[CIMC-work] Re: [Imc-chicago-video] process and over-process proposal

[donald goldhamer]

Hi all,

While I'm not a videographer and am not active in the video collective,
I've observed a few things which might be worth considering:

1. Making videos, like any creative process, needs to be a satisfying
   activity.  Too much focus on process can so dampen that satisfaction
   that it could damage the productivity and enthusiasm of even the most
   dedicated people.

2. Invoking a "block" on a decision is an extreme and (hopefully) rare
   action, and must be accompanied by clear reasons for doing so.  The
   differing points must be put in writing (which forces one to be clear),
   for transparency, and so that people who miss a meeting are not
   excluded. 

   And a "block" doesn't normally get "overridden"; when the process works
   the "block" gets voluntarily lifted!  EITHER the concerns are addressed
   and the persons blocking the decision either are persuaded, or at least
   willing to be neutral; OR the folks making the proposal are persuaded to
   include solutions to the strong concerns.

   In either case, the issues get examined and a wiser, cooperative
   decision is reached.  The process is usually not contentious and builds,
   rather than lowers, trust levels.  And no one person is "in charge" of
   the process.

3. Regarding the CAN-TV issue, so far I've seen only two of these points
   stated on this list (by Tom concerning (a) the consequences of missing a
   deadline and being "banned as "Chicago Independent Television" from ever
   having a regular time slot on CAN-TV; and (b) the capacity of the video
   collective to fulfill a monthly schedule).

   I'm sure there are other perspectives on that point, but have no idea
   what they may be.  And I'd really like to learn what reasons there are
   for committing C-IMC immediately -- will the opportunity pass, etc.?

   Have all of the members of the video collective had the opportunity to
   consider all the relevant issues?

4. Regarding a "decision-making" process, as soon as someone can locate the
   very good materials C-IMC worked with originally, and they get posted,
   I'll put links to them onto the website.  We're not the first group to
   need to work through this stuff.

5. Goals are needed, but does this constitute a "mission statement"
   separate from that of C-IMC?  Some simple, quantifiable objectives would
   allow you to assess your progress and process.

6. I, personally, believe that broadcast media reach MANY more people than
   all the individual showings C-IMC can organize.  It also, however, lacks
   the interactivity which is the essence of learning and re-thinking one's
   position.  The strength of a volunteer organization like C-IMC is that
   individuals can pursue those paths (distribution, media, etc.) which
   attract them, so long as there is communication among all.  It's better
   to recruit new participants in an effort than to attempt to distract
   others from their preferred activities.

Just my opinions...

--Don