Re: LPFM 5-8-13 Moving Forward
jim goettler
As this all starts to get real - I suggest we begin to look at that division of labor so even as tasks change and the intensity heats up, it continues to be fun.
I am seeing 3 clear areas - (1) Engineering/technical/Construction, (2) Programming and (3) Operations, which will include funding/legal and maintaining the ongoing relationships - both internal with our board/membership/staff and external with strategic partners and surrounding community.
They are by no stretch mutually exclusive - but might help us get more stuff done and bring in more people interested in a specific area....
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While in due course programming will come into its own and be the [public manifestation of the project, right now we need to begin investigating what the fair's audio files look like - who really owns what - what stage recordings might be off limits - who owns the main stage content klcc has been broadcasting for years - what the spoken word contracts look like (any broadcast restrictions?)and where all those audio files are sitting, etc. If the fair's current contracts have broadcast restrictions - that needs to be dealt with through consulting coordinators and our legal folks so we don't limit ourselves.
Meeting the minimum amount of original programming needed to get that much needed point in the fcc application should be easy (we're a friggin fair!), but it is going to require a lot of work to get all that stuff tightened up.
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Engineering is going to be huge - starting immediately with the needed site visit by the engineer to see what we can actually pull off re the primary and then repeater transmitter for the application - and then ongoing through the construction phase - gear acquisition, appropriateness of using Henderson's as the studio, web streaming capabilities, building more cool stuff.. and on and on.
This may well become the radio's true educational component - offering the classes, the mentorships, and the community access which is the magic of true community radio...and act as a very important funding magnet for the operations folks to follow through with.
Engineering/Technical/Construction is going to be where we spend money.
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Operations on the other hand is where we are going to raise money...develop budgets - and figure out how to pay for this thing - even with scrounged gear and volunteers...and to a large extent be the public face in the community for the fair's radio while holding together all the many parts of the project. it will probably be the conduit to the board and have every answer to every question, be they real or imagined.
The fair remains skittish re spending money on this - which is fine - but we all know it is going to cost some money to make this fly.
Our first expense is going to be the $200 for the engineering evaluation and completion of the application - after which we won't have any expenses for a year or so - but will need to get things lined up in the event our application is approved.
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Yes to a meeting in the next month or two - with charlie or tony or robin or whoever wants to be the staff point person - - the fair has a go-to-meeting account so i can patch in on that.
In what is coming up on 30 years of playing at the fair - I have yet to have a meeting at the fair that doesn't degenerate into complete frivolity - but am always game to keep trying!
We have about 5 months to application opening - but need to get our tech details lined up asap so we know if we are going to be limited with that terrestrial signal to the veneta/fair area, or be able to apply for the repeater to get to eugene. ..and for all the other elements to fall into place.
Thoughts?
Jim
Hello Again:
As promised, more commentary about where we go from here.
Communication and Housekeeping:
Now the fun begins. If my Emails turn out to be long (like this one), I will also attach a PDF so you can print and read at your leisure. (Yes, there are those I know who do this.)
I prefer to send to all of you as ‘BCC’ because it takes less steps (for me) than to log into Google through my web browser, and go to Google Mail/Groups, enter password, attach docs or write and send.
This does not mean you should not or cannot post to ocfr...@googlegroups.com (you have to have a Google Docs or Gmail account) - all task force members may not.
Division of Labor:
Bottom line is, we all work together.
I view Jim as the overall ‘lead dog’ with myself as assistant, so if you have projects, reports, ideas, updates on what you are doing as concerns the Application Phase, please share or tell one or both of us. Jim and I should be communicating frequently, we have so far!
I feel there will be many and varied ways which we all can be involved. Feel free to speak up at anytime and comment or volunteer or share ideas. We have 3 BOD members on the task force with Paxton the most experienced in this area. If BOD questions or process need to be vetted, it would be natural for Diane and Lawrence, to confer with him and then get back to the whole group.
Examples:
We should all probably read or review Jim’s last attachment “Instructions for Form 318” so we all know what we are focused upon. I will copy Russell Poppe (Fair attorney and incorporator) and tell him of the BOD action.
Jim brought up the subject of copying others with our progress; specifically Chewie, Deane, Charlie, Tony, Hilary, Bear (yes, the only board no vote) and Jack. I feel that is an excellent idea and we have always been transparent in ALL our documentation. However, I also feel it is important to summarize to them actions taken and progress made. I am not putting them on the task force unless they request same.
However, Robin dropped off because she felt it was a conflict of interest, but now that the BOD voted yes, I will ask if she wants back on. She wants what is best for the Fair (as we all) and has no ‘power trips’.
Michael W. Miller (a volunteer radio engineer) has requested Dave Aikens (also involved with Radio engineering) be added to the task force. They have known and worked with each other for many years and are willing to volunteer time and effort for the project to move forward. I will extend an invitation unless there is some objection.
Should we have a meeting?
I was going to bring this up but Mike Miller and Jim brought it up and I think it is an excellent idea! Mike M will network with Dave Aikens and Jim on an appropriate date and time within the next 2-3 weeks for those of us who can attend. They plan a field trip, and preliminary study concerning the logistics and possible location(s)... which could be discussed at he meeting.
Myself, Jim (if possible), and at least maybe a couple of others who would not have to travel far Robert, Alan, should meet with Charlie to get and overview on proceeding forward with the task at hand and insight on which organizations he has already approached and the individuals in charge.
[As a reminder: If I don’t mention a name, or for that matter when any of us are meeting with persons, organizations, groups, etcl, if your name is NOT mentioned that does NOT mean you cannot attend. If you would like to attend just check or express an interest. If Sandra and Jim were to set up a meeting looking for a sponsor or grant from a company located in Washington State or Portland with Jennifer, or Marcus feels there is interest from an organization, city, school, etc., on the Oregon Coast, I am not going to feel slighted if I am not mentioned or invited. There is plenty to do and keep us all involved.]
TO DO
Ok your place to identify and add, suggest tasks, that need to be done or want help with, or put on the agenda of us all, etc.
Jim has noted:
We need a work plan by Fair Time.We need to secure services of an Engineer
In Process & actions taken:
I have copied Russell Poppe with the FCC form 318.
I have Emailed Robin Bernardi at the office.
Mike Miller will network with Jim and Dave Aikens on a possible Task Force meeting date.
Jim will communicate with Woody (of Discuss List fame) and suggest a task - that of outreach to Fair Family members for possible donor subscriptions to OCF LPFM. The possible task also to include survey and feedback of membership as to types of programming they desire.... and ???
Mike JamesLongOCF-LPFM Task Force