tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post8540131535822632496..comments2024-03-07T17:13:54.927-05:00Comments on A Fuse #8 Production: Podcast Edition: SCBWI - A Debatefusenumber8http://www.blogger.com/profile/16216979020263363698noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-15046669584537335962011-02-08T14:26:37.942-05:002011-02-08T14:26:37.942-05:00So, I am several years late to this party. But aft...So, I am several years late to this party. But after reading this post, and the many comments and opinions offered, I have a thought. I read not only here but elsewhere on the web and in print (I'm writing in Feb 2011) that the Illinois SCBWI chapter gets consistently high praise from its members.<br /><br />What is it that this chapter does that has so many people - both unpublished and published alike - singing its praises?<br /><br />A thought: do regional staffs ever get a chance to get together formally, either online or in person? Because it seems to me that such a get-together would help individual chapters get some fresh ideas, share what works and what doesn't, problem-solve a bit. Sort of like a critique group for those running regional chapters.<br /><br />Perhaps that already happens, and I'm woefully uninformed about such things. But if it doesn't, and the logistics aren't too unwieldy, maybe it should?Kim Wheedletonhttp://bugsandbunnies.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-10232571469748101192008-02-21T12:30:00.000-05:002008-02-21T12:30:00.000-05:00I disagree. True, many beginners attend these even...I disagree. True, many beginners attend these events. They are simply the best introduction to the business. I am a professional freelancer now, thanks in large part to SCBWI. I attend events when my schedule allows and share what I have learned. I have to tell you, that many beginners do not believe what I share with them, but, hey that is not my problem. I think that is part of being a beginner. I do think, in any organization, there is a large helping of self-promotion. However, when I give a talk somewhere, I have travel expenses, lodging expenses, and other costs I would not have at home in my office. Speaking of which--there is the time spent in preparation. Can you blame me for a bit of hope that I will sell some books? JMHOAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-84479365953691446552006-12-01T11:55:00.000-05:002006-12-01T11:55:00.000-05:00This is a very interesting conversation and I appr...This is a very interesting conversation and I appreciate it. I have heard many wonderful things about the IL chapter, and I wonder if there's a way the chapters can work together to inspire each other. It seems they and NE are good examples for all.<br /><br />I was disappointed when a friend was invited to speak at her local SCBWI conference, and promptly invited to donate her payment back to the organization. I think an organization devoted to helping writers be professionals needs to treat their professionals as such.<br /><br />I agree that I'd like to see more services for published authors, and I think doing more at the NY conference is a terrific idea.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-8225609904499720392006-10-13T10:19:00.000-04:002006-10-13T10:19:00.000-04:00Ps Lin! Steve! I just wanted to add a giant thank ...Ps Lin! Steve! I just wanted to add a giant thank you and say keep on doing the awesome things you do!<br /><br />Marilyn<br /><br />--<br /><br />The lyf so short, the craft so long to lerne.<br /><br />ChaucerThetoymakershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405265800595978197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-73118712670640338742006-10-13T09:54:00.000-04:002006-10-13T09:54:00.000-04:00I can't believe I made it to the end of this threa...I can't believe I made it to the end of this thread... it took two cups of coffee but I made it.<br /><br />One of the main themes here seems to be that there are not enough things for published authors or illustrators. Here in OC we have a rockin' group with information swaps going full throttle. Our Illustrators group is rocking the free world! <br /><br />A couple of weeks ago we put together an entire Saturday at the local college doing a clinic on advanced Photoshop techniques. Layers, color correction, typography, masks, we covered it all! I've also heard great things about the illustrator groups up in Los Angeles (They took most of the awards at the summer LA SCBWI conference.)<br /><br />I guess I'm saying that if a writer or artist are published/talented/professional then get together with other SCBWI members at your own level and put together a class. Be the change that you want to see in the world.<br /><br />Draw on!