I do not consider the rotation list to have failed. It has seldom been used
over the last few months because it was agreed that the jobs already set would
not be changed like the DBG and private Scottsdale events this spring. But they
will be subject to rotation in the future. Also, the summer months seldom have
high paying jobs. Therefore this fall we should be using the rotation list more
often I also think with 64 scopes 16 runner positions to fill, Terri's plan to
have everyone pick a spot and then do it again a few days later is fair and
workable.
I also think we should go with 4 scopes and no presenters on good viewing
nights, and 3 scopes and one presenter on questionable nights, and 2 presenters
and no scopes on totally cloudy nights. I think that we should just sign up the
scope people first. Then when all 64 spots are reserved have people sign up
as runners and presenters and backup scopes during a second month of sign ups.
I think that anyone currently on the star tour list should be eligible for any
job, but if they do not take at least four low pay or free jobs during the
previous 12 months then they should be dropped from the star tours list for a
year. Just a suggestion. The numbers could be more or less depending on the
opinions of the star tour members.
Also, if there is a night when it is questionable and we want to drop a scope
and add a presenter, we need a method for determining which scope gets dropped.
It could be as simple as drawing straws. Sam
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Kevin Witts <kjwitts@xxxxxxx>
Date: 06/09/2015 5:33 PM (GMT-07:00)
To: starstuff@xxxxxxxxx
Cc: Star Tours Group <passtartoursgroup@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [passtartoursgroup] Re: input requested about DBG Luminaria event
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/scopePAS gets 10% up to $25, so $25 goes to PASand $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 scopes1 Runner1 Presenter1 Back up Presenter1 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 Runner183.75/presenter x 2 is 369.50and 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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