Hi Mike,

Just to clarify, my vision of the website is very specific, and it's purpose is *not* to be a national organization with a myriad of issues and agendas. What I'm thinking of is just creating a very simple website that the average Joe snake owner can go to get information to act himself. This information could include:

- links to hysterical articles and email addresses for rebuttal

- contacts for potential TV programs

- links to relevant websites exposing these animal right groups

- solicit other ideas for using the media to fight back.

Stuff like this. We need to make it easier for people to act, since I think a lot of them are either uninclined to pay dues, and/or they simply don't know what to do.

Maybe I'm being naive, but at the same time, it's not uncommon for websites to become incredibly popular within days, just by word of mouth. Even if only several hundred people act, it cold make a difference if we are persistent.

It wouldn't really be that much work for such a website. The domain could be bought for under $15, and a simple website is easy to construct.

Thanks,
Ed


>>Ed and All,
>>
>>I think the discussion so far has been positive but there are some considerations that must be sorted through.
>>
>>A "grassroots" effort without guidance I don't think will happen. A few of us do participate in a self guided "grassroots" effort but our message is not consistent, focused and coordinated. In general, people need direction, guidance and focus. So I think a "grassroots" organization solves this problem. But if an organization is formed it needs to have an agenda. And to unify all the herp folks this agenda will have to include positions on each of the issues. The current organizations out there do not do this so a new, all inclusive organization needs to be formed.
>>
>>A website that is free to all sounds like a good idea but it would really not be free. Creating content and running the site would take some funding. We also need funds for a whole host of things. If we gave it away free we couldn't generate the capital needed to fund our fight.
>>
>>We need two things: willing people and money. I have heard that most herp societies and groups are run by a small handful of dedicated people who do most of the work. If we could find the people willing to do this consistently that would be great but that is a very difficult thing to do. I have been trying to start an all inclusive organization for over a year with little to no help. I have people who want to be members but they don't want to do any of the work. I have asked for help but people are to busy. The problem is that many folks need to spend their time working to earn a living. Starting and running a group does not pay well as a matter of fact it costs in time and money.
>>
>>I would be willing to donate my time towards a national organization as long as I agree with the agenda. I do not have much in the way of funds to contribute. Comments?
>>
>>Mike Welker
>>El Paso, TX

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