Meeting20080324Transcript < IssuesETC

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r1 - 25 Mar 2008 - 02:55:49 - MatthewDentYou are here: TWiki >

IssuesETC Web > Meeting20080324Announcement > Meeting20080324Transcript

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(20:06:49) dm42: Well, It's 15 after... I'm thinking we should get started.
(20:07:01) dm42: THANK YOU all for attending and for your interest.
(20:07:05) Paul26: Sorry I'm late.
(20:07:19) RM: Let's roll.
(20:07:29) dm42: No problem... I expected a few others, but apparently they aren't going to show...
(20:07:38) dm42: Some preliminaries:
(20:07:42) dm42: At this time, the meeting is "unmoderated" which means that anyone can ask a question or enter the conversation at any time. If this becomes problematic and the line becomes too "chatty", it will be necessary to "moderate" the conversation, meaning you will need to be recognized in order to be able to speak. Instructions will be given on how to do this, if it becomes necessary.
(20:08:00) dm42: (given our numbers, I doubt it will...)
(20:08:06) dm42: As we begin, I would like to be sure to mention that our first priority should be stabilizing the lives of Todd and Jeff. These are real people who have worked very hard to provide a quality program over the last several years. Even as we discuss what can be done to allow them to return to the work they were doing, they have bills and expenses. Please keep them in your prayers and consider contributing to the Wilken/Schwarz Fund - St. Paul Lutheran Church - P.O. Box 247 - Hamel, IL 62046
(20:08:30) dm42: Also, I need to mention that I have not personally directly communicated with Todd or Jeff. I claim no knowledge of their mindset and I absolutely do NOT claim to speak for them in any way. My concern is that the "Christ Centered, Cross Focused" work that they have begun does not go to waste. The best solution, in my mind, is to get Todd back behind the microphone ASAP - doing what he does best, and Jeff back in the producer's seat doing his usual phenomenal job.
(20:09:03) dm42: Since developing and posting an initial plan to get something to fill the void left by the cancellation of ISSUES, I have been informed of other initiatives being discussed and undertaken to restore Todd and Jeff to the air - and I'm sure there are others of which I am not aware.
(20:09:15) Paul26: Did you have any success reaching the Irvine guys?
(20:09:28) Viret [~hbzccbzcc@192.168.0.103] entered the room.
(20:09:37) RM: I was just about to ask if you had links or other relevant information concerning the other efforts.
(20:09:49) dm42: Unfortunately, no. I fired of an email to Chris, but haven't heard from him.
(20:10:12) dm42: I don't have many links... I have info from Pastor Rossow that he wants me to share... which I will at the appropriate time.
(20:10:19) dm42: Viret: Welcome!
(20:10:27) dm42: We're just getting started....
(20:10:48) dm42: The primary purpose of the initial meeting is (1) To provide a forum to begin to discuss the various plans and proposals underway and share ideas, information, and concerns, (2) To begin to put together a communications infrastructure to coordinate efforts and avoid duplication of work, (3) As much as possible, to foster transparency and cooperation among all those interested in working toward establishing and securing a program like Issues, Etc. in the future.
(20:11:17) dm42: So I guess i'll start with where my head is... and we can go from there....
(20:11:43) dm42: As already stated, our top priority needs to be looking to the needs of Todd and Jeff during this difficult time.
(20:11:56) dm42: I'm guessing they would like nothing more than to continue what they were doing before, but circumstances of their recent dismissal and severance negotiations in the short term may mean that they are unable to be as visible as they may wish for a little while. My understanding is they have legal counsel for their negotiations. They also, no doubt, have definite ideas of their own. Hopefully we can avoid anyone working at contrary purposes.
(20:12:08) Paul26: I'm told that each of them has received about $1K apiece,
(20:12:22) Paul26: And that the two funds for them (one at each congregation)
(20:12:32) Paul26: have taken in about $5000 for each guy.
(20:12:42) Jacob [~adslzhgzc@Cobra-IP1.ViperShells.com] entered the room.
(20:12:50) Viret: howdy
(20:13:12) dm42: That's a good start, but obviously, it's not going to keep them going very long.
(20:13:12) Paul26: There are pledges of more to come in.
(20:13:19) Paul26: Right.
(20:13:41) Jacob: Is this the place for a discussion regarding Issues Etc? My apoligies, this is my first time using irc.
(20:13:58) dm42: So obviously, whenever possible, we need to make people aware of the funds and the needs of both the Schwarz's and Wilkens.
(20:14:14) dm42: Jacob -- yes it is... we're kind of just kicking things off...
(20:14:35) dm42: I guess I'll introduce myself now, since we have a couple of new people joining...
(20:14:45) dm42: My name is Matthew Dent, and I will be acting as moderator for tonight's meeting. I am in my final months of my M.Div at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne. Prior to entering the seminary, I worked in the "Internet World" for 10 years.
(20:15:33) dm42: To help coordinate communication and discussion, I've already put together the beginnings of a communications clearinghouse at http://uaclutheran.info - It's a WIKI (kind of like wikipedia). Some of you may already have been there looking at the agenda for tonight.
(20:15:45) dm42: Users do need to register to post information on the site and registrations are moderated. I attempt to forward registration requests within a day after they are made.
(20:15:57) dm42: Anyone can view the unsecured portions of the site. Individual pages can be secured by user or group for less "public" discussions and tasks. This will hopefully make it easier for people to share and exchange info and have a central repository.
(20:16:15) dm42: I hope to have more "How-To" information up as time permits. If there are any technophiles out there (you know who you are) who want to help customize/optimize/and support the site, it'd be GREATLY appreciated.
(20:16:17) MicahLrx? [~klockheed@71.129.27.2] entered the room.
(20:16:31) dm42: Now to the "nuts and bolts..."
