Michael this should produce some good ideas on what needs to be done in the future. Here goes mine as a former board member/older vet/member. First off, I know what can and can't be done due to the way our budget is structured. As an older vet my dues gets me a magazine, exclusive entry to two quarterly clip contest and a free DVD.
The educational events that the NPPA offers are stale once you've been though them all they become old as a vet. I mean once you've done the Workshop, Advance Storytelling and maybe another smaller venue there is really nothing more left to do? Advice, explore expanding educational programs to reflect the times.
I now am starting to freelance more and more. Granted I learned as I've gone but someone out there could easily ease the learning curb. A workshop or a boot camp on lighting is one of the biggest things missing from the educational programs. I say look at one event that isn't producing the mandated 20% profit line and cut it! Then use that money to redirect to different areas both Still and TV alike.
Also, this has been discussed in the last few days with higher ups of the NPPA. Take the TVQCC to the next level, make it a total on-line contest. Just by doing that it would solve so many problems that has plagued it for many years. Results would be posted automatically, judging would take place on line and you'd receive a e-mail both letting you know if you place and with your critique. Although it's going to take some time and a little bit of money to make this one happen.
As a former board member, be it proception or fact. We need more good volunteers to serve the NPPA in a leadership role. Be it on the board of directors or someone within the EC. Right now there is only two television voices that have a vote within the board of directors. Not saying the rest of the members on the board don't care about TV or issue related in our field. It's a little easier to get something passed if we are represented correctly within the board.
Fix the website! It's old and out date. The message boards stinks to high heaven, it now looks like someone in high school made it as a class project. Spend some money, get a webmaster and fix the problem. There is plenty of content sitting on the shelves at home office that could serve up and coming members. A lot of heavy lifting would be required but it can be done. Hence why maybe cutting another event would help in so many other areas.
Commutation! There needs to be more of it within the organization as a whole. Not knowing one side is doing until a powder keg explodes is not self serving to our members. I know you that volunteer and are board member also have jobs. But communicating is key amongst you all. And am just as guilty of not doing enough during my term as the next board member beside me. If the masses are in the know, half the B.S. that goes on would cease.
Stop moving around "The Summit" keep you're big event in one location just like the workshop has done for years. Take it to Vegas or some other tourist trap to make it worth your time to go. If you get tired of the event you can simply walk downstairs and get a hooker or play blackjack. Also that way folks won't wonder where it's going to be the following year. If they cant make this year maybe next year instead.
Add more things in the store that I can use as a TV professional. Be it discounted light stands, lights, a video camera, porta brace stuff, batteries, softboxes and on and on. Right now the store is solely for the use of still folks. Other than maybe a universal lens cleaning kit, I-cuff and flash drive that is about it for us TV folks.
Add more content in the magazine! I know for a fact Don has done a heck of a job of revamping the magazine and making a great reading material in the can. He needs to add more TV content, in that same breath he needs more TV members out there to write stories as well. If each member wrote one story in there tenure as a member, I think folks would stop bitching about lack of content.
By doing some of these things the $110 in dues makes a little bit more sense. As of right now my time is up once my current membership lapse in 2008. As a vet I refer you to the top to see what I receive in a year. There needs to be more stuff for us vets! And before someone say's something about advocacy the on staff lawyer and the other things added in the past. Please am not the person that needs those services.
