[imc-st.louis] STLIMC / Confluence meeting this Wednesday, 7pm, @ CAMP

[scottie a.]

		18fe07

	Ben sez:

>I've asked for a meeting with Confluence editorial group to discuss
>potential ways that the IMC and Confluence printed journal could join
>forces in way beneficial to both entities.

	Great... but noting "possible topics", allow yourself to ask 
bigger questions.

	There has always been a convergence of IMC & Confluence 
purposes, and some crossover of skills.  Yes, there are ready ways to 
share resources, but they are not just allies in a single mission: 
Think about their distinctive roles in regional journalism, and how 
they can be mutually supportive in doing different things.  Nor at 
this juncture are they likely to be co-equal partners in anything:

     As you note, "STLIMC... has pretty flaccid participation" these 
days -- but as we've observed, this is more an artifact of recent 
personality dysfunctions & attritions than any intrinsic flaw in its 
concept.  Confluence, on the other hand,  has had some continuity in 
competent energies & management; it's a good idea to jumpstart the 
IMC with this guidance.
     At moments in its history it has flashed its potential as a 
wellspring of grassroots reportage, wide-ranging in public interests. 
This may be a good (and necessary) opportunity to examine how to 
rebuild its crew & capabilities, in order to fulfill its potentials 
in a sustainable way.  Realize that this is also a live issue for 
local IMC's and progressive media nationwide.

	So, Thanks Ben... concerned StLIMC exiles with ideas should 
be encouraged to show up Wednesday, to look at the big picture in 
cahoots with the Confluence gang... be there or be square.

		_scottie a.__