[Robotgroup] Begging for Stuff (Note 6)

[Ed Xavier Gonzalez]

On Begging for Stuff

Right off, I know a few individuals that will reel backward in their chairs 
at this
subject being considered for discussion or comment, because of a perceived 
strong lack of
willingness on 'some' peoples' part to give away some sheet goods or metal 
components, or
even spend three or four hours of machine time that would normally cost 
$100/hour or more
to a paying customer.

There are those that will always try to get things for free because they 
aren't willing to
fork over their own cash.  For someone to assume that a member should be 
gracious enough
to incur a significant financial expense without considering alternatives 
just isn't being
fair.  The requester should be just as willing to stick a crowbar in their 
own wallets and
hand over fistfuls of money if they're willing to implore another member to 
do the same.
After all, fair is fair.

Why this subject?

Because there are a few people that frequently are seen begging for or 
whimpering to get
stuff that somebody brings into a meeting.  With little to show for 
previous 'offerings',
the same few individuals can be seen and heard soliciting for anything they 
can get for
free.  It's embarrassing to me for another member to constantly be sucking 
up to another
RG person or visitor so they could have something at no expense.  That kind 
of mentality
makes dealing with those people uncomfortable at best, and painful at worst.

Yes, there are those that want to get rid of stuff and are happy to see a 
long cluttered
corner of their garage for the first time in six years.  When the same few 
greedy people
are clamoring to stuff as much into their pockets as they can before 
somebody else finds
out, it looks pitiful and it makes the offer by the person donating the 
goods less
appreciated.

Instead, why shouldn't the requester/buyer of donated goods offer a 
monetary reimbursement
to the RG for some cool piece of technology?  It doesn't have to be full 
retail price, or
even 10% off wholesale.  But at least SOMETHING!  It would help the RG's 
coffers and show
a level of appreciation to the donor that the purchaser has a legitimate 
need or desire to
own a piece of history or use it in some personal project, and validate 
that those items
being offered have a level of value beyond just their weight in the recycle 
bin.


<The right to Free Speech does not diminish the value of remaining silent>

Ed Xavier Gonzalez
Oak Hill Laser
ohlaser at swbell.net
(512) 288-5243