[AusNOG] AusNOG-02

[Bevan Slattery]

Nogers,

>  Don't forget your roots guys... 
>  What happened to the spirit of community?

All told I think the PIPE internal budget for Ausnog last year was
around $40,000.  Steve essentially took 3-4 weeks of his (incredibly
valuable) time out from PIPE plus our marketing personnel, our PA, our
graphic designer, banners, posters, packs, drinks night, Gold
Sponsorship etc..

I don't expect a pat on the back (all credit goes to Steve, Bambi and
James), but I also don't expect to be told that when Steve/PIPE takes a
slight step back and looks to reducing our in-kind subsidy to this event
with personal and resources and Ausnog starts reflecting that a little
more in the ticket prices, the guys get labelled as 'forgetting our
roots'.  Despite our level of investment, PIPE didn't receive any
further favourable exposure than any other sponsor of the event.

PIPE receives a lot from the industry and we are very grateful for that.
We feel (and are) compelled to always sponsor such events and contribute
above and beyond others and will always do so.  But at the same time, it
is important that as Ausnog gets bigger (and those on the committee also
get busier in their own business) that Ausnog doesn't start to suck the
life, fun and resources out of those who steer it and keep it's
independence.

[b]