I can't see what the problem is. If you think the price is fair then go on
the trip. If you think it is too expensive, then don't go. Who cares
whether the organiser pays or not. As for posting on birding-aus, I asked
for Russell's permission first.
Personally, I have been to Ashmore three times, and I hope the trip goes
ahead again this year. One of the attractions of the trip, is that George
and Mike will be on the trip. There is nothing worse than seeing a bird,
and not being able to ID it. George and Mike know the area. They know the
birds. They know the best strategy for using the time on the trip. And
having a group means that we maximise our chances of seeing everything of
interest.
Similarly, I will be on Richard Baxter's trip to Cocos and Christmas next
March. I have been to Christmas four times. But I have never birded on
Cocos. Yes, I could spend a week and try and work it out (as Richard has
in the past), or I can spend three days and maximise my time in the best
places. And having a group makes it possible to get to South Island, or
possibly even North Keeling Island. And again having many eyes means it is
more likely I will see everything of interest. For me, the price of the
trip is fair. QED for me. It doesn't matter whether Richard is paying or
not, and if the latter whether he is covering his costs or making a profit.
As for pelagics, I have organised the Perth trips over the past 12
years. I pay the same as everyone else, but I do keep a record of all
expenses. I maintain an Excel spreadsheet. I now have a float of about
$400 built up over 28 trips. This means that instead of rounding the cost
per person up to the next $5, I can choose to round it down, or I can stand
the cost if someone pulls out too late. Or I can pay for the burley for an
Albany trip. Or absorb the incidental costs if the trip gets
cancelled. And of course, the deposit of $500 is due about 4 months before
the trip. I give a discount to John Darnell, even though he doesn't want
it, as I want him on the trip to help identify the birds, and he puts a lot
of effort into preparing the burley.
_________________________________________________________________
Frank O'Connor Birding WA http://birdingwa.iinet.net.au
Phone : (08) 9386 5694 Email :
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