Don't get it twisted: Hurricaneradio.net is not gonna be your local yokel radio station.
This is, after all, the Internet, and we're going big, or we're going home. Our server is located in the UK, with another in New Zealand. We will have DJs from all over the world late at night playing their music. Our broadband capabilities are endless. We have the potential to have hundreds of thousands of listeners from all over the country and the world. Whether we get to that level remains to be seen, but we're either going to do it or die trying.
There are going to be a certain number of issues, though, that really resonate locally that we'll be talking about often, because I think these seven things we'll talk about can be used, applied, or discussed everywhere. Certainly, our target base in our initial wave of listeners will come from my old audience at WSAR, and an element of the show will be kept to keep them constantly entertained. It's the yin and yang, not too much and not too little. We've got to find the perfect balance among local, national, and international topics.
Here are seven issues for the hometown audience that will definitely be talked about on Hurricaneradio.net. Here they are in no particular order:
1. Neglect of historic property - Our history is a huge part of the mix for our city. It's critical to our arts and entertainment district, our culture, our economic development, and our viability in the tourism market. One of the true charms and wonders of Fall River is its history and historic buildings, and regardless of the economic situation or ownership issues, they need to be maintained at a certain standard. This is currently not happening, and one of the biggest examples is what is happening to the Abbey Grill (the Central Congregational Church). I walk by there everyday. What was once a beautifully unique and classic structure is now a run-down mess, from the falling steeple to the weeds that are four-feet high growing out of its foundation. Something needs to be done and done soon. What is more troubling to me is that a bank owns this property, and they should have the resources to maintain a certain standard. We need to protect our historic buildings and properties. All of them.
2. Trash - There are certain parts of this city that are filthy. Trash and litter are everywhere. We talk about saving neighborhoods, but it starts with the little things and the quality of life issues like cleanliness and order. All you have to do is take a walk around Fall River and see how much trash there is, from broken TVs and abandoned couches to old tires and broken down toys. It's everywhere, and it needs to be addressed. We can't expect people to come to our city, spend their money, and enjoy themselves if they have to drive through a trash heap to get here. Quality life issues like this are critical, and their collective worth are important to a city's sustenance.
3. Hodgson has to go - It is no secret why I left WSAR. After my latest interview with Tom Hodgson, things between myself and management just became irreparable. From the first day I got behind the mic at WSAR for "The Highway Home," I constantly called out "Hardtime" Hodgson, and I will continue to do it. He is a charming, bright, articulate man with incredible instincts on the campaign trail and his dealings with the media. With that said, he shouldn't be sherriff of Bristol County. He has an archaic view of crime and punishment. There is absolutely no rhyme or reason to keep County short-term inmates locked in the cage for 24 hours a day. An embarrassing amount of his virtually unlimited resources is spent on rehabilitative programs. I would much rather see an inmate in some type of job training, substance abuse counseling, or educational program at least 3-4 hours out of a 24-hour day. It would be refreshing to read about hiring more teachers and drug counselors than giving away $90,000 a year political hack jobs in his upper administration. His correctional officers work in fear of him and his vindictive ways and he treats, houses, and feeds the inmates inhumanely. It is supposed to be a rehabilitative and correctional facility, but there isn't much of that going on at all.
4. Eminent domain issues - The city should start to aggressively go after certain properties that are critical to its economic development and long-term vision. One property that comes to mind is the Regatta on Davol Street. If ever there were an eyesore on a beautiful piece of real estate, it is the Regatta. A signature restaurant is critical to any plans to redevelop the waterfront, and the city should have a say on who goes there. Also, I will like to see the city acquire a couple of buildings downtown and possibly recruit a major retail store to locate there.
5. PR directors for public schools - There is no doubt in my mind that the Fall River Public Schools are headed in the right direction from an educational standpoint under the direction of Superintendent Meg Mayo Brown. Many of my friends and peers are teachers, and the conversations that we have about what's going on in classrooms throughout the city is very positive and upbeat. Lots of resources are being spent, and there are some wonderful opportunities in the school system. Most importantly, there are hard-working and dedicated teachers. However, there is a certain element of our population that their parents are scared to death to send their children to public schools. That perception is false, but we all know what they say about perception - at times, it can turn into reality. This is a direct result of a lot of the negative press the schools have received in our local newspaper. All too often, the headlines are about a fight, conflict, or some low test scores, or some inappropriate conduct. For every bad thing that is happening and publicized, there are ten good things that go unnoticed. Once a city's populace loses faith in the public schools, there is no hope. That's why the Fall River Public Schools should hire a PR firm soon. All too often it's the bad stories that get told.
