Originally posted by séamuis I would be on board for both options, but I think if we worked at it hard enough we could get at least Pentax USA involved, and possibly give a part of the proceeds to charity? maybe that could get around some gambling laws? I think your idea is good gary, especially if we can cut some sort of deal with Pentax on bulk orders, but I fear we wont get near enough funds raised for such a thing to work. even if we were to set some limitations on who can be involved ie: more senior members a, "qualification(s)" of sorts. but even then we are looking at a large amount of total money, given the size of this community, and I certainly would not want to alienate people. (though I understand that may be the only way.) I wont underestimate this community though. what would be a ballpark figure on a price per body that we might be looking at?
If 24 of us put in $50 a month we would all have a K-7 in two years (based on$1200)
As the price went down, there would be a balance carried forward and some months, two people would get a camera. When the person gets the camera is based on chance. It would also mean that allowing for price drops, we would all end up paying the same price for our K-7 which should be lower than the current price.
Originally posted by Parallax Does the term "pyramid scheme" ring a bell? Ask Bernie Madhoff how that worked out for him.
I think that is the only way it could be legal. Everything over and above the costs (the camera, shipping, administrative, etc.) would be donated. Perhaps the choice of to whom the proceeds would be donated could be part of the raffle; the winner gets to pick or maybe the choice could be a second place prize.
I'm not trying to p*ss on anybody's campfire here, and I'm not a lawyer; but I really like this forum and I would just hate to see anybody's status changed from "administrator" or "Moderator" to "Inmate"
I'd consider it more of a savings club with an element of chance thrown in for fun. No one will be making a profit form it. It's not gambling because everyone wins in the end. The only legal difficulty I see is getting people to commit to the monthly payment.