FIRST has $8 Million?!? What did I miss?

[Beth Sweet]

Amanda, it sounds like you have a solid grasp on what's going on here, thank you for clearing up some of the misconceptions.

This thread, along with many of the preceding ones, seem to bring up 1 big point: there are a lot of questions and misconceptions about FIRST's financial situation. I don't think that these questions will be cleared up on here, and I would hate to see potentially wrong information getting people worked up over nothing.

This year, FIRST has done an excellent job at increased communication. Using this initiative as indication of intent, I have an idea.

FIRST frequently hosts conference calls on miscellaneous topics. Would people be interested in (something that would definitely need to be done after Championships) doing some sort of a conference call where, in a non-attacking and non-aggressive manner, someone from FIRST's financial department would be able to answer questions? This seems like something that, if requested properly, I would imagine FIRST would consent to, rather than have incorrect information floating around, and people getting angry about it.

I by no means have the ability to say that this will happen, but perhaps if there is substantial interest, a few of us could write into FIRST, requesting such a call to be held. This seems like the productive way for those who are concerned to voice concerns and to get answers.

Is this something that people would be interested in?