@FIRST_LIGHT

I think I get it now. You are worried that I might be trying to leech off of the Drupal Association budget with my proposal. Trying to pull a fast one and get something for nothing.

I grew up in a small farming town and worked my way through college, so I may be too dense to follow your logic. But here's how I see it:

1) The Drupal Association's reason for existence is to promote Drupal and help it. It's on their home page and in their charter. Check it out.

2) There is broad consensus among professional marketers that good PR (remember my definition above) is the most cost effective marketing vehicle there is. It only takes you so far. You shouldn't over-invest. It shouldn't be the ONLY thing you do. But it normally should be the FIRST thing you do.

3) The Drupal Association does not currently do professional PR beyond posting press releases.

4) This year, for the first time, I think the Drupal Association is going to have the money to invest in real marketing.

5) It would be a good idea for the Drupal Association to at least consider professional PR as part of the marketing mix for launching Drupal 7.

Now (1) may be news to you and/or you may disagree with that mission. But the charter of the organization is what it is. Neither you nor I get to fiddle with it.

You may also argue that (2) is invalid because you know better than the marketing establishment. And you could be right, but in that case you have to point to an alternate marketing vehicle (remember the charter) that provides better ROI. So what would that be?

(3) is an undisputable fact.

I'm pretty sure (4) is true, because the company where I work is writing a BIG check to the Association to hand over the all the profits on the DrupalCon Boston conference.

So that's my logic. What am I missing?