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Topic: need more coverage (Read 13878 times)
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Amanda
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5thconcerto,
I agree with you.
I recommend the FSP make it an official policy to start encouraging--but not requiring--liberty-lovers to move ASAP, for the reasons you give.
(BTW, I love Beethoven's 5th piano concerto. Any relation?)
Hi there, We're very enthusiastic about our early movers, and we recently started tracking their numbers on the main site just below the participant count. ( http://freestateproject.org/ ) And we formed the Welcome Wagon to help our early movers get acclimated to their new home: http://freestateproject.org/community/welcomewagon/index.php We're already starting to make a difference up here, and the energy is very contagious. Come on up! |
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"The direct use of physical force is so poor a solution to the problem of limited resources that it is commonly employed only by small children and great nations." -- David D Friedman, The Machinery of Freedom
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M.J. Taylor
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Is the FSP about reaching a magical number of participants, or is it about Liberty, and a Free State? If it is the former, it is meaningless. If the latter, it won't matter when we reach the 20k number. FSPers have already begun the move to the Free State. As our numbers grow, more will move. As we begin to have successes, more will join, and still more will migrate. Success breeds success.
The summarized goal of FSP is "Liberty in Our Lifetime." So, yes it is about Liberty and a Free State. It is also about achieving a researched number of participants that can achieve Liberty and a Free State once they are in NH. The number of participants is entirely meaningful, as without that number, there is not enough "voice" within the US election system to achieve success. If you do not understand or agree with this basic premise for the FSP, all I can suggest is you (re)read Jason's "What Can 20,000 Liberty Activists Accomplish in New Hampshire?" http://www.freestateproject.org/about/essay_archive/20000nh.php for further clarification on why exactly FSP needs 20,000 people in the stated time period. I appreciate your analysis, M.J. I think you are absolutely correct in all of your statements. The FSP is at a critical crossroads right now: 1. give up and admit defeat now before uselessly expending any more energy, --or-- 2. be forced to admit failure at some future date, -or- 3. vastly ramp-up efforts and succeed.
Frankly I don't think failure is an option, it seems the FSP was already at least 10 years behind schedule the day it started, when you consider where liberty is going, worldwide. We need to work a miracle.
Kelton, Thank you for your support. So far dealing with this issue through this thread and with Jason and Amanda has been similar to beating my head against a wall. As well, I do not wish failure to be an option. For purely selfish reasons, to my mind, there needs to be a place in the US where I can go that I can voluntarily and with desire call home. Not being able to do that, as is the current situation, makes me feel like a slave. Maybe this is a good time to explore other options that might be more palatable to create this miracle; so far we have "raise $75 from every current member." Please start tossing ideas out, no matter how nutty they sound, and let's get it done. |
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Kelton Baker
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Is the FSP about reaching a magical number of participants, or is it about Liberty, and a Free State? If it is the former, it is meaningless. If the latter, it won't matter when we reach the 20k number. FSPers have already begun the move to the Free State. As our numbers grow, more will move. As we begin to have successes, more will join, and still more will migrate. Success breeds success.