(20:16:31) dm42: I think there are three areas that need to be addressed: (1) Short term, (2) Medium Term and Strategic Planning, (3) Long Term.
(20:16:47) dm42: My personal long term vision (shared by some with whom I have talked) is to help achieve a situation where a program like ISSUES (most preferably hosted by Todd and produced by Jeff) exists and is stable and viable apart from any entanglements that would endanger it's long-term viability.
(20:17:11) dm42: Exactly what that will look like, I don't know if anyone knows yet, many people have a lot of ideas. Whatever it is, it would seem that an Internet podcast is likely going to be a mainstay. Other ideas I've had/heard are also terrestrial radio syndication and possibly satellite radio.
(20:17:33) dm42: The Medium Term/Strategic stuff will be dependent upon, among other things, what the long-term organization looks like.
(20:17:45) dm42: It's important that we BEGIN these discussions as soon as possible, organize and vet the ideas, but also realize that things are likely to change drastically and quickly over the next while until the dust settles and a number of "unknowns" are answered.
(20:18:03) dm42: My guess is that much of that will happen when the negotiations between KFUO and their former-employees have concluded. From what I understand, that could take as long as 6 weeks. I would imagine that many issues will begin to be clearer before then.
(20:18:28) dm42: In the meantime, however, there remains a void left where ISSUES used to be. That's not only in St. Louis, but literally around the country on Sunday night and around the world through the on-line podcasts.
(20:18:44) dm42: My concerns are twofold:
(20:18:44) dm42: (1) What, if anything, can we do in this short term to fill this void and return a beacon of light to the Internet and (possibly) the airwaves in this "meantime".
(20:18:57) dm42: (2) Begin to establish the groundwork necessary (communications infrastructure, interested volunteers, etc.) so that we can get the right people together to develop the best possible long-term strategy and everyone can coordinate their efforts and also so that we have "feet on the ground" and an initial infrastructure that's adaptable in order to carry out whatever the longer term strategy is quickly and efficiently.
(20:19:11) dm42: (and with that I end my prepared section).
(20:20:11) Paul: Well, it's my understanding that this is the direction Todd and Jeff wanted to move eventually anyway -- even if they'd stayed at KFUO.
(20:20:35) dm42: It really only makes sense.
(20:20:37) Paul: Even if a return to KFUO were accomplished, I don't think it would be viable long-term.
(20:20:45) RM: Agreed.
(20:21:23) dm42: I guess I'd like to take a moment to guage what involvment people here feel they'd like to have moving forward.
(20:21:26) chrisgille: KFUO has been on the cutting block for some time
(20:21:31) Paul: But ... I would like to know if it's even possible for podcasts to then be broadcast over "regular" radio signal via syndication.
(20:21:50) chrisgille: paul: indeed possible and accomplished
(20:21:56) dm42: I know there's a radio station in Iowa doing it (well, was) for the Sunday broadcast.
(20:22:05) dm42: (KLMJ - Hampton, IA)
(20:22:07) RM: Well, I'm St. Louis local, so I'd be pleased to help with coordination however possible.
(20:22:10) Paul: Does that take a satellite uplink, or not?
(20:22:21) dm42: Nope.
(20:22:25) Paul: Cool.
(20:22:28) chrisgille: paul: no internet distribution (albeit secure) is used commercially
(20:22:44) chrisgille: sorry: "no, internet..."
(20:23:13) Paul: Having been on VOIP for several years now for my phone, the quality isn't always what my old land line was.
(20:23:30) johnMark [~rbmark@207.59.10.236] entered the room.
(20:23:32) dm42: Paul: It's actually a different technology.
(20:23:37) RM: It would be trivial to deliver a radio-quality file to stations for use.
(20:23:39) ***MicahLrx nods
(20:23:43) Paul: So ... what are the cost drivers?
(20:23:44) dm42: (SIMILAR) but different.
(20:24:05) Paul: Do they just need a quiet room with a good sound board, microphones, a T1 ... what else?
(20:24:10) RM: Short-term costs would be startup purchases of equipment, initial hosting, that sort of thing.
(20:24:21) chrisgille: let's not get technical but address Matt's primary concerns first
(20:24:37) chrisgille: technical feasibility is a non-issue IMHO
(20:24:41) Paul: K
(20:24:43) Jacob: I am in Northern IL and there are many concerned pastors and laymen up here. Matt, I believe you've gotten an email from Pr. Tim Rossow some of his ideas for a long range plan.
(20:24:44) RM: Again, agreed.
(20:24:58) Paul: I'm just trying to get a feel for startup costs.
(20:25:02) dm42: Jacob - yes, I did.
(20:25:45) chrisgille: paul: as matt, startup costs can fluctuate depending on the long-range plans... initial investment will vary
(20:25:56) Paul: Pastor Weeden has been given the "key" to the online petition,
(20:26:06) slambammin [~chatzilla@PC43-138.dordt.edu] entered the room.
(20:26:11) Paul: ... I don't know if that makes it possible for him to get the email addresses or not.
(20:26:20) MicahLrx? : there are other ministries that are doing this sort of thing already, specifically radio->podcast White Horse Inn, and webcast -> podcast Dividing Line (Alpha and Omega Ministries), you might discuss such things with them as they would perhaps be interested in helping.
(20:26:24) chrisgille: paul: e.g. if the long range plan includes video, that can change initial equipment investment and hosting methods
(20:26:53) chrisgille: micah: agreed, white horse inn has a decent model with weekly shows
(20:27:39) Paul: White Horse Inn used to be broadcast on KFUO, did it not?
(20:27:47) Paul: I don't know if it still is.
(20:27:52) dm42: Tech wise - I think things are fairly ubiquitous that an equipment expenditure for soundboard/mics/etc, would be fairly transferable.
(20:28:04) dm42: Paul: I looked at their linup earlier today and didn't see it.
(20:28:05) chrisgille: dm42: agreed
(20:28:08) RM: And relatively inexpensive to get started.