<br /><br />Marilyn<br /><br />http://www.thetoymaker.comThetoymakershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405265800595978197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-16266254510053980502006-10-08T21:48:00.000-04:002006-10-08T21:48:00.000-04:00As a published children's author and longtime SCBW...As a published children's author and longtime SCBWI member, I think the problem with the SCBWI is that its leaders want the reputation of being THE professional organization for children's writers and illustrators, but because the vast majority of the SCBWI membership is NOT published, they refuse to offer much that would be helpful to published authors, claiming there is "not enough demand." This leads to published authors giving up on SCBWI, which reinforces SCBWI's reputation as being for neophytes and wannabes, which makes the children's publishing world take SCBWI less seriously.<br /><br />And, really, who ever heard of a respected professional organization composed primarily of people who are NOT professionals in the field? What would you think of the American Medical Association if 90% of its membership was people who were hoping to be doctors someday?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-78535699306278984512006-10-08T15:27:00.000-04:002006-10-08T15:27:00.000-04:00I'd also like to point out something else about SC...I'd also like to point out something else about SCBWI that no one else apparently has noticed, and that's surprising, considering how glaringa problem this is. SCBWI advertises itself on the Net as a .org not a .com. A .org or a .net or a .edu domain name MEANS NONPROFIT. So, since SCBWI is NOT a nonprofit, since they ARE profiting, are a commercial site, this is very deceptive sort of way to present themselves on the web. Also from the language they use on the website, you'd think they were a nonprofit. Clearly, they are not. So, why don't they come out and just be who who they are on, online? The same problem exists with Harold Underdown's site. Supposedly advertised as a free "help" to writers, he aggressively promotes financial support of the site through paid adverting programs. Yet the site is a .org. It should be a .com. It isn't. And that, to my mind, is very questionable and deceptive. Makes me question everything else on the site as well. <br /><br />Most writers and illustrators, BTW, are FAR more pro in their websites. They are almost always .coms. Nice to know that, see that kind of real professionalism still going on among most fellow creators.....<br /><br />My quilt guild is a .org, and we sure are what we are--NONPROFIT. They UNDERWRITE the costs of our speakers and workshops, all nationally known experts and pros. the speakers are wellpaid, but the members, even the the poorest of us, can well afford to attend the meetings and workshops. The national quilt organization is the same way, educational, huge bang for the buck, for its members, low fees, huge benefits. <br />I just cannot see why it costs so much for writers, why SCBWI is NOT underwriting more of the costs for its members, why speakers and teachers can't be well-paid but yet members don't have to pay full cost? Looks like poor management of the group to me is in process.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-72844909319024718532006-10-08T15:12:00.000-04:002006-10-08T15:12:00.000-04:00I'm saying, as I would say about my own out-of-pri...I'm saying, as I would say about my own out-of-print book, that it didn't meet top quality standards, it didn't get to the audience somehow, someway. I'd want mine redone, if it were reprinted, drastically redone--due to the fact that it was never properly edited in teh first place. But I was lucky...the book survived being dumped by one editor, handled by lower editorial staff, slopped hastily through the editorial process. They took my original manuscript, pushed it through, not a cut, not a word changed from the original, NO EDITORIAL WORK WITH ME WHATSOEVER! I finally had to request a few cuts/changes on my own. Even then, the book came out with glaring errors. At least it got published. And the writing got excellent reviews, all around. But I'm not saying it was a top-notch book. It couldn't be--with that kind of sloppy editing. It wasn't put in a format suitble to the story and it was a slop-job, the editing work on it. Designer did a good job. Artist did his best. But. again What can I can I say? It got poor-quality editorial handling all the way around, and I was just terribly lucky the book didn't die in edtiorial process and never get published at all. And yes, most op books get what they deserve basically. They've gotten to all the audience they will ever get. Isn't that what everyone complains about nowadays? The incredible volume of MEDIOCRITY?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-64062574232999581322006-10-08T10:02:00.000-04:002006-10-08T10:02:00.000-04:00"And I had my personal doubts about a lot of the '..."And I had my personal doubts about a lot of the 'stuff' that members were getting published, doubts which later proved, in many cases to be very accurate indeed as book after book went out of print" <br />I know you don't mean this, but it looks like you are saying that if a book goes out of print, it must not be any good.