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>>Hi Ed,
>>
>>For some reason the word "shrubbery" comes to mind.:-) Certainly having things in order will prevent counter productive things from occurring. Speaking in a clear and single voice is usually more effective than many voices saying almost, but not quite, the same thing.
>>
>
>Speaking in a clear and unified voice is a great idea. Having an idea about what needs to be said clearly must come first.
>

Exactly

>We also need to allow for dissent among the members. I'm sure that while we have a common ground that can be agreed on, there needs to be a recognition that dissent within the organization is inevitable, and in fact needs to be encouraged. I'm certain that not all of us agree on exactly what VFP represents as a platform. We probably don't all agree on what the right place to use VFP might be, or how to present it best to the heathen non-believers...

An excellent point. I doubt that anyone amoung us has always been right or wrong. Each of us has his/her ideas about what's most important. However, gathering this into a cohesive, well defined statement about the feelings of the group is a daunting task.

>>While the UT doesn't exist to provide that clear and single voice, it does give each of us the opportunity to express our opinions. As stated above, the VFPDA would probably best serve by distilling those opinions into that single voice. But, beyond that, what purpose would it serve? News? Answers to questions? Job opportunities? All that is available here. This hasn't been addressed.

>Yep. Before we start collecting dues, electing officers, hiring marketing managers, etc. we might want to decide what we want to be when we grow up.
>
>>If, however, the VFPDA didn't provide that single voice, or simply duplicated the functionality of this place or others, I really don't see much point to it. That's the real problem as I see it. No matter how well organized, without some sort of mission statement that addresses an area of need, it won't do much good.
>
>< thunderous applause >
>
Bows revrently.< bg >

>>Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong...
>
>You? Never!

Moi??? Many times. But let me say this, without a sense of purpose, without a clearly defined objective, there's no point to any organization. Define that first. That's why it's so important that this be undertaken with a great deal of care. Without such, as I've said before, there's little, if any point.