(20:28:19) RM: Shoot, I have a basement that could be converted to studio space with little work.
(20:28:54) dm42: Based on live365, I'm imagining that $10k would cover startup plus 2-3 months. But that's not a hard/fast calculation.
(20:29:01) chrisgille: To respond to Matt: the short term needs are fairly small. 1-host, 2-producer, 3-web host, 4-time, 5-reimbursement
(20:29:12) Paul: But, they'd have to have phone lines too, right?
(20:29:29) RM: Well, an early choice would be between live and pre-recorded.
(20:30:15) chrisgille: RM: indeed. live broadcast is more expensive and time consuming
(20:30:32) Raz_Lurks [~razor@69.92.234.17] entered the room.
(20:30:42) Paul: Is that still possible via podcast -- to do a live broadcast that is sent out over repeaters?
(20:30:49) RM: Pre-recorded might be a good way to get the thing up on its feet and have an opportunity to change format later.
(20:30:52) Raz_Lurks is now known as RazorsKiss?
(20:31:01) RM: You could stream live and then send out the recorded show as a podcast later.
(20:31:05) chrisgille: paul: podcast by definition is pre-recorded
(20:31:20) chrisgille: poll
(20:31:26) chrisgille: How many listened live?
(20:31:34) Paul: Thx -- I'm definitely not the tech guy here!
(20:31:36) RazorsKiss? : I did.
(20:31:41) Paul: I did sometimes.
(20:31:44) dm42: Occassionally.
(20:31:49) Paul: More often, I listened to the pre-recorded shows.
(20:31:58) RM: On my way home from work - but I might not be a usual case here.
(20:32:02) Jacob: Often via internet, more often when I'm home in STL.
(20:32:10) RM: Case in point.
(20:32:18) RazorsKiss? : I listened both ways- depended on when I was home.
(20:32:37) chrisgille: The LCMS-affiliated station here didn't broadcast it. podcast for me.
(20:32:50) chrisgille: I could see a pseudo-live format with listener emails
(20:32:54) dm42: There's 3 audiences we need to consider: (1) Internet audience (2) Sunday Night broadcasts (3) STL terrestrial radio
(20:32:55) Paul: Where is "here" Chris?
(20:33:03) RazorsKiss? : Webcast, recorded to make a podcast later - that's how a lot of shows do it.
(20:33:24) Paul: The only other LCMS station I know of is the one on the CTSFW campus.
(20:33:25) RazorsKiss? : But that needs the equipment to take calls and such.
(20:33:27) chrisgille: sorry, no introduction for me: Chris Gillespie, vicar at Immanuel in historic Frankentrost, Michigan
(20:33:37) Paul: thx Chris.
(20:33:47) RM: I think for purposes of getting things started, unless we can find a local station with some time to grant or give cheaply, we should consider STL terrestrial dead.
(20:34:02) Paul: So, they don't do a live IssuesEtc? , but ... do they do a delayed daily show?
(20:34:09) chrisgille: saginaw, bay - formerly of sacerdotalist Loehe, now of the land of Rick Warren and Brian McLaren?
(20:34:13) dm42: In the short term, i'd agree.
(20:34:15) Paul: Ryan - I agree.
(20:34:19) RazorsKiss? : Webcasts are relatively easy to do - but you still need the equipment.
(20:34:27) RazorsKiss? : (if you're going to take calls)
(20:34:37) Paul: If KFUO was bleeding before, it's surely nosediving now.
(20:34:43) Jacob: Assuming Pr. Wilken and Jeff would be involved in a reboot, would the format have to be the same?
(20:34:50) RM: As mentioned, pre-recorded calls or e-mails sound like a good idea for a quick reboot response.
(20:35:10) RM: Taking calls wouldn't be too hard if you could leverage SkypeIn? or a similar service.
(20:35:21) RazorsKiss? : That would definitely be the fastest way.
(20:35:22) chrisgille: paul: we should hold the conspiracy theories until later.... but I think they're tanking the station intentionally)
(20:35:24) dm42: "Quick Reboot" might not be as possible as we might want...
(20:35:35) RM: "quick" is a relative term
(20:35:43) dm42: at least not with Todd/Jeff...
(20:35:55) RazorsKiss? : If the donations could meet the cost of a skype solution later, that could be worked in.
(20:36:14) dm42: And that's my primary concern... if the void is left empty too long, a lot of rebuilding will need to be done.
(20:36:38) Paul: I think it will take a month at least for the dust to settle with Synod.
(20:36:38) chrisgille: In regard to content: no need to revise the show initially
(20:36:56) chrisgille: don't fix what ain't broken, as they say in the south
(20:36:57) Paul: Then, they need to figure out where they're new corporate "home" will be ...
(20:37:02) RazorsKiss? : yeah. Webcasting isn't too horribly hard. It's live interaction that's difficult.
(20:37:09) Paul: ... either a current congregation, launching a "media ministry", ...
(20:37:26) Paul: ... or a brand-new not-for-profit corporation with its own board.
(20:37:39) dm42: I would hope we could migrate from the former to the latter.
(20:37:44) Paul: Then, it takes time to get 501c3 approval -- and a postal permit.
(20:37:46) RM: Honestly, and IMO, a big ? right now is whether Todd/Jeff are interested in pursuing this immediately, after some time to heal, or not for the foreseeable future.
(20:37:57) dm42: that would reduce the time.
(20:37:59) RazorsKiss? : That would be the biggest ?
(20:38:03) chrisgille: My opinion - pursue a similar venture and method to higher things. they have a proven method
(20:38:13) MicahLrx? : gotta run, sorry
(20:38:22) Paul: From what I know, they definitely want to keep going after the dust settles.
(20:38:26) MicahLrx? left the room (quit: ).
