Oregon News Incubator ONI minutes 5/3

[Michael Andersen]

(Continuing to send the workgroup's minutes to the larger list. Please throw brickbats if we shouldn't.)

I thought tonight's ONI meeting was great. We dove pretty deeply into the ups and downs of the current space and identified some clear ways to improve it:

1) New resource library. (Jen! Rebecca! Please help with this one if you can.) We've tentatively cleared a table at the Sentinel and labeled it "ONI Resource Library" using an exquisitely designed sign. By the May 17  meeting, we're all going to bring at least one idea for something that could go there and, if possible, a physical copy of it. Examples:
- A list of local publications that accept freelance work. (Idea from Bill.)
- An idea log of local stories that need covering. (T.A.)
- A sample freelance contract. (Barry.)

2) Outreach. Bill and Mike both feel the space would benefit from more activity. As part of continuing "sales" outreach, we're each going to invite a potential compatriot to join us for a free day at the office to see if they like it.

All are encouraged to continue reaching out one-on-one to possible clients who've expressed interest in the past, emphasizing its advantages instead of its shortcomings.

T.A. is going to talk to Joe Wilson about whether he knows any freelancers who might want the space.

3) Education. A man whose name resembles Brett VenderHoefer has offered a free crash-course on podcasting for ONI members. Bill, T.A. and Mike were all interested in attending, and we suspect others would be. Before the May 17 meeting, Barry is going to try and set up a time and place for such a class, which could be useful marketing for ONI.

4) Space. By this Thursday, Bill will inquire about some surprisingly cheap office space in what I believe is known as the Acorn Block, immediately southeast of Powell's downtown.

T.A. facilitated. Mike took notes. We figured Becca will take notes next week and lead the week after that.

Other non-actionable but important notes:

Souk. Bill, Barry and Ed all really like Souk – Bill expecially likes the busy-ness of it, Barry its funky character. It's a little too noisy and fluorescent for T.A.'s tastes; he'd prefer a space just for ONI. It's too expensive for Mike's tastes; he's a cheapskate. But all agreed the central location is great.

This discussion led Barry to accuse T.A. of being a "hobbit," which T.A. modified to "nester."

Sentinel. Barry said the Sentinel's space feels pretty ugly and off-putting to newcomers. Mike found this persuasive, though he and Ed noted that it's tidier than our bachelor pads.

Website. T.A. has simplified the logo a bit and will continue to crank on the site. At the moment he's working on templates for the members' pages.

Michael

[Bill Lascher]

Thanks Mike!

My only correction would be not that our resource library include only a list of local publications that accept freelance work. I was thinking more of a broader, expanding markets guide with tips on pitching various markets, up to date contacts, etc.Not everyone freelancing in Portland is contributing to local markets. I guess it would emulate, somewhat, writer's market, but be a way of drawing writers' attention to markets they might not normally be away of.

Bill Lascher
www.lascheratlarge.com

[Jennifer Willis]

I'm a cheapskate, too, especially these days.

On the New Resource Library front... I like it! Instead of physical copies, though, wouldn't it make more sense to keep these lists electronically, for easier access (when you're not onsite) and for easier updating? Some resources -- like a current AP Stylebook -- will necessarily have to be hardcopy.

Is the Acorn Block the same space that Bill had talked about a couple of weeks ago, when we all brought our space ideas/research to the table? I remember wanting to know more about that space. Sounds intriguing. 

RE podcast tutorial.... Count me in. I'd definitely like to learn more about this.

The cupcakes last night weren't *that* fantastic, but they were still pretty good. ;)

-- jen

...................................................................................

You were born an original. Don't die a copy.

-- John Mason

...................................................................................

jennifer willis

j...@jennifer-willis.com / rev...@gmail.com

503-419-8172

jennifer-willis.com

[Bill Lascher]

Jen,

We talked about having the lists available electronically, and that's fine. Anyone can take the responsibility to make them available electronically. Still, it's useful to have physical resources in a central space in the office that you can grab, scribble in, add to and interact without logging into anything, or loading anything, etc. We talked about quite a variety of resources, and things like the AP stylebook would be welcome. Part of the draw too, though, is that we don't know what resources people might add.

