> Hmmm... I dunno.  When it comes time to purchase components,
> especially large/significant quantities, my guess is that most people
> would choose their regular suppliers or go with the usual factors
> of price, service, etc, instead of thinking that they should support
> a specific company that once sponsored a contest.  However, if
> the prize were some decent discount on parts, then maybe.

Yes, they are all valid points. Olimex's involvement is simple -
one board, one winner. As for other sponsors, it may not mean
anything to the list in general unless they'd offer a discount with
proof of membership or something like that (perhaps on orders
under a certain value) as a contra for their exposure. Loyalty
cards are the "in" thing these days. To the winner of course
would go the complete spoils, and I suggested a general
component supplier as a way for them to get a free board and
also free stuffing for it

> I think Microchip has every interest in promoting use of their
> products.

Of course, but they don't much like dealing directly with us oiks -
that's what their distributors are for. However as a sign of good
faith it wouldn't kill them to ship out a tube of chips. Even maybe
a programmer (possibly a PSP rather than an ICE2000) now
and then to encourage end-use purchases

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