(20:38:42) RazorsKiss? : How willing are they to get back in the saddle - and I know one of them has to worry about medical coverage
(20:38:50) RM: DM - the migration from a congregational shelter to an independent ministry is a great idea. Chris, I'm not sure how HT operates myself.
(20:38:50) Paul: A big problem is keeping Jeff's Concordia Plan insurance going.
(20:39:01) Paul: They have their own board.
(20:39:02) Jacob: The idea discussed between me and another pastor was to engage a nationwide group of laymen (similar to what Higher Things is for youth) to support evangelism in the media (read: a show like Issues) as well as othe rmission opportunities.
(20:39:13) Paul: I served on an unofficial nominating committee for HT last summer.
(20:39:45) Paul: There are HT people who'd also be interested in some sort of partnership arrangement with Todd and Jeff.
(20:40:31) chrisgille: the kfuo vision was definitely stunted
(20:40:41) chrisgille: case in point: the website
(20:40:42) dm42: One other thought (for a "quick reboot" while the dust settles) is setting up the technical infrastructure (on short term contracts) - and set up some "guest hosts"...
(20:40:53) Paul: That nationwide group could definitely emerge from the petition signers -- if it was organized.
(20:41:11) dm42: Obviously, the goal would be to get Jeff/Todd back in the saddle as soon as possible.
(20:41:25) Paul: The Bott Radio Network in Texas is who Jeff was working through at KFUO.
(20:41:34) Paul: They had just signed a brand new 52-week contract.
(20:41:38) chrisgille: dm42: I see this is a great excuse to think big long-term with new media
(20:41:51) Paul: But there's a 60-day opt-out clause that will now probably be exercised.
(20:41:52) dm42: But the Sunday affiliates aren't going to play dead air for 4-6 weeks until the dust settles and even longer for a corporate infrastructure.
(20:42:19) Paul: Right. I think the Bott folks would be eager to take something sooner.
(20:42:24) RM: Getting those same affiliates to accept something that is being independently produced and marketed that quickly is going to be challenging, don't you think?
(20:42:26) Paul: They have 75 stations.
(20:42:51) dm42: Based on what I know about the affiliate structure, many of the affiliates are not actually "affiliates"....
(20:42:52) Paul: Ryan -- I don't know how big a challenge that will be.
(20:42:53) RazorsKiss? : depends - you have an already known commodity
(20:42:54) chrisgille: rm: the effort needs some credentials
(20:43:00) Paul: Exactly.
(20:43:05) RM: That's what I'm talking about.
(20:43:22) Paul: I thnk a big question will be ... can they get the "brand" name of "Issues Etc" from the Synod, or not.
(20:43:24) dm42: At least in one (and I'm sure other) case - the local congregation buys the air-time and slots the show in.
(20:43:37) RM: Interesting information. Didn't know that.
(20:43:43) chrisgille: so minus a wilken name, you're going to need some other name recognition... sem professors, etc.
(20:43:44) dm42: Like those congregations who broadcast their sermons...
(20:43:46) Paul: I think Jeff did a lot of those arrangements with the local stations.
(20:43:57) Paul: The congregations just sent Jeff the money to make it happen.
(20:43:59) RM: I highly doubt that Synod is going to release the brand at all, based on how things are going to date.
(20:44:13) Paul: The Sem professors are a big question.
(20:44:27) Paul: Will they be willing to continue to appear on an independent Issues Etc?
(20:44:41) RazorsKiss? : They might.
(20:44:53) Paul: At CTSFW, profs have been discouraged from going to independent conferences in recent years.
(20:44:57) dm42: Good question... They'll be less likely without Wilken, I think.
(20:45:04) chrisgille: having a single host and call screener allowed for some control of doctrinal integrity. i'm concerned about a "free" version
(20:45:08) Paul: This year's ACL conference has two CSL profs -- and no one from CTSFW.
(20:45:45) Paul: At this point, I think we have to work with the presumption that we can and will work with Todd and Jeff.
(20:46:17) Paul: It's an entirely different discussion if we aren't operating with that presumption.
(20:46:18) chrisgille: paul: agreed. the effort is to do the ground work for them
(20:47:05) chrisgille: paul: while the ground work might provide for other opportunities (read: programs, shows, videocasts, etc.)
(20:47:08) Paul: I'd like to believe that the seminary faculties would both put out statements of support for Todd and Jeff in the next week or two -- before the Bd for Comm Svcs meeting.
(20:47:27) chrisgille: Paul: that's wishful thinking
(20:47:32) RM: Agreed.
(20:47:34) Paul: I know it is.
(20:47:37) dm42: wishful or not, not within our purview... sadly.
(20:47:53) Paul: But ... if they won't put out such statements, what makes us think they'd appear on an "indie" podcast?
(20:48:14) RM: An "official" statement as a whole is different from one or two of them appearing on a podcast.
(20:48:17) RazorsKiss? : because making a public statement is different than appearing as a guest on a show
(20:48:19) Paul: And, does that mean Jeff and Todd just solicit parish pastors for their guests?
(20:48:28) Paul: I think they
(20:48:29) chrisgille: paul: the professors independent publications (and even seminary publications) don't go through doctrinal review
(20:48:53) Paul: I think Jeff and Todd would continue to be able to get many of their non-LCMS guests.
(20:49:15) RazorsKiss? : yeah, it'll only affect LCMS, for the most part, I'd think
(20:49:38) chrisgille: paul: a half-hour taped interview is not difficult for a guest, especially if its a re-hash of a blog post or printed article
(20:50:10) dm42: (Wondering out loud) - I wonder if Jeff/Todd could act as "advisors" to an "indie" broadcast and not jeopardize their negotiations...
(20:50:32) Paul: Matt -- in the short term, I'd think the answer is "no".
(20:51:12) RM: I'm pretty sure from my conversations that's true.
(20:51:20) Paul: I'd really like to know what kind of board structure is necessary to build for them, so that they could jump right in as soon as they were able.