6. A balanced focused, business approach - The city, over the last few years, has spent a great deal of time, energy, effort, and resources in chasing the home run ball when it comes to its business plan. The biopark and the casino are perfect examples of this. While I believe both would be good for the city, there are elements to all those deals that are beyond our control and may not happen regardless of our work and attention. There are some fantastic local businesses that employ lots of people at good wages. We need to provide them with better services and provide a better incubator for their growth and development. Local companies such as DEG, Meganet, and Carl's Collision employ lots of people at good wages, and businesses like these should be helped out by any means necessary.
7. Urban planning - Last, but certainly not least, urban planning is crucial to any development. This city has a long history of making tragic mistakes. From the construction of Government Center, to the covering of the Quequechan River, the construction of the new Durfee High School, and, most recently, the placement of the downtown court house. These mistakes that have been made in the past cannot be repeated. We have some critical projects that are being developed, and important decisions need to be made. We cannot repeat the mistakes of our past. Decisions need to be thought out long and hard to make sure of that.
So there ya go - seven things that we will be talking about, despite the fact that we are now an Internet radio station with a potential worldwide audience. Like most things in life, it's about the right mix, the yin and the yang, the quest for the perfect balance, a balance of local, regional, national, and international topics, discussions, and opinions. As I said before, it's go big or go home at HurricaneRadio. But we will never, ever forget from where we came. That's a promise.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Top Ten Things Fall River Should Learn from Providence
As many of you know, I have lost over 35 pounds in the last three months. Aside from cutting down on my late night activities, the primary reason for that loss is that I've been walking all over our city. And I'm not talking about a scripted walk around the best neighborhoods or a track - I'm talking about destination to destination. From my girlfriend's house to the office, from the office to my house, from my house to a local business, as I've been walking, I've found myself becoming more aware. And not only is it a benefit to my fitness, but it also helps me clear my mind and do a lot of thinking. Believe me - this Internet radio has required a lot of thinking.
I have observed Fall River from a street-level angle. The good. The bad. The people. The circus. You name it. I love where I'm from, and I do think our history, our culture, our architecture, and our location will eventually be used to its potential and begin to pay some much needed dividends.
I couldn't help but think about Fall River yesterday as I was walking through the great city of Providence, Rhode Island, going on approximately 20 different sales calls. From Downcity to Thayer Street to Atwells Ave to the Providence Place Mall, from spaghetti shops to strip joints, I was all over Providence. I couldn't help noticing a few things that Providence does that Fall River doesn't. Some are big; most are not. Some you need lots of money; others you don't. Here are my top ten things Fall River would be better served with if it emulated the city of Providence.
I know that we don't have an open check book, and I know how slow the wheels of beauracracy move, but with a little political grease, but with some creative people and a collective vision, it can be done. Don't get me wrong. Providence isn't a utopia. They have their zombies walking around and a dominating drug culture, but I think we all can agree they do a great job of celebrating their heritage and culture while also celebrating the new. Here goes. Top Ten in no specific order.
1. Street musicians - In my travels through Providence, I saw two saxophonists who were playing outside in business districts and two different bands playing in street squares in a festival/carnival-like atmosphere. It creates a good buzz, and people naturally gravitate to the music. Fall River certainly has its share of qualified, entertaining street musicians. All you have to do is go to the Belmont Club on a Monday night to figure that out.
2. Art work - Whether it's the spray painted mural on the bridge at Wickenden Street or the simple tile memorial structure outside the Westin Hotel, it is working for Providence. Less gray, more color - always works. We have numerous overpasses and blank walls that could use the creativity of local artists. Give them a canvass, and they may make you a masterpiece.
3. Venue - Providence has several: the Dunkin Donuts Center, the Convention Center, the PPAC, Lupo's, Trinity Rep, etc. We currently don't have a venue that could hold thousands of people for an event like a concert or play. We do, however, have the Narrows Center, an amazing story of artistic and musical birth that is a true hidden jewel in Fall River. I would like to see the city empower them, either through a parcel of land near the water or some of these empty buildings or mills and let them take their act to the next level. seriously, how difficult would it be to put an amphitheater near the waterfront? The Narrows would be an ideal fit to make sure it's managed and run efficiently to achieve to its next level.
4. Colleges instead of court houses - Although the downtown court house is an impressive building, I'd much rather see UMass Dartmouth, Roger Williams, or Johnson and Wales across the front instead of the "Fall River Justice Center." If we can do a sweet land deal for the court house downtown, it would only make sense to do it for the colleges and build on what UMass Dartmouth has already. Nothing like college students to pump a little energy and life into a place
5. Hotels - No one can question the demand for room space. A hotel in the waterfront or downtown Fall River would be able to sustain itself. We're not going to be a hotel mecca, but seeing what the LaFrance family has done in New Bedford and what the Karam family has done in Taunton and Middletown, it couldn't hurt to reach out to them or other successful businessmen to lay the groundwork for a hotel at a prime location.