Bill Lascher
www.lascheratlarge.com

[Cornelius @ The Sentinel]

"Sentinel. Barry said the Sentinel's space feels pretty ugly and off-putting to newcomers. Mike found this persuasive, though he and Ed noted that it's tidier than our bachelor pads."

��� -- a) clean up after yourselves ONI. Tomorrow I am going to leave all the dirty dishes you leave in the sink on your bed!
��� -- b) what do you want for $10 a month ya cheapskates (that's just for you Jennifer)
���
��� these are all jokes...

��� PS- Barry I was just digging through some old files...and my face went red.� THANK YOU so much, sir, for the awesome article you did on my film Northeast Passage way back in 2002.� I'm sorry I had not brought it up earlier.� You rock...even if the office is too shabby for you

��� :)

cornelius

On 5/4/10 7:35 AM, Jennifer Willis wrote:

I'm a cheapskate, too, especially these days.

On the New Resource Library front... I like it! Instead of physical copies, though, wouldn't it make more sense to keep these lists electronically, for easier access (when you're not onsite) and for easier updating? Some resources -- like a current AP Stylebook -- will necessarily have to be hardcopy.

Is the Acorn Block the same space that Bill had talked about a couple of weeks ago, when we all brought our space ideas/research to the table? I remember wanting to know more about that space. Sounds intriguing.�

RE podcast tutorial.... Count me in. I'd definitely like to learn more about this.

The cupcakes last night weren't *that* fantastic, but they were still pretty good. ;)

-- jen

...................................................................................

You were born an original. Don't die a copy.

-- John Mason

...................................................................................

jennifer willis

j...@jennifer-willis.com /�rev...@gmail.com

503-419-8172

jennifer-willis.com

On May 3, 2010, at 11:33 PM, Michael Andersen wrote:

(Continuing to send the workgroup's minutes to the larger list. Please throw brickbats if we shouldn't.)

I thought tonight's ONI meeting was great. We dove pretty deeply into the ups and downs of the current space and identified some clear ways to improve it:

1) New resource library. (Jen! Rebecca! Please help with this one if you can.) We've tentatively cleared a table at the Sentinel and labeled it "ONI Resource Library" using an exquisitely designed sign. By the May 17 �meeting, we're all going to bring at least one idea for something that could go there and, if possible, a physical copy of it. Examples:

- A list of local publications that accept freelance work. (Idea from Bill.)
- An idea log of local stories that need covering. (T.A.)
- A sample freelance contract. (Barry.)

2) Outreach. Bill and Mike both feel the space would benefit from more activity. As part of continuing "sales" outreach, we're each going to invite a potential compatriot to join us for a free day at the office to see if they like it.

All are encouraged to continue reaching out one-on-one to possible clients who've expressed interest in the past, emphasizing its advantages instead of its shortcomings.

T.A. is going to talk to Joe Wilson about whether he knows any freelancers who might want the space.

3) Education. A man whose name resembles Brett VenderHoefer has offered a free crash-course on podcasting for ONI members. Bill, T.A. and Mike were all interested in attending, and we suspect others would be. Before the May 17 meeting, Barry is going to try and set up a time and place for such a class, which could be useful marketing for ONI.

4) Space. By this Thursday, Bill will inquire about some surprisingly cheap office space in what I believe is known as the Acorn Block, immediately southeast of Powell's downtown.

T.A. facilitated. Mike took notes. We figured Becca will take notes next week and lead the week after that.

Other non-actionable but important notes:

Souk. Bill, Barry and Ed all really like Souk � Bill expecially likes the busy-ness of it, Barry its funky character. It's a little too noisy and fluorescent for T.A.'s tastes; he'd prefer a space just for ONI. It's too expensive for Mike's tastes; he's a cheapskate. But all agreed the central location is great.