(20:51:38) Jacob: Guys, I have to go. Matt, I hope that you'll get some information on a funding plan by Wed. from some of us in IL. I hope this conversation continues. I'll look to the wiki site you posted earlier for more info. Pax.
(20:51:48) Jacob left the room.
(20:51:54) RM: Really, all that would be needed would be: (1) equipment, (2) space, and (3) hosting, and something could happen
(20:51:57) Paul: I think both of their pastors will need to play key roles.
(20:51:58) chrisgille: paul: that's really a matter of corporate 501c3 needs
(20:52:24) RM: Funding is something that - as we'd discussed before - is a very real issue
(20:52:31) dm42: RM: That about sums it up.
(20:52:43) Paul: I think the funds will be there.
(20:52:52) dm42: But will the listeners?
(20:52:58) Paul: I'd like to have something people could hear about, even in rudimentary form,
(20:53:06) chrisgille: RM: podcasts don't generate income typically?
(20:53:10) Paul: if there does come to be a "gathering" in a couple weeks.
(20:53:12) RM: Depends.
(20:53:31) RM: You could work with it to try to generate something like that - some sell advertising to recoup
(20:53:33) chrisgille: associated website with amazon links or something?
(20:53:53) Paul: Seems like congregations and individuals could "sponsor" a half-hour show, and Todd could announce that at the beginning and end of each.
(20:54:02) RM: Advertising, either on site or in the podcast, merchandising of some kind (as much as I loathe to say it), Amazon links, donations...
(20:54:07) dm42: That'd be easiest.
(20:54:21) RM: There's a lot of options for "monetizing" (hate that word, too) a podcast.
(20:54:48) chrisgille: The goal being providing support for pr wilken and jeff
(20:54:52) RM: Yes.
(20:55:00) RM: Ideally, it would be self-sustaining.
(20:55:06) Paul: is there a general time frame we could develop in the next ten days,
(20:55:14) Paul: ... or a list of options for people to consider?
(20:55:40) dm42: For the PODCAST model?
(20:55:56) chrisgille: The thing about Higher Things model is that it wasn't hard for them to get face time in the congregations. printed materials are easily distributed. media is not.
(20:56:31) RM: But if we get the pastors who are involved in HT and promote it in their congregations to assist us with early marketing, you might be on to something.
(20:56:36) chrisgille: I'd like to brainstorm ways to bring the show to the people in addition to radio and podcast
(20:56:50) mon-lurx [vigilant@ip68-99-228-207.ph.ph.cox.net] entered the room.
(20:56:55) chrisgille: I just bought HT subscriptions for my confirmands
(20:57:05) mon-lurx: interesting
(20:57:07) RM: (Tangent: Awesome.)
(20:57:20) chrisgille: that's what my home congregation does
(20:57:27) Paul: Has anybody heard how registration is going for HT's three conferences this summer?
(20:57:32) Paul: Last I heard, it was running low.
(20:57:44) Paul: Putting Todd on the agenda could help him -- and them.
(20:57:46) chrisgille: they complain about the local gatherings but HT had one an hour away... if only they had known!
(20:58:24) chrisgille: anyway, the point is simple, recognition will come through sending CDs to rostered pastors of initial broadcasts or similar...
(20:59:50) chrisgille: or even more "targeted". StPaul? 's brookfield, IL and Memorial Houston sent out a letter encouraging pastors to support various mercy/mission entities and are sending a complimentary print of duBois from framedprints.cph.org to encourage them
(21:00:01) dm42: Question: How many of those 4000 or so who signed the petition so far will have "moved on" by the time all the dust settles and a new corporate infrastructure is built and Todd and Jeff are back in their "rightful" place?
(21:00:29) dm42: Question 2: How many have NOT signed the peition who listen fairly regularly either online or to the Sunday broadcast around the country?
(21:01:03) dm42: Question 3: How many congregations who supported ISSUES will find another place to put there money before things "get off the ground"?
(21:01:04) Paul: Matt -- I think there are many who have not signed the petition .
(21:01:25) chrisgille: q#2 - internet access is still presumptuous for elderly/rural
(21:01:31) Paul: If this network could be up and running by August, or even mid-July,
(21:01:54) Paul: it would be able to discuss the opening discussion on restructuring the Synod -- along with all it's other stuff.
(21:02:10) Paul: One thing about the new framework -- it would allow some discussion of intra-Synodical issues.
(21:02:22) Paul: But ... that could and should never become too big a part of the content.
(21:02:45) RM: To get something together that has broad support, it needs Todd and Jeff; Todd for credibility, and Jeff for his connections and understanding of the previous business relationships re: distribution.
(21:02:55) chrisgille: paul: the strength of issues etc is that it didn't directly criticize the synod but the causes
(21:02:56) Paul: I do think something that allows for radio broadcast from ground towers is still important to think about.
(21:03:18) Paul: This is where a guy named R. Lee H*** of ****** in ****** could come in.
(21:03:22) RM: Anything podcast-y that is done will certainly be able to be terrestrial'd.
(21:03:44) dm42: Terrestrial/Satellite will be a long-term must.
(21:03:49) Paul: Todd's pastor, Mike Kumm, knows him.
(21:04:39) chrisgille: dm42: agreed
(21:04:54) chrisgille: dm42: the old model is the mid-range goal
(21:05:04) dm42: And the short-range goal?
(21:05:07) RM: I think "broadcast" is what gives it more evangelistic potential.
(21:05:29) chrisgille: dm42: to garner support you show how the show can expand outside the restrictions of KFUO
(21:05:36) Paul: Matt, are you going to keep pursuing contact with the Irvine guys?
(21:05:55) dm42: I will still try to track them down...
(21:05:59) chrisgille: it may not be our grandfather's synod... the kids have iPods... they should have been dl'ing Issues!
