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From somebody who kinda just walked in the door....
Author: John West
Date: 02-19-2009 - 15:16
I hear everybody say Mark is the problem. And that may well be true. But what I have a hard time figuring out is exactly what he has done that is so bad. Most of the bits and piece I hear sound more like personality conflicts than evil doing (by either side). Virtually everything I read about all this is way too full of emotion. I tried to get some objective discussion of this going at RyPN, but as noted by others got cut off.
Mark is the Executive Director so he is the boss, and bosses have both a right and an obligation to make decisions. And not everyone will agree with all the decisions, but he's the one with the responsibility.
The winter photo shoots are one problem. I'm guessing one reason Mark pushed so hard was they are the only real source of cash flow all winter. Obviously with the benefit of hindsight he pushed too hard, and arguably mistakes were made. I drove from the Bay Area to Ely two weeks ago only to be disappointed. But I also know that a lot of phone calls were made to warn the following weekend's participants. And even with the 93's problems some fine photos were taken. But when something like that happens two years in a row.....that is not good.
The work on the 93 is another issue. The only really solid info I have is what was posted at RyPN by Craig Lacey of the Heber Valley. I tend to agree with the idea that there was inadequate break-in, but that is with the benefit of hindsight. Can anyone be specific about technical (or cost) issues.
It is kind of understandable that Mark acts a bit like he owns the place. Hey people are human.
Finally, somebody mentioned financial statements. As a finance guy I would recommend that the only statements really worth looking at are cash flow statements, where did the cash come from, and what was it spent on. The accounting rules governing non-profits are total nonsense to any normal person. I see no issue with their banker being on the board (heck that's probably a major plus), or Mark's wife doing the books, the more interesting question is are their accounts audited and by whom.
My only interesting in this is the survival of the NN. I'm a photographer and sometime financial contributor. If there is a skunk in the wood pile I'd like to know about it. Or are we dealing with personality conflicts, differences of opinion, and some honest mistakes.
John West
Mark is the Executive Director so he is the boss, and bosses have both a right and an obligation to make decisions. And not everyone will agree with all the decisions, but he's the one with the responsibility.
The winter photo shoots are one problem. I'm guessing one reason Mark pushed so hard was they are the only real source of cash flow all winter. Obviously with the benefit of hindsight he pushed too hard, and arguably mistakes were made. I drove from the Bay Area to Ely two weeks ago only to be disappointed. But I also know that a lot of phone calls were made to warn the following weekend's participants. And even with the 93's problems some fine photos were taken. But when something like that happens two years in a row.....that is not good.
The work on the 93 is another issue. The only really solid info I have is what was posted at RyPN by Craig Lacey of the Heber Valley. I tend to agree with the idea that there was inadequate break-in, but that is with the benefit of hindsight. Can anyone be specific about technical (or cost) issues.
It is kind of understandable that Mark acts a bit like he owns the place. Hey people are human.
Finally, somebody mentioned financial statements. As a finance guy I would recommend that the only statements really worth looking at are cash flow statements, where did the cash come from, and what was it spent on. The accounting rules governing non-profits are total nonsense to any normal person. I see no issue with their banker being on the board (heck that's probably a major plus), or Mark's wife doing the books, the more interesting question is are their accounts audited and by whom.
My only interesting in this is the survival of the NN. I'm a photographer and sometime financial contributor. If there is a skunk in the wood pile I'd like to know about it. Or are we dealing with personality conflicts, differences of opinion, and some honest mistakes.
John West
