Q. Why was this web site started?

A. The web site was started to give owners a voice and forum to discuss issues at the Country Club. Right now our information comes from friends and neighbors or from what the HOA wants to send us-- especially if we don't live in Palm Springs all year long. We wanted an alternative means of communicating information rather than having to wait for the newsletter or annual reports.

Q. Who started the web site? 

A. Tim Gaffney is the person who created the site, and is the current editor. He has been an owner in the Palm Springs area and at our Club for more than 5 years. He is originally from Iowa, a graduate of Iowa State University and the University of Iowa (MA), and is President of Vacation Depot and BoothOne Corp. He also has a home in Key West, FL.

Q. Are you trying to turn owners against the HOA or the Board? 

A. We are trying to post information about the Country Club that we believe to be accurate and important. If that means from time to time that information is not flattering to the Board of the HOA-- let the chips fall where they may. One of the problems with the newsletter we receive from the HOA is that it serves as a kind of "Chamber of Commerce" vehicle to tell us all the good things that they are doing, but it seldom discusses issues that put them in a negative light or addresses controversial issues. We are not here to polish the image of either group. We want to address issues that are important to us as owners.

Q. Why don't you post more articles more often?

A. It costs us about $30 each time we do a small posting. Therefore we try to do it when we have multiple articles or important issues to add to the web site. This is a volunteer effort with no visible means of support other than the time and the small amount of money pooled together to get the site up and running. If we are to be successful long term, we will need to develop a plan for minimal funding.

Q. What is your "agenda"?

A. Our mission is to act as an additional source of information for owners, especially for owners who do not live in Palm Springs full time. We also believe it is important to act as a watchdog over the actions of the Board and the HOA. We think that the more information we as owners have at our disposal, the easier it will be for us to make informed decisions.

Q. Can anyone write articles for the web site?

A. Anyone may submit articles and information, and it will be reviewed for publication. We would like, for example, to have someone write a summary/report for publication after each Board Meeting, so that owners do not have to rely on the dry and often-abbreviated Board Minutes to find out what really went on. Let us know if you are interested in that or any other ideas you may have.

Q. Why do you have an "Expedia" travel link on the web site? Are you making money off of that?

A. The reason to have the Expedia site as well as a link to the local paper-- The Desert Sun -- on our site is to make it convenient for owners to go to one place to get news about the Country Club. While on the site, especially if you fly into Palm Springs, you can also book your airfare or rental car trips back to the Desert. We have never received any money from Expedia. If the site is used for travel reservations, a small commission may be paid to us.

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