brianella

Back in the 80s when I marched Scouts, it meant, shove it up their ### lol

God I loved the show! Especially when considering the adversity pre season

Thanks for the info on Dreams..... just bought it on iTunes love it

If u think 2018 Scouts is exactly the same type of show as 2016 Bluecoats, there is a lot u didn’t observe

I’ve been critical of the corps for several years. With the programs especially. Completely fed up, but tonight I saw something different. I saw a corps and a leadership that wouldn’t give up. I was done with them for this year, but they made changes that made the show enjoyable for me. The corps performed well and the staff made significant changes. I get that they are trying to compete with what is expected by GE today so I for 1 and am cutting them slack and making a donation.

I got the information from the forward performing arts link that was posted by Chris on the FAcebook page Madison Scouts Ciffee house. In the past he has worked without a salary and if I remember is receiving 2/3. The staff payment info I got from several members who left for more lucrative employment at other corps. They have financial needs. I hope that helps

With all due respect if the prior levels were adequate the Scouts would be in a position to pay the Executive Director his full salary to start with , then it would also be sufficient to pay designers and caption heads a fair market salary . So I guess I disagree that these prior efforts were close to sufficient in the past. It needn’t be the way to go but if the corps is to become a viable competitive entity in the future, new revenue will need to be sourced. I’d love to hear your ideas.....

Idea, the base problem seems to be financial. It is not like they don’t want to field an artistically competitive program they have a 15 and below budget it seems.. The activity has changed dramatically over the last 15 years and especially in the last 5. I read the financial info on forward performaning arts, they strive for financial stability in 3 years. While that is good and really unique in the history of the corps since the 80s, it is only a million dollar budget. That is what is the typical budget for their competitive level. There are options I think, the worst is going into debt to afford the staff they need. It is natural to imitate the leaders in designs well imitate them financially too. bD and SCV have an incredible cash flow from bingo. I think the Scouts tried it and failed in early 2000s. Alumni another option but they are a short term fix I think, they’ll never get an amount to make a substantial difference on an annual basis. So ideas are needed. Imitate the SCV bingo but in a different area. One that can work in Madison. Off top of head, perhaps a food truck, they are big in many cities. Get the truck, park it around the square, offer brats or burgers, etc. it would require capital, and a lot of organization, but it could yield permanent and substantial cash flow. It would also fulfill their mission of education of the youth. Chris has an entrepreneurial background. Just saying. It doesn’t need to be a food truck but the profit and investment is attractive. Think badger games, the entire downtown is a street party. Any other ideas? There must be something low initial investment and high profit margin. I felt it was time to change the feel of my posts here. I’m done venting. I think they get the message from us all.

The show should be a record breaking high score.

Good God that was a fine show. Well done take it all the way,

Agreed but quite mysterious

I see Jim Mason as the perfect person to get the branding and all the other issues sorted out

So if u go to The Facebook page of Madison Scouts Fan Group, Chris posted it there. Yesterday evening.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/madisonscouts/permalink/10156495225868917/ this is a link for getting your input directly to leadership and the board. I did and was brutally honest. It is a more direct way than blogs to bring much needed change. I agree with your sentiments by the way swmstom

Good God that was a fine show. Well done take it all the way,