Don writes:
> Yes, it would be nice; but I expect it will never happen.  Why?  Because as
> long as vendors are involved, they will want to sell you something (beyond
> things like the AMS and MAA publications), since they are in business to
> make a profit, while AMS and MAA are not.

That accusation is painted too broadly.

Vendors also should believe in "enlightened self interest".

I enjoy working on the HP 3000.
I want to continue working on the HP 3000.
I'm a vendor.

Therefore, it's in my best interest to contribute to the HP 3000
community.  I contribute in the form of time (answering questions,
helping people, even at the cost of foregoing consulting income),
free software (http://www.allegro.com/software/), and technical
papers/articles/presentations.

I think many vendors feel the same way.

Many customers do, too ... that's why we have the contributions to
the CSL from Boeing, I suspect.

AMS and MAA *are* in business to some extent.  It's just that their
requirements to stay alive are much less than for most businesses.

In short, I think low cost conferences would work, whether run
by vendors or users or a combination.
Stan Sieler                                           [log in to unmask]
www.allegro.com/sieler/wanted/index.html          www.allegro.com/sieler

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