Warpstock Corp

What's on the Horizon

Lewis G Rosenthal, CNA, CLE, CLP

Treasurer, Warpstock Corp

In the beginning...

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Warpstock, Inc: Corporate Entity

  • Non-membership, non-stock corporation (designed as a non-profit)
  • Board of Directors consisting of seven members
  • Four directors elected in even-numbered years; three in odd-numbered years
  • Two-year term of office for each member; no more than four consecutive terms
  • Requirement to have attended at least one Warpstock event within prior three years
  • Four officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary
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Warpstock, Inc: Board Meetings

  • Annual meeting; historically held during the Warpstock event; meeting may be electronic (IRC)
  • Special meetings may be called at any time
  • A quorum of directors is required to pass any motion(s) brought forth during a meeting
  • Meetings governed by Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised (1990 edition)
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Warpstock, Inc: Revenue Generation

  • Event attendee registrations
  • Contributions
  • Vendor registrations
  • Shirt sales (minimal)
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Warpstock, Inc: Tax Issues

  • IRS Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code filed
  • Long wait...application rejected
  • 2003: All previous Forms 990 being rejected,  proper Forms 1120 prepared for 1998-2002
  • Taxes calculated; penalties assessed
  • Payments made to IRS for taxes, penalties, and interest (mainly due to profit from Warpstock 1998)
  • Following Warpstock 2004, minimal funds remained for contingencies
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Warpstock, Inc: Wrap-up

  • Following Warpstock 2005, several prior members resigned from the Board and new members joined
  • New officers were elected
  • After much discussion concerning tax-exempt status and past events, the new Board decided it best to close the old corporate entity and form a new one
  • Final 1120 prepared and filed; minimal Federal income Tax due with return, based upon successful Warpstock 2005
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Warpstock Corp: A New Beginning

  • Warpstock Corp formed as a Virginia non-stock corporation
  • Similar bylaws to Warpstock, Inc, but with an amended mission statement
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Warpstock Corp: Mission Statement



Warpstock Corporation is an organization of volunteers dedicated to promoting education, information, and social opportunities to those persons interested in computer operating systems and related software through the production of at least an annual technology conference. The Warpstock Corporation Board of Directors accepts bids from potential host cities in a competitive process.

A New Direction

  • A new (expanded) direction
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A New Direction

  • A new (expanded) direction
  • Better organization
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A New Direction

  • A new (expanded) direction
  • Better organization
  • Better financial strategy for longevity
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A New Direction

  • A new (expanded) direction
  • Better organization
  • Better financial strategy for longevity
  • More focused community involvement
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A New Direction

  • A new (expanded) direction
  • Better organization
  • Better financial strategy for longevity
  • More focused community involvement
  • Tighter connections with existing organizations
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A New Direction

  • A new (expanded) direction
  • Better organization
  • Better financial strategy for longevity
  • More focused community involvement
  • Tighter connections with existing organizations
  • Grander scale than its predecessor
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New (Expanded) Direction

  • Not just an annual event organization
  • We envision workshops at random intervals throughout the Americas
  • Our goal is to bring end users, consultants, administrators, and vendors together
  • Social activities are ancillary to the information exchange
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Better Organization

  • More frequent directors meetings (monthly, via IRC)
  • Clearly defined communications, privacy, and conflict of interest policies
  • Revised contributor and sponsorship programs
  • Extensible website with multiple people able to update content
  • Discussion forums
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Better Financial Strategy:
Savings & Investment


  • Revenue should flow from multiple streams
  • PayPal interest on deposit is now in excess of 5% APR
  • Other savings vehicles: US Savings Bonds, Mutual Funds
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Better Financial Strategy:
Sales & Merchandising


  • Web-based revenues from PayPal contribution link, Amazon affiliate program, Google AdSense, and soon Safari Bookshelf
  • eBay sales and registration specials to help boost awareness
  • Lower cost, broader range of Warpstock merchandise available through Cafepress.com
  • Special, limited edition items, custom produced (notebook accessories, pins, pens)
  • New corporate logo to reflect Warpstock branding, separate from the annual event's logo
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More Focused Community Involvement

  • Forums on the new warpstock.org website
  • New communications policy will move away from Yahoo Groups
  • Look for regional and local events to be sponsored by Warpstock
  • OS/2 Museum should become a permanent part of Warpstock, with an annual budget set aside for repairs, transportation, and new acquisitions
  • We need feedback, volunteers, and ideas; many things are possible
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Tighter Connections
with Existing Organizations


  • Already good relationship with VOICE
  • Find and reach out to other remaining OS/2 & eCS organizations
  • Rebuild and recreate network of organizations, and become clearinghouse (e.g., Team OS/2)
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Grander Scale

  • Bigger, and more far-reaching than Warpstock, Inc
  • No longer is focus on "will there be a Warpstock next year?"
  • Focus now is "how much can we do between this year's event and next year's?"
  • By thinking long term, Warpstock's future is sound - as long as there are users of alternative OSes
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How Can You Help?

  • Bring your ideas to us through the warpstock-corp mailing list
  • Keep the Warpstock discussion alive and flowing
  • Don't be shy to suggest new things or even a small event in your area, mid-season (Hacking Weekend)
  • Put your time where your ideas are; we are limited in numbers - but don't overcommit
  • Financial contributions are always welcome - use the PayPal link at http://www.warpstock.org
  • Encourage vendors with whom you do business to perhaps exhibit at a Warpstock event
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