It is the obligation of any research investigator funded by public or private funds to present progress to the funding body to assure that body that the funds are being appropriately spent and to demonstrate to that body the usefulness of the funds given so that future funding will be offered if needed. Without such feedback, the funding body will assume any number of possible problems including:
The project is not what was expected, has little or no merit
The researcher is too busy with other projects and the money should be released
The researcher lacks the skills to make progress on the project and thus there is nothing to report.
The researcher is using the funds inappropriately (buying cars, making trips, gifts etc.)
I am sure that these items are not at issue, but silence is the worst possible response from Eric, especially if he tries funding this way again. At the very least a financial report showing what was spent, what remains and what is planned is appropriate on a quarterly or at least semi-annual basis.
I am a researcher/clinical physician, I work 60-80 hours a week, have four kids and still manage to write and fulfill financial disclosure and grant accounting requirements. (I have no secretary or research nurse and publish 2-3 times per year) Unless Eric was diving off of the west Indonesian Islands last month, he has no excuse.
I must admit I was excited about this type of funding organization when this began, and still think it has great potential, but am concerned that the lack of feed back will make it impossible to seek this route again.
My utmost respect goes to crpeck who has been a driving force in this, but I will have great difficulty funding this way again, at least without firm ground rules in place (and perhaps for a different scientist?)
To Eric I say, let us know what is going on. You have the opportunity to save this potentially great, freely given and flexible funding source for future uses and for other investigators. Don't ruin it for the others that may need it in the future! You certainly were on the board enough when funds were trickling in telling us of how much you have helped reef enthusiasts solve problems etc and asking for something in return to help the coral and the hobby. We responded, now its time to let us know what is going on. We don't ask much, but silence leaves only those little voices in our heads reminding us of how foolish it was to trust and donate. Telling us we should be wise with our money and slowly dousing the idealism and enthusiasm we felt with your first passionate cries to save the ellegance corals! It is time for some communication!.......past time.
Ron