable for framing hanging on forum members wall, something to look back on and remember the &quot;good times&quot;. I think if Turf Mag did the article everybody who made it possible should be in there by name or forum ID. <p>Phil Nilsson

[plowking35]

I will tell you why this never took off.<br>ITS A BAD IDEA<br>Look if chuck is overwelmed by this site then change it to a payed site. the lurkers wont pay and thats the end of discussion.<br>By the shear nature of this site what benifits one another is each other. Now no harm intended by the host is just the host with out all the people posting this site wouldnt be jack.<br>Now ELM gives alot of his time, do we now need a fund raiser for him?? How about me I post in the plowing section 2-5x a day, and have spoken with and helped numerous people. Dont I deserve a fund raiser?? How about you Phil?? How about everybody for that matter?<br>Maybe what we have here Phil is a matter of hurt feelings since your brain child idea flopped.<br>Now dont get me wrong I am more than happy to help out, and volunteer alot of our time in our community. So I would be more than happy to pay my way in this forum, however dont expect everyone to just get a hold of your idea and run with it. Perhaps what is really holding this back is the fact it was your idea, dont know just a thought

[crew]

Just mailed my original pledge of 10.00 assuming Chuck picked &quot;dance&quot; over &quot;top&quot;.<br>I tend to agree that the pressure is getting a bit heavy handed.Having said that, step up to plate all you price shoppers and drop a dime for a worthy cause.<br>Thanks again Chuck.

[turfquip]

<br>That's heresy plow king....no wonder the thread got yanked. How dare you espouse such beliefs!<br>

[Administrator]

the thread got yanked because it was a double post.. no need to leave the same thread all over the place.<p>

[Nilsson Associates]

The idea for Chuck's vacation fund was a good idea and is still a good idea. Had the registered members came forward ... it would have been painless ... just $3.50 each to do <br>a good thing for a deserving person. So far we didn't get the numbers expected so the reason for a higher pledge. <p>

[snow]

I agree 100% with dino. this site was free to begin with, so why do you expect over 900 users to pledge $3.50 or more. most are just lurkers, and just pretend to ignore the post. This whole plot was just a gimmick to try and raise your rep so you can sell some books. And the people that already pledged, you ask then for even more money,you've got a nerve. this boat was sunk before it set sail. overall, did u really expect people to help you out phil? get it through your head that this trip went down the drain!!<p>Bryan

[southside]

Rather disapointing that this worthy cause<br>has degenerated into a nasty little bun fight. Starting to sound like bloody 10 year<br>olds.<br>Phil, I agree with all members sending $3.50<br>but why should the people who offered to send<br>this amount then pay a whole lot more,due<br>torichardhead parasite lurkers.Isn't that just<br>punishing the regular members?<p>Karl<p><p><font size="1">Edited by: administrator

[Nilsson Associates]

Bryan,<br>I did expect more. Not for myself, but for Chuck. I'm not here to sell books, I'm here to sell people on maybe stepping forward to support a good cause. If you don't think the cause is worthy, well you're entitled to your opinion. I never expected to overcome attitudes, ignorance, go nowhere comments all of the crying and fussing that has resulted from making this effort. What I did expect was that folks put aside their selfishness ... just this one time ... to pay tribute to the host for making this site possible. Some people have acted very big about this ... some people have acted very small about this. It's a shame.<p>To the many who have pledged ... thank you.

[Greenkeepers]

Phil-<p>Find the number of people who are willing to give what it takes to get Chuck on the big boat (as long as it's reasonable). Maybe as Chuck sugguested look for a 3-5 day cruise to save a few bucks. <p>You should have never expected the all the members to give in. The majority of them probably don't ever come here any more. <p>I'm in!!!<p>Mike <br>Greenkeepers

[jakev]

I sent my $50. This site has helped me build a better company and I thank everyone for that.<p>I could care less how Chuck spends the money. Cruise or whatever... go buy dinner and a movie for all I care.<p>RE: SNOW<p>This idea has not failed. I have helped out and that makes me feel good knowing that I can return the favor. Phil has not promotted his books a single time. As a matter of fact I think your the first to bring that up. I thought we were trying to help our Chuck here.. did Phil ever mention us sending him money for a vacation?<p>

[Nilsson Associates]

Put it on your mastercard if you have to. Pay for it over ten years if you have to.

