[TheForge] abana does not need bashing, it needs an open review and reform

[George Dixon]

A recent quote:
"The professional conduct of some board members weighed against the
unprofessional conduct of others" says it all.  The latter are 
tarnishing the rest........

The serious breaches of ethics and abuse of elected office resides 
largely (but not exclusively) in the "executive" committee.  Bidding for 
both the central office and the publications have been conducted in a 
manner that will not  do well under any objective review.
An example: At the 2000 conference, the head of publications announced 
to the membership that the change of production for the anvil's ring 
would save $25000.  This was also stated in the official Board meeting 
minutes.
However, the bidders were then told that they were to formally submit 
their proposals the following fall.  This after the savings from one bid 
was announced.
The 2nd bidders proposal was tabled by the executive committee at the 
fall 2000 board meeting.
Although it was received and signed for by the president of abana, 
before the meeting, the balance of the board was not shown the bid.  The 
Board of ABANA has refused to date to substantiate the claimed $25000 in 
savings.
So, ABANA Board....how much money was saved by switching publications to 
the new provider?

Note, this is not about who produces a magazine for the members of 
abana.  The low bidder should, and I doubt if either  bidder acted in 
anything but good faith.  The Board seems not to have acted properly.  
They can now set this straight.  Did abana save the claimed $25000 by 
switching publishers?   (A hint; just prior to that figure being 
repeated in the anvils ring, the head of publications changed the figure 
from $25000 saved to "a substantial sum" saved)

Cite the amount saved or lost by this action.
Do the math: $25K versus the dues per member.

George Dixon
{A Board member recently stated that " ABANA is not in the education 
business".....he should read the charter.  Perhaps education in ABANA 
would lead to less coal forges being sawed down to accomodate those who 
do not know how to burn coal}