We're putting the Secret Cabal back together...

[Hutch]

....but don't tell anyone (it's a secret).

I had so much fun at TAM3 (my first), that I thought I'd try and do something nice. So at TAM4 I sponsored a poster here and (with some help) got him a room and registration for TAM. It went so well, I did it again for TAM5, and again it went well.

But for TAM6, the person I had targeted was in England, so I needed help--and so the Secret Cabal was born, and a certain Adequate poster who is no longer with us not only got to TAM, but met his wife there (who, coincidently, is also banned from the Forum). That worked so well that we brought an entire family of skeptics to TAM7, along with a grumpy Iowan.

And now it is 6 months to TAM8; and time to start thinking.

While there are no particular qualifications for this, in general I have operated under these guidelines:

1. The poster should be well-known and well-respected throughout the Forum (not necessarily loved, mind you, but somebody whose opinion you respect, even when they are bone-headed wrong).

2. The poster is in such financial condition that they could not make TAM in anything close normal circumstances--any spare money is already spoken for.

3. While not mandatory, having been down on their luck and life having put in several kicks to the head is worth consideration; because.....

4. It will do them good. Oh, not that there will be a big revelation or that they will go forth and perform great things in the future; but sometimes just being around this bunch can make things better, at least for a time, and provide memories (or so I have been told) that they treasure. It is a proud and lonely thing to be a Skeptic; being among others like you seems to have a great (positive) effect.

5. I'd rather not repeat individuals, there are folks out there that have never been to a TAM, so repeating people just doesn't seem fair. (that said, the first two I sponsored have open invites from me personally anytime they want to exercise it).

Please note: THIS THREAD IS NOT TO NOMINATE PEOPLE PUBLICALLY--It's a SECRET CABAL, for Goodness Sakes!!!! If you want to provide me some suggestions, please do so via PM.

This thread is just to find who wants to be a member--but remember, shhhhh, it's a Secret.....

 

[Gord_in_Toronto]

tinc

 

[Wowbagger]

You're secret is safe with me. Though, I'd like to know, via PM, who the person(s) will be, before I commit to paying... membership dues.

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

It's worth pointing out that this is separate from the official scholarship program run by Paul A. IIRC, that is for tuition only - it is up to the individual to get to Vegas and get a roof over their head.

This is over and above that - people who can't make it, even if you let them in the conference for free.

It seems to have worked well in the past. I may or may not have participated.

 

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Because I have been the TAM scholarship manager, I may have been privy to what perhaps were some forumites who were possibly beneficiaries of the secret cabal. Scrut is correct: He may, or possibly may not, have contributed to this endeavor.

Money for the recipients' registration fees should come through me. This gives us a better idea of the number of people receiving scholarships, eliminates possible confusion with scholarship applications, and also allows the donors a tax deduction. The rest of the recipients' expenses are managed by Hutch.

~~ Paul

 

[Geek Goddess]

Hutch, you know you can count me in again.

Whoever you pick is fine, I won't make my decision to assist your Cabal based on that.

I assume Scrut doesn't qualify anyway.

 

[MattusMaximus]

Hutch, count me in as well.