There has been much controversy over the conditions set by the Sputnik Bounty. I've donated, because I can afford to lose ?13 should nothing come of it, however, there are many who either cannot, or, wont donate on principle as they feel that the money should go to Sputnik and not anything else.

I've been thinking about how to address this - but in a wider context of OS 4 bounties in general. Looking around the web, at other alternative OS community Sites they appear to operate a system in which a bounty is set, and held in trust by a third party, until the work is done.

Such a third party for the Amiga could be created, but with caveats. A realistic schedule would need to be placed on the bounty - as we wouldnt want another Amizilla. Monies would have to be returned to all sponsors in the event that this schedule is not met.

So initially the bounty program will act as a trustee for bounties. The bounty program will also need to act as a means of communication between developer and sponsors/community at large - It may be too much to expect the developer to reply to every topic on "whats going on" i- but it shouldnt be too hard for the bounty program to keep people regularly informed of progress.

A mechanism for how the money is collected would also have to be set up. Paypal fees are crazy - but I cant see any way around them.

Also - some ppl would need to manage all this, and indeed someone to lead it. A website would also be needed. My reasons for posting here, is that it could be something born out of amigans.net

Also - I, like most ppl am stacked with work at the moment , so the amount of time ppl can donate to this project will be a huge factor in itself.

These are just initial thoughts. Ideally I'd have the monies sitting in one of those new 8% interest accounts.. but that would just complicate things.

@Mikey_C

I'm up for learning C. I started a while ago - Karlos around 3 years ago began to teach me over Messenger, but he became really busy - then I became really busy etc.. etc..

I've become quite good at vbscript - had to teach myself that for work. Sort of undertstand a bit of PHP, and last night downloaded Free Pascal for shits and giggles. Actually Free Pascal is bloody easy - some things bug me, as I find it very strict, but what I'm thinking is - there is a free pascal port to OS 4, so even I dont get C, hopefully I'll come away with an understanding of the Amiga OS 4 API which I can apply Free Pascal too.

Of course, in any event it'll be a laugh - get to hang out with a load of delinquents for the day. There will no doubt be beer available too?

@kvasir

You can get flights from Los Angeles (which I guess is even further away?) for around ?180 now - but that's partly because stearling is so strong.. perhaps a little too strong. Interest rates are set to sky rocket here.. hold onto your house!