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-82015460841296646992006-10-08T01:33:00.000-04:002006-10-08T01:33:00.000-04:00I was in SCBWI initially way back, in a local chap...I was in SCBWI initially way back, in a local chapter. I think what I didn't like the most was the constant equating of getting published with success? It didn't matter how actually bad or good the publsihed stuff was; it was just how much money and how many books, quantity but never quality. I found it very stifling, not an atmosphere at all for nurtuing real creative growth for anyone. And I had my personal doubts about a lot of the "stuff" that members were getting published, doubts which later proved, in many cases to be very accurate indeed as book after book went out of print..<br /><br />I'm so happy with my quilt guild. It has its "problem members" and little glitchies here and there, but we are wholeheartedly nonprofit, eductational, charity organization. Every meeting, we all know what's in the treasurey adn what was spent for what. We elect our officers every year formally. Everyone gets to vote. It's a cream opportutnity for folks wanting to turn profdssional as we get the absolute top designers in the country and sometimes out as well in to speak adn share and teach us. Workshops are so inexpensive, $20 or so. I only pay four hours volunteer work a year and $20, and that gets me a card that gives me enough in discounts to more than pay for the $20. We raise our own money. We have a huge three day quilt show every year..and my FAVORITE PART? The show and tell we have every meeting. It doesn't matter f something gets sold or if a pro or a newbie does it, everybody is keen to see the new quilts by everyone! Oh, I LOVE IT! The positiivty and emotional support for the creativity has just absolutely nurtured my writing as well, as I put words on my quilts as well as write stories and essays and poems and songs. <br /><br />I don't know if I ever really want to go back to SCBWI. But I would definitely perfer more "bang for my buck" if I did!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-15536285686574262492006-10-07T13:49:00.000-04:002006-10-07T13:49:00.000-04:00Man, talk about wishy-washy. I agree with 95% of w...Man, talk about wishy-washy. I agree with 95% of what's posted (if this seems really bad spelling/grammar wise, please forgive my kitten is needling my foot and the dog is bumping my elbow- when I wanted to be fought over by the "boys" this was NOT what I meant). As you can tell, it's all about me! Which is probably one of the things about this particular line of discussion. What am I getting out of this particular group and how does it apply to my writing/illustrating/publishing life?<br /><br />First, I don't KNOW if having a rotating head of staff would be better for the organization or not. I know that, perhaps if there's more movement, new ideas and changed policies my be implemented sooner. However, that is not necessarily a good or bad thing. And you always run the risk of the life's blood of the group dribbling out. Part of what makes a group successful is it's passion as well as it's dedication to purpose. I think the only concern I would have, at this point of two people being the fearless forever leaders, people are not forever.<br /><br />As to critique groups, one of mine was formed online (I wrote about in the CWIM 2004, for any that want to read about it. www.Yellapalooza.com). We started with three managers, the relationships solidified by a meeting at NESCBWI. The other, the Hammies, were formed from a couple of critique groups, and a few others looking for a critique group, absolutely having the time of our lives at NESCBWI. <br /><br />I attended art school in the 70s (boy, does that date me?!) when illustrating was pooh-poohed (Anna Grossnickle Hines had an essay on her old website that nailed it to the wall), but the critical skills were laid then, even if I found my passion in a most circuitous route. I KNEW to form a critique group. But most that come to this field don't know to do that, until they have the benefit of interaction. I can say because I've heard it over and over, people go to conference and often get a fire under their buns or they are overwhelmed. I know of one very talented artist, who's pride got in the way, when asked to revise, simply gave it up, because the editor couldn't understand HER vision.