[We are done] beetleboy will get his well deserved prize!

[radar]

A lot of you would know that beetleboy (Liam) won the Challenge 10 competition with this entry. For his efforts, he won the first prize: a Nikon D70s. Due to various circumstances that a lot of you know about, he has not received his prize. That's over a two months wait.

This thread is not to go over old ground but instead to go forward in getting Liam his well deserved prize, if you want to know the story, search the posts in these forums or email me and I'll point them out. The best way to get Liam his prize is to get contributions so that we, as a community, purchase Liam his prize. We need to collect around $900.

I have been in contact with Liam and some moderators and they agree that I can go ahead with this.

You can contribute to the collection by sending me an email. Email me at the address below specifying how much you would like to donate and I will pass on my bank account details so you can do a direct transfer. I could even take cheques if you really can't do a direct transfer, but let me know first.

As the funds start coming in, I will keep you posted as to how we are going. I will also keep a list going of who is contributing. If you do not wish your name to be put on that list, just let me know in the email you send me.

We don't want this to become a "Mine is bigger then yours" contest, so I won't be posting the amounts contributed but rest assured any amount big or small would be much appreciated.

In order to be fully accountable to the forums each email is also sent to MHD (Scott) and xorl(Mark) so the process is properly audited. All emails will be kept confidential.

Contact me by sending a PM.
(edit: remove email address, not needed anymore as we have reached our target)

In your email please state your full name, forum name and the amount you wish to donate. When doing the EFT, include your forum name in the reference field. Once you have done the EFT, please send a new email to the address above to inform us that the transfer has been done (as suggested by xorl below)

List of Donours, in no particular order:

-radar (André)
-meicw (Mike)
-stubbsy (Peter)
-cricketfan - (Trevor)
-geoff - (Geoff)
-manta - (Simon)
-oscar - (Mick)
-fozzy - (Leighton)
-shakey - (Simon)
-blacknstormy - (Rel)
-sirhc55 - (Chris)
-Matt K - (Matt)
-sheepie - (Leon)
-Alex - (Alex)
-xorl - (Mark)
-mitchell - (Mitchell)
-cyanide - (Rae)
-rooboy & macka - (Patrick & Kris)
-rookie2 - Damian
-gstark - Gary
-alpha_7 & Katie G - (Craig and Katie)
-moggy - Bob
-robw25 - Rob

Special thanks should also go to Poon for giving us a great price on the camera so it allowed us to reach the target even sooner

Thank you,

André
(edit: add extra about what to include in email)

[sirhc55]

Radar - had my email to you returned

This Message was undeliverable due to the following reason:

Your message was not delivered because the destination computer was
not found. Carefully check that it was spelled correctly and try
sending it again if there were any mistakes.

It is also possible that a network problem caused this situation,
so if you are sure the address is correct you might want to try to
send it again. If the problem continues, contact your friendly
system administrator.

Host dlsrusers.net not found.

The following recipients did not receive this message:

<radar@dlsrusers.net>

[radar]

Sorry Chris and others,

you read, re-read and reread and still make mistakes

Email above now fixed, you would think that I could spell dslrusers

André

[Oscar]

My email returned also! Cheers, Mick

[fozzie]

I managed to get through on: radar@dslrusers.net


fozzie

[radar]

Just a bump so that the ones that read the forums later in the day get to see this at the top in the recent "Topics" list

thanks to all those that have donated so far, I'll update the list in the morning.

(edit: remove email, reached our target)

Cheers,

André

[christiand]

Hi everyone,

I have been thinking about this initiative of collecting funds sufficient enough to purchase the camera for Liam that was ment to be the winning price for the competition.
Liam has been awarded the price - he should have had received it - no doubt.
I don't believe that the commnity as such should be assisting in purchasing a replacement winning price as a compensation for the one not received.
It is a beautiful guesture of the community that is willing to compensate for the yet non event of actually receiving the price and I appreciate and share the support for our community member Liam.
I also would like to help Liam to finally receive his price for challange 10 -I don't know how.
However I strongly believe the failure of delivering the price is a matter of failed politics and communication and higher powers such as the conductors of the competition should take responsibility.
I cannot and will not take responsibility for this issue.

Best regards,
Christian

[MHD]

I agree with your sentiments CD, and no one in any way should feel obliged...

I am the competition organiser or convener, and I do bear some responsibility. I have however always made it clear that prizes were donated by a third party and never by or through me or DSLRusers... At the end of the comp there basically exists an arangement between the donor and recipient.

And yes I agree there was a failure in politics, a total failure, but believe me all avenues were tried and exhusted. As was the time of many people here....

While I am open to discussion of this, please keep it out of this thread for now.

[MHD]

Also, in the interests of accountability I will be receiving all the information Radar receives..
All information/donations will be kept in the strictest of confidence.

[the foto fanatic]

I would urge members to support André's initiative.

Politics really has nothing to do with this now. All that is important is that the prize for a competition that many entered in good faith is no longer available for reasons out of our control.

