On Demand
Why Give?
By David Garland
May 16, 2008
 |
| Photo by Anne Garland/luminousplayhouse.com |
During the last few weeks you’ve been generous with your thoughts and responses to the Evening Music Blog, letting me know what you’re doing and experiencing as you listen to WNYC. Your comments create a composite portrait of a very interesting and interested community of listeners. This weekend WNYC’s spring membership drive is underway, and I don’t want to compete with that by writing about something else on this Blog.
In fact, I invite you, first, to donate to WNYC, and then, to tell me why you’ve given. What reasons to support WNYC do you find convincing and compelling? How would you pitch it, if you were on the air? Is there an angle we’ve neglected? What made you decide to support WNYC? Or what has made you decide not to contribute?
And sure, let’s hear your critiques and criticisms of our fundraising, too. Keep it clean and constructive, if you can…
Comments
Comment from Unknown Painter
Date: May 16, 2008, 6:22 pm
Garland, McKnight and Schaefer (that’s alphabetical order, before you get too excited). What other reasons do I need? (Maybe the overnight hosts who take over when I’m asleep).
Comment from Kurt-Owen Richards
Date: May 16, 2008, 7:51 pm
First, thanks big-time for inviting critiques. What has made me decide NOT to contribute? After being a long-time contributor - a hugely enthusiastic contributor - I am now thoroughly conflicted. “The Take-away” - PLEASE take it away - a supreme example of the dumbing-down of public radio. Helga Davis - PLEASE someone tell her to stop STEPPING ALL OVER TH ENDS OF RECORDINGS! Take a breath, leave a bit of silence, and THEN talk. Very interesting programming - very happy she introduced me to avant-garde jazz man Butch Morris. Much the same about Terrance McKnight - interesting programming - but where’s the explication of the so-called connections between such diverse composers as Miles Davis and Mahler? My tastes are just as diverse - actually more - but don’t just throw them out there without explaining WHY you feel there’s a connection. And (sorry, because other hosts you’ve passed over can do this - notably Marcia Young, who is brilliant, wonderful to listen to, and knows her stuff) LEARN HOW TO PRONOUNCE THE MAJOR COMPOSERS’ NAMES!
Comment from Richard French
Date: May 16, 2008, 9:06 pm
I’ve been a member and contributor to WNYC for about 5 years, largely because of the strength of the classical music programming. I grew up with fairly narrow tastes in classical music, and I really appreciate the diversity of the selection on Evening Music. I would like to hear more expository comment on the pieces, how they fit in with the works that preceded them and how they broke new ground as well. When the commentary is well done, it’s a fabulous part of the show. I also understand that it’s not a lecture and that you also have to satisfy the listeners who simply want to listen.
The one fund raising critique I would make is that I wish that I would hear an occasional thank you for the listeners like myself who give during the buy back appeal that takes place before the on air fund raising.
Thank you for the many wonderful hours of music, culture and new you’ve brought into my life.
Comment from Joe Corrao
Date: May 16, 2008, 9:14 pm
Hey Brian
are u gonna do a Raiders of the Lost Ark/John Williams Movie music program before the next Indiana Jones movie?
Comment from Keith T.
Date: May 17, 2008, 6:14 pm
I know someone at work who contributed, and then said she wouldn’t stop receiving annoying mailers about the contribution, or further contributions. It’s this constant drive that drives me away from contributing. If someone could for once just cleanly contribute, and never hear about it again, perhaps I would contribute.
Comment from Keith T.
Date: May 18, 2008, 4:02 pm
If WNYC is seemingly so open and candid about public radio, it should be noted the breakdown of support: how much comes from organizations/companies/grants, and how much comes from normal listeners? It seems hypocritical to guilt listeners into supporting (which is the basis of the entire pledging process), and then cut to three or four snippets about the various companies that support public radio. I rarely hear snippets about listeners’ support, except in the pledging seasons. What percentage of normal, everyday listeners keep public radio alive, is the question people probably want to know.
Comment from betty
Date: June 29, 2008, 8:59 pm
I love public radio, I love my hometown, and I love my hometown public radio station. I love the talk, I love the music, my life is better for all of it. That’s why I give. Also, I do feel appreciated and well-thanked by the on-air personalities and dj’s. (On a practical note, listeners wanting more info on WNYC’s finances can easily get this info at places like Give.org and Guidestar.org. WNYC is very transparent about its finances and where our money goes.) Keep up the great work, good luck with your upcoming move.
Comment from betty
Date: June 29, 2008, 9:01 pm
P.S. Lest you think I work for WNYC because I said “our money” in my previous post, let me assure you I do not work there. I meant to imply camaraderie with my fellow donors and listeners. I give my money, we give our money, to WNYC, and I feel they spend it wisely.
Write a comment