Greetings all, Consider this my lobbying effort - not so much to board members as to list members. Bart already covered some of this, but here's my shot. I expect most of you have joined the list because you see the potential of the HamWAN project. Most of you have also been involved in other efforts - expanding your own systems, packet networks, or other digital systems. All of us pretty much know what the potential of the system is and what it could mean to disaster communications, experimentation, and furthering amateur radio as a serious player in modern regional connectivity. HamWAN is at a critical stage. Many similar efforts fail due to the inability to make advances fast enough to get established and flourish. Without the ability to move - and move quickly - when the opportunity presents itself, site owner interest will fade as the opinion of "another flash in the pan" takes root. With 3-4 operating sites under our belt, we can involve enough active users to keep the fire kindled and move the effort forward through the winter and into next year. I am not much in favor of buying the equipment on credit unless absolutely necessary - but I AM in favor of doing it getting it done - and if doing it on credit is what it takes, then we need to do it. I am asking all of you to consider donating some funds - whether you can spare $5 or $500, it all counts, and NOW it is important. Two years from now we can afford to take our time with fundraising if needed, but NOW is not that time. Another chunk is in your inbox Bart. Make it happen. Rob Salsgiver - NR3O