Volunteers [was Subject: Re: [Leica]M6 for Brian]

[George Hartzell <hartzell@corp.webtv.net>]

Brian said: 
   Please don't do this. It would embarrass me awfully.
   I have gotten my money's worth out of the LUG. [...]

I think making sure that Brian knows how much we appreciate the
service that he provides the leica community (and the rollei
community, the killifish community, the fools, and other lists he may
someday support) is very important.  Thanking him occasionally, on the
list and in private email is a Good Thing.

On the other hand, it can be frustrating to volunteer something to a
group and then have them try to [re]pay you for it.  I'm much happier
when the people who benefit from _my_ efforts turn around and

  PASS IT ON.

So maybe the way to thank Brian is to:

  - contribute some time, materials, or $$$ to a photography program
    for folks who otherwise wouldn't know the joys of photography.
  - contribute some $$$, time, or images/services to the Nature
    Conservancy, the Sierra Club, the Mono Lake Committee, or
    whomever, to help preserve the landscapes that we love to shoot.
  - ...
  - do something unrelated to photography, but that involves sharing
    what you know or have with others and helps them improve/enjoy
    their life.  Then encourage them to Pass It On.

Volunteerism is a powerful force, let's keep it going.

g.