Ron Paul Blimp Questions??? I have answers.

[tangent4ronpaul]

Your other argument has already been debunked!

-n

 

[twdahm]

The interesting thing is once the pledges got up to 450,000's all the sudden they started taking salaries before that there was no talk about it.....

(personally I think alot of the pledges were Huck supporters that had no intent on giving just trying to get the number up)

 

[Ozwest]

Jesus Christ,

Rip off Ron Paul supporters.

No country to escape to.

Cause they're everywhere!

 

[Michigan11]

Exactly.

Everyone bitching about the number of employees, or the salary, or why do we need a full time this or that, why can't volunteers do it - doesn't know the first damn thing about starting a company. I've been a software engineer for eleven years, almost entirely at internet startups, technology and entrepreneurship is my passion. I completely understand this situation, and the ignorance being displayed by those who don't would be perfectly excusable if not for the fact that it is so frikkin VEHEMENT.

Can I get some shout outs from folks who have been involved in creating businesses and know what I'm talking about?

(Please Read)
Another startup, business owner here, of more than 13 years.

Unless you have experience in starting up something similar, you have no idea what is required to achieve a project like this. This is what these guys(trevor and whoever) are finding out right now. Along the way, this man discovered his unique passion and talent for promoting, I believe, and his soul is alive, and he is running with the ideas (our ideas). Lets use this man's passion for our cause.

Sit down and take the time to figure out exactly how you could do this project. Go into the fine details: research the laws, try securing a short term contract with a blimp company(mention you have no money, but you are hoping it will be there). Try organizing in disciplined fashion all logistics: when - timing, where - air restrictions, weather, how - donations, accepting credit cards, wire transfers, tax forms, laws, accounting, etc......(i would have to spend a week just to figure out the questions I should be asking, let alone finding answers/solutions to impediments).

Now, how are you and a couple of your (volunteer) friends, going to handle all this work, in between your own personal matters, work, kids, family, whatever it is you do and your friends do. This isn't a job in which you know what to do or are told what to do in simple order. That is not how this works or any business for that matter. The 'unknown' possibilities are infinite.

I am semi-new here, and I am only following what I read and what my gut instinct is telling me. Trevor did a fantastic job setting up the 5th site, and he did a fantastic job setting up the tea party site. He alone didn't accomplish those events, we the donors and promotors did, yet he did step up and take the initiative, therefore he is a leader, thus far in my book. Without that leadership, would we have gotten this far in the exposure with the media? I don't know, because there are so many individuals taking so many intiatives themselves, we are a group of individuals. But so far his track record is solid. He is what I call an asset to this revolution.

Finally, he brought us to this new idea, the blimp. They had an idea, we grasped on to it, once things looked like the project was clear for takeoff, they found out like most entrepreneurs do in a start up, there are road blocks that often sap the intial energy and spirit, but these roadblocks had to be overcome. Let's keep in mind, this effort was put forth by the free will of an individual(s). So now things are setup to run this operation, and an unpainted available blimp awaits.

The question is, do you donate?

A famous quote - 'I can take a shit in a box and mark guaranteed on it, if it makes you feel better'

 

[twdahm]

(Please Read)
Another startup, business owner here, of more than 13 years.

Unless you have experience in starting up something similar, you have no idea what is required to achieve a project like this. This is what these guys(trevor and whoever) are finding out right now. Along the way, this man discovered his unique passion and talent for promoting, I believe, and his soul is alive, and he is running with the ideas (our ideas). Lets use this man's passion for our cause.

Sit down and take the time to figure out exactly how you could do this project. Go into the fine details: research the laws, try securing a short term contract with a blimp company(mention you have no money, but you are hoping it will be there). Try organizing in disciplined fashion all logistics: when - timing, where - air restrictions, weather, how - donations, accepting credit cards, wire transfers, tax forms, laws, accounting, etc......(i would have to spend a week just to figure out the questions I should be asking, let alone finding answers/solutions to impediments).

Now, how are you and a couple of your (volunteer) friends, going to handle all this work, in between your own personal matters, work, kids, family, whatever it is you do and your friends do. This isn't a job in which you know what to do or are told what to do in simple order. That is not how this works or any business for that matter. The 'unknown' possibilities are infinite.

I am semi-new here, and I am only following what I read and what my gut instinct is telling me. Trevor did a fantastic job setting up the 5th site, and he did a fantastic job setting up the tea party site. He alone didn't accomplish those events, we the donors and promotors did, yet he did step up and take the initiative, therefore he is a leader, thus far in my book. Without that leadership, would we have gotten this far in the exposure with the media? I don't know, because there are so many individuals taking so many intiatives themselves, we are a group of individuals. But so far his track record is solid. He is what I call an asset to this revolution.

Finally, he brought us to this new idea, the blimp. They had an idea, we grasped on to it, once things looked like the project was clear for takeoff, they found out like most entrepreneurs do in a start up, there are road blocks that often sap the intial energy and spirit, but these roadblocks had to be overcome. Let's keep in mind, this effort was put forth by the free will of an individual(s). So now things are setup to run this operation, and an unpainted available blimp awaits.

