The NAN Webcam Calamity

OK, since this has been posted on a public list, I feel like I can discuss it. And I also think I am done posting on N-D for now. Its become an echo chamber for about half a dozen people who are apparently ill informed about the show, and just enjoy hearing themselves. No one disagrees with them because the discussion is actually going on in other places, just not the official venue. Shocking, I know.

Anyway, when the webcam idea was developed and announced by Jim West and Andy Faraci last year, I was skeptical about it. Let's face it, model horse showing is sort of boring if you're not actually showing. Its not a spectator sport. When the jumpers come out, they don't jump. And at NAN you have to keep your distance, you can't go up and gawk at the entries and admire the detail and care that go into them. I thought a static camera shot was going to be kind of dull. But a lot of others were excited with the idea, so I kept my Debby Downer crap to myself.

And I was totally wrong. The webcam ended up being a freaking hit, especially after someone mounted it to a rolling dolly and pushed it around the hall. Laura Pervier eventually ended up doing most of the dolly rolling and commentary on the thing. I am not sure how that happened, I guess she got bored when she didn't have enough to do judging. It happens.

And hey, kudos to Laura for then writing an organized proposal that was submitted to the BOD. We were in the middle of another discussion, and per our long established protocol, discussion of the web cam was temporarily tabled to be discussed later. Laura wasn't happy with that, as she stated on NAMHSA-Discussion, as she is trying to swing plane and hotel fare and her proposal included a clause for reimbursement of part of those expenses. Eventually she withdrew the proposal as it was becoming economically unfeasable for her to wait.

This does not mean that the webcam isn't happening, folks. It just means that Laura won't be running it. Laura was not behind getting the webcam set up last year, her equipment was not used. So there is no point in getting your panties in a wad over it because you'll still have it.

I am not personally sure that this should be a $300 paid position. I mean, the webcam is a nice addition to the show, but with out the NAN chair (who gets $525, increased for this year, unless there is a co-chair, in which case, the stipend is split), a registrar ($525, also increased for this year--both these posts were $450 before 2013) or judges ($100 per day, an increase in 2012) a head steward ($300, position created in 2010) and a vast army of volunteers who work for a $10 lunch and a T shirt. The other staff members I already mentioned also get lunch and a shirt, and there is breakfast and refreshments provided to judges each day.

Now--its possible that at some point in the future, the webcam does develop into a paid position. I have a hard time saying that the organization should be spending $300 plus whatever the parking pass, and special food request for what is, really, a non essential part of the show. Without a chair, a registrar, judges and the ring stewards, there is nothing for the webcam to stream. I'm glad Laura is so eager to shift to this position, but it might be smarter to work it up more slowly than what she's got outlined. Probably, this needs to be a team of people-two or three-because that schedule she has is a long one. I love the idea of some structured programming--interviewing folks, that sort of stuff, but man, that is a lot of work for a single person. Worth $300? Probably...if the show wasn't already so far in the red. Are you willing to raise the entry fee so your mom can watch the show? People are also clamoring for small classes to be pinned all the way to 10, which is another way to spend. And there will be more on that later in the week. At some point, we have to start trying to get the show to raise revenue. And it can't all be subsidized with sponsors and raffle tickets. We either need to cut stuff or raise the entry fee. We probably need to do both, but I can't imagine what else CAN be cut at this point--does it make sense to add in another expense that isn't vital?

I don't think anyone who works for NAN expects to get most of their expenses recouped. Some folks don't even pick up their stipends, they feel that its part of their hobby pay back (I'm not one of those people--any little bit helps!!)

For reference, here's the proposal:

NAN Webcam Walkabout Proposal

I would like to propose that NAMHSA hire me as the official webcam operator
(aka Walkabout) for NAN 2013 and NAN 2014. There was a significant amount
of positive feedback from those who had never attended a NAN or who were
unable to attend this past year, but were able to watch it live via the
internet. People checked in from all over the US, Canada and overseas, and
really appreciated the ability to see what was happening in real time and to
ask questions of me. Not only did I have an enjoyable time running the
camera all over the show hall, I believe the ability for many who have never
been to NAN is a great benefit to NAMHSA, NAN and the hobby at large.
Ideally I'd like to do this for all years of NAN going forward, depending on
where the Indy NANs will be held.

Many people feel NAN is very cutthroat, scary and intimidating. I would
like to change their perception with the walkabout. Show them that folks
are having a good time at NAN and they're busy congratulating those that did
win.

My goal for the walkabout is to show those at home how much work is put in
to NAN by the entrants and staff, as well as what exactly goes on during the
day. I will be showcasing all of the classes during NAN, as well as entrant
tables, the judge's corral, podium, championship photo area, whiteboard,
registrar's table and anything else related to NAN. In addition to
featuring the nuts and bolts of the show, I will be happy to again field
questions from those watching and to highlight areas as they request it.

What I would be providing with the walkabout:

Broadcasting via LiveStream (or something similar) during the entire 3 show
days, from beginning to end

Broadcasting on the day before NAN from the show hall, both as a test for
the system and to show those at home what goes on in getting the hall ready
for NAN

Interviews with various entrants, judges, stewards and other volunteers and
spectators

Lots of positive promotion for NAMHSA and NAN which will encourage those at
home to attend a future NAN

I will provide:

My own laptop with an extended time battery and a back up battery
A wireless router (if needed)
A portable, moveable platform for the computer, webcam and microphone
An account with Livestream (or similar)
Lots of great commentary during all days of NAN for those at home
A very loose time schedule of when pre-arranged people will be interviewed
so those at home can tune in to see their favorite artist or whomever - this
can be published on the NAMSHA site, N-D and other lists ahead of time

What NAMHSA/NAN will provide:

Access to the Comcast hard-wire connection via my (or Niki's) wireless
router
Paid parking pass for the 4 days of NAN (show and set up days); if parking
fees are applicable
A large fruit plate in the morning (I'm gluten-intolerant), each day of NAN
Compensation for 3 days of NAN at standard judges pay rate - including per
diem for lunch. Set up day will not need to be compensated as this is
strictly to test that the equipment is ready and working.
A printed seating chart and cross reference list of entrants by first and
last name (so I can find entrants at the show for those at home that would
like to "meet" them) or provide me with the files so I can print them myself
Judging assignment schedule
Class list, in order of when they'll be called
Name tag
Official NAMHSA staff shirts
NAN FAQ on the NAMHSA web site (further details on the FAQ available from
both Stacy Faraci and Niki Hertzog)