(21:06:01) Paul: OK.
(21:06:14) Paul: So what, if anything, can we come up with in the next two weeks?
(21:06:22) chrisgille: paul/matt: what does irvine have going?
(21:06:25) Paul: Before the (possible) big gathering?
(21:06:49) Paul: There are two guys out there -- Bob M***** and Chris R***** -- who are big IE supporters.
(21:07:09) Paul: They could and should be part of this discussion.
(21:08:27) chrisgille: mr. rosenborough's thesis on warren/LCMS is intriguing
(21:09:20) dm42: From what I can tell... most of us are techies...
(21:09:32) Paul: << I have Lee H*** on the phone >>
(21:09:39) dm42: In 2 weeks we can give you options and numbers for the tech infrastructure....
(21:09:55) RM: Numbers won't be hard.
(21:10:15) RM: You don't even need anythign more than a residential Internet connection and some decent hosting/equipment.
(21:10:38) dm42: My concern is, in 4 weeks, 30%-50% of the listener base (of even the Internet broadcast) will be gone and we'll need to do a lot of work to get back to "ground zero"...
(21:11:06) dm42: And a good portion of the potential funding base won't be far behind.
(21:11:20) RM: Even the Internet broadcast, though, is going to need help - you'll be moving locations, and getting people to track isn't easy.
(21:12:02) dm42: True, but there's still quite a bit of "buzz" out there right now --- thus why we need to centralize (quickly) our "official" or even "semi-official" info sites.
(21:12:05) chrisgille: dm42: agreed
(21:12:20) RM: Absolutely.
(21:12:37) chrisgille: thanks for taking up the charge
(21:12:57) dm42: I think the short term goal is to start talking to the regular "guests" to see if they'd be willing to do 15-30 minute podcast segments...
(21:13:08) dm42: Find a producer to coordinate that effort....
(21:13:20) dm42: All to build a presence for the return of Todd/Jeff when that's possible.
(21:13:45) Paul: <<H**** says you only pay $150/month for the streaming service ...
(21:14:03) Paul: ... but you pay for bandwidth ...
(21:14:15) RM: I would be willing to help coordinate production, especially locally here, but I would have to work "under the radar" for the time being without going into specifics.
(21:14:27) RM: If not live, you could handle bandwidth costs through S3 for a lot less.
(21:14:29) chrisgille: paul: that is why you start with simple podcast which is relatively inexpensive
(21:14:39) chrisgille: rm: exactly
(21:14:59) dm42: I would say start with a podcast, then queue them over a stream... then push for live streaming...
(21:15:33) chrisgille: dm42: perfect.. it would seem essential to build an email list, following the white horse model
(21:16:36) dm42: Ok... so now we're down to a list of needs....
(21:17:38) chrisgille: dm42: the wiki is functional.. maybe not the most friendly of means but necessary
(21:17:58) mon-lurx: For the record, there is a lutheran chat channel on this network...we have folks from Higher Things, Wittenberg Trail, etc.
(21:18:00) dm42: I'm all for making it more friendly... but I only worked on it for about 4 hours...
(21:18:15) dm42: #tabletalk - right?
(21:18:18) mon-lurx: yeah
(21:18:45) mon-lurx: Not much going on there at the moment
(21:18:48) dm42: Chris: let me know any "friendli-ization" you can recommend.
(21:19:00) mon-lurx: but this whole deal has been the topic of late
(21:19:17) RM: Sorry to bolt, guys, but I have to get rolling. Please send me more information, and I'll repeat my offer to coordinate/produce here in the STL area. Matt, you have my contact information; feel free to distribute as needed.
(21:19:37) dm42: Excellent - THANK YOU --- and look for the transcript/minutes in the next day or so at uaclutheran.info
(21:20:00) RM: Have a great night and a wonderful week, my friends.
(21:20:01) RM left the room (quit: Quitting!).
(21:20:10) chrisgille: dm42: i suppose the uaclutheran.info will be a nice clearinghouse... you won't have the wiki be the main page
(21:20:34) dm42: Chris - yeah... that's the goal... but I did the quick/dirty thing.
(21:20:58) chrisgille: perhaps a simple blog for the main would work with occasional posts by way of update
(21:22:18) chrisgille: again, the point is to give every impression that this effort has its act together and intends to be everything that KFUO was not
(21:22:29) chrisgille: that issuesetc.org site was UGLY
(21:23:13) dm42: I'm a functional guy... "form" isn't my thing... so if you know anyone in that area - let me know!
(21:23:42) dm42: I'm thinking we need to start putting together some lists...
(21:24:19) chrisgille: I might have a good lead on that... friend of a friend
(21:24:45) dm42: (1) Issues supporters
(21:25:45) dm42: (2) "Studio equipment" needs.
(21:26:11) dm42: (3) Hosting/Feed costs
(21:27:13) dm42: (4) Leads on potential temporary producer/ podcast coordinator
(21:27:49) dm42: (5) Guests willing to 'fill in" temporary segments (or "guest host").
(21:28:37) dm42: what else?
(21:29:13) dm42: (6) Former issues affiliates (I wonder if "WAYBACK" has the old issuesetc.org site).
(21:29:14) chrisgille: dm42: perhaps pursue a structure like a limbaugh IEB... he doesn't leave it all to two guys. so build a network of "aware" folks that can feed the host with stories and news, links, etc. have the host FTP to the recording to a producer to edit, top and tail, upload, etc.
(21:29:57) dm42: hmm... interesting thought...
(21:30:01) chrisgille: dm42: student Josh Schieder (or Schneider) has a local copy of the entire archives... they bandwidth capped the new server so I stopped ripping
(21:30:01) mon-lurx is now known as Kobra
(21:30:07) Kobra: What's up?
(21:30:17) dm42: Hey Kobra.
(21:30:30) Kobra: Hey, man.
