I think Brian's main point was that no one is being forced to attend this function. Therfore, complaining about not being paid for something you are not forced to do, is a waste of time. Some see this as an opportunity to be heard at a venue that could prove to be lucrative in the future - kind of like an audition. I think Sandy made that point in one of her other posts.

I still don't think Bob was trying to be out of line or seem ungrateful. I think he was just expressing his frustration with how things are these days. Anybody who posts on these boards knows that the main topic is going to stray once in a while as people think of things that they feel the need to express.

I don't see a conflict at all. We all have something to contribute to the discussion and it's a good thing IMO.

Van Borden
a.k.a. Buzz Grudge