Chad Gilles <[log in to unmask]> wrote in article <[log in to unmask]>... > > I will try to keep this short, > > I am running for the INTEREX Board of Directors. > > A short note about why I am running, > <snip> > Most importantly, I feel users groups (including INTEREX) should be run > by users, not consultants or HP. (I have nothing against HP or > consultants, but I feel they should not have a dominance in running an > indpendent users group) <snip> Chad, You seem to assume that running a user group is equivalent to 'dominance'. As INTEREX is dominated by 'ordinary' users rather than by consultants and all leadership positions are democratically elected how is such dominance achieved? How is 'dominance' by consultants worse that dominance by any other special interest group or individual with a agenda? What evidence can you point to that this is a particular problem? To the contrary, a number of the SIG leaders are consultants and to my knowledge they do a fine job. How do you define a 'user'? As a consultant or contract programmer how am I less a HP computer user than anyone else? If my consulting company owns a HP computer am I a user? A great many INTEREX members are not the owners of the HP computer that they use. What ensures that such members speak for the interests of the equipment owners? As a IT staff member I received a paycheck directly from my employer. As a consultant I now invoice my client and legally am paid by my company. How does this difference in the legal method of payment for my services make my opinion less valuable? Gee, can SIG Consult be run by consultants? ------------------------------------------------ As a well educated, white, American male perhaps I should thank you for this direct experience of raw, naked prejudice. - Cortlandt Wilson Cortlandt Software