Organization

[haikujaguar.livejournal.com]

Thinking about existing writers' organizations (and artists') and how they don't really extend help to people crowd-sponsoring their work has made me wonder what an organization for people like us would do. Besides, say, have a website with a roster of projects (yes, I've had a plan for a while).

So, what would entice you to join a CC association? What services would you like?

Here are some ideas, drawn from what existing organizations do:

• Awards
• Magazines/Publications with relevant articles
• Directories of Members
• Websites
• Discussion forums
• Blogs
• Legal Advice/access to legal counsel
• Emergency funds
• Special parties/sponsored events at conventions
• Tables at conventions
• PR databases
• Podcasts
• Mentoring programs

That's off the top of my head. But tell me what you need. And what you could care less about. And what's missing from this list.

Comments

[jolantru.livejournal.com]

For me, I like the idea of having a mentor guide a newbie writer through - kinda like the Clarion workshops ... something which we - living in Singapore - do not have (unless we fly over and attend them... but you need to know someone or are someone in the sff community).

I like the list. Looks fine to me. Mmm, what do I need? A space, I think, so that I can meet fellow writers. I am a person who likes meeting like-minded folk face-to-face. The Internet might suffice for a while, but physical contact with people really works wonders. How about - say - sponsorships for non-US citizens?

[haikujaguar.livejournal.com]

Okay, you bring up good points... I'm not sure how to handle international events. Because the world is pretty big! When you say sponsorships, what do you envision that entailing?

[jolantru.livejournal.com]

Mmm, just thinking on top of my head...

Well, I envision sponsorships entailing the mentoring and sponsorship of a non-US citizen in order to attend - say - a convention/conference conducted by the organization. One member would sponsor said person, in terms like air fares (?) or accommodation.

[haikujaguar.livejournal.com]

Hmm. Ah, those are good thoughts! I definitely want the organization to be useful for non-US folks.

[ladyqkat.livejournal.com]

Something else that would be for after the group is a bit more cohesive and settled and for those who, much as they would love to travel, might be more receptive to than flying - a floating 'convention' that would take several weeks/months where people could gather whe it is at a port, maybe join the cruise for a bit or just visit if it docked for a few days.

Kind of a vague idea right now, but maybe something to look into. It might combine a workshop kind of atmosphere with a convention kind of atmosphere, allow mentors and writers who wish to time to work on projects between ports.

Yes, I am kind of fulfilling my dream of going on a cruise with people I would find fascinating.

Hmm...

[ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com]

What about a caravan or a couch-surfing "cruise" that would travel cross-country? Not everyone lives near a navigable waterway, but almost everyone lives near a road.