6. Trolleys - All day in Providence, I saw these beautiful, old school trolleys driving through the city, and I couldn't help but think why Fall River doesn't utilize their trolleys more. When they are on the streets, it projects a vibrant city, one that's willing to support its revitalization plan. And they're aesthetically pleasing, as well. The city has them; it's time to start using them, especially at night in support of our fine restaurants and new arts and entertainment district.
7. Theaters - One of the most tragic mistakes in our city's history was the destroying of many downtown theaters. There is one left (the Capitol Theater), and we should do everything in our city's power, make every grant writer available at the disposal of the Viveiros family to rehabilitate the theater and make it an epicenter for arts in our downtown.
8. One magic retail attraction - And by magic, on a Fall River scale, I'm talking about a TJ Max or a Marshalls or something along that line for downtown. Again, the part would have to be sweetened to make it attractive to the business through land giveaways or tax deals. They bring good people willing to spend money at bargain prices. That's what we need to jumpstart our downtown economy. The spill-off would be tremendous.
9. Litter - Fall River has way too much of it. I see it every day in my travels. As the litter gets worse, the neighborhood gets worse. This problem definitely needs to be addressed. Quality of life issues are critical to bringing people to your city. Nobody wants to go play in the trash. One thing I saw in Providence was more trash recepticles on its streets. A one-time fixed cost of aquiring these trash bins and anchoring them down could prove to be a long-term benefit.
10. Bridges - Need I say any more? How quick did it take to build the iWay bridge and institute the new traffic plan in Providence? And how long has it taken for the fiasco known as the new Brightman Street Bridge (Veterans Memorial Bridge)? The iWay facilitates the traffic and makes it much easier to move around. A capital improvement done quickly and efficiently would do a lot to restore people's confidence in their state and federal governments.
So there you have it. As I said, some big, some not so big. But the cumulative effect would be a win-win for the city of Fall River. Leave your suggestions, as well, and we can mix and match and maybe come up with an alternate Top Ten. Peace. One Love.
I have observed Fall River from a street-level angle. The good. The bad. The people. The circus. You name it. I love where I'm from, and I do think our history, our culture, our architecture, and our location will eventually be used to its potential and begin to pay some much needed dividends.
I couldn't help but think about Fall River yesterday as I was walking through the great city of Providence, Rhode Island, going on approximately 20 different sales calls. From Downcity to Thayer Street to Atwells Ave to the Providence Place Mall, from spaghetti shops to strip joints, I was all over Providence. I couldn't help noticing a few things that Providence does that Fall River doesn't. Some are big; most are not. Some you need lots of money; others you don't. Here are my top ten things Fall River would be better served with if it emulated the city of Providence.
I know that we don't have an open check book, and I know how slow the wheels of beauracracy move, but with a little political grease, but with some creative people and a collective vision, it can be done. Don't get me wrong. Providence isn't a utopia. They have their zombies walking around and a dominating drug culture, but I think we all can agree they do a great job of celebrating their heritage and culture while also celebrating the new. Here goes. Top Ten in no specific order.
1. Street musicians - In my travels through Providence, I saw two saxophonists who were playing outside in business districts and two different bands playing in street squares in a festival/carnival-like atmosphere. It creates a good buzz, and people naturally gravitate to the music. Fall River certainly has its share of qualified, entertaining street musicians. All you have to do is go to the Belmont Club on a Monday night to figure that out.
2. Art work - Whether it's the spray painted mural on the bridge at Wickenden Street or the simple tile memorial structure outside the Westin Hotel, it is working for Providence. Less gray, more color - always works. We have numerous overpasses and blank walls that could use the creativity of local artists. Give them a canvass, and they may make you a masterpiece.
3. Venue - Providence has several: the Dunkin Donuts Center, the Convention Center, the PPAC, Lupo's, Trinity Rep, etc. We currently don't have a venue that could hold thousands of people for an event like a concert or play. We do, however, have the Narrows Center, an amazing story of artistic and musical birth that is a true hidden jewel in Fall River. I would like to see the city empower them, either through a parcel of land near the water or some of these empty buildings or mills and let them take their act to the next level. seriously, how difficult would it be to put an amphitheater near the waterfront? The Narrows would be an ideal fit to make sure it's managed and run efficiently to achieve to its next level.
4. Colleges instead of court houses - Although the downtown court house is an impressive building, I'd much rather see UMass Dartmouth, Roger Williams, or Johnson and Wales across the front instead of the "Fall River Justice Center." If we can do a sweet land deal for the court house downtown, it would only make sense to do it for the colleges and build on what UMass Dartmouth has already. Nothing like college students to pump a little energy and life into a place
5. Hotels - No one can question the demand for room space. A hotel in the waterfront or downtown Fall River would be able to sustain itself. We're not going to be a hotel mecca, but seeing what the LaFrance family has done in New Bedford and what the Karam family has done in Taunton and Middletown, it couldn't hurt to reach out to them or other successful businessmen to lay the groundwork for a hotel at a prime location.