Yes, the number 20,000 is merely some number that has little real-world meaning except that it is a goal, our goal and also a hopeful starting point based on evidences and theory presented by Dr. Sorens. Nonetheless, if we do not reach 20,000 within a certain timeframe, the FSP fails. Of course, we always need to remember that our true goal is gaining the sympathy of >51% of the populace of NH, particularly the voting populace, or at least the sympathy of a majority of its elected representatives in bringing about a free state. For me, just having the highest percentage of liberty-minded folk than any other state is reason enough to make the move and encourage others. But if making the move and its attendant sacrifices, why accept mediocre promises and vague goals? I like the idea of a well-defined project and the hope of a free state. |
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Give me some men who are stout-hearted men Who will fight for the right they adore. Start me with ten, who are stout-hearted men And I'll soon give you ten thousand more...--O. Hammerstein
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SteveA
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The number of participants is entirely meaningful, as without that number, there is not enough "voice" within the US election system to achieve success. That's very accurate, IMO. 20,000 is just a rough estimate of the number of activists it would take to have a sweeping success in a small state. The level of success will vary with the number of people and how active they are but from the point of view of an individual, one strong activist can have an affect of 30 uninvolved people politically (that's just a rough guess). I think picking New Hampshire was a great choice because just moving there in itself adds more clout to those people are migrating out of higher taxed and regulated states. The politics is more accessible in N.H., from what I've heard and we already have some great people organizing there. So, though 10K won't have the same level of effect 20K would, every person making the move makes a large difference compared to that one person not moving. Take the number of news stories out there for the FSP and divide it by the number of people that have moved if you want to see how powerful the FSP has been so far  (And the great thing is that effect is focused into a smaller area too) So yes, each porcupine can only affect 2-3 dozen people but just like government inefficiency, a billion here, a billion there and soon you're seeing real money  . |
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"Fruitless, born a thousand times, lies barren. Unguided inspiration, yields random motion, circumscribed in destination, going nowhere. Guidance uninspired, always true in facing, stands immobile. But fixed upon that destination firmly and with inspiration lofted; beget your dreams."
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Kelton Baker
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Please start tossing ideas out, no matter how nutty they sound, and let's get it done.
How's this? . . . Since each one of us are going to spend a considerable sum, costs upwards of $500 to make the move for just some single people, with a probable average of around $3,000 in costs per family, not to mention the other sacrifices that easily add up. . . . well, There are a number of people who will not and cannot move, but still support our goals. Let's get them to back a "moving in heart and spirit only" sort of program, where people calculate the costs that they would have spent on moving and pledge to donate that amount to NH-liberty supporting groups of their choosing within the space of 5 years. ---and of course, leave the FSP donation as a strong suggestion for where to direct those contributions while on our way to 20k. |
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« Last Edit: August 04, 2004, 12:55:04 pm by Kelton Baker »
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Give me some men who are stout-hearted men Who will fight for the right they adore. Start me with ten, who are stout-hearted men And I'll soon give you ten thousand more...--O. Hammerstein
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Amanda
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Thank you for your support. So far dealing with this issue through this thread and with Jason and Amanda has been similar to beating my head against a wall.
Thanks, for the kind words and understanding. We both have full time jobs, and I do get hundreds of e-mail every day from hundreds of people who know exactly what we're doing wrong and what we need to do to fix it. So I'll just lay it out there... what, exactly, do you expect Jason and I to do that we're not doing? More importantly, what would you like to do to help the FSP? FYI, we kicked off a fundraising campaign last week. The membership should be getting the fundraising letters in the mail any day now, and we're working with IT to get a couple of things on the website to support the fundraising campaign. If you don't see it happening immediately, that doesn't mean it isn't happening. |
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"The direct use of physical force is so poor a solution to the problem of limited resources that it is commonly employed only by small children and great nations." -- David D Friedman, The Machinery of Freedom
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kater
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Thoughts worth roughly a penny: Money doesn't make members. I'm not saying there's no relation, but I heard about the FSP from a guy who heard about it from Walter Williams. No $$. I understand folks wanting to raise funds, and I certainly wish them and their projects no ill. But money doesn't strike me as a silver bullet, and the lack of it doesn't strike me as a disaster. Talk is cheap. |
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SteveA
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Of course, we always need to remember that our true goal is gaining the sympathy of >51% of the populace of NH, particularly the voting populace, or at least the sympathy of a majority of its elected representatives in bringing about a free state. Ultimately that would be great but keep in mind the primary elections can easily be swayed by a few thousand votes. No, that doesn't creating lasting liberty but it does give the chance to see some changes made even with a limited number of people. And if you consider an activist can effect a couple other voters, I wouldn't be suprised to see 500-1000 activists being able to sway a primary election vote on a semi-regular basis. |
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"Fruitless, born a thousand times, lies barren. Unguided inspiration, yields random motion, circumscribed in destination, going nowhere. Guidance uninspired, always true in facing, stands immobile. But fixed upon that destination firmly and with inspiration lofted; beget your dreams."
