From the Ponderwell Software and Web Development blog ...
On October 12, the evaluation committee for the Community Media Development Initiative recommended to Asheville City Council that they enter into a three year contract with Ponderwell for the development of our proposal for an online community media outlet. Council responded by voting not to fund anything. We were…surprised. Not necessarily by the decision not to fund our project, but by the lack of questions put forward about it. Opening statements from Council members indicated that we had not managed, in our initial proposal, to convey our vision of an online, community-based newsroom and what it could offer to the people of this area. Given the limited number of pages allotted for that proposal, that was to be expected. We had hoped, however, that through questions and answers we could paint a better picture of exactly what it is we want to create. Unfortunately, Council appeared to have already made up their mind. And that, as they say, is how the cookie crumbles. Or at least it was yesterday.Read the full article
Today, however, we have two questions to answer: what have we learned, and where do we want to go from here?
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Interesting case study in public-government relations. We could use a better way to communicate and manage initiatives... ironically.
By Viking
10/13/2011
Notwithstanding Councilmember Smith's astute observation that it is improper for government to fund what is essentially an exercise in journalism, I think Council just didn't see a proper public benefit in the proposal. It's a great idea (or, at least, an excellent blending of ideas that already exist), it's just not within the scope of what the RFP was looking for.
I think Ponderwell would do well to seek out private financing for the concept and see what comes of it. I think it would be a welcome addition to outlets already available to the community.
But I also think that there's something out there that's going to be far more economically beneficial to the community than just a website. I'm looking forward to seeing if Council will re-issue the RFP or if a different path will be followed.
By mat catastrophe
10/13/2011
"...it is improper for government to fund what is essentially an exercise in journalism..."
Agreed. That's why, in the 1980's, Reagan took action to drastically wean NPR from what was formerly near 100 percent Federal funding. It's now around 11 percent and should be further reduced.
Private monies should be used as you say. If it's a good idea, money will come.
By reasonable
10/15/2011
Agreed. Those who claim NPR is taxpayer-funded are clearly being hyperbolic.
By bill smith
10/15/2011