6. Trolleys - All day in Providence, I saw these beautiful, old school trolleys driving through the city, and I couldn't help but think why Fall River doesn't utilize their trolleys more. When they are on the streets, it projects a vibrant city, one that's willing to support its revitalization plan. And they're aesthetically pleasing, as well. The city has them; it's time to start using them, especially at night in support of our fine restaurants and new arts and entertainment district.
7. Theaters - One of the most tragic mistakes in our city's history was the destroying of many downtown theaters. There is one left (the Capitol Theater), and we should do everything in our city's power, make every grant writer available at the disposal of the Viveiros family to rehabilitate the theater and make it an epicenter for arts in our downtown.
8. One magic retail attraction - And by magic, on a Fall River scale, I'm talking about a TJ Max or a Marshalls or something along that line for downtown. Again, the part would have to be sweetened to make it attractive to the business through land giveaways or tax deals. They bring good people willing to spend money at bargain prices. That's what we need to jumpstart our downtown economy. The spill-off would be tremendous.
9. Litter - Fall River has way too much of it. I see it every day in my travels. As the litter gets worse, the neighborhood gets worse. This problem definitely needs to be addressed. Quality of life issues are critical to bringing people to your city. Nobody wants to go play in the trash. One thing I saw in Providence was more trash recepticles on its streets. A one-time fixed cost of aquiring these trash bins and anchoring them down could prove to be a long-term benefit.
10. Bridges - Need I say any more? How quick did it take to build the iWay bridge and institute the new traffic plan in Providence? And how long has it taken for the fiasco known as the new Brightman Street Bridge (Veterans Memorial Bridge)? The iWay facilitates the traffic and makes it much easier to move around. A capital improvement done quickly and efficiently would do a lot to restore people's confidence in their state and federal governments.
So there you have it. As I said, some big, some not so big. But the cumulative effect would be a win-win for the city of Fall River. Leave your suggestions, as well, and we can mix and match and maybe come up with an alternate Top Ten. Peace. One Love.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
HATERS - noun - people that make up reasons to hate certain people just because they aren't as wealthy or successful as them. (UrbanDictionary.com)
I remember the frirst time I started hearing that word. It came from the hip hop movement of the 80s. It was basically describing a lot of the ill will and jealousies that many of the successful rappers felt back in their respective communities. Many of these rappers are from poor places that have the same socio-economic struggles and statistics that we have here in the SouthCoast. Because they had risen out and above the struggles of their community and had become successful and wealthy, they became a target for many of the people they live with. Because they are proud and most of them care about their community and have a long history of giving back, this jealousy and pettiness bothered them considerably. Now, the word "hater" has crossed all kinds of borders like many other trends associated with hip hop (ethnic, race, music, money, etc.)
The word is so commonly used now that it wouldn't phase me if I heard it from an eight-year-old or an 80-year-old. And for good reason - there are a hellofa lot of haters out there. They're insidious. They're everywhere - in every crack of the Internet, every social place, every dark cellar, every board room. Like the Urban Dictionary says, they hate because they are jealous, and they're not satisfied with their menial lives. So anybody who achieves success, makes money, distinguishes themselves, thinks out of the box, and tries to be creative, instantly becomes the target of these lowlives. These people who achieve find themselves under constant attack from the haters - whether it's on Internet message boards, in mindless social gossip, at the gym, at work, wherever. They're constantly hammering away and destroying from the core the success that they desperately envy.
Nowhere around here does that take place more than on the Internet boards of our local newspaper, The Herald News. It's funny - one of the favorite topics of this paper is to examine some of the worst neighborhoods and the dangerous effects of absentee landlords in the SouthCoast. Ironically, I feel the worst, most hateful neighborhood is the one that the Herald News is the landlord of - their own readers comments section - and they are most definitely absent.
Day after day, story after story, their own rules of no personal attacks, keeping the language civil, etc. are violated. Day after day, the filth and the slander is omnipresent. Whether it's me, a local politician, or a noted businessman, no person is righteous enough to be untouched, no cause is just enough to be safe. Everything and everybody is under constant personal attack. The results of this behavior aren't good - they are winning. The nasty, miserable, slanderous sonofabitches are winning.
But they are not winning with me.
This is something unfortunately I've grown up with. From getting booed at CYO games when I was eight, to where I am now, I am one of their favorite targets. Most people who know me know this: in some twisted chaotic way, it motivates me to do better. Without question, I have heard and talked to many good people who are reluctant to get involved in their community, are hestiant to get involved in politics, do something daring with their business, or get more entrepreneurial, because in this culture of hatred they will become the topic of the day for many of the hatlers. Their families and their friends will all be exposed to the nastiness and the filth.