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SteveA
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BTW Amanda, I think the FSP leadership has been doing a great job. FSPers are practically by definition going to question leadership and likely have a dozen that need addressing. They weren't far off describing it as herding cats. Don't stress over it too much. Since each one of us are going to spend a considerable sum, costs upwards of $500 to make the move for just some single people, with a probable average of around $3,000 in costs per family, not to mention the other sacrifices that easily add up.
. . . well,
There are a number of people who will not and cannot move, but still support our goals. Let's get them to back a "moving in heart and spirit only" sort of program, where people calculate the costs that they would have spent on moving and pledge to donate that amount to NH-liberty supporting groups of their choosing within the space of 5 years.
---and of course, leave the FSP donation as a strong suggestion for where to direct those contributions while on our way to 20k. Thank Kelton. That's a good viewpoint. |
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"Fruitless, born a thousand times, lies barren. Unguided inspiration, yields random motion, circumscribed in destination, going nowhere. Guidance uninspired, always true in facing, stands immobile. But fixed upon that destination firmly and with inspiration lofted; beget your dreams."
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Dave Mincin
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I totally agree that we need to get more press coverage, the big question is how? If I might share a story. Back in December of 2002 I attended my first Porcupine Meeting in College Park, MD. Jason and Mary where there, perhaps 20 or so folks. Keep in mind back then we were little more than a chat group, with a big idea! The Balitimore Sun was there, as well as NPR. Thinking the local group leader had much to do with that, right Keith? Well hey the Sun did a feature story, as well as us getting on NPR for the first time, a national feed as I recall. As I recall the Sun story was picked up by a half dozen papers all over the country! BINGO!!! Local activism creating national exposure! Do believe we need to stop trying to hit home runs, and start going for singles. If we concentrate our efforts locally the national press will come. One idea that has been being tossed around is local, perhaps day events or even weekend events on a regional level? Do believe this idea is a step in the right direction in getting free press. |
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Please join us! http://www.nhliberty.org/ New Hampshire Liberty Alliance. " A leader knows that if he is generous with his time, his people will be generous with their effort." Plug>>>>Realtor Lovejoy Real Estate! |
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Amanda
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I totally agree that we need to get more press coverage, the big question is how? If I might share a story. (snip) If we concentrate our efforts locally the national press will come. One idea that has been being tossed around is local, perhaps day events or even weekend events on a regional level? Do believe this idea is a step in the right direction in getting free press. Thanks, Dave, for the example. Press coverage has been much more effective than advertising, and it's cheaper to boot. That's where we're focusing our efforts right now. That said, paid advertising can help us. But it is secondary to getting media attention (free advertising). Ideally, wecan do both, which is why we just kicked off our fundraising campaign *and* we're helping the Local Groups stage events to get more media coverage. |
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"The direct use of physical force is so poor a solution to the problem of limited resources that it is commonly employed only by small children and great nations." -- David D Friedman, The Machinery of Freedom
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atr
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We both have full time jobs, and I do get hundreds of e-mail every day from hundreds of people who know exactly what we're doing wrong and what we need to do to fix it. So I'll just lay it out there... what, exactly, do you expect Jason and I to do that we're not doing? I am not often one to defend the FSP leadership or even myself to the extent that I'm part of it--there is always room for improvement. Having said that, Amanda almost took the words straight out of my mouth. What do you want the leadership to do that it's not doing? I can think of a few areas for improvement, and am trying to focus on specific little things I can do in my own capicity or help others to do in theirs, rather than simply venting about the frustrating pace of membership growth and expecting the leadership to fix it lickity-split. Suggestions can be helpful. Initiative is even better. As of July 31, 2004:
5,956 FSP Participants
22.960 average new Participants per week during last six months
16.750 average new Participants per week during last month
9 new Participants in past week
FY 2004
Total Expense: $43,838.02
Total Marketing & Advertising: $24,701.58
Rounding "average new Participants per week" to 20, with a stated need for 14,000 more participants. The goal of 20k members will be reached in a little over 13 years. Which really isn't acceptable. Acquiring 1040 new members a year (52*20) at a cost of $24,701.58 comes out to a direct marketing cost of approximately $25 dollars per new member. So, if it costs FSP $25 to get a new member, you need 14,000 more, and you currently have 6,000, then everyone pony up $75 and get it done. $450,000 might or might not be sufficient to get to 20,000. Either way, raising that kind of money has shown to be harder in practice than in theory. Keep your fingers crossed on the current fundraising campaign. However, as you noted above, advertising expenditures have not shown themselves to be very effective for recruiting. |
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vtr
FSP Participant
 Offline
Posts: 81
I'm a llama!