That has an effect on all of us, and therefore it is my belief that we should all share the responsibility.

It's sort of like the way insurance works. Many contribute a small amount to ensure that no individual loses a large amount.

It would be great for Liam specifically and the forum generally to get this resolved quickly.

[gstark]

Christian,

Your points are valid and well made. I certainly do not expect anyone to make any form of a donation, but I do support André's efforts, and I would ask all members to give this matter the same serious thought that you have given this matter, and to come to what they would believe is the appropriate decision, for them.

To address the the points you have made, yes, I wholeheartedly agree that this is something that should have been addressed offline, and yes, it's a failure of communication.

But you raise the issue of politics? Anyone who knows me knows that there is little that I abhor more than anything that is remotely political. There were no politics involved whatsoever from the people who attempted to help Liam resolve this issue. The only issue that has even been in question was that a personal promise was made by one individual to another, through the pages of this forum.

That promise has been broken, and to my lnowledge no less than six different individuals have tried to have the matter resolved in what was believed to be the appropriate manner. Input was publicly invited from other parties - whom it was felt may have been able to assist - but sadly, they remained silent.

While I respect your opinion, and while André is the instigator and coordinator of this effort, it was actually suggested by a number of different members. Certainly, nobody will ask you to take responsibilty for any of the issues that this effort raises.

Now, to a bit of administrivia ...

In order to ensure accountability of the donations being collected, your emails are actually being sent to three different people: André, obviously, but also to members xorl and MHD. The email address that is being used by André for this is simply a redirector, and it on-forwards the emails received to each of the three recipients simultaneously. Mark (xorl) and Scott have each offerred to help audit the process, and André is fully comfortable with this situation.


Getting back to the point, and as Trevor has said, all that is important is that the prize for a competition that many entered in good faith is no longer available for reasons that are beyond our control. If you are comfortable with the need for this, and with the processes we have put in place, then please consider the value of André's initiative.

If not, that is fine. Nobody here will argue with you on this matter.

[radar]

Just updated the list of donours at the top of the thread, much appreciated.

If you happen to have sent an email to the above address and it didn't get through, please PM me and we'll get it sorted out.

Christian, thanks for your points. Can't add much more to that then what has already been said.

Cheers,

André

[beetleboy]

I feel the need to post in this thread but have no idea what I'm supposed to say!

I'm flabbergasted by the overwhelming responses and truly grateful for everyone's compassion and community spirit.

Liam

[Manta]

You don't have to say anything Liam except "Smile!" when you're pointing your new camera at someone.

[xorl]

As noted by Gary, I am also receiving any email sent to radar@dslrusers.net to allow independant review of the donations. The email will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used to account for each donation.

To make this process easier it would help if everyone includes their forum name when emailing radar@dslrusers.net. Also, please send a quick email once have transferred your donation to confirm that it has been sent.

[sheepie]

To make this process easier it would help if everyone includes their forum name when emailing radar@dslrusers.net. Also, please send a quick email once have transferred your donation to confirm that it has been sent.

That's a good point - I just blindly sent my email this morning without even thinking about you guys not knowing who it was coming from!

[sirhc55]

”bump”

[the foto fanatic]

C'mon people - let's get Liam his prize. He deserves it.

[radar]

”bump”

Beat me to it

A big thank you to all that have contributed so far but we aren't there yet. Remember, donations big or small gladly accepted.

Cheers,

André

[sheepie]

It's a bit like a telethon isn't it! I wonder if we can issue challenges, and pledge on condition Mods do certain acts (like pie in the face, etc.)

[Manta]

It's a bit like a telethon isn't it! I wonder if we can issue challenges, and pledge on condition Mods do certain acts (like pie in the face, etc.)

Hey, not fair! I donated before there were any such "incentives" !!

[Alpha_7]

It's a bit like a telethon isn't it! I wonder if we can issue challenges, and pledge on condition Mods do certain acts (like pie in the face, etc.)

Hey, not fair! I donated before there were any such "incentives" !!

You could always donate again

[beetleboy]

I'll volunteer for the "use my face to photoshop into embarassing scenarios" segment if there's one going!

[Manta]

It's a bit like a telethon isn't it! I wonder if we can issue challenges, and pledge on condition Mods do certain acts (like pie in the face, etc.)

Hey, not fair! I donated before there were any such "incentives" !!

You could always donate again

Good idea Craig. I just did.

[radar]

Hi,

just updated the list of contributors on the first page of this thread. If you have sent me an email and your name is not on the list, let me know because that email got lost somewhere

A big thank you to everyone for supporting this effort,

Cheers,

André

[sheepie]

How's the total going Andre?

[radar]

How's the total going Andre?

Doing pretty good for having it run for only two days but we aren't there yet.

Cheers,

André

[radar]

Bump

[radar]

Amazing!!!!

We are done, we have collected the required amount. I would like to thank all the donours and sorry to the ones that would have liked to donate but didn't get to it.

Just goes to prove how strong of a community DSLRusers is.

