It's Time for a change
Mon, 9 Feb 2004, 03:25 pmWalter Plinge10 posts in thread
It's Time for a change
Mon, 9 Feb 2004, 03:25 pmFor all those people that have ever had a gripe with the ITA, stand up and be counted.
Now that your all standing, are you mice or human beings?
I hope the latter.
Well unless you have been living under a log somewhere, you realize the AGM for the ITA is nearly upon us.
This is no silly date plucked from the sky, or a time to avoid Lottery House, just in case you get a job.
"It's Time", as the Labour party told us in the 70"s, to make a change.
Yes thats right folks, you can make a difference.
We live in a democratic society and we live with freedom of speech. so stand up and be counted.
All I have heard on hear, and from the horses mouths, is "they do this", "he did that", "she said that".
Well if your not happy, vote for the people that will make you happy.
Oh and if you make a mistake, it's only 12 months until we do it all again.
So as the title suggests: "It's Time for a Change".
Be there Sunday 22nd February and make your vote count.
After all they are spending your money. I know how mine should be spent,
Do You!
The Watcher
Now that your all standing, are you mice or human beings?
I hope the latter.
Well unless you have been living under a log somewhere, you realize the AGM for the ITA is nearly upon us.
This is no silly date plucked from the sky, or a time to avoid Lottery House, just in case you get a job.
"It's Time", as the Labour party told us in the 70"s, to make a change.
Yes thats right folks, you can make a difference.
We live in a democratic society and we live with freedom of speech. so stand up and be counted.
All I have heard on hear, and from the horses mouths, is "they do this", "he did that", "she said that".
Well if your not happy, vote for the people that will make you happy.
Oh and if you make a mistake, it's only 12 months until we do it all again.
So as the title suggests: "It's Time for a Change".
Be there Sunday 22nd February and make your vote count.
After all they are spending your money. I know how mine should be spent,
Do You!
The Watcher
Walter PlingeMon, 9 Feb 2004, 03:25 pm
For all those people that have ever had a gripe with the ITA, stand up and be counted.
Now that your all standing, are you mice or human beings?
I hope the latter.
Well unless you have been living under a log somewhere, you realize the AGM for the ITA is nearly upon us.
This is no silly date plucked from the sky, or a time to avoid Lottery House, just in case you get a job.
"It's Time", as the Labour party told us in the 70"s, to make a change.
Yes thats right folks, you can make a difference.
We live in a democratic society and we live with freedom of speech. so stand up and be counted.
All I have heard on hear, and from the horses mouths, is "they do this", "he did that", "she said that".
Well if your not happy, vote for the people that will make you happy.
Oh and if you make a mistake, it's only 12 months until we do it all again.
So as the title suggests: "It's Time for a Change".
Be there Sunday 22nd February and make your vote count.
After all they are spending your money. I know how mine should be spent,
Do You!
The Watcher
Now that your all standing, are you mice or human beings?
I hope the latter.
Well unless you have been living under a log somewhere, you realize the AGM for the ITA is nearly upon us.
This is no silly date plucked from the sky, or a time to avoid Lottery House, just in case you get a job.
"It's Time", as the Labour party told us in the 70"s, to make a change.
Yes thats right folks, you can make a difference.
We live in a democratic society and we live with freedom of speech. so stand up and be counted.
All I have heard on hear, and from the horses mouths, is "they do this", "he did that", "she said that".
Well if your not happy, vote for the people that will make you happy.
Oh and if you make a mistake, it's only 12 months until we do it all again.
So as the title suggests: "It's Time for a Change".
Be there Sunday 22nd February and make your vote count.
After all they are spending your money. I know how mine should be spent,
Do You!
The Watcher
Stuart RichesWed, 11 Feb 2004, 06:30 am
Re: It's Time for a change
I think I have finally been goaded into replying to some of the rubbish that has been posted lately regarding the ITA and the Finley Awards.
Firstly, to "The Watcher", I am very disappointed that your cowardice did not allow you to make yur post under your own name. Old fashioned I may be, but I was always taught that if you had the courage of your convictions, you put your name to them! The committee of the ITA may not be to your liking, but I can vouch for their dedication to Community Theatre in WA.
