...we have created this position to be YOUR representative to the Board of Directors and staff of AVSIM Online. The ombudsman position is a non-share holding, non-voting member of the AVSIM Board of Directors, and as such has a voice and input to the board; your voice and input.Wait a minute... If he's a non-share holding, non-voting member of the AVSIM Board of Directors, then how exactly is he our voice and input to the board if he can cast no vote? Not trying to stir up trouble, I just think this statement seems a bit contradictory.

I think the role is more that of a lobbiest than a board member ;-)

JL, there's nothing unusual in this - industry does this sort of thing all the time. Think of Fr. Bill as being a surrogate "you" sitting in on our board meetings. You are not a member of the board, nor do you vote or own shares, but inviting you to attend to give your input would be a great thing, wouldn't it? That's Bill's role. To represent the voice of the community within our board. As such, he is privy to the discussions, motions and directions we are taking, and in turn, can express what he believes to be in the best interest of the community, with the PRESUMPTION that he is closer to the wants and needs of our community members as a result of his position as ombudsman.

And not being a member of the board, nor having voting rights, gives him in my opinion the independent position which an ombudsman should have.Jozef Kusters http://httpd.chello.nl/~j-kusters/logo.gif [link:Ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Tradewind/"]Visit TCA TradeWind ][/font

Exactamento.