spirit, tone, vibe, etc.

[GodisaGUI]

now that we have talked and talked and talked about the theme, tone, message and language of sa_uk / sa_nyc, please look at the videos below, even if you've seen some of them already.

after paying careful attention to sanderson's and pippa's words and the (unfortunately limited) footage of their show, i have come to four conclusions:

1) we are not, in any way, shape or form, at odds with the spirit of sa_uk and should not be walking on glass over the words "atheist" or "activist". they don't.

2) sanderson is extremely talented, his exuberance and personal positivity is the main ingredient in that show, and there is no chance whatsoever of capturing the exact vibe of sa_uk without him doing it himself.

3) there is no american equivalent of the church of england, the market over there is NOTHING like what we are finding here, and we need to make sure we are listening to our nyc instincts and our own observations as we customize this thing for our territory;

4) our show last time was GREAT, from host to speakers to audience, and we should not listen to any of the negativity we heard afterwards (from very few people), as it is almost entirely bullshit.

pardon me; bollocks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eF8x2wwLkM&sns=em

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH8RgGyDpzg&sns=em

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J_pt03UMZw&sns=em

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjJM9aqIARA&sns=em

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqQvxw17dy8&sns=em


DonKenne...@me.com
516-330-0001

[Erik Campano]

Yeah, hey Don, you are right on on points 2) and 3). On point 1), it's not clear what you mean (who is "walking on glass"?). But on point 4), you are very, very wrong. I forgive you because you wrote it at 1:43 in the morning and at that hour, few people are coherent.

Smart organizations always pay attention to their client's criticisms. It's a recipe for failure to dismiss critique of your company as "negativity" and "bullshit". It's even strategically less unwise to tell your clients that their opinions are "bullshit" in a public forum (note that you copied the public google groups list above).

If you go to a restaurant, and the fish & chips suck, and you tell the chef that the fish & chips suck, and the chef goes, [cue French accent] "I'm not listening to your bullshit", is that chef being smart? How about if the chef gets online and says, "hey everyone, a few (very few, in fact) people don't like my fish & chips, and that's just bullshit (or "bollocks", ha ha ha I'm so funny) ." Is that smart? No. That chef is, if you don't mind the Britishism, a wanker. A smart chef invites you to tell him everything about why you think the fish and chips suck, take notes, analyzes them, and improves his fish and chips. And ideally, offer you a new dish with a free Coca-Cola.

Humility, everyone. People will rarely will tell you to your face what they don't like about what you did. When they do, you honor their message, and their courage for telling you. And for fuck's sake, you don't bash them on the Internet for saying it.

And Don, you need to produce a song list so we can look over the lyrics; we voted on that, and the Assembly is tomorrow.

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[GodisaGUI]

erik ~

i am not talking about criticism from "clients".   we have definitely listened well to criticism from the two audience members who gave it, and were happy to accept it.  that was not "negativity", and i wasn't referring to that at all.  

did you watch the videos i sent?  i didn't think the point could be clearer. 

as for the songlist, i gave it at last meeting, where i also explained why it will be finalized at tech rehearsal today. 

DonKenne...@me.com

516-330-0001

[Michael Dorian]

I just watched the first video link below and Sanderson dropped an F-bomb within the first 15 seconds, and then another one about halfway through.  Is "fuck" less of a bad word there than it is here in the US?

Michael Dorian

Co-Director, REFUSING MY RELIGION

www.facebook.com/refusingmyreligion

www.twitter.com/refusingmyrelig

www.youtube.com/user/refusingmyreligion

www.refusingmyreligion.com

www.otheranimalfilms.com

[Sunday Assembly]

Hi guys,

Nope, the f-bomb is just as bad here as in the US, and I dropped two of them in the first Assembly (one without even noticing it). Swearing is something I do in my normal life, and in comedy clubs, but I have now removed it from my vocabulary at the Sunday Assembly. It takes a while to start saying 'garbage' instead of 'shit' but it is possible! 

x SJ

[Jonathan Tobert]

Yes, I agree with SJ on this. Four-letter words at SA serve no useful function, while raising questions about our taste, judgment, kid-friendliness and respect for the congregation. Maybe in George Carlin’s day they had some protest value, but that day is long gone. They’re not cool, they’re just boringly ubiquitous and devoid of meaning.

 

Jonathan

[Lee Moore]

Well at this most recent NYSA we did pretty good about avoiding them.  While I am all for breaking the ridiculous taboo on profanity (and do so relentlessly on my show and news network) I am fine with not using NYSA as a forum for such quests.  

[Justina.walford]

is the feedback on this last one coming in? I loved Erik's spreadsheet and would love to hear more. maybe we can ask for thoughts on the Facebook and meetup? 