I said, when I took on this job last year, that we needed to define the role of the ITA within WA Community Theatre. I do not believe that it is the job of the ITA only to produce a newsletter, run a One Act Dramafest and co-ordinate the Finley Awards. Our founder, Dorothy Barber, had a much greater vision for this organisation, and I have tried to expound this vision several times this year and last! I believe we have a much greater role in promoting the sharing of our assets, both human and material, between all member clubs.
As far as the comments about the Finleys are concerned, it seems to me that most of the negatives come from a few precious ones who thought they should have won awards and didn't. Tough!!! There are clubs around who enter each year with quite good productions and never win, but do they complain - no! Each of the adjudicators have been put forward by their clubs, have gone through the training time regarding the GODA system and have been professed as competent. The comments that have been made by a few are an insult to the adjudicators, the system and the ITA!
I Made it known to the ITA committee that I was not prepared to stand again as President this year. However, the garbage to which this committee has been subjected over the Finleys has made me think again. I may not succeed in being re-elected, but I will not just lay down under the claptrap from a few precious ones!
Stuart Riches
President
ITA of WA
Firstly, to "The Watcher", I am very disappointed that your cowardice did not allow you to make yur post under your own name. Old fashioned I may be, but I was always taught that if you had the courage of your convictions, you put your name to them! The committee of the ITA may not be to your liking, but I can vouch for their dedication to Community Theatre in WA.
I said, when I took on this job last year, that we needed to define the role of the ITA within WA Community Theatre. I do not believe that it is the job of the ITA only to produce a newsletter, run a One Act Dramafest and co-ordinate the Finley Awards. Our founder, Dorothy Barber, had a much greater vision for this organisation, and I have tried to expound this vision several times this year and last! I believe we have a much greater role in promoting the sharing of our assets, both human and material, between all member clubs.
As far as the comments about the Finleys are concerned, it seems to me that most of the negatives come from a few precious ones who thought they should have won awards and didn't. Tough!!! There are clubs around who enter each year with quite good productions and never win, but do they complain - no! Each of the adjudicators have been put forward by their clubs, have gone through the training time regarding the GODA system and have been professed as competent. The comments that have been made by a few are an insult to the adjudicators, the system and the ITA!
I Made it known to the ITA committee that I was not prepared to stand again as President this year. However, the garbage to which this committee has been subjected over the Finleys has made me think again. I may not succeed in being re-elected, but I will not just lay down under the claptrap from a few precious ones!
Stuart Riches
President
ITA of WA
Walter PlingeWed, 11 Feb 2004, 10:41 am
Re: It's Time for a change
"And the Lord looketh from on high, and sayeth to the people... thou art insolent, naive and hath no place commenting on MY works."
So be it.
Problem is, Stuart, when the peasants are muttering, Fieflords tend to become decidedly uncomfortable... as I guess we've just seen...
Good day to you, sir.
...and good luck running your Fiefdom.
Jason Seperic
P.S - By the way, if you'd actully taken the time to read all the messages, you may have noticed that there are some pretty well-reasoned and convincing arguments from some well-reasoned individuals - Grant and Craig amongst them. "Rubbish," indeed...*mutter mutter* :o)
So be it.
Problem is, Stuart, when the peasants are muttering, Fieflords tend to become decidedly uncomfortable... as I guess we've just seen...
Good day to you, sir.
...and good luck running your Fiefdom.
Jason Seperic
P.S - By the way, if you'd actully taken the time to read all the messages, you may have noticed that there are some pretty well-reasoned and convincing arguments from some well-reasoned individuals - Grant and Craig amongst them. "Rubbish," indeed...*mutter mutter* :o)
Walter PlingeWed, 11 Feb 2004, 11:43 am
Re: It's Time for a.... cool head
Hi All
Can I just make a small suggestion before WWIII erupts? I respect the right of all, Jason and Stuart most definately included, to post their views on this board. However the phrase "a time and a place" springs to mind. I am just worried that this line may yet turn into a slagging match before the ITA AGM, which, according to Mr or Ms Watcher, is on next Sunday, the 22nd. I think that may well be the appropriate forum for people to put their money where their cake holes are.