[Charles]

I want my money for getting Chuck all that publicity in Turf magazine. :)

[plowking35]

Seeing as this is a very hot topic, and we all see a different solution, amybe we all should just let it go. If you want to send money, send it. <br>I personally will not post any more to this or any other like orientated thread. Maybe we all should just let it go, and move onto helping each other, since that is what we all do best.<br>For Phil, maybe just post the adress again for people who are motivated and leave the pledge drives to PBS and Girl Scouts.

[slingshot]

guido, is there any reason you are calling people in this forum scrubs your doing a bad job jumping on phills bandwagon.all you are doing is getting people pissed off and there all turning away from giving.in outher posts people that called outhers in this forum got jumped all over

[Nilsson Associates]

Is that it or are we going to get this show on the road? <p>Pick and choose ...<p>1. Let a few with &quot;defeatist attitude&quot; posts get you down? <p>2. Let those with dismal outlooks on life ruin a good thing?<p>3. Let your good judgement be influenced<br>and &quot;poisoned&quot; by nay sayers?<p>4. Let hostilities from a few troublemakers who themselves don't have a clue ... spoil Chuck's trip?<p>5. Let yourself give up so easily your thinking swayed by those with &quot;crap&quot; for brains and &quot;mush&quot; for emotions?<p>6. Let yourself fall in line behind people who have never &quot;been anywhere&quot; and don't want anybody else to &quot;go anywhere&quot; ... pure jealousy and childish reaction.<p>7. Let yourself think negative instead of positive as if life is just a bad trip passing before you in a go nowhere scenario you fall victim to it. <p>8. Let yourself wallow in the miserable world of the also rand, hopeless outlooks, at each turn in the road, where some folks say that life sucks and that's okay with them.<p>Is that it? Is that all you got inside you?<p>This is my final post on this subject. If you don't get the picture by now? <p>Get the program off the ground, follow this post with renewed pledges because we don't have the numbers to make the trip happen. We can still do this. It's up to you. <p>Phil Nilsson<br><p><font size="1">Edited by: Nilsson Associates

[Greenkeepers]

Ok! Chuck said that he'd make a board with all pledges and for pledges of $50 or more they will be included in his directory of some sort. It's called advertising expense. It will bring down your net income that you will pay taxes on at the end of the year and it's for a good cause. Before I babble anymore, Chuck is this offer still valid???<p>Mike<br>Greenkeepers

[Guido]

SLINGSHOT - Have I ever called a person a scrub directly? Show me. If you go back up and read my 2 posts in this topic, their actually a little too nice for my style! If you want to know if I think a guy that sits on this site and take takes takes, and can't give three dollars and 50 cents to a admin that put a whole lot more into this site, well YES I DO! Phils bandwgon? Actually Phil will even vouch for this, I don't agree with everything Phil says and the way he does some things, his opinions, etc, and he doesn't like some of the things I say, my opinions, etc. Do we agree sometimes?? Yes. Because I'm backing this cruise fund has nothing to do with Phil (besides the fact that he started it up). I want to see Chuck get his well deserved vacation thats why he's getting my $45.00! Nothing to do with Phil, that moneys not going to send Phil anywhere, so settle down slingshot, I don't want to argue with anyone here. Debating is great, but not arguing. Cool? Good. Sorry if I bothered you man!<p>----------<br>&lt;a href=&quot;http://communities.msn.com/guidosequipmentpics/&quot;&gt;&quot;Guido&quot;&lt;/a&gt;<br>David M. Famiglietti

[BFreiburger]

Bottom line, this site has already saved me time and money. And I for one can't think of a better way for all of us to get together and compare notes. I will send my $50 in with my thanks to Chuck for a invaluable service.<p><p><br>----------<br>Bill @ Lawn Master<p><p>&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;Edited by: BFreiburger<br><p><font size="1">Edited by: BFreiburger

[Nilsson Associates]

Am I to believe that people around here will not go the distance on this?

[gene gls]

Phil: I have uped my anti to match your donation. It's a worthy cause. I'm sure Chuck will enjoy the end resualt in what ever way is approperite with the monies raised. Thanks for all your work Chuck!