I find it offensive that when an answer is thoughtfully given, you can't just say thank you and move on.
The reason for the decision not to share the prices paid was given. If I had been privileged to have a piece bought by the POP to be included in the permanent collection, and had given the AAW a break on the price I would be highly hurt if that price were shared with the public. That would be a violation of good business practice. As it stands anyway, the board of directors was not the purchasers of the pieces, the POP committee was.
As for your accusatory comment of “more secrets†you and everyone else have been informed of how and where to ask for answers. I belong to several non-profit organizations (and sit on the Board of one) and none of them is as open as the AAW. And no, NONE of them posts the minutes or transactions (purchases or other wise) that they do in open forums like the Internet. They all have systems in place for members to ask for info.
I am now beginning to realize why so many people that I visited with in both Portland and in Richmond said that they would never participate in this forum. I have three times now come close to removing myself from the forum and will definitely think twice before I visit again.
And yes, I do post under my real name.
Clayton Cochran
Founder, Alamo Woodturners Association
San Antonio, Texas