I am also aware this post won't stop this discussion from continuing here. And possibly rightly so. It may be that grievances need to be aired; society and communities like ours only evolve through lively debate. But please, lets not create any enemies.
In short; keep it clean kids. I think the one thing we can all agree on is that the ITA is an important and valuable institution. Lets just remember that.
Leah M
PS Apologies re;spelling. I'm pretty sure I got "definately" wrong.
Can I just make a small suggestion before WWIII erupts? I respect the right of all, Jason and Stuart most definately included, to post their views on this board. However the phrase "a time and a place" springs to mind. I am just worried that this line may yet turn into a slagging match before the ITA AGM, which, according to Mr or Ms Watcher, is on next Sunday, the 22nd. I think that may well be the appropriate forum for people to put their money where their cake holes are.
I am also aware this post won't stop this discussion from continuing here. And possibly rightly so. It may be that grievances need to be aired; society and communities like ours only evolve through lively debate. But please, lets not create any enemies.
In short; keep it clean kids. I think the one thing we can all agree on is that the ITA is an important and valuable institution. Lets just remember that.
Leah M
PS Apologies re;spelling. I'm pretty sure I got "definately" wrong.
Walter PlingeWed, 11 Feb 2004, 04:41 pm
Re: It's Time for a change
Not quite sure what your "call to arms" is all about Watcher-person. You indicate there is this great groundswell of discontent in relation to the ITA. As someone reasonably involved in community theatre I can say I think you are off the mark. Sure there were some people unhappy with the results of the Finleys (and this has developed into concern with the process leading to the Finley decisions), but this is just one issue. If there is discontent with the ITA in general, no one has mentioned it on this website. Perhaps you have mistaken you and a few mates (or is it girlfriends?) sitting around having a bit of a whinge as a groundswell.
But I would like to make 2 specific points. Firstly I find your final sentence about money to be distasteful. It could be interpreted to indicate at least recklessness if not dishonesty with "the coffers". Secondly, in a democracy we have the right to speak our minds, but I feel if in so doing we cast aspersions on others, it is common decency to attach ones name.
But I would like to make 2 specific points. Firstly I find your final sentence about money to be distasteful. It could be interpreted to indicate at least recklessness if not dishonesty with "the coffers". Secondly, in a democracy we have the right to speak our minds, but I feel if in so doing we cast aspersions on others, it is common decency to attach ones name.
Grant MalcolmWed, 11 Feb 2004, 09:20 pm
Re: It's Time for a change
Hi Stuart
Oddly enough I read The Watcher's post not as an attack on the committee but as an endorsement of the work the ITA have been doing and a tongue-in-cheek call to those sitting on the sidelines and commentating to, as it were, put up or shut up!
As Jason has suggested I think it is a shame that rather than drawing a considered response that addresses the many constructive suggestions made, you've chosen to characterise discussion about the awards as rubbish and sour grapes.
The latter is particularly ironic as some of the most vocal critics of the adjudication process have been people that have won awards! Some of you may even have long enough memories to remember the banner headline in ArtsWest the year one of my own productions won an Award: "Finleys a Farce: Says Award-Winning Director"
:-)
I'm afraid that by mischaracterising the position and motives of those interested in improving the adjudication process, there is a danger that this will perpetuate the myth that the ITA is unwilling to countenance or even consider suggestions for improving the adjudication process.
Cheers
Grant
[%sig%]
Oddly enough I read The Watcher's post not as an attack on the committee but as an endorsement of the work the ITA have been doing and a tongue-in-cheek call to those sitting on the sidelines and commentating to, as it were, put up or shut up!
As Jason has suggested I think it is a shame that rather than drawing a considered response that addresses the many constructive suggestions made, you've chosen to characterise discussion about the awards as rubbish and sour grapes.
The latter is particularly ironic as some of the most vocal critics of the adjudication process have been people that have won awards! Some of you may even have long enough memories to remember the banner headline in ArtsWest the year one of my own productions won an Award: "Finleys a Farce: Says Award-Winning Director"
:-)
I'm afraid that by mischaracterising the position and motives of those interested in improving the adjudication process, there is a danger that this will perpetuate the myth that the ITA is unwilling to countenance or even consider suggestions for improving the adjudication process.
