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majtom7
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Re: STA news

Post by majtom7 »

I tried to post this at Collectspace but they've yet to send me my password.

It is simple math: 10 times the donors needed at $25 a patch vs. $250 to raise $70,000. If one assumes a net of $20 per donor vs. $200, then the donors needed are 3,500 vs. 350. Is there the demand for 3,500 patches?
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Re: STA news

Post by ordinaryguy »

majtom7 wrote:I tried to post this at Collectspace but they've yet to send me my password.

It is simple math: 10 times the donors needed at $25 a patch vs. $250 to raise $70,000. If one assumes a net of $20 per donor vs. $200, then the donors needed are 3,500 vs. 350. Is there the demand for 3,500 patches?
If there is then I'm buying some sewing machines! :-)

I think this ends up with a 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' As this isn't designed to try to move gift shop merchandise but more about people getting something 'special' for a level of donation it's a toss up - because for many in on this forum the holy grail might be the patch - for others in the more 'general public' it might be something such as the poster.. etc etc etc.. We're all likely right - and we're all likely wrong.. I'm glad to contribute - and really happy with any small token I get in return - I hope anyone that is contributing would do so for similar rationale.
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Re: STA news

Post by p51 »

I get what you mean, but I'd counter that with a reminder of the target audience for the fund raising.
Most (if not all) the people who'd ever consider donating to this would either be general space fans or SC fans/alumni. In either case, I think a patch is a serious, "carrot" to donate. I truly think that if the patch is offered at a slightly lower amount level, there'd be far more people donating who might not, otherwise.
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Re: STA news

Post by ordinaryguy »

p51 wrote:I get what you mean, but I'd counter that with a reminder of the target audience for the fund raising.
Most (if not all) the people who'd ever consider donating to this would either be general space fans or SC fans/alumni. In either case, I think a patch is a serious, "carrot" to donate. I truly think that if the patch is offered at a slightly lower amount level, there'd be far more people donating who might not, otherwise.
Fair point Lee. Well I'm sure that the folks at the center are looking at it - but hopefully people are continuing to donate regardless. After all we all want the same outcome - a shiny GII for all to admire and learn from and an Amphitheater below it to hang out in. Both will be most excellent!
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Re: STA news

Post by Hotdog »

D-a-m-n, am I the only person on here who envisions gazing up at the STA and Pathfinder from the amphitheatre and feeling a sense of accomplishment? Allow me to break it down for you:

I think $250 is a fair price! I would have donated $1000 if I could have mustered it. This mentality is what makes me different from those of you complaining about the cost of the perks. So the Hotdog is going to shoot it to you straight -- if you want to get the patch for $5, then so be it, wait a year and get it for cheap in the gift shop. That way you can feel slick thinking you got a bargain. Way to go! But there is a bigger force at work here for the rest of us: a force I am proud to be a part of, and a force I think all Space Camp Alumni who care about the future of the programs need to get behind. This fundraiser goes way beyond the perks or the little tidbits you get in return for your contributions. What bringing the STA to Space Camp is really about is the future of Space Camp as a whole, the role of the alumni, and our legacy in the organization. For the first time in our history as alumni, we have a chance to make something happen that will impact trainees young and old for years to come! If I may put it into perspective, imagine if the Pathfinder organizers failed to raise the money for the shuttle exhibit because they were too busy bickering over stupid perks.

Instead of wasting energy bickering about the cost of the perks, we should be promoting the fundraising effort amongst our friends and colleagues! It breaks my heart to come on Hab1 and read the complaints about the "costs" when I don't think a single one of us will care about silly perks when we all get to stand around the STA this August with our hands on the fuselage saying "we did it!"

This is only the beginning, my friends. This project is a litmus test for the alumni, our chance to shine on a single effort that could lead into our influence into other big projects for Space Camp in the future. There has been a need for the alumni to be involved in projects like this for a long time. So let's all get together on this, raise the money, get the bird in the nest, and worry about perks and rewards later. There are much bigger fish to fry waiting in the wings! We have to do this for the kids, and the coming "second heyday" of Space Camp that WE the original alumni of Space Camp are going to help build for the next generation.