<br /><br />I still maintain you get what you put in. I ALWAYS got more from teaching than my students. I learned more about my process, about my product and about myself. And there were always at least one or two new things to think about, that I'd not considered. I liken this Society as that. <br /><br />Part of the problem may be not KNOWING what you want from an organization? Or what your expectations are? I've belonged to very few organizations (the Calligrapher's of Maine, now defunct, that I helped to found, and the Arizona Scribes are the only two that come to mind, before SCBWI and my critique groups), so I don't know what's reasonable to expect by way of membership. I can only quantify what I get from it. Perhaps I'd feel differently (though maybe not, because I STARTED from this point) if I had an agent, an editor or lived in NYC. So I guess my perspective is the great unwashed masses, though I feel pretty durned clean. But Barbara Cooney, Barbara Garrison, Eric Rohmann, Anne Sibley O'Brien, Lois Lowry, to name a few feel they get something from it, to continue their association, so there must be an intrinsic value beyond the beginning-to-be-published stage. And more than likely it IS that hard-to-help intermediary author/illustrator that National needs to address.<br /><br />And perhaps it's a personality thing. I just happen to be the Sally Field of the children's industry-- every time I receive an affirmation, I knock the cat off my toe, squeeze my Sharpei's head and cry, "They like me! They really, REALLY like me!"Agywhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03177601025524458979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-62580610375079229512006-10-06T01:31:00.000-04:002006-10-06T01:31:00.000-04:00Well, I've enjoyed reading and skimming the 55 com...Well, I've enjoyed reading and skimming the 55 comments up to this point, so now I think I'll weigh in as an actual editor.<br /><br />There is all sorts of mystique concerning the SCBWI and getting published. Do the letters S-C-B-W-I on an envelope or a cover letter guarantee that I"ll personally read the submission? Nope. Am I any more likely to accept a work because it was written by a dues paying SCBWI member? Uh -- no. And since I'm singularly unobservant and notorious for not reading cover letters, I half the time don't even realize that a person is a member. So, no, membership in SCBWI is not a magic key to unlock the various gates that keep your manuscript from the market.<br /><br />But, there are some similarities between all the SCBWI manuscripts I recieve. They are properly formatted, professional, and lack strange enclosures like pictures of grandkids or the family pet the story is based on. They include chapter summaries and useful things like contact information. And most importantly, they tend to be of a higher quality than the average piece of slush. Yes, I just said they tend to be better. And I hypothesize that the reason for this is that a manuscript from an SCBWI member tends to have been seen by a critique group. In my eyes, after networking, the most important thing the SCBWI offers is the ability for writers, published and unpublished alike, to form critique groups. I think of critique groups as my first line of defense against bad slush. They weed out so much of the unacceptable and keep the strange out of slush piles. In my world of unsolicited manuscripts, the best 10% come from agents, the next 15% from SCBWI members, and the rest from everyone else.<br /><br />I highly regard the SCBWI and organizations (for-profit, not for-profit, or like-minded people who just meet regularly) similiar in nature and reccommend that people join one. I'm a member of SCBWI, and lots of established writers I respect like Esme, Han Nolan, and Tomie dePaola are as well. (At least, I think they still are. Esme says she is, Han was last time I saw her, and Tomie seems to be at everything, so I assume he is.)<br /><br />As to the whole published vs. unpublished author amenities, I would like to point out that those are two highly different markets with different needs. I belong to a unique local chapter that is run almost entirely by published authors. All of our meetings, except for the annual conference, are skewed more towards published authors. We've had public speaking, school visits, how to promote your book after your publisher stops, website design and the like. I think that kind of thing varies more on a local level.<br /><br />Well, that's my 15 cents. Take it for what it's worth.The Buried Editorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17261558849787618175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-84612984611329823872006-10-05T10:45:00.000-04:002006-10-05T10:45:00.000-04:00while I think it's fair to note that seasoned memb...<i>while I think it's fair to note that seasoned members are not as well served, keep in mind that they're much harder to serve as a group. The more experienced I have become, the more I have realized that the "holes" in my knowledge, ability to target, career vision etc. have become more and more unique to me--quirky even.