The question is, do you donate?

A famous quote - 'I can take a shit in a box and mark guaranteed on it, if it makes you feel better'

Hand the project over to me I will take it on and fund all startup expenses on my own and take no salary....

 

[OferNave]

Hand the project over to me I will take it on and fund all startup expenses on my own and take no salary....

There's room in the sky for more than one blimp. In fact, we could really use a second one on the west coast, especially for the super bowl.

No one is stopping you. Go for it. If you do a good job, I'll even jump in.

 

[expatinireland]

American expat and foreign contributors?

The site states: "No limits for U.S. individuals."

The implication of this statement is that non US individuals may contribute with limits.

First of all what is a US individual?

I am an American living overseas. Am I a US individual and will the site allow me to contribute?

Can foreign nationals contribute with limits?

The site could be a bit clearer about this.

There are over 100,000 Americans living in Ireland alone so I hope you, unlike the official campaign website, facilitates donations from Americans living overseas.

Americans living overseas are generally better educated and higher in income than resident Americans so it is a terrible thing to ignore those of us living over seas. Last week Bill Clinton featured at a party here in Ireland raising over $200,000 from 100 Americans for his wife's campaign.

TIA for your response.

By the way great job Mckarnin fielding all these difficult questions.

 

[John P Slevin]

Michigan11,

RIGHT ON! I am a business owner, and my business specifically IS PACs.

There was no way to do this, and these bright people found a way.

Support them, oppose them, whatever, but don't speak until you know something. NO PAC can accomplish the purpose which these people have found a way to accomplish. Anyone who doubts this need only go to fec.gov and read the laws.

It CANNOT be done by a PAC, that is why they switched to a for profit company. Hiring Brad Smith was the right way to go, and why knock what you cannot do. I challenge any of Trevor's critics to explain why he is wrong and they are right.

 

[BlueGecko]

Want to see this blimp happen so...

How, how are you and a couple of your (volunteer) friends, going to handle all this work, in between your own personal matters, work, kids, family, whatever it is you do and your friends do. This isn't a job in which you know what to do or are told what to do in simple order. That is not how this works or any business for that matter. The 'unknown' possibilities are infinite.

I am semi-new here, and I am only following what I read and what my gut instinct is telling me. Trevor did a fantastic job setting up the 5th site, and he did a fantastic job setting up the tea party site. He alone didn't accomplish those events, we the donors and promotors did, yet he did step up and take the initiative, therefore he is a leader, thus far in my book. Without that leadership, would we have gotten this far in the exposure with the media? I don't know, because there are so many individuals taking so many intiatives themselves, we are a group of individuals. But so far his track record is solid. He is what I call an asset to this revolution.

Finally, he brought us to this new idea, the blimp. They had an idea, we grasped on to it, once things looked like the project was clear for takeoff, they found out like most entrepreneurs do in a start up, there are road blocks that often sap the intial energy and spirit, but these roadblocks had to be overcome. Let's keep in mind, this effort was put forth by the free will of an individual(s). So now things are setup to run this operation, and an unpainted available blimp awaits.

The question is, do you donate?

A famous quote - 'I can take a shit in a box and mark guaranteed on it, if it makes you feel better'

Quote Tommy Boy

Anyway everyone keeps saying volunteer like their all 18 year old kids that don't know anything. If you read my posts there was requests to ask for QUALIFIED VOLUNTEERS. Are you trying to say theres no one who would go work with the blimp? Not saying volunteer as in two hours a day from home. There are people who would take leave off work/ sabbatical and help with this. I am not saying 3 people run this from their computers or 30. Just a way to lower expenses if ASK if any qualified people would mind coming out and help make this happen.

Example before paying a webmaster 1k a week post the requirements/ job description and see if any QUALIFIED people would like to do it for no/ low cost. Maybe a owner of web development company would do it for the free advertising. 4000 a month saved

Example hollywood is slow right now due to writers strike, maybe there are professional QUALIFIED people who would like to be the cameramen and don't need 1k a week to do it. If you can get a few series/ documentary crew whose production have stopped/ canceled to come out for 2 months that's 1k*2k*4k = 8,000 dollars a month saved.

Ron Paul Airforce Official crew" fleece jackets for the Blimp crew x 35 jackets
$30 each x $35 = Approx. $1,050
Good Price for a jacket but if your getting 1k a week maybe you could deduct it from your paycheck.

# Press Kits - We want to make a memorable impact on the press and give them something to remember their blimp ride, therefore we will be giving them a press kit consisting of.
# Mylar Blimp Balloon, "Ron Paul Airforce" hat, "Ron Paul Airforce" T-shirt
Why not sell these online to everyone and use a small markup to pay for free ones for press

# Dedicated Web server 150 month
People have posted offering servers at their company/ farm before for tea paprty.

#Airfare to fly lawyers in and out and other individuals who are key to making this work, as well as back home for holidays or family emergency's.
Ask for friend coupons from the forums people who work at airlines get very discounted standby tickets for friends (some companies only do families but many have ones you can offer to non family members as long as you dont sell)


To tired to continue but you get the idea...I hope !