To some people who are already successful, that is too big a price to pay. The next time the Herald does a story of a bad neighborhood or an absentee landlord, tell them to look in the mirror and clean up the property that they control, as well, because they are responsible for the worst neighborhood in Fall River, and they are the absentee landlord.
I remember the frirst time I started hearing that word. It came from the hip hop movement of the 80s. It was basically describing a lot of the ill will and jealousies that many of the successful rappers felt back in their respective communities. Many of these rappers are from poor places that have the same socio-economic struggles and statistics that we have here in the SouthCoast. Because they had risen out and above the struggles of their community and had become successful and wealthy, they became a target for many of the people they live with. Because they are proud and most of them care about their community and have a long history of giving back, this jealousy and pettiness bothered them considerably. Now, the word "hater" has crossed all kinds of borders like many other trends associated with hip hop (ethnic, race, music, money, etc.)
The word is so commonly used now that it wouldn't phase me if I heard it from an eight-year-old or an 80-year-old. And for good reason - there are a hellofa lot of haters out there. They're insidious. They're everywhere - in every crack of the Internet, every social place, every dark cellar, every board room. Like the Urban Dictionary says, they hate because they are jealous, and they're not satisfied with their menial lives. So anybody who achieves success, makes money, distinguishes themselves, thinks out of the box, and tries to be creative, instantly becomes the target of these lowlives. These people who achieve find themselves under constant attack from the haters - whether it's on Internet message boards, in mindless social gossip, at the gym, at work, wherever. They're constantly hammering away and destroying from the core the success that they desperately envy.
Nowhere around here does that take place more than on the Internet boards of our local newspaper, The Herald News. It's funny - one of the favorite topics of this paper is to examine some of the worst neighborhoods and the dangerous effects of absentee landlords in the SouthCoast. Ironically, I feel the worst, most hateful neighborhood is the one that the Herald News is the landlord of - their own readers comments section - and they are most definitely absent.
Day after day, story after story, their own rules of no personal attacks, keeping the language civil, etc. are violated. Day after day, the filth and the slander is omnipresent. Whether it's me, a local politician, or a noted businessman, no person is righteous enough to be untouched, no cause is just enough to be safe. Everything and everybody is under constant personal attack. The results of this behavior aren't good - they are winning. The nasty, miserable, slanderous sonofabitches are winning.
But they are not winning with me.
This is something unfortunately I've grown up with. From getting booed at CYO games when I was eight, to where I am now, I am one of their favorite targets. Most people who know me know this: in some twisted chaotic way, it motivates me to do better. Without question, I have heard and talked to many good people who are reluctant to get involved in their community, are hestiant to get involved in politics, do something daring with their business, or get more entrepreneurial, because in this culture of hatred they will become the topic of the day for many of the hatlers. Their families and their friends will all be exposed to the nastiness and the filth.
To some people who are already successful, that is too big a price to pay. The next time the Herald does a story of a bad neighborhood or an absentee landlord, tell them to look in the mirror and clean up the property that they control, as well, because they are responsible for the worst neighborhood in Fall River, and they are the absentee landlord.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Meeting at the Office
The fruits of our hard work in finding the studio immediately began to pay off. It wasn't long before we started bringing certain people of interest by the studio and began to explain to them what our entire mission was for starting this radio station. The idea of Internet radio is so conceptual and difficult for people to get their minds around, that having a tangible base of operations that was as impressive and attractive as this studio was critical in our early development.
When people started coming by the studio, they were instantly impressed. It's difficult not to be. With the huge picture windows facing South Main Street, the built-in recording booth, and the multi-layered conference room with roof access, this studio could easily be located in the East Village of New York and fit right in. The only difference is that it would be tens of thousands of dollars a month for rent. We're certainly not paying that here.
Once we acquired the studio, it served as a critical meeting place and gave us instant credibility. It became a functioning work environment. The first real example of that was our ads on Craigslist. The first were for Fall River, New Bedford, and Brockton; second were for Cape Cod; and the third were for Providence. The response was fantastic - potential talk show hosts, advertisers, and people looking for promotional work all came through. We had cold beverages and - some of Fall River's finest food - Marzilli's grinders for everyone.
With the radio station broadcasting then in Joe Correia's studio basement, it was important that we had this studio as a showpiece for poeple looking to get involved. We were honest and upfront to all interested that we couldn't pay anyone's salary. But for people interested in hosting a talk show, if we liked them and saw them as a benefit, then they'd have an opportunity on our station. For sales people, we started out giving them 30% for any advertising revenue they brought in. For potential hosts, it was about opportunity; for sales people, it was about commission. That was enough (thank God). We currently have sales people working for us now from those ads. Our talk show line-up has been filled from 7am - 7pm Monday - Friday with people who have also responded.
