The projector is destroyed - what next?

Anonymous — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:04:17 -0800

My friend destroyed my video projector, truly by accident. What to do? I loaned a VERY close friend my video projector. While he was using it, the bulb blew. Replacement cost of the bulb? $400. The projector itself - with a working bulb - sells used for a similar price. We both view the cost as prohibitive for the bulb. Obtaining a new projector for $400-ish is not out of the question. Neither he nor I have the budget or need to replace the projector in the short term. He's suggested splitting the cost on that theoretical $400 projector and sharing ownership. I am inclined to turn this offer down, although it does have the advantage of fiscal feasibility.

There are two complicating factors:

- I originally dumpstered the projector, which was in as-new condition and reported less than 10 hours on the bulb. Thus both he and I are reluctant to enforce full cost against the loss of the projector - I'm not out the money, but I am out the projector.

- The projector seems to have a design flaw which causes bulbs to blow at 200-250 hours, about 10% of the design life of the bulb, 2000 hours. Thus, it's probably just an act of fate that he happened to be using it when the bulb blew.

Additionally, he called me as he initially worked on getting the projector set up and needed to be walked through getting a signal to it. After the bulb blew, he mentioned to me that he had 'screwed around with the bulb.' When I recieved the projector back from him, the rubber ring around the lens had a bunch of weird scratches, as though someone had attempted to get to the bulb by peeling the rubber collar away from the lens. As far as I know, this would have been entirely fruitless, but would have required some untoward activity for the projector. He has not mentioned the scratches and I have not followed up the remark about the bulb per se. I do intend to do this, and to ask about the scratches, which I know were not there when I loaned him the unit.

He is a dear friend, who I do not wish to lose. I am very much disinclined to share ownership of a replacement projector, and certainly will NOT loan him one in the future. Insisting on a full-cost replacement would likely end our friendship, as he simply does not have the funds to do so in the short term.

What should I do?

when it rains...

whatitis — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 11:42:11 -0800

How much money should I loan a very good friend of mine in a tough situation? I feel lost as to what I should do. (extended facts in the extended) A very good friend of mine has had things go horribly wrong for her in the past couple weeks. Fiance broke up with her, lost her job, car had a boot put on it...

- She does not have enough money ($851) to pay to get the boot taken off. It was apparently put on because of outstanding tickets from a prior roommate who used the car, but my friend never knew of the tickets.
- Her parents are already loaning her money to cover her bills.
- I am in school, but work weekends. I've been working and saving up money for something. Without getting too specific, it's something that would make me a very happy person for a long time, I've been looking forward to it for a long time, etc. etc. but it is not a necessity.
- The money I have saved would cover the boot bill.
- I don't know when I would be payed back, but probably not for a long while.
- She lives in another state, needs a car to get a job, and the likelihood of getting the city to waive $851 in tickets is nil.

So how much should I loan my bestest friend? I have the money and want to help her, but am struggling with my own... selfishness. Do I offer to pay part of it and hope the rest of our mutual friends pick up the rest? What are my obligations?

Or just a discussion.... I feel more than a little lost. Any thoughts to help me help her are appreciated ahead of when they are posted.

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The projector is destroyed - what next?

when it rains...