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Post by Ravenlock on Nov 24, 2003 23:33:10 GMT -5
While I was on campus this afternoon, I dropped in on the SN newsroom and asked to speak with Kevin Hardy. We stepped out into the hallway and I explained to him all the concerns we had, most notably the lack of a single photographer while the Mosei and sandwich board were about last week.
He basically said, "yeah, we kinda fucked up there." But they're unwilling to do anything after the fact, citing that 3 days later, the interest and timliness are at issue. He appologized, but I can't help but wonder... should we try and press the issue farther with them? He said that they may want to do a story illustrating what we do and our position... but if the SN won't show for such a great opportunity to generate interest as TWO freaking Mosei and someone in a sandwich board walking the campus, I don't know that we can really expect them to follow through on that.
Especially since Mr. Hardy is leaving the SN after this semester. No one left to keep an ear to the tracks for us.
Should we settle for this excuse? It'd be best to get opinions from as many members as possible, please.
~Roger "Lock n load?" Smith
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Post by the anti-myrmidon on Nov 25, 2003 8:51:28 GMT -5
To be fair....they don't write articles on the Wells Hall preachers either...
While our beef with the State news is mostly genuine, we do have to acknowledge that we have gotten substantially more coverage, both from SN and other places, than most groups on campus, including other social issues groups and especially religious groups.
To press for something now before the end of the semester seems pointless. People are too busy with finals to care, and it's not like we'll have a meeting for people to attend if they are curious. For that matter, next semester probably won't be a much better fit either, because we will be fairly low-key for a good chunk of it.
Basically, we've chalked and fliered, written letters to the editor, had several articles and editorials written about us and our concerns, and set up public demonstrations. Chances are that we have nearly our total membership for the year already, so I'm wondering what we hope to accomplish by pushing the State News constantly. If we want something like this, it would make more sense for next year's group to make a push in the early fall when people are still looking for groups to join.
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Post by ebonywnd on Nov 25, 2003 9:50:25 GMT -5
::gets out a cattle prod:: ;D
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Post by Seany-D on Nov 25, 2003 10:03:56 GMT -5
If TSN is willing to do a story on us, let's see if they would be willing to do so at the beginning of next semester ... kind of a "since you didn't catch us during our premier event, maybe you can do us a favor by timing this for us?" thing. I think that would be the optimal time for a story:
(1) it would remind people that we're on campus
(2) beginning of the semester is the best time to recruit more slaves...er, members
(3) that would probably fire up the letters to the editor section for at least a few days ... nothing more repulsive than a few heathens on campus
So, in summary, I wouldn't take Mr. Hardy to task, but would rather use this opportunity to try and get a well-placed article early next semester. Remember, TSN is our Friend (tm).
Sean "always ready with a quote for the media" Davis
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Post by Frogsy on Nov 25, 2003 10:09:09 GMT -5
The Wells Hall preachers aren't a campus group working for social change either...
I don't necessarily agree that it's pointless to get some coverage... I do agree that it is pointless to do it for this semester, but come next semester, it may be a good thing. There will be some new transfer students, and people starting in spring semester (I know not as many), but I think we have to take the position that any coverage is good coverage. I don't think people aren't still interested; beginning of fall would be best, ultimately, but if I found this group mid-year, I'd still be interested in coming 2nd semester. We just got 2 e-mails showing interest.
Bleh. That was a mess... I guess I'm trying to say that even though we got a lot of coverage with Bible Week, we still are just about where we were before in terms of attendance. I don't think an article would make or break us, but I do think that free publicity is helpful in whatever form.
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Post by the anti-myrmidon on Nov 25, 2003 13:55:15 GMT -5
I guess I'm trying to say that even though we got a lot of coverage with Bible Week, we still are just about where we were before in terms of attendance. That's the point that I am making....we've had a prolonged publicity blitz for the past month, both from our efforts and the efforts of others, and it really hasn't gotten anyone new. We've gotten our message out, we've shown people that this group exists. What exactly would we be accomplishing by pushing for an article at this time? Again, I would suggest holding off on calling in a favor until the fall, when we would most need the publicity boost. If SN comes to us for a story, then we should go ahead and do it, but if we're going to get testy to make them write a story, I'd rather see it happen when the story would be the most beneficial to the group, which would be next year. |
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Post by Valvilis on Nov 25, 2003 19:10:42 GMT -5
It isn't all about membership, I remember gettig a hug from a couple of pretty enthusiastic supporters who will probably never make a meeting. Statistically, as much as a quarter of the students here are atheists or at least agnostics. If we can continue to show them that it's okay to talk about these things we're doing just fine in my book. Sure, increased attendance would be nice, but is that really what we're here for?
As far as the state news goes, let me share a little story:
Once, there was this guy, a pretty standup guy, with all the friedns he could want. Then one day, someone crossed him, a friend even. Since he was such a good guy, he never made a big deal out of it. He did, however, create a simple tire spike by putting a nail through the end of a sawed-off broomstick and took out all four of the dude's tires.
If a certain kind of revenge on the state news won't be in our best interest, that doesn't mean that's the only option.
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Post by Seany-D on Nov 25, 2003 21:37:17 GMT -5
I am so down with the first part of what Val said. I am so not down with the last part.
Sean "how can you laugh, when you know I'm down?" Davis
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Post by profdunebastard on Nov 26, 2003 10:26:51 GMT -5
Also, keep in mind we only had one meeting after the moseying, and we indeed had piqued interest and a slight increase in attendance. Now, add in all those we wanted to come but couldn't that night as it was late notice or something...all I am saying is we probably reached more people with this campaign then we think. As for the newspaper, meh, we don't need them. If you want to call in favors for a beginning of semester piece to help swell our ranks fine, but frankly, I don't need any other friends.
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