<p>That's definitely a tough spot for the organizers to be in. When we participated in the Red Bull Challenge, we were fortunate that Lincoln Electric was very friendly to work with and took care to make sure the welder we won was delivered properly. I can see how Mitch et al do not have much leverage with the sponsors once the contest is over. It's unfortunate that some mid-level manager at E14 dropped the ball here.</p>
<p>Maybe some well-placed calls to their sales and marketing departments would yield results.</p>
<p>Arclight<br>
On Aug 24, 2011 1:55 PM, "Jerry Isdale" <<a href="mailto:isdale@gmail.com">isdale@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br>
><br>
> Well it looks like closing of one sad act in Hackerspace challenges.<br>
> The Great Global Hackerspace Challenge was judged back in May, yet most spaces that participated, including winners, have yet to receive most of the promised rewards. The $$, 5' of solder wick and Lead Cutter came thru (for most spaces), almost all the other 'rewards' are still AWOL. Some spaces have reported receiving a soldering station. The Eagle CAD folks seem to be inching closer to getting license(s) to participants (thanks Psy Tek and Ed). but just about every thing else seems to be BS.<br>
><br>
> Today, AgentSilverFox, the company who tried to manage the event, are severing relations with Element 14 - except through lawyers.<br>
><br>
> It is really sad that Element 14 has chosen to screw us over. In the process they have screwed up the potential for future sponsors. How many spaces are going to be willing to participate if the sponsors are going to take the publicity and run? <br>
><br>
> I feel sorry for Mitch Altman, who lent his good name, face and promotional talents to the event.<br>
><br>
> I, for one, will no longer be watching anything from Ben Heck, Jeri Ellsworth or other 'hackers' who remain associated with Element 14. Sorry folks but you are tainted by continued association.<br>
><br>
> Jerry Isdale<br>
> <a href="http://MauiMakers.com">http://MauiMakers.com</a><br>
><br>
> Begin forwarded message:<br>
><br>
>> From: Mark Sanders <<a href="mailto:mark.sanders@agentsilverfox.com">mark.sanders@agentsilverfox.com</a>><br>
>> Date: August 24, 2011 10:14:48 AM HST<br>
>> To: <a href="mailto:hackerspacechallenge@agentsilverfox.com">hackerspacechallenge@agentsilverfox.com</a><br>
>> Subject: [GGHC] Closing the Great Global Hackerspace Challenge<br>
>> Reply-To: <a href="mailto:hackerspacechallenge@agentsilverfox.com">hackerspacechallenge@agentsilverfox.com</a><br>
>><br>
>> Hi there,<br>
>><br>
>> I've been putting off sending this email. We haven't been able to secure the products from our client element14 that were promised to you. Silverfox, the company that organized the Great Global Hackerspace Competition, will no longer be working with element14. The nature of the business relationship and the contracts between our two companies have not been respected and we have no choice but to part ways. I won't go into detail but our legal council has advised us that we are obliged to shut down this mailing list. <br>
>><br>
>> Even at this late stage I honestly thought that we could find a way to make good on this situation but unfortunately the practicalities didn't allow it. You all worked tremendously hard and your enthusiasm for this project was truly outstanding. We are personally working on alternate arrangements to provide the products that were committed to you. We can't make any immediate commitments but I look forward to following up with you all when we have a solution in place. <br>
>><br>
>> My direct email is <a href="mailto:mark.sanders@agentsilverfox.com">mark.sanders@agentsilverfox.com</a>. <br>
>><br>
>><br>
>> Our client at element14 is Sabrina Deitch, <br>
>><br>
>> Sr. Brand Marketing Manager<br>
>><br>
>> Newark & element14<br>
>><br>
>> <a href="mailto:sdeitch@newark.com">sdeitch@newark.com</a>, <br>
>><br>
>> T: 773 907 5616<br>
>><br>
>><br>
>><br>
>><br>
>> MARK SANDERS | SILVERFOX | o 415.701.1701 c:408.728.4674<br>
>><br>
>> <a href="http://twitter.com/agentsilverfox">twitter.com/agentsilverfox</a><br>
>> <a href="http://facebook.com/culturewins">facebook.com/culturewins</a><br>
>> <a href="http://culturewins.com">culturewins.com</a><br>
>><br>
><br>
><br>
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><br>
</p>