80% vote NO ????

VTCI@aol.com
Mon, 9 Dec 1996 23:37:06 -0500

( 80% vote NO ??? )
Not according to my calculations.
I counted around 60 people responding since 12-2-96 regarding the Cosequin
ride and its' use of cash purses for the top ten riders.
I counted 17 people stating they were opposed to such awards.
I counted 21 people that were FOR the awards.
And about 12 that submitted comments or input with no real leaning either
way.
( This includes those that state there should be oversite or restricitons on
money, as this is somewhat of a waffling I did not count them either way )

More important than the few individuals that PUBLICLY voice their opinions
here, are those numerous individuals that used E-Mail and phone calls to
contact me on 12-9-96 following my posting of the facts regarding the
Coesquin Challenge.

I am elated to report to all of you on this system that my posting of the
facts regarding our event has led to 46 phone calls today from AERC members (
most were voice mail as I was already on the phone with other callers ) of
these ONE person took me to task concerning the event and my post. EVERY
SINGLE ONE OF THE OTHER CALLS WERE EXTREMELY SUPPORTIVE and many also
requested ride apps and member apps for the VTC.

Additionally, my E-Mail has never been as active, Those that think more AERC
members need computers and Internet access may be surprised to learn that
evidently there are a number of AERC members who either scan this system and
do not participate, or were alerted to some of the misinformation being
relayed here and were contacted by others in AERC to review this system for
themselves.
I have recieved ( as of 7:00 pm tonight ) 72 messages and ONLY 3 were opposed
in some fashion to the event, the cash or my posting here.

ALL OF THE REST OFFERED THERE SUPPORT TO OUR EVENT. requesting ride apps etc
etc.

I think it is important for some of you to realize that many of those that
monitor systems such as this have indicated to me that they are not
interested in being bashed around in a public forum such as this but they
will get involved directly with AERC to aid in our support.

I would like to take the time to sincerely thank the operator of this system
as the exposure of our event by this medium has been extremely beneficial in
every aspect from volunteers desiring to get involved with our event, to
riders requesting apps, to those offering to aid to present their views to
AERC on our behalf.

To those of you that desire to support us by rendering your views, PLEASE
feel free to E-Mail or phone in confidence to me. It will help if we can
identify you so we can contact you at a later date to request your support
should it be deemed necessary.
It is also a great morale booster to hear form those that believe an event
like the Cosequin Challenge DOES have a place in our sport.

Amy Jaqueth, our Secretary, now has a TOTE ( spelled right ??? ) BOARD on the
wall and is keeping a running total of those expressing their opinion on the
subject of cash awards. So feel free to E-Mail me directly and cast your
"unofficial" vote on this subject.

Thank you all. Today was a great day.

Tracy Ingram
President
Virginia Trail Conservatory, Inc.
Ride Manager
Cosequin Challenge 100, 50, 25
May 1997