Liam (beetleboy) the camera should be on its way ASAP, enjoy

Just have to go out for a bit but I'll fill some more details later tonight,

Thanks again to all of the members for your support,

Cheers,

André

[gstark]

Amazing!!!!

It truly is. I will leave it to Radar to post whatever details that he feels appropriate, within his own timeframe, but I can assure that the generosity of the members of this forum, and the community spirit that we enjoy, is something that is more valuable than anyone can ever hope to express.

Liam (beetleboy) the camera should be on its way ASAP, enjoy

Just as soon as he tells me a delivery address. My hope is that it should be in his hands early next week.

Thanks again to all of the members for your support,

I can only echo André's thanks, and of course a hearfelt thanks to everyone for their help, support, and generosity.

A hearty well done, all of you!

[Geoff]

Well done people...great effort!!

[beetleboy]

A special thank you to:

-radar (André)
-meicw (Mike)
-stubbsy (Peter)
-cricketfan - (Trevor)
-geoff - (Geoff)
-manta - (Simon)
-oscar - (Mick)
-fozzy - (Leighton)
-shakey - (Simon)
-blacknstormy - (Rel)
-sirhc55 - (Chris)
-Matt K - (Matt)
-sheepie - (Leon)
-Alex - (Alex)
-xorl - (Mark)
-mitchell - (Mitchell)
-cyanide - (Rae)
-rooboy & macka - (Patrick & Kris)
-rookie2 - Damian
-gstark - Gary
-alpha_7 & Katie G - (Craig and Katie)
-moggy - Bob
-robw25 - Rob

and anyone else who may not be on the list!

Thank you guys


EDIT: added extra donors

[sheepie]

Wonderful news guys! Let me reinforce what Gary has said about community spirit...

This is something that really does set this forum apart from others around - don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

It's not all about the admin, the mods, key members or anyone else - it's about what we can, as a whole, offer each other.

Well done all

[the foto fanatic]

I dips me lid!

Well done to all contributors, and congratulations to Liam who has been amazingly resilient and patient through a trying time.

Thanx to André for running the camerathon and counting the money.

[sheepie]

Thanx to André for running the camerathon and counting the money.

Now - about those cream pies for the mods

[Manta]

Great result.

Enjoy the 'prize' Liam - you've well and truly earned it. I'm sure I speak for all of us who contributed in saying that it's made us feel good too.

[radar]

Okay,

I've had some nice Reisling from Mudgee (one of the dslrusers outings) and can't wipe the smile off my face. I was hoping to get the money in about a week, two weeks max. But it only took us three days. Now I just have to wait for the banking system to take its course.

A special thanks should also go to Poon. We have reached our target sooner then expected as he gave us a very good price for the D70s

Thank you everyone,

André

[christiand]

Gratulations to everyone,

Gratulations liam.
My hat goes off to everyone who contributed.
May I say that the person who committed to making available the competition price in the first instance is on my dodgey radar - myself got very frustrated with that person and I'm forgiving but not forgetting.
I was also reminded about the number of transactions that wen't very well with that person - true - a lot did.
However it takes only one transaction to go sour or foul and and the image is poisoned.

Cheers,
CD

[Geoff]

Let's keep this thread on a positive note CD, What you mention is now...all in the past, I think the best way foward is to let the past be exactly that...the past.

[Critter]

I am only new here, but am very impressed that this has borne fruit. Truely amazing - I guess there is one soul that should be feeling very guilty right about now considering that it took all these people's generous actions to erase the poor actions of his...

[blacknstormy]

Enough guys - lets end this on a positive note - that is why we all contributed, to keep up what we've all come to cherish and to hold so dear on both forums.... we know the past, lets move forward !!

Liam - looking forward to some photos boyo !!!

Hugs
rel

[Underload]

Well done guys, what an awesome community this is - I'm only new, and it's acts like these that really make you realise it

[meicw]

Yes, plenty of photos from your new toy when it arrives, please.
All the best.

Regards
meicw

[beetleboy]

i'll do my best!!

[sirhc55]

The true Aussie spirit - it’s called mateship - we are one band of brothers (and sisters)

[radar]

Hi,

Just wanted to let everyone know that all funds have been received and accounted for and that Liam should get his camera RSN.

The email address used for this will be invalid once Gary gets it removed so if you need to contact me privately in regards to this thread, PM will be best.

Thanks again to everyone,

André

[beetleboy]

Hey everyone!

The brand spanking shiny new D70s arrived today! Sent on Friday and arrived on Monday; pretty impressive delivery time!

I'll do my best to return the amazing generosity shown by all of you. I think I have a fair wealth of knowledge that I've been too lazy to share so maybe that should be the avenue I pursure!

Again, thank you to everyone for making this such a brilliant place to hang out!

Liam (is there a bigger smilie?!!)

[radar]

Great news Liam

I'll take any tips you can throw our way, I know I need all the help I can get.

Take care,

André

[Matt. K]

Congratulations beetleboy! Enjoy!
Now.....who won that bloody LEXUS!

[sirhc55]

Great news Liam - all ends well