[EIDXA] FW: Clipperton vote & comments

[K0CF]

The following comments come from Glenn Johnson, W0GJ. He has
an interesting point of view on the topic that deserves
reading. 
If Glenn has persuaded you to change your vote, it's not too
late!

73,
Craig Fastenow, K0CF



I would vote NO.

Reason: This is a test run for Heard Island.  I have
reviewed the budget and even though the Clipperton
DXpedition could use some cash, with only a relatively small
incremental increase from each of the participants, the
budget could be easily met.

I would save funds for DXpeditions that really need the
funds. With EIDXA's "smaller" budget, I personally would
recommend funding for those in the top 25 Most Wanted or
higher.

In the next year or so, there will be two, possibly three,
sub-Antarctic DXpeditions to entities in the Top 10.   The
budget for each of these operations is absolutely
mind-boggling.    Heard Island's preliminary budget is
basically $1 million.

These operations will need every dime.   In addition to very
generous foundation & club funding, I know of one operation
that will be seeking a minimum of $100,000 in contributions
from 1000 DXers......     Each of the participants will
already be putting up $20-40,000 of their own money to go.
They will be gone from home for nearly two months, so their
monetary contribution is only a part of their real cost.

Our DXing community is going to have to step up to the plate
and put our money where our mouth (or key....) is.    These
DXpeditions will feel different as many of us will be asked
to contribute $1000 individually, without expecting any
return dollars.   "WE" at home will have a real stake in an
operation.   Unfortunately, the "nickel & dime" DXpedition
to a rare place is a thing of the past.   That is why we
have Top Ten entities.   They are expensive, dangerous,
and/or fraught with political nightmares (e.g. North Korea
and U.S. F.W.S.)  and getting to the Top of the Honor Roll
is going to be harder and harder in the next few years. 

I would save up our treasury for bigger fish to come....and
they will come....only if we dig deep into our pockets.

I would encourage individuals to give what they can to
Clipperton, particularly if they need it.   Consider it some
"ownership."   You might be surprised how good you will
feel.

73!

Glenn W0GJ