(21:30:46) Paul: OK, I'm back now.
(21:30:51) dm42: NOTE TO ALL: as a reminder, the transcript of this session is being posted to http://uaclutheran.info
(21:31:05) Paul: I'm going to go back through to see what you talked about while I was away.
(21:31:13) dm42: Paul.. when did you check-out...? (so we're all up to date)
(21:31:21) Paul: Lee Hagan turns out to have expertise primarily in the for-profit area.
(21:31:34) dm42: Some things transfer....
(21:31:38) Paul: I'm not sure ...
(21:31:57) RazorsKiss? : 20 mins back
(21:32:07) Paul: Yeah ... it was when I said I had Lee Hagan on the phone.
(21:32:10) Kobra: My wife and I were incredibly disappointed when Issues took the axe. I'm glad you guys are doing this.
(21:32:14) RazorsKiss? : last line from Paul was, at least
(21:32:29) Paul: He owns a company called Gulf Coast Broadcasting Company Inc. in Orange Beach, Alabama.
(21:32:39) Paul: It once held 14 stations -- now he's down to two.
(21:32:48) dm42: yikes... bummer...
(21:32:52) Kobra: Issues, among other people, was critical in becoming Lutheran.
(21:33:00) Kobra: $.02
(21:33:03) Paul: He has a son, R. Lee Hagan (Jr?) who is a pastor in Concordia, Missouri.
(21:33:08) chrisgille left the room.
(21:33:09) Kobra: Now I'll butt out.
(21:33:19) chrisgille [~chrisgill@97.84.181.103] entered the room.
(21:33:19) chrisgille left the room.
(21:34:20) chrisgille [~chrisgill@97.84.181.103] entered the room.
(21:34:27) Paul: He said that the hard work would be setting up the organizational stuff -- the corporate structure.
(21:34:41) Paul: He could help with the technical stuff -- the streaming, sound boards, etc.
(21:34:58) Paul: He said everything is done through the internet now -- satellite is not so necessary.
(21:35:11) Paul: But he said the technical stuff would be relatively simply.
(21:35:13) dm42: (unless you're doing SIRRUS
(21:35:26) dm42: Yeah, the tech is easy...
(21:35:30) Paul: There are several companies, he said, that specialize in the distribution of religious programming.
(21:35:47) Paul: I'm sure this Bott Radio Network in Texas that Jeff and Todd have worked with so far is one of them.
(21:36:09) johnMark left the room (quit: ).
(21:36:26) chrisgille: dm42: again, my point. think big... what could Issues, Etc. have become had it not been hampered by a dinosaur
(21:36:27) Paul: So, Hagan is willing to help -- once we get to that technical phase.
(21:36:49) Paul: Well, Chris, what is the biggest streaming thing now?
(21:36:51) Kobra: What is "big?"
(21:36:53) Paul: Rush 24x7?
(21:37:05) dm42: Paul: I think we need to work from both ends...
(21:37:11) dm42: toward the middle.
(21:37:34) Kobra: I think in Christian circles, Christian radio, you'd be hard pressed to beat something like "The Bible Answer Man" or "Renewing Your Mind."
(21:37:46) Viret left the room (quit: CGI:IRC (Ping timeout)).
(21:37:48) Paul: Did you come up with some things that someone in St. Louis could talk about in a couple weeks, at a gathering of IE supporters?
(21:38:17) Kobra: Now, I haven't read everything that's been discussed, but if a rejuvenation of Issues is being considered, in hopes of being "big," it might be good to consider a Lutheran network that carried Issues.
(21:38:25) chrisgille: nah, not quite what I had in mind. i'm thinking email list, discussion forum, video, additional shows, etc.
(21:39:22) dm42: If we develop things in an "open" manner, and keep things fairly modular, there's no telling how "big" it could get.
(21:39:25) chrisgille: I'm really thinking long-term
(21:39:32) chrisgille: dm42: exactly
(21:39:35) dm42: The problem with the "dinosaur" is they thought parochially...
(21:39:51) dm42: One main hierarchy making the decisions...
(21:40:55) Kobra: Do I know any of you guys?
(21:41:08) dm42: One of my "goals" in starting this discussion is to establish a nucleus around which much more could grow --- much like a tranferrance of "Open Source Software" principles to a Lutheran Media Enterprise.
(21:41:30) dm42: Kobra - not personally, I spent some time at #tabletalk a while ago (about 2 years ago maybe?)
(21:42:32) dm42: The principles have already been transferred to legal research (see http://www.groklaw.net)
(21:43:16) Kobra: Ah, ok.
(21:43:28) Kobra: Ok, back to the books.
(21:43:32) Paul186 [~Paul@pool-71-188-157-234.aubnin.fios.verizon.net] entered the room.
(21:43:32) dm42: But any OSS project starts small and grows "organically." The trick is making it modular enough and transparent enough for others to plug in and find a niche.
(21:43:33) Kobra is now known as mon-bbl
(21:43:53) chrisgille: perfect. I'm on board
(21:44:04) Paul left the room (quit: Ping timeout for Paul[pool-71-188-157-234.aubnin.fios.verizon.net]).
(21:44:05) Paul26 left the room (quit: Read error to Paul26[pool-71-188-157-234.aubnin.fios.verizon.net]: Connection reset by peer).
(21:44:32) Paul186: Hey, sorry -- low battery sent me into hibernate mode.
(21:44:37) Paul186: Had to boot back in.
(21:44:50) dm42: This is why my biggest concern is CONSERVATION of the current Issues, ETC, fanbase and filling the void until all the other stuff gets settled.
(21:45:14) Paul186: Matt, could you print that link for the transcript once more?
(21:45:19) dm42: If we do it right, it won't matter WHAT else goes on... Todd/Jeff can slide right in.