</i><br /><br />I'm not sure, for professionals, that it's the job of a professional organization to fill in holes in how-to-write-and-market knowledge. It's about advocacy and information. Point up useful tools and resources, help keep us up to date on what's going on in the field, go to bat over or at least point up writer-unfriendly practices.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-13158381118406718962006-10-05T00:03:00.000-04:002006-10-05T00:03:00.000-04:00I feel compelled to chime in, even though many of ...I feel compelled to chime in, even though many of my thoughts have been raised by others. I intentionally waited a couple days to respond because I was quite offended by the tone and assumptions of the original commentary. Valid questions were raised, but with an implication that it might be fun to raise a little scandal...<br /><br />So I pondered, and to me the question of importance was "Could I ask more of SCBWI for my annual dues?" After some reflection, I can now say that I'm as satisfied as I could imagine being... true, I'm also Illinois member, and what we have here is spectacular, I know. But most of the comments have to do with the national level, and while I think it's fair to note that seasoned members are not as well served, keep in mind that they're much harder to serve as a group. The more experienced I have become, the more I have realized that the "holes" in my knowledge, ability to target, career vision etc. have become more and more unique to me--quirky even. <br /><br />Before I yammer too long, I want to respond to something I felt truly on fire about... the comments about Lin Oliver and Stephen Mooser, and whether an organization like this would be better served by having the leadership rotate to other people. Frankly, if either of them stepped down from doing the jobs they do so passionately, I'll shed tears... or if I'm well-adjusted that week, I'll just be morose for a while. My heartfelt opinion is that they have a "critical mass" of knowledge and vision and practical nuts-and-bolts experience that is key in running the organization, but especially the national conferences. The LA meeting comes off beautifully every year and it absolutely has something for everyone. <br />Long before this discussion arose, I have said many times that I cannot believe the value I get from attending--both on a personal level and purely in dollars-for-services-rendered. <br /><br />For those of you seasoned folks who have not been in a while, I can't say enough good about the addition of professional-track workshops. Across ALL the sessions, the caliber of presenters, especially when there are SO MANY of them, is impossibly high.<br /><br />My previous world/career was marketing research, and I have gained far more professionalism, knowledge and cameraderie in this society than I ever got in professional organizations in my "other life."<br /><br />And for the published who wish for more, I really have only one suggestion--you get out of it what you put into it. Getting programs of interest to more seasoned people will require the seasoned people to get involved and design what they need.<br /><br />I've been a member for about 5 years, serve as a local network rep, and have published in magazines. So I have far to go, but I can't imagine working in this industry without enjoying the "society" of my colleagues.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-44986790261666555032006-10-04T21:03:00.000-04:002006-10-04T21:03:00.000-04:00Wow, I go outta town for a coupla weeks and you ge...Wow, I go outta town for a coupla weeks and you get into all kinds of mischief. I knew I should've looked you up in New York when I breezed into town. Next time, definitely. <br /><br />Great post, cool comments. I just joined SCBWI and -- lucky me -- landed in Illinois. Did I know it was the hot chapter? Feeling smug. Oh yeah. <br /><br />I have nothing else to add to this discussion, except to ask if there's a decent cuppa tea near where you work. This is important, as I do not take people to lunch if I cannot get good tea. <br /><br />See you eventually.Bkbudshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07500606884621653876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-62674819948069239232006-10-04T18:08:00.000-04:002006-10-04T18:08:00.000-04:00Re: Alvina's post