 

[JohnnyWrath]

If the organizers want to start a company, they should do so independently of the grassroots. If the grassroots decided that a private company was worth hiring and chose it that would be one thing, but to start a project as a grassroots effort, take pledges, and then co-opt it for profit and to launch a company is highly immoral in my opinion.

+1

 

[Mark]

Michigan11,

RIGHT ON! I am a business owner, and my business specifically IS PACs.

There was no way to do this, and these bright people found a way.

Support them, oppose them, whatever, but don't speak until you know something. NO PAC can accomplish the purpose which these people have found a way to accomplish. Anyone who doubts this need only go to fec.gov and read the laws.

It CANNOT be done by a PAC, that is why they switched to a for profit company. Hiring Brad Smith was the right way to go, and why knock what you cannot do. I challenge any of Trevor's critics to explain why he is wrong and they are right.

They didn't switch, they had the idea for the company first, before starting the LLC.

Before the blimp idea was passed around too, I believe.

The blimp just happens to fit with the company they wanted to start.

They just didn't tell us about wanting to start the company,

they only mentioned the blimp.

 

[Minuteman]

I have a question.

I have noticed you will be inviting press to your landings and be giving tours etc. Do you have a qualified spokesperson to handle media question about Ron Paul. The media are professionals and are capable of asking very tough questions. If put on the spot will your Press Contact be able to answer them.

Say a major news organization ask you about Gold Standard vs. Fiat Money, will you be able to answer it. I chose this to ask because its a very very complicated issue that the average person has a hard time understanding or explaining.

 

[JWallace]

(Please Read)
....Unless you have experience in starting up something similar, you have no idea what is required to achieve a project like this. This is what these guys(trevor and whoever) are finding out right now. Along the way, this man discovered his unique passion and talent for promoting, I believe, and his soul is alive, and he is running with the ideas (our ideas). Lets use this man's passion for our cause.......Finally, he brought us to this new idea, the blimp. They had an idea, we grasped on to it, once things looked like the project was clear for takeoff, they found out like most entrepreneurs do in a start up, there are road blocks that often sap the intial energy and spirit, but these roadblocks had to be overcome. Let's keep in mind, this effort was put forth by the free will of an individual(s). So now things are setup to run this operation, and an unpainted available blimp awaits.

The question is, do you donate?

Agreed

 

[Mark]

If the organizers want to start a company, they should do so independently of the grassroots. If the grassroots decided that a private company was worth hiring and chose it that would be one thing, but to start a project as a grassroots effort, take pledges, and then co-opt it for profit and to launch a company is highly immoral in my opinion.

+1

+1

To do it without telling us he already wanted to start a Political Ad company was wrong too, if it's true.

If so, he used us to get start up money.

 

[Mark]

Hand the project over to me I will take it on and fund all startup expenses on my own and take no salary....

ding! ding! ding!

We have a winner folks!

 

[TCrage]

ding! ding! ding!

We have a winner folks!

I with ya, brother!! WTF is going on around here?!

 

[FreeTraveler]

Take it elsewhere, please!!!

My name is Katharine and you can see me under Media on the Ron Paul blimp site. Please ask questions in this thread or email them to: [email protected]

Since Mckarnin was kind enough to start this thread SPECIFICALLY for questions and answers about the blimp project, can we PLEASE not load it up with all sorts of irrelevant discussion about whether this is a good project or not? She's going to be busy enough answering legitimate questions without wading through pages of discussion trying to find the questions she needs to get answered.

Thanks for your consideration of her time.

 

[PeacePlan]

There is also a big problem with the donations. When I first looked at the pledge page it was saying if you donated 25 you could win a day on the blimp and if you gave 5,000 you got 3 days for sure no matter what. I think a bunch of people who signed on as 5,000 dollar donors did so to get those 3 days. That part of the deal now seems to be gone and so are the donors.

I know I told my son that if I won a day on the blimp he could ride it for me. Now it looks like it will be full of paid staff and not the grass root supporters - I bet the money does not come in at least the big 5,000 buck donations that were told they would get 3 days?

 

[rancher89]

I don't see a chip-in link on the web site? Where do I go to chip in?? Can you add the chip in results and the link to chip in to the web site?

 

[Mckarnin]

The site states: "No limits for U.S. individuals."

The implication of this statement is that non US individuals may contribute with limits.

First of all what is a US individual?

I am an American living overseas. Am I a US individual and will the site allow me to contribute?

Can foreign nationals contribute with limits?

The site could be a bit clearer about this.

There are over 100,000 Americans living in Ireland alone so I hope you, unlike the official campaign website, facilitates donations from Americans living overseas.

Americans living overseas are generally better educated and higher in income than resident Americans so it is a terrible thing to ignore those of us living over seas. Last week Bill Clinton featured at a party here in Ireland raising over $200,000 from 100 Americans for his wife's campaign.

TIA for your response.

By the way great job Mckarnin fielding all these difficult questions.

I am still trying to double check on this and have US individuals clarified. It is my understanding that only US citizens can purchase time because this is a political advertising company. I'll get back to you with more.


Thanks!