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Soldier Mountain = NS Mountain!?! :)

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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1277059191/164645706?token=fbe39c15

So there's a Mountain for sale in Idaho with 2 lifts. We could make it a NS mountain by us for us. Make a Mad Decent park or whatever. I made a project on Kickstarter but it's in the review phase so it's not live yet. Give me feedback and help make this real.
Oct 23 2015 8:20AM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
I spend to much time in NSG
Oct 23 2015 8:25AM
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akt416
Posts: 246 - Karma: 568
this would be sick but i live nowhere near idaho
Oct 23 2015 8:46AM
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louie.mirags
Posts: 6015 - Karma: 5,027
Do you know the first thing about running a mountain?
Oct 23 2015 9:12AM
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sellinger
Posts: 591 - Karma: 485
This could be really sick. You would need a larger pledge to upkeep the mountain, however.

If, somehow, you were able to fully back this, I would highly suggest looking into solar energy to power the majority of the electrical needs.

The mountain could be really cool if the majority of the runs were park. I know there's a good amount of terrain park workers who are on NS that could help, either physically, or informationally.

You'd also need to figure out a way to bring in revenue after backing. Suggestions could be:
-relatively well priced season passes
-competitions hosted here (marketability=more money)

You'd also need to find out how and who will manage the resort. Who is going to work the cats. Who is going to work the lifts. Who will work in the lodge/shops. Etc...

Potentially what could happen is that you could sell shares to a larger ski resort corporation for the sole purpose of having workers, revenue, marketing, and organization. Only sell off roughly 49% of the shares so that you/NS has the ability to make the decisions of what to do with the mountain and maintain ownership.

Could be really cool, probably won't happen.
Oct 23 2015 9:33AM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
louie.miragsDo you know the first thing about running a mountain?


Well the mountain itself doesn't really run, it just ... sits there.
Oct 23 2015 9:43AM
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sellinger
Posts: 591 - Karma: 485
ElMexicanoWell the mountain itself doesn't really run, it just ... sits there.


Actually, not going to get all scientific, but mountains don't just "sit there". Mountain ranges are a constantly moving and changing geographical feature. Granted, at a relatively slow pace, but still moving nonetheless. :)
Oct 23 2015 9:46AM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
sellingerThis could be really sick. You would need a larger pledge to upkeep the mountain, however.

If, somehow, you were able to fully back this, I would highly suggest looking into solar energy to power the majority of the electrical needs.

The mountain could be really cool if the majority of the runs were park. I know there's a good amount of terrain park workers who are on NS that could help, either physically, or informationally.

You'd also need to figure out a way to bring in revenue after backing. Suggestions could be:
-relatively well priced season passes
-competitions hosted here (marketability=more money)

You'd also need to find out how and who will manage the resort. Who is going to work the cats. Who is going to work the lifts. Who will work in the lodge/shops. Etc...

Potentially what could happen is that you could sell shares to a larger ski resort corporation for the sole purpose of having workers, revenue, marketing, and organization. Only sell off roughly 49% of the shares so that you/NS has the ability to make the decisions of what to do with the mountain and maintain ownership.

Could be really cool, probably won't happen.


I'd run it like a regular park I'd probably give discounts to NS members. Solar is a good idea at my home mountain some of the lifts were run off of wind power. I should contact the current owners about that ... and am emailing them now..
Oct 23 2015 9:53AM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
sellingerActually, not going to get all scientific, but mountains don't just "sit there". Mountain ranges are a constantly moving and changing geographical feature. Granted, at a relatively slow pace, but still moving nonetheless. :)


It's all relative.
Oct 23 2015 9:55AM
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Stadtski
Posts: 972 - Karma: 3,349
ElMexicanoIt's all relative.


yes, and relative to the asthenosphere, the mountains and the rest of the lithosphere move quite a bit. Geology is a dynamic, and all encompassing science.
Oct 23 2015 10:01AM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
Rosa_Parkyes, and relative to the asthenosphere, the mountains and the rest of the lithosphere move quite a bit. Geology is a dynamic, and all encompassing science.