Would that include a t-shirt? ...Re: Alvina's post<br /><br />Would that include a t-shirt? I love me my t-shirts. <br /><br />Oh, and in regards to a message by Alice 40-some postings ago, John says hello right back atcha. Leslie and Jeanne are both in OCS now. And your mural of children's literary figures was recently updated. You should come by and take a look when you get a chance.<br /><br />Back to SCBWI schtoof.fusenumber8https://www.blogger.com/profile/16216979020263363698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-32017298683861642942006-10-04T17:02:00.000-04:002006-10-04T17:02:00.000-04:00I have to agree with others on the limited usefuln...I have to agree with others on the limited usefulness of SCBWI for published writers at the national level. Locally, I've made great contacts and heard great speakers; but little of national's funds actually goes toward the regional chapters, whose events have to be self-supporting with minimal seed money. I don't think $60 is much to pay in professional dues; but I also don't see that I've gotten much for my $60.<br /><br />A few years ago, I decided to give a national conference another try. Spent a thousand bucks instead of the couple hundred I'd spend locally to attend the NYC conference. I picked up a few tidbits (who can not learn something listening to David MacCauley speak?), but only a few, and not enough to justify the cost. <br /><br />And I look at other professional organizations, like Author's Guild and SFWA, who are actually advocates for their members--and SCBWI does so much less. They seem, indeed, afraid and hesitant to even say, "Hey, we've noticed these suspicious practices lately; authors might want to be careful." I rarely see warnings or cautions coming from SCBWI, unlike most other writers organizations.<br /><br />And then there was the national conference, some years ago, where the organizers had organizers bring posters displaying their works-in-progress, and then <i>bragged</i> after the fact that they invited editors and art directors to view those incognito. They seemed to think this was a service to writers; but I know of no books that sold that way, and the attendees were, well, deprived of a valuable networking opportunity by their not knowing these folks were there.<br /><br />Unlike, say, RWA, which is also focused on beginners (unlike SFWA and Author's Guild), but still actively works to encourage connections. Having a large numbers of beginner members doesn't mean that one has to hold one's members at arm's length.<br /><br />And I do feel like SCBWI tries to hold its members at arms length at national conferences. As a professional, making connections with fellow professionals--including, maybe especially, fellow professional writers--is very difficult at national events, if you don't attend with a group of writers you already know.<br /><br />Again, unlike the local events. Our regional advisors are a treasure, and should be appreciated as such.<br /><br />What's really needed is a separate organization that's specifically for professionals--but the problem, and the reason I suspect this hasn't happened, is that most professionals are too busy writing to be willing to take on all the work that would be involved. Don't know how to solve that one, honestly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-8222745704785203122006-10-04T16:20:00.000-04:002006-10-04T16:20:00.000-04:00Wow--that gave me a brilliant idea. All you Region...Wow--that gave me a brilliant idea. All you Regional Advisors out there (by the way, I'm glad you get perks for what you do, you deserve that and more!) should invite Fuse#8 to be on the faculty of one of your conferences. Then she would get her wish of seeing what SCBWI was all about, and published and nonpublished alike (and editors, too!) would benefit from hearing the librarian perspective.alvinalinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04503984086482905226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-62594570490398060672006-10-04T15:49:00.000-04:002006-10-04T15:49:00.000-04:00See, my problem is that SCBWI shouldn't just be ab...See, my problem is that SCBWI shouldn't just be about making contacts, friends, email buddies, etc. I know plenty of editors. I have friends in publishing. I have an agent who sells my work. What do I benefit from listening to an editor who i may already know talk about submissions? What do I get out of a critique talk when I already have editors to crit my work? Nothing.<br /><br />I think perhaps SCBWI is geared toward the unpublished because their voices are the loudest. But it sure would be super if other children's book industry folks (such as published authors and heck, librarians too) could participate! <br /><br />Well, I've said my bit. I'm going to go back to painting now. A deadline awaits...<br /><br />meghanMeghan McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05117528918335897128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-13551811791252908932006-10-04T14:55:00.000-04:002006-10-04T14:55:00.000-04:00I'm biased. I've benefitted from SCBWI, from membe...I'm biased. I've benefitted from SCBWI, from members of my critique groups winning grants (and hopefully I will one day), to publishing in the national Bulletin, that I'm sure gave me great exposure (I had friends I'd met through conference and boards and others I didn't know email me). I've had dealings with Stephen and found him to be gracious and self-effacing, and like most people face-to-face has an awful lot to do with how I feel about someone (on the flip side, I'm usually pretty certain, or paranoid, perhaps, that I don't come off that well in person. One of the reasons writing and illustrating usually suit me, I don't worry that much about MY presentation, so much as my work's).