[Lee Moore]

I went around to just about everyone asking them what they thought and if they would come back.  The reviews I got were overwhelmingly positive.  I heard no complaints.  Most everyone said they wanted to come back next month if they were able to.  Our congregation grows.  I also heard form some of those who couldnt make it this time around.  Sadly many had other obligations or in one case an injury that prevented them from attending.  

I have a few complaints though.  We need a set stage manager to have the format for the show at least a week in advance and to have the authority to make any needed alterations based on any problems that may crop up.  We did trip a bit over each others laces this time around and while the show still went well not having such a role could potentially be disastrous.  I know some of us have some experience in this sort of thing.  I would be happy to take the reins on this if needed.  I can handle it, film, and help with the lyrics.  The setup we had this past time to run the technical side of the show went exceedingly well.  

One thing slightly off topic, the next meeting is supposed to be next monday right?  Its labor day and I will be out of state and not in a position where I can easily skype in.  Any chance we can postpone it to thursday of that week?  

[Michael Dorian]

Fair enough.  You could try using "junk" or "bunk" instead of "shit", Mr. Potty Mouth. ;)

[GodisaGUI]

yea it's a hard adjustment for me too!  but i think we were pretty good this time..

DonKenne...@me.com

516-330-0001

[Michael Dorian]

Yes, mostly everyone I spoke with seemed to enjoy this past SANYC.  The one criticism I heard was that this past SA was "too churchy".  This person mentioned in particular the turning and greeting of people sitting nearby.  While I'm not opposed to that, it is straight out of the church's playbook.  Overall, the tone of this last one was also much more subdued -- almost to the point of getting dull in a couple of spots.

While Joe's energy was great, and his attempts to rouse the crowd were appreciated, one problem I had was that he was reading from a script much of the time (at the start anyway).  That detracted from the feel of things and might have diminished the audience's "fun factor".  

The other problem I had was with the order of the events.  I was expressly clear with Joe about what should happen when.  We went over the show's structure and I wrote out for him the order in which things were supposed to happen.  It was not a good move to have the speakers go back-to-back for a number of reasons.  I tried to stop that when I saw what was happening but it was too late.  The result was far too much talking in a row (like 30 minutes).  And I had told Greg in advance that he would not follow another speaker.  That's not fair to our invited speakers.  There should have been a song in between them to cleanse the audience's palate.

Don, I know you were trying to help and that there was apparently some confusion about this, but please don't override the order of events in the future.  Both Lee and Joe said that you decided to do it that way at the last minute.  This was a real problem, I felt, and it made the show lag in a way that never happened before.  A stage manager in the future is a good way to avoid this.

Still some kinks to iron out, but we're getting there.  

[Mary James]

Hi everyone,

 

The people I spoke to really loved the show.  Two people said (and this isn't a critique of the last show, it just what they said) that they initially weren't sure if they would come back, but did this time, and really liked the vibe of this one and would definitely come in the future.

 

I thought Joe did an excellent job -- was funny, engaging, got people to get up an sing.  I think we've worked out many of the kinks.  The show flowed well, the audience stayed engaged, but I do suggest a timer for speakers, as it's difficult to keep track when one is speaking.  I think the length was good though for the full assembly.

 

The band was great and people loved the songs.  I think Joe's suggestion of having a more diverse line up of songs is excellent.

 

We'll have to scope out the next space regaring the lyrics/screen.  People in the first few rows were blocking the screen, but that's just a matter of the space and we can test it at our new locale.

 

There were fewer people this time, but a perfect sized group for the space.  I think we'll grow through word of mouth and press.

 

The speakers were great and both 100% on message.

 

Bravo!!

[Scott E. Weiner, Ph.D.]

Everyone I talked to right after the event and at the restaurant afterward really liked the event. I really like the way Joe got off the stage during the singing to, as Michael said, rouse folks, so they would sing. I think each time we get better and better--and this is only our second time doing it ourselves, and see how far we've come! Best Wishes, Scott

 

 

Scott E. Weiner, Ph.D.

Cognitive Engineer

Minds | Emotions | Actions | Life ReDesign

ScottEWeiner.com

scott_e...@yahoo.com

212.360.7222

 

http://www.refusingmyreligion.com/

http://www.otheranimalfilms.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Michael Dorian

Co-Director, REFUSING MY RELIGION

www.facebook.com/refusingmyreligion

www.twitter.com/refusingmyrelig

www.youtube.com/user/refusingmyreligion

http://www.refusingmyreligion.com/

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[Scott E. Weiner, Ph.D.]

Here are the two comments from NY Brainiacs meetup group:

Ellen

Very good. I enjoyed it a lot and Will want to go next month ago. The music was fun, and I think that the attidude set by the speakers, suggests that this movement is an excellent one.

0 ·   

 

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  Barry Chiate

  A very unique and special experience of committed and talented people coming together to create community.

 

 

 

Scott E. Weiner, Ph.D.