Yes, thank you!
Oct 23 2015 10:08AM
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iFlip
Posts: 4544 - Karma: 19,145
First question: Are you even 18?

The purchase price is really only the start. You would need extensive legal work done, staff, snowmaking expenses, electricity, huge amounts of upkeep and repairs...this is a full-time job, and not just for one person. Do you know how to manage a staff? How to even hire a staff? It is apparent that you are very, very out of your element. It's a nice idea but absolutely just an idea that cannot happen.
Oct 23 2015 10:15AM
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Stadtski
Posts: 972 - Karma: 3,349
ElMexicanoYes, thank you!


I am rebutting you, they do not just sit there, so your first point is wrong, now I was going to let you have the second "relative" point, however you are only partially correct by saying it is relative. If you really want to get into it, it isn't really relative at all, because the asthenosphere is moving as well, except it is moving less, and only really by getting squished in subduction zones. Below that, you basically have layers of convection currents cycling around the magmas in the mantle, inner core and outer core. Also the mountains are always raising or falling as time goes on, in some places, such as the mountains of New Zealand, by as much as 10 cm per year. On the east coast of the US, mountains are constantly being cut, but at a very slow rate, because through glaciation, the only rock easily found on North-East coast mountains are granitic, which is one of the hardest, least easily weathered rocks.
Oct 23 2015 10:19AM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
iFlipFirst question: Are you even 18?

The purchase price is really only the start. You would need extensive legal work done, staff, snowmaking expenses, electricity, huge amounts of upkeep and repairs...this is a full-time job, and not just for one person. Do you know how to manage a staff? How to even hire a staff? It is apparent that you are very, very out of your element. It's a nice idea but absolutely just an idea that cannot happen.


Yes.

I've managed staff in the past.

I figure I could hire a staff.
Oct 23 2015 10:20AM
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Stadtski
Posts: 972 - Karma: 3,349
iFlipvery out of your element..


but did you know that there are 11 elements in you?
Oct 23 2015 10:21AM
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sellinger
Posts: 591 - Karma: 485
Rosa_ParkI am rebutting you, they do not just sit there, so your first point is wrong, now I was going to let you have the second "relative" point, however you are only partially correct by saying it is relative. If you really want to get into it, it isn't really relative at all, because the asthenosphere is moving as well, except it is moving less, and only really by getting squished in subduction zones. Below that, you basically have layers of convection currents cycling around the magmas in the mantle, inner core and outer core. Also the mountains are always raising or falling as time goes on, in some places, such as the mountains of New Zealand, by as much as 10 cm per year. On the east coast of the US, mountains are constantly being cut, but at a very slow rate, because through glaciation, the only rock easily found on North-East coast mountains are granitic, which is one of the hardest, least easily weathered rocks.


Rosa_Parkbut did you know that there are 11 elements in you?


You. I like you.
Oct 23 2015 10:25AM
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iFlip
Posts: 4544 - Karma: 19,145
Rosa_Parkbut did you know that there are 11 elements in you?

Maybe in most people, but you're just full of shit.
Oct 23 2015 10:26AM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
Rosa_ParkI am rebutting you, they do not just sit there, so your first point is wrong, now I was going to let you have the second "relative" point, however you are only partially correct by saying it is relative. If you really want to get into it, it isn't really relative at all, because the asthenosphere is moving as well, except it is moving less, and only really by getting squished in subduction zones. Below that, you basically have layers of convection currents cycling around the magmas in the mantle, inner core and outer core. Also the mountains are always raising or falling as time goes on, in some places, such as the mountains of New Zealand, by as much as 10 cm per year. On the east coast of the US, mountains are constantly being cut, but at a very slow rate, because through glaciation, the only rock easily found on North-East coast mountains are granitic, which is one of the hardest, least easily weathered rocks.


If you opened the Kickstarter you'll see I have a notepad and i'll be taking notes :) ... 10cm a year okay so my/our Vertical Drop will be 1,425 ft +/-10cm/year. Well Idaho isn't on the east coast. Grantic ... like the countertops?
Oct 23 2015 10:28AM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,488
ElMexicanoYes.

