Terri,
I didn't really need a runner last year, but if the group wants it, I'm OK with
it. I think we should consider having the runner be a part of the star tours
group. It will provide more opportunities for the star tours people and we'll
have people who know how to run scopes and also to explain to those in line how
things work, what we are looking at, etc. I think the runner should have
astronomy knowledge and knowledge of scopes. That's my opinion.
One thing that we did often last year was to have a single presenter with three
other scopes on cloudy nights. We did that numerous times and it was well
received. Would the four scopes include one of those being a presenter each
night? or would it be four scopes plus a presenter each night? Or would we
only have presenters attend when we were cloudy and on clear nights have 4
scopes only?
I understand that , on completely clouded nights, we have only presenters show
up and I think we should have two presenters for each clouded out night. it's
better for managing crowd sizes. People show up whether it's cloudy or not
unless there is a threat of rain. One presenter isn't enough on completely
clouded out nights.
There are "middle ground" nights when we could only show the Moon or really
bright objects and , on those nights (which are many) I think we need a
presenter there and just three scopes.
It worked really well last year when it was cloudy and one of the scopes
converted to a presenter, so I'd propose that we consider that option.
As far as sign-ups, have we decided that the rotation list is a fail and we
won't use that anymore? Otherwise, I agree with Sam that there should be plenty
of notice and then, have at it for signing up. If you don't read the e-mails,
then don't complain that you missed out. I had no problem with how signup
worked last year. I just think it needs to be fair with no one getting an early
foot in the door.
I would also ask if there is any qualifier for staying on the Star Tours list
such as, the person must have done events within the last X number of months,
etc. I think that those who do numerous outreach events during the year
including free stuff (Bookmans, PVCC) or low paying stuff (schools) should get
first crack at the calendar for DBG and then let others fill in the holes.
It's disappointing to see some show interest in only high paying events while
others do much throughout the year, in sometimes less that ideal conditions,
because of a commitment to sharing the love of the sky. I believe that
commitment warrants special consideration.
Please let me know if you need any clarification on these suggestions from me.
Kevin
On Jun 9, 2015, at 2:55 PM, Terri <starstuff@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Good afternoon Star Tour Group,
I'd like to get your input on this.
Here's what we are doing this year for the DBG Luminaria events.
There will most likely be 16 events again,
and PAS will be providing 4 scopes minimum, same location, same time, same
everything, except I would like input on this....
The pay was $200/scope at 4 hours each night.
That means for 4 scopes, it is $800/night that DBG is paying PAS to have us
there.
In talking to many of the group members, since the event in Dec 2014, it was
discussed that we might want to pay, from the income, a runner for each
night. To have bathroom and breaks would be great. I know, 2,000 people a
night, who gets a break, but when you have to go, you can't leave your scope
unattended even for a moment, the public thinks they have the right to use
your telescope, as if DBG were providing it for their use. So, we need a
runner.
And it was talked about, but not decided on... that we should take some of
our pay, some of the $200 that is made that night, and donate $10 to the
Runner, per scope. So, the runner would be there all 4 hours, same dress code
is required, and they could be someone who knows how to work a scope, or not,
doesn't matter, as long as they help get everyone to the bathroom, as needed,
and checks on each scope operator each hour.
So, if we did that... here's how the pay would work.
DBG pays $800
$200/scope
PAS gets 10% up to $25, so $25 goes to PAS
and $10/scope would go to the runner
So, here's the break down
$183.75/scope
$25 to PAS
$10/scope to Runner is $40/night
If everyone is in agreement with this set up, then let's make it happen.
The reason I ask about this is that DBG wants to know if it will be $800 /
night again for the 4 scopes,
or $200 to have one presenter/night when cloudy, again, like last year.
Does anyone feel we have to increase the pay, or are we all ok with that
amount? I know DBG is making a ton of money from this event, but if we get
too greedy, they won't keep us hired, and if we can get our business cards
out to everyone who wants one, while there, then we can possibly get more
jobs from doing this one and the lesser pay won't seem so bad.
Ideas? Should i tell them yes to the same terms as last year and get the
Booking doc filled out and start signing up our members to do these events?
In put is requested.
Signups:
Here is how signups are going to work this time:
We have a rotation list.
We will sign up one date at a time. I will open all the dates to everyone and
you can sign up for one, and only one. Then, after a few days, I will open it
up to everyone to sign up for another date.
If you don't want to do this event, or you can't, or you don't fit the
requirements for dress code (all black, no name badge, professionalism, on
time), then just don't sign up.
If you take a date and can't make it, we will need 2 back up scopes per
night, and we will open up back up scopes to sign up after all the nights are
filled in with 4 scopes and a Runner. I think I will name the Runner a Scope
Runner.
The job of the Scope Runner...
On the hour, go to each scope, ask if they need a bathroom break, or any
other kind of break, and if they don't, then move to the next scope and ask.
If they do, fill in for them, providing a 15 to 20 minute break. If you don't
know how to work the scope, just stand there and tell the patrons of DBG that
the scope operator is visiting the bathroom. If you do know what to do, take
over for the scope operator.
When you have made your rounds, you are free to walk around DBG until the
next hour comes up. Do it again.
So, lets say your Scope Running takes you 15 minutes the first hour, because
no one needs a break. Take the other 45 minutes to do what you want to do,
walk the grounds, see the bands, what ever. Then, at the top of the hour,
come back and provide breaks again. The Scope Runner is on the clock, just
like the Scope Operators and the Presenter, from start to finish. No
exceptions. You have to be available all 4 hours of this job.
So, each day of DBG LUminaria we need to have:
4 scopes
1 Runner
1 Presenter
1 Back up Presenter
1 or 2 Back up Scopes
signed up, for just in case something weird happens.
And if you have to drop from a date you have, I need to know by the day
before, by NOON, so we can find a replacement scope for you.
And if you are a back up scope, take your scope stuff with you to work so you
can go straight to DBG if you are needed. Don't sign up as back up unless you
can be on call.
To keep the math the same, whether someone is a Presenter or a scope
operator, the pay will be the same.
it will be $200/night
$10 to the runner
$6 to PAS
Hmm, the runner only gets $10 that night. Do we have an idea how to make it
more fair. $10 for 4 hours? But they do get to sit with Mike or Kevin, during
the presneation, and not have to run between scopes, so they are doing less
over all. What are your thoughts?
And should we have 2 presenter4s each night, giving the runner $20 for
running? We did that last year, 2 presenters on cloudy nights. Made it more
interesting for the attendees. Yes, let's do that. So, cloudy nights will be
$400, with the break down of
$20 to the Runner
183.75/presenter x 2 is 369.50
and the remainder to PAS which is
400-389.50= 10.5 to PAS.
That works out better for the Runner.
And the presenters and scope operators all get equal amount per night.
Just PAS gets the adjusted income.
Are we in agreement?
Have a spectacular week!
Terri, Event Coordinator
Here's the link to this discussion in the forums.
http://www.pasaz.org/forums/showthread.php?p=2520#post2520
--
Good friends are like stars. You don't always
see them, but you always know they are there.
Terri Phoenix Astronomical Society Event Coordinator
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