Crunch time: Week 5 post 2

Dear Class,

Our session is running surprisingly short on time. Gone are the grandiose visions of sweeping and revolutionary projects. I’m now confronted with a basic reality…I’ve got six days to “get it done.”

I don’t view this final project submission as the end of the road for my little brain child. Instead, I view it as the end of its infancy. I’m hoping you will provide your feedback and possibly author an article for the wiki. As members of the class in which the Palmetto Film Society was birthed, I think it’s fitting I waive the “Palmetto Patron” contribution of $1 for the first six months :). The first project is a “People’s Guide to 2009 Film.” Each entry provides an overview of the film, the reasons for its inclusion (including what made it noteworthy, to what audience would it appeal, and background on the film).

My vision began with a very broad picture…to remediate the concept of the film patron and raise funds for artistic and cultural activities in South Carolina. I became convinced by my research that there are not enough forums for people who appreciate film (aka patrons) to explore and discuss it. Sunstein’s comments regarding Wiki’s and solutions to social influences and Powazek’s design principles for the community heavily influenced me. I am in the process of engineering the home site of the Palmetto Film Society as a result. Be on the lookout for the “grand unveiling” on Monday.

Essentially, my core audience is anyone with an interest in good film. I cannot define what constitutes good film to others besides me. Using Sunstein’s arguments, a large enough aggregate can produce knowledge as an alternative to the market system currently employed. In short, provided I cast a wide enough net, appeal to the “right” membership, and set an appropriate environment for conversation, an alternative to the corporately controlled free market system may result.
After all, who better to dictate a list of films worth watching than the patrons themselves?

My central argument contains three conclusions. First, that the patrons can aggregately explain film value effectively using a wiki. Further, through the appeals I establish to the potential patron pool through my digital design and content, I can develop a membership base which will self-police and produce a quality product. Finally, that this enterprise can be self-sustaining financially and generate resources to share with artistic and cultural outlets in South Carolina.