And it really isn't about money. Whether you contribute $1, $5, $100 or more...what matters is that the money comes from alumni. We are 600,000 strong and raising $70k should be a piece of cake. Let's do it, take pride in it, and when we bring it to Sprocket we can take credit for it. That to me is better than any d-a-m-n patch. Love you guys. -Hotdog
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Re: STA news

Post by Conan »

Well put, Hotdog. I sent my donation and even though I couldn't manage the $250, I am proud to have helped. And I don't really care about any of the perks that come with it.
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Re: STA news

Post by ordinaryguy »

Ditto Conan. And VERY well said Hotdog. Can't wait to see the trailer pulling up to the center with the aircraft on it. That is only a few months away if we all pull together and hit the goal. Tell someone everyday about it and we'll all get there - together!
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Re: STA news

Post by SpaceCanada »

Great post, Hotdog!

As of right now, they are at $19 430!! I hope they reach their goal soon. I will be forwarding this to other alumni I know.
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Re: STA news

Post by majtom7 »

Amen! I get fundraising letters every week and the project matters, not the perks.
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Re: STA news

Post by Phoenix PK »

Just put in my donation at the $250 level. Glad to be able to help, and I can't wait to
see that bird at Camp! We're over $20,000 now, let's do this!
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Re: STA news

Post by Hotdog »

Woo hoo! So glad we hit the first milestone! And we're only two weeks into it. We're gonna do this!
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Re: STA news

Post by street »

Hotdog, thank you for you succinct comments that hit a home run! It is our donations and sharing that will drive this fundraiser. That we get a small token of thanks is a bonus! I've made my donation and am excited about the keyring. I hope I can find more to donate as the campaign continues!
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Re: STA news

Post by Phoenix PK »

I'm going to donate more before the campaign ends, too. I was wondering, thinking too far ahead, I know, but has anyone heard anything about something similar to the bricks we bought for the Saturn V display being planned for the STA display/amphitheater?
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Re: STA news

Post by Hotdog »

Seems like I remember something to that effect being said at the alumni board meeting I attended. I will have to check my notes when I get home. If so, that will be during Phase II of the project, which starts after the initial $70,000 is raised.
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Re: STA news

Post by p51 »

The brick idea is a good one. I need to put my donation in, should do so by this weekend...
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Re: STA news

Post by ordinaryguy »

Hey folks - wanted to pass along a request from the Alumni Advancement Board and the STA Project team. It would be great if you'd consider posting some public comments on the Indiegogo site about your supporting thoughts on the project / your space camp story / or anything connected to the project and it's importance or personal connection / meaning for you and encourage others to donate - will help convince those that make it to the site through the other channels directing them there to actually hit the button! All of you on Hab 1 have great personal stories on how camp has positively affected your lives and how it can for others - and we've seen such positive feedback from all on the importance and relevance of the project to current and future generations on this thread it would be great if you'd share some of that on the project site. (btw you don't need to have made a donation to post comments - only to register for an account - which is free)

Thanks in advance for the help and thanks to all who have already made a donation!
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Re: STA news

Post by CRS »

The STA campaign is now under three weeks from being over! Yesterday an alumna offered to match up to $5000 for whatever could be raised by April 24th. If you have been waiting to donate, now would be a great time to do it. Every dollar counts! Even if you can't donate, please consider sharing the campaign with your friends, family, and associations. One more person who knows about it is one more person who can possibly donate. Also if you are going to be in Huntsville Thursday evening, head over to Straight to Ale for live music, food trucks and a visit from Homer Hickam. A dollar from every pint sold that night will go towards the STA campaign! http://igg.me/at/STANASA945/x/1047754
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Re: STA news

Post by Hotdog »

I hope to have another donation ready before the 10-day deadline on the 25th. Fingers crossed!
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Re: STA news

Post by Phoenix PK »

I'm about to make another donation. I've been planning to do so, and the signed
poster is just icing on the cake!
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Re: STA news

Post by Phoenix PK »

I've made it to the $300 donation level and I couldn't be more pleased to be able
to help out with this great project! Spread the word!
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