Our ads on Craigslist were different. We stated that we couldn't pay, but you would have the opportunity to make money. We also stated that no squares need apply. We need a loose, creative, and tolerant environment at Hurricaneradio.net, and we made that perfectly clear to those interested.
I think you will enjoy our daily talk line-up, and you'll be impressed with our eye for talent and our ability to convince people to believe in our mission. I can promise you one thing: we will be good from the start, and we will get better every day, every month, and every year. There will be no half-steppin' at Hurricaneradio.net.
When people started coming by the studio, they were instantly impressed. It's difficult not to be. With the huge picture windows facing South Main Street, the built-in recording booth, and the multi-layered conference room with roof access, this studio could easily be located in the East Village of New York and fit right in. The only difference is that it would be tens of thousands of dollars a month for rent. We're certainly not paying that here.
Once we acquired the studio, it served as a critical meeting place and gave us instant credibility. It became a functioning work environment. The first real example of that was our ads on Craigslist. The first were for Fall River, New Bedford, and Brockton; second were for Cape Cod; and the third were for Providence. The response was fantastic - potential talk show hosts, advertisers, and people looking for promotional work all came through. We had cold beverages and - some of Fall River's finest food - Marzilli's grinders for everyone.
With the radio station broadcasting then in Joe Correia's studio basement, it was important that we had this studio as a showpiece for poeple looking to get involved. We were honest and upfront to all interested that we couldn't pay anyone's salary. But for people interested in hosting a talk show, if we liked them and saw them as a benefit, then they'd have an opportunity on our station. For sales people, we started out giving them 30% for any advertising revenue they brought in. For potential hosts, it was about opportunity; for sales people, it was about commission. That was enough (thank God). We currently have sales people working for us now from those ads. Our talk show line-up has been filled from 7am - 7pm Monday - Friday with people who have also responded.
Our ads on Craigslist were different. We stated that we couldn't pay, but you would have the opportunity to make money. We also stated that no squares need apply. We need a loose, creative, and tolerant environment at Hurricaneradio.net, and we made that perfectly clear to those interested.
I think you will enjoy our daily talk line-up, and you'll be impressed with our eye for talent and our ability to convince people to believe in our mission. I can promise you one thing: we will be good from the start, and we will get better every day, every month, and every year. There will be no half-steppin' at Hurricaneradio.net.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Chase
The interesting thing is that a lot of people have made their minds up about me. Either you love me, or you hate me, and there usually isn't much middle ground. Most of my friends I have known for a long, long time (and I mean a long time), and my friend Brian Viana certainly is one of them. Brian was one of the first people I talked about Internet radio with years back and most recently. Anybody in Southeastern Mass who has ever owned two turntables and a microphone knows exactly who Brian is. He was DJing and spinning hip hop music when shell toes and Kangols first became cool in the early 80s, and he's been involved in the industry ever since. I've known Brian for 33 years. We lived in the Fordney Street housing project together, and myself, him, and his older brother Jim walked to school everyday together.
Those are the ties that bind, and with Brian as eager and ambitious as he was to get the Internet radio station up and running, his energy rubbed off on me, and we were knee-deep chasing this deal less than 48 hours after my incarceration ended. The deal made a lot of sense: I would be responsible for the talk component and the majority of the advertising sales, and Brian would take care of the music end with all of the artists and DJs he was working with around the country.
A friend of Brian's by the name of Joe Correia would handle the tech. side of it. It's funny - when you meet people and talk about going into business with them, there are many dynamics you have to take into consideration, and the majority of time, it just doesn't work. But instantly, after meeting Joe, I really liked the way he had about him: a quiet confidence, a warm personality, and, as I was about to find out, a huge work ethic. The technical end of this deal is critical; without Joe, there is no deal. I certainly didn't have the resources to pay him the fair market value, but, as I learned from Brian, he was passionate about this venture, as well, as he was starting his own business that had certain components of this project in it.
After meeting with Joe, we quickly organized a meeting at my house on Bond Street. It was Brian, Joe, myself, my friend Scott Bazinet, my brother Christopher, and my good friend Pete Daley. The meeting went extremely well, and the vibe in the room was real nice. It was clear that everyone involved brought specific assets and unique skill sets to this Internet radio idea. It was in that room that we charted a course and put together a plan of action that, for the most part, we have adhered to consistently up until this very day. What we didn't have in capital we had in commitment. It wasn't the legal ties that bound it; it was our friendship and family ties. We have been working the deal diligently ever since.
It wasn't long after this meeting that Hurricaneradio.net became a reality. The momentum I had from my writing while incarcerated translated into real tangible momentum out on the street. Soon the deal started taking place, and the dominoes began to fall.