Cheers
Grant
[%sig%]
crgwllmsThu, 12 Feb 2004, 01:32 am
Re: Time bombs
I have absolutely no connection with the Finley awards. I’ve never attended, never competed, never been eligible, never adjudicated…and in all probability never will. So any comments I have made and any arguments I have put forth agreeing or disagreeing with previous statements can not be construed as 'sour grapes', or insinuated as affiliation with any particular club. I consider that a slightly weak argument, to put any and all dissenters into the ‘sour grapes’ basket. Not everyone who finds fault can be classified a poor loser.
So perhaps I have no place commenting at all? Well, actually, I do have reasonable experience in Arts awards and judging , having been both on the receiving end as well as required to be a critical judge, in amateur, professional, and statewide capacities. IÂ’m the first to admit IT'S NOT EASY! I wonÂ’t repeat what IÂ’ve said in many other postings about how problematic the concept of awards isÂ…but I am sympathetic; and although sceptical, not cynical. I believe things can always improve.
My interest and participation in this argument is purely from a ‘reasoning’ point of view...if I see fault in an argument posted on this public forum, I have endeavoured to have it justified and/or clarified. I’m glad some consider me “well-reasoned”. (I’m sure others may describe me otherwise.)
I would consider myself pretty ‘neutral’, and am free of any bias for or against the status quo.
IÂ’ll also be first to admit that all of my views have been informed by second-hand informationÂ…not being involved in the awards themselves, I have formed all of my opinions from the arguments posted here. IÂ’m well aware that some comments have been produced in part from bias, loyalties, politics, ignorance and mis-information; but IÂ’ve also noticed comments appearing from experience, intelligence, goodwill and reason Â…..sometimes theyÂ’re the same comments, just expressed differently.
And the upshot of this is, there DOES seem to me to be problems that ought to be addressed. ItÂ’s no good denying, or apportioning blame, or inciting revolutionÂ…but some intelligent thought does need to be applied, to bring about change.
It appears to me that there are problems that the ITA need to deal with. The current system as itÂ’s been explained to me does not sound ideal.
I also understand that the ITA is taking great interest in these comments, and is discussing options. My general impression is that the committee is taking it all on board, quite seriously.
And it seems that the committee itself is changing dynamicallyÂ…there is an AGM afoot, there will be opportunities for more discussions, there will be committee members whose terms expire, there will be new additions. All part of a healthy process - no need for militant attackers or paranoid defenders. Just a continuation of intelligent debate is all thatÂ’s required, and a willingness to listen.
Those who survive many audition knockbacks in the theatre usually develop a strong sense of pragmatism and learn not to take anything too personallyÂ…perhaps that ought to be remembered by some speaking here.
Cheers,
Craig
[%sig%]
crgwllmsThu, 12 Feb 2004, 01:46 am
Re: loose change
"It's Time"; The Whitlam government achieved many good things, but it was also removed from office before its term was up, so this is perhaps not the greatest example to use while rallying the troops to an election...
"Stand up and be counted” is also possibly an unfortunate phrase, coming from a nom-de plume.
"Are you mice or human beings?” …Be careful what similes you apply to this industry, …I’ve spent considerable time professionally being a mouse...!
I promised someone I'd refrain from pointing out grammatical errors, so I won't point them out...but I 'stood up and counted' about 8.
Cheers,
Craig
[%sig%]
Walter PlingeSat, 6 Mar 2004, 01:09 pm
time to be realistic
To anyone that wishes to make a difference in not only theatre, but any field of human endeavour,I wish to share this poem.
Anyway
People are unreasonable, illogical and self centred.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People need help but may attack you if you help them.
Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
just my 5 cents worth :-)
Anyway
People are unreasonable, illogical and self centred.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People need help but may attack you if you help them.
Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
just my 5 cents worth :-)
Walter PlingeMon, 5 Apr 2004, 12:50 am
Re: It's Time for a change
You were supposed to e-mail me with your e-mail address!