I've managed staff in the past.

I figure I could hire a staff.


Managing a mcdicks is not even close to comparable to managing a mountain
Oct 23 2015 10:31AM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
HamFaceGirl3.0Managing a mcdicks is not even close to comparable to managing a mountain


Who said anything about mcdicks?
Oct 23 2015 10:32AM
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a_burger
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 20,858
they have already had 400+ bids at least some of which are coming from actual companies this shits never gonna happen
Oct 23 2015 10:34AM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
w_skierthey have already had 400+ bids at least some of which are coming from actual companies this shits never gonna happen


love the enthusiasm
Oct 23 2015 10:36AM
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louie.mirags
Posts: 6015 - Karma: 5,027
ElMexicanoI'd run it like a regular park I'd probably give discounts to NS members. Solar is a good idea at my home mountain some of the lifts were run off of wind power. I should contact the current owners about that ... and am emailing them now..


I know this is part troll/part joke/part a dream but it seems you have very little knowledge of how much moola you would need to invest just to get the permits. Much less to install solar and wind power...
Oct 23 2015 12:00PM
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Stadtski
Posts: 972 - Karma: 3,349
ElMexicanoIf you opened the Kickstarter you'll see I have a notepad and i'll be taking notes :) ... 10cm a year okay so my/our Vertical Drop will be 1,425 ft +/-10cm/year. Well Idaho isn't on the east coast. Grantic ... like the countertops?


thats in an extreme case, but the west in theory should be growing, but probably not as fast as that since New Zealand is a little more active. and Yes Granite can be used for countertops if you have the money. its a very hard rock because its metamorphic and its very chemically stable so it doesn't break down fast at all.
Oct 23 2015 2:21PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 52051 - Karma: 167,341
ElMexicanoI spend to much time in NSG


Obviously not enough. So late to the party it's not even funny.
Oct 23 2015 7:38PM
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dadi
Posts: 449 - Karma: 972
I like the smiley face in the thread name, real art
Oct 26 2015 12:37AM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,511
ElMexicanohttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1277059191/164645706?token=fbe39c15

So there's a Mountain for sale in Idaho with 2 lifts. We could make it a NS mountain by us for us. Make a Mad Decent park or whatever. I made a project on Kickstarter but it's in the review phase so it's not live yet. Give me feedback and help make this real.


What business and hospitality experience do you have? Have you made a business plan what are the numbers? Do I get any shares of the profits for donating money for you to buy this mountain? Who 3lse will be able to help you with this business venture? Why is this mountain for sale in the first place is it because they're not making money?
Oct 26 2015 12:45AM
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ianrich511
Posts: 511 - Karma: 723
As you can see, its really easy for people to make it seem overwhelming, but in reality it's not. It just depends what your vision would be.

1) Buy the mountain.

2)Don't open it to the public.(There goes all the legal fees, staff, and other BS everyones throwing out.)

But what about revenue!! lol. Yeah, cause this place was bringing in revenue, thats why it's for sale.

3) Fix the minimum amount of lifts that get you to the top. Let the rest die.

Expensive? Yes. Cost of having your own private mountain though, priceless.
Oct 26 2015 9:28AM
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Lonely
Posts: 6832 - Karma: 63,646
w_skierthey have already had 400+ bids at least some of which are coming from actual companies this shits never gonna happen


They won't sell to a big company. It's a nonprofit
Oct 26 2015 9:40AM
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chicknfriedsteak
Posts: 984 - Karma: 4,692
ElMexicanohttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1277059191/164645706?token=fbe39c15

So there's a Mountain for sale in Idaho with 2 lifts. We could make it a NS mountain by us for us. Make a Mad Decent park or whatever. I made a project on Kickstarter but it's in the review phase so it's not live yet. Give me feedback and help make this real.


