[Halon]

Wow I haven't looked at this thread in awhile since I will not be going because I'll be in Spain. $5 isn't much to ask for. The organizers have spent personal time and money on setting this up. I can completely relate to that. I've opened up my home to the site on a few occasions. Each time, I typically spent somewhere between 200-300 dollars of my own money on food, pop, alcohol, propane, etc, required to get a good turnout. I've always asked, not for money, but if you're coming, and you have the means, to bring a little something as well like chips, salsa, or even hot strippers that go into my spare bedroom and try on my banana hammock for a couple of us to see! But, I understand that by REQUIRING a payment at the door or making people give something, it would turn certain people away who were really just coming to hang out and mingle, or meet new people, but are on a tight budget. In my eyes, the more the merrier, so that's why I do it that way. That may not be everyones mind set, but it was my mind set and why I required nothing, only donations if you felt you wanted to. Those who could afford to donate (either food, or time), they did. Typically 80-90% of the people who showed up brought something, or came by before hand and helped me pick up the meat, the keg, man the bbq, etc. But those on a tight budget/schedule, were still able to join in, still be able to eat and drink and not feel left out.

To me, being a leader means it's damn near guaranteed you are going to give up money/time of your own. That's just how it is. Whether it's organizing a cruise, or organizing a charity event, a lunch party at work, a pizza party for your kids, a bachelor party for a friend, etc. When you are a leader of organizing any event, you're hardly ever going to break even. But that's not what it's about. To me, it's about getting everyone together, and having a good time.

But at the same time, that doesn't mean the ones attending shouldn't feel a little bit of an obligation to give up a little something as well to help support it. From what I can see, some would rather give up their time to help, rather then give up money. It's kind of late in the game for that on this cruise, but maybe something to consider in future cruises. Those that you know would rather give up time, let them help out where they can.

This cruise is your guys barbeque, you do it the way you want. Me, I personally try to avoid the drama by understanding I won't break even, but simply ask for donations to help out a little bit. Those who care enough (which a large majority typically will) will donate. Those who don't want to, won't for whatever personal reason they have. But everyone will still have a good time.

I'd easily pay the $5 to go on this, and wouldn't complain about it. But unfortunately I won't make it. Hope it's a blast and can't wait to see the pictures.