Back in July, 2009 I posted a blurb about a book I was starting to read authored by Hugh MacLeod titled Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity. I finished the book over my vacation and like most books that resonate with me, it ended up looking like a coloring book with meaningful passages highlighted and notes scribbled in margins and sticky notes. There is so much worthwhile material here for every stakeholder in this business, that it deserves special attention…
Month: August 2009
Here’s Hoping Berlin Enjoys Some Success
Ever since the Berlin Philharmonic launched their digital concert hall feature last season, subscribers to the complete season of webcasts have been steadily growing. Adaptistration reader Michael Brewer provided a first-hand review of the Philharmonic’s initial offerings back in January, 2009 and based on that perspective it seems like the folks in Berlin might be on to something. It will be interesting to see how several months of planning have helped iron out technical wrinkles but I find myself wondering more about the business plan behind the venture…
That’s Good Soup
Thanks to blogging compadre Joe Patti, I discovered an enormously useful resource called TechSoup.com. The organization describes itself as offering “nonprofits a one-stop resource for technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support. In addition to online information and resources, we offer a product philanthropy service called TechSoup Stock. Here, nonprofits can access donated and discounted technology products, generously provided by corporate and nonprofit technology partners. At Joe’s suggestion, I spent some time digging through the site and although the interface is a bit dated the content is useful for a wide variety of budget size nonprofits…
Why Performing Arts Organization Blogs Suck
Well, not all of them; in fact, some are downright terrific. But the reality is far too many are terrible simply because they fall victim to some of the most common blogging bear traps. I’ve been writing about these traps and how to avoid them for years now but sometimes it just seems to stick better when you hear the same advice from someone else. As such, I want to point out a wonderful blog post by Paul Boag, a UK Web designer, which was featured at smashingmagazine.com on 9/9/2009…
What’s Old Is New Again
The latest issue of Senza Sordino, the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) newsletter, included an article from ICSOM chair, Bruce Ridge that I found intriguing. Ridge’s article, The New Apocalypticism, examines the impact of the economic downturn and how the orchestra business has responded. Written from his perspective as an orchestra musician and governance activist, Ridge refutes the notion (and subsequent buzz words) that we’re in a “new economy” and uses detailed historical perspective to support his position…