Yes! I live in Idaho do it.
Oct 26 2015 9:46AM
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a_burger
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 20,858
LonelyThey won't sell to a big company. It's a nonprofit


if its currently run by locals the thing they are gonna want most is to still be able to ski there, its not gonna go to some sketchy co-op that just started and will just leave it idle while they scrounge up money. that doesnt mean vail resorts is buying it either, but it will probably get sold to a wealthy business man
Oct 26 2015 10:28AM
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Lonely
Posts: 6832 - Karma: 63,646
w_skierif its currently run by locals the thing they are gonna want most is to still be able to ski there, its not gonna go to some sketchy co-op that just started and will just leave it idle while they scrounge up money. that doesnt mean vail resorts is buying it either, but it will probably get sold to a wealthy business man


Most likely. Unless we get our shit together
Oct 26 2015 10:32AM
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grilled_steeze
Posts: 422 - Karma: 1,448
Imma level with all of you. It sounds easy but it's not. There's so much to be done and with all the bids odds seem pretty slim, still a cool idea if we could make it happen. We should try to buy Ascutney VT and make that a NS mountain. It's been closed for awhile, there's no bids, and it be a pretty fun refurb project on lifts and lodges. Just run it like a giant backyard park. $55 lift tickets, and a discount for NS members.
Oct 26 2015 1:58PM
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a_burger
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 20,858
skipoint0Imma level with all of you. It sounds easy but it's not. There's so much to be done and with all the bids odds seem pretty slim, still a cool idea if we could make it happen. We should try to buy Ascutney VT and make that a NS mountain. It's been closed for awhile, there's no bids, and it be a pretty fun refurb project on lifts and lodges. Just run it like a giant backyard park. $55 lift tickets, and a discount for NS members.


the town bought ascutney and is reopening this season with a small ropetow. everything above the midstation is being purchased with federal money so its pretty much out of the question of being used for skiing again. all the other lifts are gone except the double

its a cool little place that has never been profitable and probably won't, but it definitely would be nice to help step up their park game (which was miserable I've heard from a friend who skied there a lot)
Oct 26 2015 2:39PM
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coldcuts69
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 1,888
Hey buddy not tryna be a downer but uh...

Running a ski hill ain't that easy.
Oct 26 2015 2:41PM
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Seeeeemji
Posts: 59 - Karma: 111
So you're just going to buy a mountain and just make a ski resort happen? That's cute.

Did your mommy and daddy give you permission to use the internet today?
Oct 26 2015 2:50PM
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ianrich511
Posts: 511 - Karma: 723
SeeeeemjiSo you're just going to buy a mountain and just make a ski resort happen? That's cute.

Did your mommy and daddy give you permission to use the internet today?


What makes you think this would be a resort? I have never been to a "resort" that had two lifts.

This would be like a ski hostel if it happened.

Everyone in here is acting like this would be like running fucking Vail.
Oct 26 2015 2:55PM
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HamFaceGirl
Posts: 5242 - Karma: 2,675
Lol such debbie downers in thie thread. It's not that hard to run a ski resort
Oct 26 2015 6:25PM
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mike759
Posts: 884 - Karma: 1,978
It's probably possible, but lets be honest who actually lives in Idaho
Oct 26 2015 10:22PM
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itzki
Posts: 444 - Karma: 1,344
There have been at least 5 threads on this but the admins haven't commented on any of them, let alone Bishop. Not really saying anything, but just adding as a point of if this is actually possible or not.
Oct 27 2015 9:39AM
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sellinger
Posts: 591 - Karma: 485
HamFaceGirlLol such debbie downers in thie thread. It's not that hard to run a ski resort


It wouldn't be as hard as everyone is trying to make it out to be, but there are some things that would need to happen before anything could really work.

Even if you were going to run the bare minimum upkeep costs, there would still be a cost for maintaining and running the slopes. You would need to pay at least, for the running costs and maintenance costs of the lift and the snowcats. That is all that would be necessary for the mountain to function as a ski slope.

You would also need to have someone/a few people to operate the snowcats in order to groom the trails and build the terrain parks. Potentially someone could do this for free and just help out, but that would be unlikely.

If it were to be just NS mountain, you could close the slopes to the public. You could charge a small season pass fee for NS members, maybe like $200 in order to cover upkeep costs and all that. You would have to have everyone agree to sign a release form to rid of liability in the instance someone were to get hurt.

