Posted on 08/18/2002 5:18:22 PM PDT by Auntie Mame
Dear Freepers:
I just returned from the First Annual Free Republic Network Convention in Las Vegas.
The Free Republic Network Cruise last October was the most fun I've ever had in my whole life. The Free Republic Network Conference I just attended was the most informative and inspiring two days I've ever had in my whole life.
The Free Republic Network is stretching its muscle, not by talk, but by action. The Free Republic forum is liberty's college. The Free Republic Network is liberty's workplace.
If you attended, please use this thread to post your observations, comments and highlights of the conference. I will give mine below. But before I do, I'd like to take this time to thank Bob Johnson and the FRN board for putting on this conference. It's hard for me to find the words to adequately describe how great this experience was--and how much I learned.
See there!! Another glowing report of FRiva's success.
"Your welcome" my shiny white @$$!
You call the following an "abortion" comment?
The original Matt Lewis quote by RedWing9: "If you're that man and you're asked to debate a woman about abortion, politely decline, and suggest a woman in your organization would probably be happy to debate. "Me: "I'm not comfortable with that at all. Did he also advise that white folk not debate black folk on race issues?"
The "abortion" reference wasn't mine. If you continue to call my response - which strictly referenced the media tactic - an "abortion" quote, then you are being dishonest, to put it as mildly as I know how. I'll continue to give you the benefit of a doubt and simply say that you are seriously mistaken.
It really was. Please try to make it next year!
I'll take "liar" over "jerk" on this thread. For the record, your little comment about abortion (contrary to your bitterest protests) took this thread way off topic.
Of course you're peeved at me. I was not mistaken. I quoted you. But enough of that. It is fruitless to argue with a jerk-wad. I just need to increase my list of idiots to ignore by one.
One of the most special memories of the Sore Loserman Freep I took away was the lady who dressed up her dog with a sandwich board sign reading, "Don't blame me - I voted for Bush!." That sign got the most giggles, winks, and positive comments from passersby of any of the signs we lugged around.
Never distribute inaccurate information. Be a reliable source. There is no excuse for being lazy and not double-checking all facts.
We wield the truth.
[Insert "You're welcome" here ( | )! ]
God knows someone had to - 'cuz your pomposity sure as hell ain't getting it done
It was both fun and informative. See you next year??
Some of the goals of this particular portion of the conference were:
- How do you ask for money?
- How do you make up a good finance committee?
- How can you chair more profitable fund-raising events?
Personal solicitation is the best way to raise money. All politics is personal (when it comes to fund-raising).
Compile and stick to a script in your fund-raising efforts:
1. Greeting. "Hello" is a good start ;)
2. Small talk. Personalize your sales pitch to the pitchee.
3. Sales pitch. Why are you going to win? Who is going to vote for your candidate? How will the donation you seek for your cause help your cause?
4. Close the deal. Ask for the money; how much, when do you need it, etc. - its as simple as that. Personalize to the donor how their donation will help your cause. For example, if you need $4000 for yard signs, tell them that you need at least $1000 for yard signs.
Look up how much potential donors have already given to other candidates, and ask for at least that amount.
I sure hope so!
The Treasure Island is a fine hotel. Not the best I've ever stayed at, but CERTAINLY not the worst.
You are correct in saying that the service people from the maids up through the pit bosses and security teams all were polite, courteous, and friendly. The hotel itself is very nice.
The food was very good, especially the awards dinner, and was brought promptly, while it was hot, and was prepared to appeal to the eye as well as the palate.
The registration, an event unto itself, was very well done and Laura Ingrahm deserves more than a radio show.
She is concise, well spoken, humorous, but drives her point home with all the artistry of an epee master.
I met some FReepers at the registration that I had been looking forward to meeting for some time now. In my business travels I had already met several FReepers, Gabz, Cool Breeze, dubyaismypresident to name a few, and now can add several more to that list. I've got to say, "FReepers ROCK!.
The conference on Saturday was fast paced, informative, and I will have to digest the information for at least a week before I can coherently comment on the information given. This is a compliment because normally I am a quick study on, almost, any given subject.
There were some things that can be put to immediate use but other things I will have to cogitate on. (You like that big word?) ;^)
All the speakers were good. They seemed to know what they were talking about and could put the thoughts into words so that everyone could understand what the ideas were.
The awards dinner was well handled. The food, as I said before, was delicious, especially the deserts!
The keynote speaker certainly DID know how to hush OPH, at least for a while ;^) and I enjoyed the question and answer period at the end.
I didn't get a chance to attend the follow up on Sunday due to prior commitments. (All right, I had told my wife that Sunday was HER day and that we would do whatever she wanted.)
I'll plan better next time in order to make all the events.
All in all FRIVA LAS VEGAS had everything that was advertised. I got to meet and greet FReepers that I had corresponded with, I had much much information on grass roots activism put out in an organized form for my perusal, (another big word ;^) ) and I had a GREAT time doing it.
.
On a side note - Many thanks to Slip18 and her better half Cyber Liberty. Thanks, Slip for making my wife feel comfortable, even among so many FReepers. She really enjoyed chatting with you.
I wish I'd known of your pocket billiards proficiency, par excellence. I used to play a more than halfway serious game and would have enjoyed finding out just how out of stroke I am (...reaching for wallet). I used be able to go out looking for pool players who wanted to gamble, but nowadays would have to go out looking for gamblers willing to bet on a game of pool. Big difference.
Thoroughly enjoyed meeting you!
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