Cognitive Engineer

Minds | Emotions | Actions | Life ReDesign

ScottEWeiner.com

scott_e...@yahoo.com

212.360.7222

 

[Justina.walford]

I thought aj was the future one. but if not, I do have a lot of experience in this and so far have no obligations during Assembly. it is better being me than anyone who is also doing tech, greeting, or otherwise distracted.  stage manager should not be juggling duties.

www.refusingmyreligion.com

www.otheranimalfilms.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GodisaGUI]

i actually want to do this ~ and i want to have a dress rehearsal (before or after tech) for every show.  it's very close to what i'm doing now and i've done a LOT of it in the church setting.  

but if someone else wants to do it that's cool too :) as long as it gets done.

DonKenne...@me.com

516-330-0001

[Lee Moore]

Actually Justina I am glad you stepped up and said something.  You owned a theater so I dont doubt your abilities and you currently dont have another set duty.  You have my support for taking this over.  

[GodisaGUI]

i do too.  would love to support you in that. 

DonKenne...@me.com

516-330-0001

[Jonathan Tobert]

Me too. Go Justina!

 

Jonathan

[Justina.walford]

yay! a reason to go to rehearsals! 

[Michael Dorian]

Yes, all for Justina doing it.  You go, yo.

[GodisaGUI]

you will keep it fun too

DonKenne...@me.com

516-330-0001

[AJ Johnson]

Hi All! 

I saw I was mentioned and wanted to add clarification on the Stage Manager gig.

While I've helped organize quite a few events, I don't have any stage manager experience proper. I was only 'chosen' because I made the suggestion. (No good idea goes unpunished? hehe) 

Since it looks like people with specific experience really seem to want to do it, I think they should! If we want to rotate this position, I can do it the first time. However, if there are other (read: better, more experienced) folks that want to do it permanently, I'm happy to find other ways to be helpful to the group!

Thank you! 
AJ

PS: I had a fantastic time speaking! I really appreciate being given the opportunity to address our group. Thank you all for trusting me to uphold the spirit of SA.  :) 

AJ Johnson Vice President , Be Secular Tel: 908-718-7654 A...@BeSecular.com | www.besecular.com

Connect with Be Secular! Facebook Twitter

Sincerely,

AJ

[GodisaGUI]

loved your talk aj!! very human. 

DonKenne...@me.com

516-330-0001

[Joe Dixon]

"Maybe in George Carlin’s day they had some protest value, but that day is long gone. They’re not cool, they’re just boringly ubiquitous and devoid of meaning." If curse words were truly devoid of meaning we wouldn't have a ban on them. Clearly they still carry a great deal of meaning. I kept it clean and sober this past Sunday because that's what we agreed to. However, it's damn silly to hear how curse words are blase but OMIGOD don't use them because someone might take offense. That's a really odd reaction to have towards words that are 'ubiquitous'.

@Michael Dorian. Now, the claws come out! Sorry about the script thing. I think I needed a few seconds to get my bearings. It was weird to be onstage with a mic in my hand and not be at a comedy show. I think I got over it quickly enough, though.

Definitely, we need a Stage Manager, so yeah, go for it Justina. I was able to go with the flow but a lot of stuff I thought was set in stone was suddenly thrown out or changed when I got there. Having everything nailed down before show time goes a long way to making the show work.

Also, you really need to tell the speakers to look for a light so they know they have a minute to wrap things up.

[Mary James]

Awesome!  Curious to hear from Erik, Chris and Meredith (and others!).

[Erik Campano]

My email inbox is so swamped I don't really have time to write long responses. More efficient to hold in person meetings (or Skype 2nd choice).

Generally, I think that we have created a good show, but for a very specific audience, namely people with ties to the "atheist community". There's nothing particularly wrong with that. I'm just interested to see how it evolves.

[Mary James]

Erik, did you still get that feeling after this last meeting?  I was feeling that the message last weekend was on par with Sanderson's, but I'm curious to hear from others. 

At the meeting I last attended in person (at Michael D's) there was talk of reaching out to 'nones' and you and I believe some other members had some ideas.  I've reached out to a few people, but they want to come and see the assembly before committing.  They weren't able to come to the last meeting, but I hope they can next time.  Have you been able to contact others?  I like Michael's suggestion for the next meeting, but I think we do need a line up future meetings.

Thanks.

[Erik Campano]

Hi! I did. I've got a whole bunch of tasks to get through right now, but I look forward to speaking about this when we meet, if not writing about it sooner. Everyone please note that I'm moving this weekend and starting Sept 3 will be on a 9 AM to 7 PM academic schedule Mon-Fri. Eves and weekends I'll have open to dedicate to the awesomeness that is SA, as well as some time during my lunch and short dinner breaks.

[Justina.walford]

you guys got me antsy to see the video now.