Also, promoting events such as big air, slope-style, and rail jams at the mountain could bring in money for costs.

Essentially:
1. Buy the property
2. Only operate the needed lift(s)
3. Have someone/people to build the terrain parks
4. Sell cheap season passes/tickets for NS members
5. Liability forms
6. Host events
Oct 27 2015 10:42AM
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skittiti
Posts: 172 - Karma: 434
Hope everyone realizes that the land that isn't for sale here, it's the operations. The land is owned by the US and is being operated on under permit by Soldier Mountain. So you would be buying a failing operation, with 150k of debt. That being said, there are a lot of assets that would come with the purchase, but if the mountain didn't have the cash flow to pay off the debt before chances are it probably wont be able to generate enough cash flow this time around.
Oct 27 2015 1:55PM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
sellingerActually, not going to get all scientific, but mountains don't just "sit there". Mountain ranges are a constantly moving and changing geographical feature. Granted, at a relatively slow pace, but still moving nonetheless. :)


"...not going to get all scientific ... geographical feature."

dadiI like the smiley face in the thread name, real art


Thanks dadi!

Okay so Kickstarter isn't letting this idea fly/launch. They claimed it was against their rules but didn't show where. Also some of the people in this thread got me down and without a third party(kickstarter) to pool our money together i'm not sure how to launch this(and I feel most people wouldn't be comfortable sending me money directly). I got a couple emails from the owners originally they said they'd want the bid money together by the 30th and then they changed it to the 28th(today) so there isn't much time.
Oct 28 2015 7:33PM
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sellinger
Posts: 591 - Karma: 485
ElMexicano"...not going to get all scientific ... geographical feature."


Confused. I didn't go into any in-depth explanation of the process. Is "geographical feature" out of your vocabulary? I see no correlation between "getting scientific" and using a vocabulary word.
Oct 28 2015 7:56PM
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brett_fisher
Posts: 2419 - Karma: 10,503
bump
Oct 28 2015 8:26PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4705 - Karma: 8,775
ElMexicano"...not going to get all scientific ... geographical feature."



Thanks dadi!

Okay so Kickstarter isn't letting this idea fly/launch. They claimed it was against their rules but didn't show where. Also some of the people in this thread got me down and without a third party(kickstarter) to pool our money together i'm not sure how to launch this(and I feel most people wouldn't be comfortable sending me money directly). I got a couple emails from the owners originally they said they'd want the bid money together by the 30th and then they changed it to the 28th(today) so there isn't much time.


There are other crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe that have different rules than kickstarter, usually more lenient
Oct 28 2015 8:28PM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
https://www.gofundme.com/soldiermountain

So I set the amount at $149,000 because that's what the owners were asking in the ad I saw.
If we raise more money It will be put towards creating a better park and possibly mountain bike trails in the Summer.

The picture is of me it's kind of distorted though. There are tiers depending on how much you donate.
Oct 29 2015 12:54AM
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roddy116
Posts: 10643 - Karma: 7,573
I bet the financials for this place is total crap. Given its location being rather close to sun valley. And the fact that the asking price for it is 146 grand or something. I would slightly consider taking that place for free.
Oct 29 2015 4:22AM
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eheath
Posts: 61734 - Karma: 124,627
ElMexicanohttps://www.gofundme.com/soldiermountain

So I set the amount at $149,000 because that's what the owners were asking in the ad I saw.
If we raise more money It will be put towards creating a better park and possibly mountain bike trails in the Summer.

The picture is of me it's kind of distorted though. There are tiers depending on how much you donate.


Haha dude...

Y'all are delusional if you think you can get financing to buy this resort and then ever crazier if you think you could run it and turn a profit. I sure hope you guys aren't actually taking this seriously.
Oct 29 2015 5:02AM
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ElMexicano
Posts: 639 - Karma: 400
You can let this die or not. Don't donate money.
Oct 29 2015 5:02AM
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roddy116
Posts: 10643 - Karma: 7,573
Also sorry to burst your bubble, but there not taking anymore offers/ emails.
Oct 29 2015 5:17AM
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