What's my monetary part?

[JonDevin]

I just made a donation to the SSFFF and one to the RFA. For the SSFFF, i'm curious to understand how much of an impact I am making over time. I went to the site and couldn't find anything in terms of fundraising goals and how we're doing against those goals. I'm sure every $ counts and usintg that measure, I've done my part. But i'm curious as to how much is needed and how we're tracking to that? A lot of town based fundraisers will put a meter-graphic in a prominent spot to help folks understand where they are and where they are going. Perhaps that would help on the SSFFF site. I for one, would like to go there time and time again and see that meter move... and help make it move.

What do you guys think?

[CaptTB]

There is not a fixed amount or "goal" because the effort is ongoing.

As each new issue pops up we add another project to the list, and often we have no way of knowing exactly what it's going to cost (or sometimes not even a ballpark) because of the nature of the work. We get estimates, but to date each time we start a project more work needs to be done.

Just as a sample, we started with Dr. Maunder doing a review of the Summer Flounder Assessments to date, then we had him get involved in the SAW that took place in 2008. Since then we have hired Dr. Maunder to continue his work that was started at the SAW, worked with NJ Sea Grant/iBoat NJ, Hired Rutgers to do a pilot study on Summer Flounder Sex Ratios, put money into PMAFS, supported the RFA on its battle to change the MSA, Hired HDR Engineering to review MRFSS data for 2009, whew! I'm tired of typing!

This is not a "fund-raiser" where we have a set goal based on a dollar amount that, once reached, means we have "finished."

Our goal is to make sure that the science behind Summer Flounder reflects the actual status of the stock as accurately as possible and that much needed flexibility is added to the MSA to allow the rebuilding of our fish stocks (specifically Summer Flounder for us) to healthy levels while maintaining healthy fishing communities and thriving businesses that rely on those fisheries.

Until such time as SSFFF feels it has achieved those goals or reached as high as we are going to, the effort is ongoing and there is no specific or even general monetary goal, since we cannot possibly know what other projects will need to be undertaken.

Hope that helps answer your question.

[JonDevin]

I totally understand that this is probably a neverending effort. I also understand that it is in a state of sort-of catchup in terms of trying to get all the data possible and that all the efforts are not entirely defined for any upcoming period of time.

There are really two parts to the effort. 1) The fight and 2) Getting participation. My question was really from the 2nd part. I went to school for marketing, so I tend to focus on things from that perspective. I think when asking folks to contribute financially, they are looking for a few things: What is the common goal? How much does it take to fight the good fight? How much am I helping? How are we doing?

Think about it from a home perspective. Most of us have a limited budget. When we decide to buy something, we consider the cost, the benefits and other purchases that may go by the wayside in lieu of this one. Our spouses probably would not be too happy if we didn't do this. Especially if they had things that they thought were more important.

Or how about from a work perspective where the consequences can be devastating. My boss would can my ass if I spent money on something that I couldn't quantify.

But most importantly, the goal is not a limit. It's something for all of us to drive towards. And then when we hit it, we celebrate... and then raise the bar higher. I think we could set targets for periods of time and work towards them. I think this will engage people better I think it could be done in a way that doesn't suggest that we are done once we've hit a particular goal. (And by the way, at work, if I reach my goal early... my boss gives me more to do )

I know sometime words come across awkward online. Please know that I'm very grateful for your efforts. My intention is to just give some ideas to help raise money, not bashing by any means.

The attached graphic is just for thought. The numbes are not real.