[SJAAboard] Quid Pro Quo Ads in the Ephemeris

[Rob Hawley (SJAA)]

Since I forgot to change the addressee to Paul before I sent this I will
amplify on my remarks to clarify that I have no issue with Sam per sea.

One of the requirements on us as a charity is that we document whenever we
give a quid pro quo to any donation.  The practice of giving free ad space
in our paper in return for a donation is just such a case.  It violates our
duties as a charity.

If we were going to do give ad space in the future we would at least need to
document that practice and reduce the size of the deductable donation by the
cost of ad space. Under those conditions, I would not object.  I would be
happy to sell Orion or Scope City or whomever space in our newsletter in
return for a donation. 

Orion made no such request despite their huge donation last year.  We do
make the members aware of who is helping the club by their donations. We
also regularly inform all of our members which vendors offer club members
discounts.  These practices are not a quid pro quo since no vendor receives
preferential treatment.


Rob Hawley