(21:46:04) dm42: Paul: The exact link will be: http://uaclutheran.info/wiki/bin/view.pl/IssuesETC/Meeting20080324Transcript
(21:46:12) dm42: (I hope.... )
(21:46:52) dm42: But there will be a link on my blog (http://firstpersonlife.blogspot.com) and on the main ISSUES WIKI page (uaclutheran.info - then click on the ISSUES ETC link)
(21:48:05) dm42: Paul: Where did you cut out? I think I was in the middle of a thought when your link died.
(21:49:37) Paul186: I don't remember -- I'm sleep deprived.
(21:49:57) slambammin left the room.
(21:50:10) chrisgille: sounds good matt
(21:50:19) Paul186: Do you have a sense of who all the folks were that we had participating?
(21:50:30) Paul186: I don't know who some of the lurkers were.
(21:50:33) dm42: BTW: Paul/Chris - Speaking of sleep deprived, I don''t think either of you know yet --- Natalie Ann was born last Monday afternoon.
(21:50:45) Paul186: Hey -- congrats!
(21:50:49) dm42: I know who some of the lurkers were. but not all of them.
(21:50:50) Paul186: One week old.
(21:50:59) RazorsKiss? : I'm just a layman Issues listener
(21:51:05) Paul186: I would not assume that all were friendly.
(21:51:15) chrisgille: dm42: congrats! what are you doing here?!?!?!
(21:51:34) dm42: Chris - you know me --- I always have to have too much on my plate... it's how I stay so thin!
(21:51:36) RazorsKiss? : I saw most everyone who was lurking type at least once, and it all seemed friendly
(21:51:46) Paul186: good -- I hope so.
(21:52:01) RazorsKiss? : I'm not lutheran - I'm actually a baptist - but I like the show
(21:52:20) dm42: RK: We won't hold it against you
(21:52:25) RazorsKiss? : a lot of the #prosapologian folks listen to issues, etc
(21:52:36) chrisgille: razorskiss: good to hear. that's been the thought that it wasn't just lutheran listenership
(21:52:42) RazorsKiss? : it isn't
(21:52:46) RazorsKiss? :
(21:53:07) RazorsKiss? : we have a couple resident Lutherans, but there's quite a few I know that listen to it via the web
(21:53:17) Paul186: I've actually been amazed and delighted to see how many nonLutheran listeners we had, who signed the petition.
(21:53:46) RazorsKiss? : the web isn't exactly the best revenue steam, though
(21:54:02) Paul186: RK, are there other streaming audio shows (or podcasts) out there that people also use, that we could look to for models to keep this going here?
(21:54:43) RazorsKiss? : Dr. White's The Dividing Line - Greg Koukl's Stand to Reason
(21:54:52) RazorsKiss? : hrmm
(21:54:59) RazorsKiss? : The Narrow Mind - Gene Cook
(21:55:12) RazorsKiss? : Iron Sharpens Iron - Chris Arnzen
(21:55:19) RazorsKiss? : off the top of my head
(21:55:37) RazorsKiss? : STR's is a big-time deal, but the other 3 are smallish
(21:56:31) RazorsKiss? : ISI is also on a local radio station, as well as podcasted - but he recently got in trouble with the radio folks himself, for being too controversial - read: too doctrinally conservative and exclusionary
(21:56:34) RazorsKiss? : pfft
(21:56:36) dm42: So... i guess... what is/are the next steps?
(21:56:39) Paul186: Is Dr. White by any chance, Dr. Larry White of Houston?
(21:56:45) RazorsKiss? : No, James White, the apologist
(21:57:02) RazorsKiss? : debater, etc
(21:57:10) RazorsKiss? : http://aomin.org
(21:57:17) Paul186: I've heard STR over broadcast -- I presume they just played a podcast.
(21:57:30) L4Lutefisk? [~TheSwedes@ip68-102-114-1.ks.ok.cox.net] entered the room.
(21:57:33) Paul186: Thanks -- that's helpful to have that list.
(21:57:38) RazorsKiss? : They do a live show on a bunch of radio stations
(21:57:42) RazorsKiss? : as well
(21:57:46) L4Lutefisk? : what is this?
(21:57:46) MrsSwede? [~chatzilla@ip68-102-114-1.ks.ok.cox.net] entered the room.
(21:58:05) L4Lutefisk? : hello?
(21:58:11) RazorsKiss? : hi
(21:58:18) Paul186: OK, I think I need to get some sleep before class.
(21:58:19) chrisgille: Matt: just invited the folks from #tabletalk
(21:58:25) Paul186: Still have a paper to do.
(21:58:28) MrsSwede? : We didn't know that there was a channel over here for Isses, Etc.
(21:58:35) MrsSwede? : Issues
(21:58:37) MrsSwede? : :P
(21:58:43) L4Lutefisk? : how old is this channel?
(21:58:58) dm42: There isn't... this is, shall we say, an "unofficial" channel set up for tonight.
(21:59:03) Paul186: So ... we'll talk later -- thanks guys. Be in prayer for Todd and Jeff and their lawyer, that the meeting goes well.
(21:59:06) L4Lutefisk? : ah
(21:59:10) dm42: Thanks Paul!
(21:59:19) L4Lutefisk? : who's who?
(21:59:21) Paul186: g'nite
(21:59:31) Paul186 left the room (quit: Leaving).
(21:59:31) L4Lutefisk? : hmmm
(21:59:42) L4Lutefisk? : another clergyman?
(21:59:45) L4Lutefisk? : seminarian?
(21:59:53) chrisgille: matt: send the info again
(22:00:05) dm42: Chris: which info?
(22:00:14) chrisgille: website, transcript, etc.
(22:00:23) dm42: Ah... ok.
(22:00:46) dm42: Coordination site: http://uaclutheran.info
(22:01:20) dm42: Meeting Transcript Location: http://uaclutheran.info/wiki/bin/view.pl/Meeting20080324Transcript

IssuesETC

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