[Penguicon-Concom] Re: [penguicon-general] Bylaws Committee officially fo...

[Francinehibiscus at aol.com]

Okay, obviously I am getting misunderstood here.  And I have by no  means 
"walked away".
 
Remember the long email you just sent, Rob?  That's what I am talking  about 
EXACTLY.  I am a CPA (with experience in nonprofit tax and  accounting, 
imagine!), and a teacher.  Don't try to tell me that I don't  understand 
organization, and bureaucracy.   I know all about it, and I  know just what it's like to 
try and  get a fresh idea going when there is a  committee saying, Yeah, But, 
Well............     I've been  to meetings, and had my ideas shot down or 
ignored.  
 

I love having things written down.  Want to run the dealer's  room?  I have a 
file with all the pertinent info ready for anyone  interested.  I would like 
to think that there's similar documents in the  other departments.   A history 
of what went before, and what  everyone's responsibililties are, those are 
good things.   I am  absolutely certain that few who are not involved with the 
con suite, green room,  dealers area, have any idea what is involved there.  
 

Bylaws are fine.  Legal documentation, organization purpose, I know  all 
about those things.  I am not saying that they are trivial, or "too  boring" to be 
involved in.  I am bothered by the notion of to a  set of rules that will 
tell us How To Do It The Right Way.  Phrases like  "Vision and Mission" and 
"Leaving a Legacy" are disturbing me,  too.    Why?  Because in this setting,  so 
much of it  seems to be speaking to ego, rather than truly running a good con 
that will  grow, rather than stagnate.  I am also concerned that the big issues 
facing  the future of this con aren't being addressed.  
 
What are the issues, IMO?  Marketing, for one.  Friends of mine  are going to 
Dragoncon.   What a nice large venue to advertise  at.  Are there flyers?  
Point us to the Official PDF, and we can print  our own.   Does Penguicon have 
any interest in the sf group of fans,  or is it strictly going for geek 
crossover?  Our list of guests has  been less than stellar the last few years so far 
as SF goes, with the glowing  exception of Cory Doctorow.  (no offense to the 
lovely Joan Vinge, or our  other authors)  It takes years of advance planning 
to get big names, and we  are competing with two local cons.   Why didn't WE 
get Catherine  Asaro?  She was suggested two years ago.   Get a big name, and  
folks from other states will actually come out to see that person.    Get 
someone that hardly anyone has heard of, and you'll get the usual suspects  coming 
out to hang with their friends.
 
There are obviously many personality issues percolating away here that are  
getting in the way of progress.  I confess that I have some issues of my  own 
regarding some of the folks on the con.   I used to want to  be Treasurer, but 
now I know that there's no way that I could coexist with the  other board 
members.    That's why I am avoiding any bylaws  meeting, too----I know which 
battles to pick.
 
A friend has suggested to me that it's better that we have all this drama  
now, rather than in March, but I just have to wonder.........this is the third  
Penguicon I have worked on, and the last two years were comparatively  
peaceful.   What's different?
 
Francine
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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