Originally, we had planned on operating out of a nice storefront on 64 North Main Street, splitting the office with the SouthCoast United basketball team. When the basketball team didn't materialize with the finances not matching up, there was a mad scramble to find a suitable location for our radio station. As soon as we realized we couldn't stay at 64 North Main, we began working feverishly to find a new place.
It was hazy, hot, and humid, and the heat was literally on. I must have looked at over 20 places that day. From Plymouth Avenue to Pleasant Street, from North to South Main Street, from the Historical District to the Arts Overlay District, there was nothing that fit our needs or price constraints. Emotionally and physically drained from a high-pressure day, I asked my good friend Pete Daley to go by one more location. We did, driving by it twice, and took the wrong number down from the "For Rent" sign in the window. Instead of calling it a day, as most would have, I pleaded with Pete to turn around and go back one last time. It was then I got the correct number, made the phone call, and was able to see the office space available.
It was the last rock we had turned over. It was that little extra effort. It was that desperate commitment, with your ass on the line and your back against the wall that brought us to 227 South Main Street, a site that housed a former recording studio.
As soon as we walked in, all of our anxiousness began to ease as we instantly knew this was the place. From the built-in recording studio to the high ceilings to the hard-wood floors to the New York loft-style, we had stumbled on a prime space just across the street from the new Fall River Justice Center. Ironic, isn't it?
Negotiations went easy with the landlord. I was able to get two months of free rent, and before we left that day, the "For Rent" signs were down, I had a key in my pocket, and we were ready to make the magic happen. After the landlord left, I remember sitting and sweating, looking at Pete with a huge smirk on my face, we had accomplished something special today - we didn't give in, refused to lose, and kept working until eventually that hard work paid off.
It was our commitment, our grind, and our character that brought us to this place. We could have easily put it off until another place. Again, it's that extra commitment that made the difference.
They say that the miracle happens in the last five minutes. Well, that miracle happened for us that day, and it was definitely in the last five minutes.
Stay tuned for more...
Those are the ties that bind, and with Brian as eager and ambitious as he was to get the Internet radio station up and running, his energy rubbed off on me, and we were knee-deep chasing this deal less than 48 hours after my incarceration ended. The deal made a lot of sense: I would be responsible for the talk component and the majority of the advertising sales, and Brian would take care of the music end with all of the artists and DJs he was working with around the country.
A friend of Brian's by the name of Joe Correia would handle the tech. side of it. It's funny - when you meet people and talk about going into business with them, there are many dynamics you have to take into consideration, and the majority of time, it just doesn't work. But instantly, after meeting Joe, I really liked the way he had about him: a quiet confidence, a warm personality, and, as I was about to find out, a huge work ethic. The technical end of this deal is critical; without Joe, there is no deal. I certainly didn't have the resources to pay him the fair market value, but, as I learned from Brian, he was passionate about this venture, as well, as he was starting his own business that had certain components of this project in it.
After meeting with Joe, we quickly organized a meeting at my house on Bond Street. It was Brian, Joe, myself, my friend Scott Bazinet, my brother Christopher, and my good friend Pete Daley. The meeting went extremely well, and the vibe in the room was real nice. It was clear that everyone involved brought specific assets and unique skill sets to this Internet radio idea. It was in that room that we charted a course and put together a plan of action that, for the most part, we have adhered to consistently up until this very day. What we didn't have in capital we had in commitment. It wasn't the legal ties that bound it; it was our friendship and family ties. We have been working the deal diligently ever since.
It wasn't long after this meeting that Hurricaneradio.net became a reality. The momentum I had from my writing while incarcerated translated into real tangible momentum out on the street. Soon the deal started taking place, and the dominoes began to fall.
Originally, we had planned on operating out of a nice storefront on 64 North Main Street, splitting the office with the SouthCoast United basketball team. When the basketball team didn't materialize with the finances not matching up, there was a mad scramble to find a suitable location for our radio station. As soon as we realized we couldn't stay at 64 North Main, we began working feverishly to find a new place.
It was hazy, hot, and humid, and the heat was literally on. I must have looked at over 20 places that day. From Plymouth Avenue to Pleasant Street, from North to South Main Street, from the Historical District to the Arts Overlay District, there was nothing that fit our needs or price constraints. Emotionally and physically drained from a high-pressure day, I asked my good friend Pete Daley to go by one more location. We did, driving by it twice, and took the wrong number down from the "For Rent" sign in the window. Instead of calling it a day, as most would have, I pleaded with Pete to turn around and go back one last time. It was then I got the correct number, made the phone call, and was able to see the office space available.
It was the last rock we had turned over. It was that little extra effort. It was that desperate commitment, with your ass on the line and your back against the wall that brought us to 227 South Main Street, a site that housed a former recording studio.
