Proposal : Event Support

[Claude Desmoulins]

The Executive is directed to create a program for financial and other support of events in the CDS.

A sum of $L4000/month is appropriated to this program beginning in April 2007 and running through the end of the current budget.

[Patroklus Murakami]

Thanks to Claude for dusting off a proposal I put forward for discussion by the RA two months ago. The original post is [url=http://forums.neufreistadt.info/viewtop ... 9:irpwesh4]here[/url:irpwesh4].

Unfortunately, it didn't get any support/discussion when I first proposed it, but perhaps posting this proposal here will stimulate further debate?

Here are some issues I think we should consider:

The funding the Lindens used to provide for events was essentially pump-priming money. It was withdrawn (along with 'dwell', developers incentives, stipends for basic accounts) when it became clear this kind of government subsidy could not continue forever. This was followed by howls of protest on the forums. How can we avoid that possibility for the CDS? I think it's a good idea to provide some money to get events up and running again but we also need to consider our 'exit strategy' so that we don't repeat the Lindens' mistakes.

Who gets to decide which events get the money (assuming that there are more applications for event-funding than money to pay for them)?

Would we pay non-citizens or only citizens?

What kind of events do we want to support? Any? Ones that are 'in theme'? Discussion groups? Games? How about 'mature-themed' events?

Most importantly - do you think it will work? We can't offer potloads of cash to put on events. Will a (relatively) small amount be enough to prime the pump?

Just a few thoughts to get things started. I'll be interested to see peoples' views.

[Claude Desmoulins]

I intentionally wrote the bill broadly for a few reasons.

1. I'm not sure how to do this.

2. Responding to concerns that the RA has a tendency to micromanage, I wanted to let the exec design the program.

3. It's possible that direct funding, event by event,. may not be the most cost efficient way to encourage events in CDS. I hope this very open ended bill will allow other options to be explored.

[Sleazy_Writer]

[quote="Patroklus Murakami":3q7ss90k]
1. The funding the Lindens used to provide for events was essentially pump-priming money. It was withdrawn (...) we also need to consider our 'exit strategy' so that we don't repeat the Lindens' mistakes.

2. Who gets to decide which events get the money (assuming that there are more applications for event-funding than money to pay for them)?

3. Would we pay non-citizens or only citizens?

4. What kind of events do we want to support? Any? Ones that are 'in theme'? Discussion groups? Games? How about 'mature-themed' events?

5. Most importantly - do you think it will work? We can't offer potloads of cash to put on events. Will a (relatively) small amount be enough to prime the pump?[/quote:3q7ss90k]

1. People are intelligent enough here to know that they shouldn't take it for a granted or consider it their right. Let's add a 1 sentence small disclaimer that it's dependant on policy and financial situation.

2. Chancellor or someone she appoints gets to decide. I think Salzie has a feeling for what events are best value for money.

3. What about giving the chance to citizens to apply first and at the later moment look for outside event organisers. Like a sign in the Anzere infohub that asks if newbies could do simple but interesting events (like a good discussion). *If* this would work it would be a very good way of getting people in touch with the CDS.

4. What about each representative supplying a top-5 of criteria and not micromanage besides that but let the exec. person weigh that in her/his decision to distribute the money.

5. Very good question. It's a little incentive for me personally but maybe not for others. It probably needs some more thought how to do this in as-smart-as-possible way.

[Sleazy_Writer]

What's the result of the talk with Aliasi on the 17th?

[Nikki]

She was not there - -

oh well, we understood.