Licensing and Accreditation

[Paul]

Yes it is. I know that one question Joe had a long time ago was it's website address not being a dot org. It is now www.aolponline.org.

[sitelights]

I stand by my "all". I would make the same statement about the training programs that were/are affiliated with academic institutions. My intention was simply to acknowledge a fact that must be obvious to everyone but is sometimes glossed over. The statement is a reminder and perhaps news to those interested in the field but unaware.

The comments on profit making for everyone connected with the business make my position clear on this matter. There was no intent (or content) that would reflect negatively on anyone

Some years back a lowvolt.org member stated, on another topic, that we learn more from those with whom we disagree than we do from those who share exactly the same opinions. [Sorry Eddie if I mangled your statement but I think my paraphrase accurately reflects the sense of your statement.]

The whole point of this forum is to initiate and sustain a dialog in matters that are of deep concern to those of us who are directly affected by the uncertainty surrounding the future of the "business'. If not here, then where?

Note that I compose my posts directly onto the site. This sometimes presents a problem since what is being read now may have been modified or corrected. [Such as this note.]

The members of the forum have learned more from these open exchanges than they have from the AOLP. Perhaps more information about the AOLP exists here than on their website. My assertion, impossible to document, is again simply an opinion. It is the nature of things that on matters where there is little consensus that the more we know the better off we are.

No one, especially me, speaks for lowvolt.org which provides equal opportunity to be heard and, if you will, to be counted. It is clear to all that the opinions expressed on this site are in no way constrained by the possibility of being censored or influenced by its funding source. There is nothing ambiguous about who does the funding here and there is no shadow of uncertainty clouding the issues.

The remarks about voltages are regretable since I stated in an earlier post that I was going to refrain from commenting on what is apparently a circular argument.

Check back for changes since there are surely corrections and modifications usually within 24 hours of the original post.

[Paul]

One of the reasons that I participate on this forum and have for so long is it's honest and reputable administrator along with a very unbiased reflection on materials associated with this industry.

I would also say that any discussion about this industry is healthy and varying opinions help everyone to learn. I know that Eddie, Steve, Joe, and all of those that participate often are interested in making this business of "outdoor lighting" stronger and more respected.

[SteveP]

Paul, you might mention to the AOLP webmaster that there's no mention of your non-profit status. Also, I'm wondering why you guys decided to launch the new website with whole sections "under development." If I was looking into the AOLP for the first time and saw all those blank pages. . .

[Paul]

I know Steve, I am actually trying to form a website committee to handle all of the site issues. It has been handled in a "shot gun" way for too long. I'm hoping that with all of the changes that we have made in management and such that we can be an all around more professional association.

[SteveP]

Paul, for your long-term thinking (as the budget grows), you might consider enlisting one of the web companies that focus on non-profits. They can incorporate fund-raising features as well as other promotional strategies.

A good fund-raising technique is to launch a project with a specific goal - say, a booklet aimed at educating homeowners on the art of lighting design. You then go to all the manufacturers asking for their sponsorship.

Many sucessful non-profits operate this way. The membership fees go to cover operating expenses; all projects and campaigns are funded separately through member donations.

[Paul]

That's a very good idea Steve, thanks for the input. The association is now being operated by a professional management company so I'm sure that we will be going through some major changes. I'm really excited about the future of the AOLP!!

[SteveP]

I didn't know that! That's good news!

[Paul]

See, if Cast were a member you would have had the scoop!! Just a little poke there Steve.

[SteveP]

The management, the way various things were done and the lack of progress on some of the goals are why we haven't joined. Let's see how things unfold.

[Paul]

I'm sure we'll be talking Steve. The changes that have taken place with this board have been huge and I like to think, good for the association.