As soon as we walked in, all of our anxiousness began to ease as we instantly knew this was the place. From the built-in recording studio to the high ceilings to the hard-wood floors to the New York loft-style, we had stumbled on a prime space just across the street from the new Fall River Justice Center. Ironic, isn't it?
Negotiations went easy with the landlord. I was able to get two months of free rent, and before we left that day, the "For Rent" signs were down, I had a key in my pocket, and we were ready to make the magic happen. After the landlord left, I remember sitting and sweating, looking at Pete with a huge smirk on my face, we had accomplished something special today - we didn't give in, refused to lose, and kept working until eventually that hard work paid off.
It was our commitment, our grind, and our character that brought us to this place. We could have easily put it off until another place. Again, it's that extra commitment that made the difference.
They say that the miracle happens in the last five minutes. Well, that miracle happened for us that day, and it was definitely in the last five minutes.
Stay tuned for more...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
HurricaneRadio - The Early, Early Days
The circumstances behind Hurricaneradio.net are so unique that it's difficult to put into words.
Originally, the concept of Internet radio was introduced to me by a handful of good friends already very successful in the media industry. They told me that Internet radio is the future of the industry, and they're right. They told me, why pigeon-hole your audience to the length of your broadcast signal? And they're right. They told me that I was bigger and better than WSAR. That, however, remains to be seen. I'd be lying if I said the road to this deal has been easy. The natural obstacles of capital, creating a team, assembling talent - all of it has been challenging. Also, the personal obstacles that I have encountered have made it more difficult, more stressful, and more challenging.
When the SouthCoast United basketball team and the dream of bringing a minor-league sports franchise to the city of Fall River wasn't going to happen this year due to structural financial changes in the league's policy, I looked around and realized that I better get another plan and get it fast. I was unemployed, incarcerated, and the pressures and bills were mounting. I was also running out of time and chances. While sitting in an 8 x 10 cell in the Ash Street Jail, I decided to use the 23 hours a day I was locked up to come up with, resurrect, and create the business plan for Hurricaneradio.net.
Time is your enemy when you are incarcerated, and if you don't deal with that time in a productive manner, it will beat up and depress the biggest and baddest of men. I found solace and tranquility - believe it or not - in that cell. I also found a focus and determination at a level I hadn't reached in a long time. I realized the odds were against me - the looming doubt of public perception and all the haters who said this was nothing but a pipe dream. But I kept my eyes on the prize and during that week in jail, I was able to write the business plan down and visualize effectuating it.
It's ironic that I lost my job at WSAR for my harsh critique of Sheriff Tom "Hard-Time" Hodgson's policies and yet it was his lonely dark cell that Inmate #10162 (AKA The Hurricane) gave birth to this dream of owning and operating this Internet radio station. I managed somehow to turn that dark place into an incubator of thoughts and ideas, and when the shackles came off and I got my freedom back, I hit the ground running - running for my life and running right into this dream. Full speed ahead.
More to come tomorrow...
Originally, the concept of Internet radio was introduced to me by a handful of good friends already very successful in the media industry. They told me that Internet radio is the future of the industry, and they're right. They told me, why pigeon-hole your audience to the length of your broadcast signal? And they're right. They told me that I was bigger and better than WSAR. That, however, remains to be seen. I'd be lying if I said the road to this deal has been easy. The natural obstacles of capital, creating a team, assembling talent - all of it has been challenging. Also, the personal obstacles that I have encountered have made it more difficult, more stressful, and more challenging.
When the SouthCoast United basketball team and the dream of bringing a minor-league sports franchise to the city of Fall River wasn't going to happen this year due to structural financial changes in the league's policy, I looked around and realized that I better get another plan and get it fast. I was unemployed, incarcerated, and the pressures and bills were mounting. I was also running out of time and chances. While sitting in an 8 x 10 cell in the Ash Street Jail, I decided to use the 23 hours a day I was locked up to come up with, resurrect, and create the business plan for Hurricaneradio.net.
Time is your enemy when you are incarcerated, and if you don't deal with that time in a productive manner, it will beat up and depress the biggest and baddest of men. I found solace and tranquility - believe it or not - in that cell. I also found a focus and determination at a level I hadn't reached in a long time. I realized the odds were against me - the looming doubt of public perception and all the haters who said this was nothing but a pipe dream. But I kept my eyes on the prize and during that week in jail, I was able to write the business plan down and visualize effectuating it.
It's ironic that I lost my job at WSAR for my harsh critique of Sheriff Tom "Hard-Time" Hodgson's policies and yet it was his lonely dark cell that Inmate #10162 (AKA The Hurricane) gave birth to this dream of owning and operating this Internet radio station. I managed somehow to turn that dark place into an incubator of thoughts and ideas, and when the shackles came off and I got my freedom back, I hit the ground running - running for my life and running right into this dream. Full speed ahead.
More to come tomorrow...
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