RE: legal advice / Bulk Buys

[Tim Fuell <form@xxxxxxx>]

I know this goes against the reason UKHA_D was probably set-up but how 
would people feel about creating a more formal link between members?

I've read the various mails on the above subjects today and wonder whether
there is a need for a Home Automator's Association? I'm not one for 
committees, sub-committees etc, but I have been and still am part of a few
that manage quite happily via email communication. Of the top of my head
sitting here I'm wondering whether a more formal association could be 
set-up to serve home automators, that could negotiate bulk-buys on a more
formal footing, could organise cheap insurance, could act as a lobby group
/ voice for Home Automators.

I don't want to scare anybody off by going all political, but as Mark 
Harrison pointed out in an earlier mail manufacturers are becoming more and
more aware of the potential of this group and a more formal approach could
help in the bargaining stakes. From my own experience too, once you have a
more formal standing you can often get experts to offer their advice for
free in return for publicity, notably those from the legal profession.

I'm a relative newbie to the group so I don't want to step on anybody's
toes, but I would be willing to help co-ordinate setting something like the
above up or offer advice.

For example a 10GBP annual fee could be paid via paypal or similar for 
which you become a member of HAA. Membership entitles you to access to 
bulk-buys and any other offers organised with manufacturers, etc. 
Membership fees could go towards purchasing some sort of insurance scheme
for bulk-buys, organising meets, etc. I wouldn't suggest closing this list
to members only, but membership should bring benefits not available to 
other members of the public.

Figures, ideas etc are, as I said off the top of my head, so I'm sure have
many pitfalls. I also like the informal nature of this group and the 
hands-across-the-water type philosophy, so would understand if you want to
shoot me down in flames for suggesting a more formal grouping. I just think
that even since the short-while I have been lurking her, I have noticed the
snowball in actitivy and good work the group is doing so why not harness
that and give ourselves another step-up? Home Automators in the UK are 
always moaning manufacturers don't pay any attention to our needs, so now
is possibly our chance to show our might.

All opinions and thoughts most welcomed

Tim Fuell

<><><><><><><><><><>

Tim Fuell - Journalist

tim.fuell@xxxxxxx
www.timfuell.co.uk

T 0870 740 5960
F 0870 740 5961
M 0702 118 7167

PO Box 114, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB10 9UJ

yahoo ID: timfuell






For more information: http://www.automatedhome.co.uk
Post message: ukha_d@xxxxxxx 
Subscribe:  ukha_d-subscribe@xxxxxxx 
Unsubscribe:  ukha_d-unsubscribe@xxxxxxx 
List owner:  ukha_d-owner@xxxxxxx

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.