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Reading these posts it seems to me that some new perspective is needed regarding the FSP's current lack of media coverage.
With the whole country trying to wrestle with the present situation regarding the upcoming elections I am wondering if alot of people don't have time to think of any other options. There is obviously a glaring national media agenda to keep the masses from thinking outside the box of the two party system. How else can one explain the total lack of coverage for the Libitarian Party. The only candidate getting any coverage at all is Nader and that comes across mostly as comic relief. It is a national travesty. So what can we do?
First we must not lapse into attacking each other. That will destroy the FSP quicker then anything. We must all stick together and each do what we can do in our own way.
Secondly, write LTE's to every paper that prints something that annoy's us. That's free exposure and responding to some inane article with concrete ideas that make sense drives home the positive side of the FSP.
Thirdly, be patient and persitent. It will happen because we know what is right. We just have to give the rest of the country time to catch up. Calvin Coolidge said it best and that's why I have it as my signature.
Keep the faith Jason and Amanda you're doing a great job from what I've seen.
Best to all,
Ken
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Nothing takes the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not;unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not;the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. Cal Coolidge
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Dawn
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I recommend the FSP make it an official policy to start encouraging--but not requiring--liberty-lovers to move ASAP, for the reasons you give.
I have already moved and encourage others to do the same. Why wait for 20K? Having little patience, I just couldn't wait. I wanted to get here and spend my time and energy working for freedom in a state where I can actually help make a difference (not like spinning my wheels in CT). This project will not fail. If people sit back and wait for 20K and do nothing else, that's their choice. But I think it's a poor one. There are almost 300 of us who have already moved that are included in the count. I'm quite sure that there are more that moved due to the FSP but are not joiners or signer uppers and aren't counted in our numbers. And that's OK by me. I want people here who will work for and vote for liberty, regardless of why they're here. Many people are already making their plans, getting their affairs in order, buying houses, etc. to move sooner rather than later. If there's any way you can, I encourage you to do it now instead of waiting. There will always be challenges associated with making a big move like this, regardless of how long you prepare. |
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Dave Mincin
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Hey Dawn, Got here a bit before you!  So hard to explain to the folks yaking on the computer, but hey you know and I know, there is such an energy here! Not only the new arrivals, but the FSPers here, and the folks that are not FSPers, but have been fighting the battle long and hard before the FSP was even a thought. But know the thought is we are going to get it done. So hopeful you folks will join us, but know with or without, Freedom is too important to let it die. Know my thought is these folks in NH are pretty incredible, made me feel at home real quick! Word I get a few more on there way, like real quick! HOT DOG!  |
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« Last Edit: August 05, 2004, 08:25:27 am by Dave Mincin »
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Please join us! http://www.nhliberty.org/ New Hampshire Liberty Alliance. " A leader knows that if he is generous with his time, his people will be generous with their effort." Plug>>>>Realtor Lovejoy Real Estate! |
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