[grc] Grassroots Radio Conference 2024 Directives

[Bennett Kobb]

> I do not see how anyone who was at that meeting would say that Sharon was
given this authority.

I don't see where Sharon needed to be given any authority. What authority
would convey that authority?

> I do not see how anyone who was at the meeting would say that her
pronouncements were endorsed by the people who attended that meeting.

I don't recall that anyone objected to Sharon's stepping forward after
taking everyone's comments into account, and setting a deadline so people
have a target to aim for. Mandates and pronouncements don't really describe
her style.

> At the meeting there was no discussion about what method should be used
to determine how the next GRC should be chosen

If there were competing proposals some method would be needed to choose
one. That is not the situation yet and was not the situation last year or
the year before.

> Is someone interested in hosting a less expensive GRC?  It seems that GRC
2023 may be the most expensive conference in my memory.

Maybe it was. Considerable expense apparently was covered by in-kind
donations and sales of vendor slots and merch.

> Would it not be better to hold GRC conferences in a different city each
year?  Perhaps we could return to the same city on alternate years.

This was discussed a good bit at the Zoom meeting. It's not an issue now as
no formal proposals are on the table at this time, only the willingness of
Team Status Quo to fill the need.

> How do people who live on the west coast think about having to traveling
such long distances?

Surely they can propose to hold conferences closer to them. Ideally it
would be more central. Has there been one in Texas yet?

> Did anyone find a good alternative to an extended trip in a rental car
from one of the major airports in the area?

The hotel-provided airport van worked out OK.

> Could presentations be recorded for the benefit of those who are not able
to attend?

They should be, but that could require some professional management.

> Damon admitted to pocketing a good profit from the GRC (was it 10k on 35k
revenue?)  I do not think that is unreasonable, assuming his own funds were
at risk in preparing for the GRC, but someone else might offer other uses
for the proceeds.

There was much discussion and contrasting views on other uses for the
proceeds.

>  what can we do to ensure that it remains an informal gathering for
people who do not have the backing of large institutions and agencies?

How many GRCs have been backed by large institutions? WTSQ got some backing
from the local visitors bureau. Every GRC should.

> Is the GRC in danger of turning into a professionally managed event like
the NFCB

I would describe 2023 GRC as professional in management though staffed by
volunteers who have other jobs and responsibilities - in addition to
running a radio station.

The latest filing window illustrates how attendance could potentially
increase. Professional meeting planning should be welcome.

> Does the GRC exist for professionals who earn income from promoting their
services to community broadcasters, or does it exist for the small
community broadcasters to share and offer mutual support?

2023 was my second GRC. If those two conferences were any indication, they
included very few who earn income from broadcasting services. I see no
indication that this basic character is changing.

> Should decisions within the GRC be mandated by a particular person or a
closed group, or do we want decisions to be made by an open process where
all are invited to participate?

A minimum level of process was volunteered by a person recognized in the
community for her leadership.