NextArts is a San Francisco-based community organization that dates back to 1998, and has as it's charge..
..to return San Francisco to its renown as a cultural center by fostering artists who displayed exceptional musical and songwriting talents. Rather than hemming artistic expression in with labels, we sought to expand possibilities.In lock-step with that objective, NextArts is planning what is sure to be a giant simulcast of the Obama Presidential Inauguration using San Francisco's City Hall. Sounds great and one would think NextArts would have no problem gaining support. But in the process of doing just that, NextArts has managed to piss off a large group of San Francisco-based Obama supporters at a listserv called "SFforObama". Here's some of the exchange:
NextArts:
We want to share more w/ you on what's going on with our plans.
First, we are hiring some people to help us. Maybe some of you saw our listing on Craigslist? We would prefer to hire within, so to speak. If anyone wants a job working on the Simulcast send your resume in right away because we will be interviewing this weekend and those we hire will start on Monday.
Second, our event is not a party. Our event will be very reverent and it will be an opportunity for this movement to in essence step up and begin to help others. We will be collecting socks and underwear for the homeless. And, we just want to say from the bottom of our hearts that we really "hope" this is what this movement has been all about, beginning the process of becoming our brother's and sister's keeper.
Today, Sen. Dianne Feinstein became our honorary chair. More politicians will follow. But, we want to be clear about what this really is for us: It is a new day, a new way.
I hope you guys don't mind if we give you updates as we move along in this process. While NextArts has done big events before, this is by far the largest undertaking we have ever endeavored. Or it could be, with your help and your blessings.
SFforObama:
FYI - I forwarded nextart's email to a friend who I thought would be interested in doing work for the simulcast and this was her feedback;
These people are rude ASSHOLES! I called early am and then noticed that they open at 11am so I decided I'd call then. Well, I just got a call from a guy called Tony saying my number showed up and he was calling me back. I told him about the email and that it wasn't clear what they were hiring f or and he says "Didn't you read that you are supposed to email us your resume?" And so I answered "Yes but how am I supposed to know if this even is for me unless I know what you are hiring for?" and he says "THAT'S what you called me for???" and he HANGS UP ON ME!
NextArts:
(unnamed by me)...
What your friend says is untrue. I really think some of you should take a look at things too. We apologize for bringing our plans up, because it seems there is no room for us. From our perspective it hasn't been criticism, but attacks. Mean spirited attacks. It starts w/ emails to the group and ends w/ phone calls at 7AM to our 24 hour emergency number for clients, and ends with this.
It hurts, really. And takes away form everything we had "hoped" to achieve when we joined this group.
Some of you have sent us emails of apology, and we are very thankful for that. But, it is just too nasty.
SFforObama:
I don't think anyone from this group would want to work for you to be completely honest. You seem very hyper-sensitive to even the vaguest criticism and you've completely over-reacted to a couple of comments made by members of this group. Your immediate reaction was to criticize everyone in the group and to, I am assuming, be rude to my friend who has absolutely nothing to do with this group but has been a huge Obama supporter, nonetheless. You are really positioning yourself to build a nasty reputation for nextarts not just amongst the sf4obama group but way, way, way outside of it as well.
NextArts:
You have no interest in participating in a function where Feinstein is an honorary chair???? Hmmmmm... Then I think you need to sit the inauguration out, because Sen. Dianne Feinstein IS the chair of that.
Okay gang, you win.. We will not make any more announcements to this list.
We are very regretful we reached out..
I think NextArts should just keep trying. That particular listserv is known for some who are constantly ill-tempered and for reasons that aren't clear. An "honorary chair" means the person's name can be used, but they do not have to attend the event. Thus, it's easy for Senator Feinstein to be the "honorary chair" of a number of events, and still be in Washington D.C. for the inauguration.