<br /> <br />I'm finding this an interesting discussion. <br /><br />But I've also benefitted from Chautauqua and the online listserves.<br /> <br />For me, it is all about the sense of community. I've solidified contacts. And though I hear the same thing OVER and OVER at conference: there are no silver bullets, create from your own head and heart, respect your readership, being the biggest thrums, I actually NEED to hear that. Sometimes over and over.<br /> <br />The sixty dollars IS a hardship for me, which is one of the reasons I contribute (and am grateful for acceptance) to the Bulletin in exchange,and though the discounts aren't that deep for someone coming from my economic background, it matters. The scholarships have mattered (I'd like to think professionally, as well), I do feel membership is worth it.<br /><br /> Having in another life, organized meetings, but not to the same extent as the size or breadth of this organization, I am skeptical that any of the paid staff are making a killing, much like 90% of those within the industry. I liken it more to a potluck supper, where the membership dues are the chafing dish.<br /> <br />I don't have the benefit of living in NYC or near it. The Society has been beneficial at humanizing a daunting profession (many people treat editors and publishers as otherworldy often, because of their intense desire to be published, don't you think?) But the most invaluable has been to my craft, as well as confidence. I think you can be embraced accordingly, and goodness knows it most definitely is a what you put into it, kind of thing.<br /> <br />THere are so few support systems for this field. There are a few fabulous schools, but most can't afford in time and treasure, or like me being middle aged with a family attendance is untenable. So missions like Chautauqua, SBWI are necessary for those like me that are drawn (get it, get it?!) to this profession. The contests are incentive to keep on and refreshing portfolios, access to the membership, and I'm lucky as I'm near the NESCBWI, so their offerings include not only for those published, as well as some of the craft aspects that have been commented upon. <br /><br />I would also suppose, though it may not feel that YOU are so far along, that if you're like me, having benefitted from someone noticing my efforts, perhaps some of your mission, as well as addressing the need of the intermediate professional, is to reach back and ensure those that are dedicated rise to the top, and those that are not, are at least asked to consider WHY they are pursuing this to publication. Often times it's that want to have written and the attention, the dream of lazing by the poolside with pina colada in hand, creating yet another bestseller, or leaving something of value for youngsters behind. The purpose identified, it's easier to support or disabuse the notion, especially based upon ability.<br /><br />I would love to see more inclusion in all things, But one of the posters here had suggested reading Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point, and I would say that it was EDIFYING, to the nth. One of the points made is the SIZE of a group, the lack of intimacy, etc. Perhaps rethinking some of the structure, as well as the offerings may be more beneficial. Truthfully, I've not been able to do anything but look to the group for benefits, I've not given back. When my younger daughter is older, I hope to rectify that. But there are all kinds of way to pay it forward.<br /><br />And ultimately, you must decide what you need. Perhaps in your life you're far enough along emotionally to not need that safety blanket, or you already have the contacts to make it work, not recognizing that even if you win the Newbery or Caldecott, it's still going to be a struggle. For me, it's worth it.Agywhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03177601025524458979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-75179176335993114962006-10-04T14:07:00.000-04:002006-10-04T14:07:00.000-04:00SCBWI Regional Advisors and major conference volun...SCBWI Regional Advisors and major conference volunteers can get nice perks: free membership, free conference registration, sometimes a travel grant, an honorarium like the speakers', a hotel room before the big day, etc. Occasionally the main office offers a grant for a small piece of home-office equipment that we use on the job. But there's no salary or stipend for the regional organizers. <br /><br />The small staff at the LA headquarters, who manage the memberships, dues, awards, <i>Bulletin</i>, main website, and two big conferences each year, are full-time, salaried employees.J. L. Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405157000473731801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-12717680359765214172006-10-04T13:13:00.000-04:002006-10-04T13:13:00.000-04:00Woops, my posting just got gobbled up. I'm such a...Woops, my posting just got gobbled up. I'm such a Blog Noob (dibs on that phrase, Ms. Fuse). I'll try again:<br /><br />I don't think the regional advisors get paid (someone please correct me if I'm wrong). In Illinois they're the lifeblood of the organization -- energetic and supportive beyond belief. If you don't attend the national conferences, your view of SCBWI will be local events organized by volunteers, with paid speakers.<br /><br />If my premise is right (that regional advisors aren't paid), I wonder if this local activity is what gives (or gave) people the impression that SCBWI is not-for-profit? And I wonder if it informs the original e-mailer's sense of injustice -- that the larger for-profit organization depends so heavily on volunteer efforts at the local level.<br /><br />(I'm not making a judgment, I'm making an observation. If the success of SCBWI depends on volunteers, if the volunteers enjoy themselves, and if the customers like the product, it's a fine model. Also, there are other services in Illinois at the local level, like a contact person for forming writers' groups, and a regional web site, and I don't know the extent to which the national SCBWI subsidizes those local services.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-11056988367377623072006-10-04T11:09:00.000-04:002006-10-04T11:09:00.000-04:00My two cents (or two paisa): I used to walk into S...My two cents (or two paisa): I used to walk into SCBWI conferences and feel like a brown, brown, brown island in an ocean of white faces. But it was important for me to be connected with so many others who shared a love of books and a desire to serve kids of all cultures. The weird thing is that after all these years attending an SCBWI conference can actually feel a bit like coming home. They also provide a way for me to invest in younger writers, especially the growing number of members who find themselves in that strange place between cultures. So thanks, SCBWI and our fabulous <a href="http://www.nescbwi.org">SCBWI New England Chapter</a>, for drawing me in and not letting me keep on feeling like an outsider.mbpbookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16081024119047826077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-40787648825921730422006-10-04T10:24:00.000-04:002006-10-04T10:24:00.000-04:00This has been really interesting. I'm also a membe...This has been really interesting. I'm also a member of SCBWI and fairly seasoned in the industry. I really appreciate SCBWI for bringing together our community --people who are passionate about creating children's books; and this is something that is truly important in our isolated worlds (where most people think a newbery is a fresh fruit).<br /><br />But I would have to agree with Sara about the SCBWI divide. At one point, I tried to be more a part of the SCBWI boards but when I posted a question the responses I received were inadequate for my needs. I think they are so used to newbies that they think everyone is, so even professional questions are answered that way. <br /><br />It was at that point I decided to abandon SCBWI as an informational source and to use it simply for comraderie. However, this post is kind of opening my eyes. I'm starting to think maybe it would be better to try to be part of the solution.Grace Linhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18129288262225671104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-24102995258865355762006-10-04T09:34:00.000-04:002006-10-04T09:34:00.000-04:00I have always thought of SCBWI as a club I choose ...I have always thought of SCBWI as a club I choose to buy membership in. Their dues are more than reasonable (actually low by some standards), and the conferences have provided some genuine guidance and inspiration--not the least of which has been getting some insight as to what goes on inside an editor's head.<br /><br />I always assumed that the group was more or less profitable. It had to be to sponsor such well attended conferences and attract such dynamic speakers. It is true that as a seasoned illustrator the conferences usually offer less for me, but as a new writer they are tremendously valuable.<br /><br />If they make money, all well and good. That means they will thrive as an organization, and that they'll continue to attract even more wonderful speakers and the services they provide will get even better.<br /><br />Besides, SCBWI gves me a great excuse to treat myself to a trip to NY at least once a year "for professional reasons."<br />barbjnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com