Graphic Recorder Volunteer for Tomorrow (6/15)?!

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Permalink Reply by Franis Engel on June 19, 2010 at 6:18pm

How did it come out? Did you find your volunteer graphic recorder? Did you make a digital recording of the event perhaps? Maybe the graphic recording could still happen from the digital recording?

Perhaps we could start a group here? "Graphic Recording Opportunities" Then those of us who are skilled in that livelihood could subscribe to the group and be notified by email if an opportunity to work comes up.

However, unpaid work is an area that many skilled people are reticent to commit to doing - especially now that so many people need money. With such a large group interested, certainly you could have paid an artist some sort of "honorarium" for their time, skill and artistry? Many artists have invested a whole lifetime's worth of experience into our ability to perform their skills.

Sorry I didn't get the message, I would have been interested to take the skill for a spin if I would have been asked personally. The only reason I'd be willing to do so as a volunteer is because I've just stumbled on the field of graphic recording as a possible profession. However, the unique situation where a graphic recorder regards a job as an opportunity to develop their portfolio is more rare than would seem. Just because a job is fun to do or exercises a talent does not mean it is not work. To marry the skill of editing and writing is a puzzle that takes commitment to express. Although the skill itself can be done effortlessly in such a short span of time, the preparation for the ability to do this skill of graphic recording did not happen overnight.

This is a similar situation to being a musician. People imagine that since music is "play" that the musician should perpetually do it for free, over and over again. No matter that the musician has invested a lifetime of dedication to developing their ability to toss off in a moment what is pleasant to hear.

For instance, I've already had a college education in art, worked as a sign painter and logo designer for decades, as well as been a writer. and perpetual student who has done mind-mapping for my own purposes. Although I have yet to be paid to do graphic recording professionally, where the elements of the skill of graphic recording has been expressed in the past has been my ability do cartoons on windows for businesses during holidays. Because of my speed and the results of my work on a large scale, for this purpose I was routinely paid at a rate of $100. (or more) an hour while actually painting.

Oh yes, and I'm a Capricorn too. Thus the lecture on the value and advantages of paying a skilled person for their work. ;o)

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Permalink Reply by Ben Roberts on June 19, 2010 at 6:30pm

Francis:

I certainly appreciate the time and effort that goes into developing the skills to be a graphic recorder and the need for people to be paid for their work. The Coffee Party Movement is a four month old non-profit organization staffed entirely by volunteers, with virtually no budget or funding at the present time. No one pays to participate in any of our Cafe Calls. Otherwise, I wouldn't have dreamed of asking for such work gratis.

Regards,
Ben

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Permalink Reply by Franis Engel on June 19, 2010 at 6:54pm

Since everyone seems to be a volunteer in this particular project, perhaps the most significant benefit would be buzzing up the value of the experience of World Cafe?

Perhaps if you made a digital version of the call? Perhaps a graphic recording could still be made after that fact? Would love to learn these tools and elements of how all these people were brought together. My graphic recording foundations in exchange for that knowledge would be a value for me personally, besides the value of spreading the vision of World Cafe.

Respectfully, Frani

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Permalink Reply by Ben Roberts on June 20, 2010 at 4:29am

Frani:

I appreciate the offer. The introduction and harvest portions of the calls are recorded, but not the breakouts. We are also developing a "virtual sticky board" where you can read posts from most of the participants on the key themes, patterns and insights they took away from the conversation.

I would say that we are DEFINITELY promoting WC to a wider audience with these Cafe Calls. I regularly poll the participants and 2/3 or so have no WC experience.

The other thing to mention again is that Maestro Conference now has live video streaming, so the GR's work could be visible to the participants during the call if we wanted to arrange that.

Our next call is Thursday, 8-10pm Eastern.

Regards,
Ben

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