[Leica] Help Doug--A Reality Check

[jshul at comcast.net (Jim Shulman)]

Good Morning All!

It's wonderful to see the outpouring of generosity for Doug.  However, as an
old direct mailer let me explode a myth:

The idea of 1100 LUG subscribers sending $10 or $20 each is a myth.  It's
fine in a Frank Capra movie, but doesn't happen that way in real life.  And
today's problem is not a myth, but a reality.  

Here's the reality check: Let's begin with the same number of people (86)
respond as sent pictures for the LUG book.  Cut that number to a third (30),
since this project isn't free and doesn't produce a coffee table book (yes,
we loved seeing ourselves in print.)

A roll of film with processing these days is around $20.  30 times $20 is
$600.
Doug was selling about $7000 worth of camera equipment for his urgent need.
So $600 is a nice--and appreciated--gesture, but it's just that--barely a
drop.

Now, 30 donations of about $100 each bring in $3000.  Much closer.  More is
even better.

The goal is to keep Doug together with his cameras.  Doug without cameras is
unthinkable.

Of course, any and all help is appreciated.  And many of us, in spite of our
cameras, are living on the fiscal tightrope. 

Where are all those proverbial Leica-toting rich dentists when you need 'em?

Best,
Jim Shulman
Bryn Mawr, PA