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1

Location was only one small problem with the parade. SOAP needs the overhaul.

Posted by monkey | February 23, 2007 10:32 AM
2

I so can't go back to that crappy little trot down Broadway. I just can't. It's like eating kobe beef and being told that I only get beef jerky. Maybe now that it was a huge success, they can get Budweiser and Microsoft back, and pull in a few others as well, particularly given how poorly attended and crappy the Broadway parade was last year.

Posted by Gitai | February 23, 2007 10:33 AM
3

i love beef jerky!

Posted by beef, it's what's for dinner | February 23, 2007 10:42 AM
4

i love beef jerky!

Posted by beef, it's what's for dinner | February 23, 2007 10:42 AM
5

i love beef jerky!

Posted by beef, it's what's for dinner | February 23, 2007 10:42 AM
6

That would indicate that SOAP needs to get itself, uh, reorganized. Yet with the success of the initial downtown parade last year, the City's and Sea Ctr's best bet is to support downtown Pride. Anyone who was on the fence about supporting it last year will only help this year's event be a much bigger success. Pre-nup it with a payment plan.

Posted by Lloyd Clydesdale | February 23, 2007 10:49 AM
7

We as a community need to get behind this FREE event that we enjoy every year. There are 8 people on the Pride board - ALL VOLUNTEER, I might add. Everyone wants to enjoy it and then criticize it for not being what they want it to be. I was appaled to read that the donations from last year totalled $121, given the HUGE turnout.

Posted by The Artful Dodger | February 23, 2007 11:07 AM
8

Seattle Center Costs $45,000 a day.
Its a city park -right? Thats crazy I want that Job-

Posted by ProudMary | February 23, 2007 11:08 AM
9

Front page of Wednesdays Seattle Times - Bumbershoot signs Deal with AEG Live.
They took in at least $3 million from ticket sales ($25 each) last year (not counting sponsors) and only made $200,000 profit.
They lost $300,000 in 2005.
What gives? - How much did Seattle Center make off them?

Posted by Pirate Pride | February 23, 2007 11:17 AM
10

The stuff at Seattle Center was great last year, but the parade itself was a mess. Too bad, because I think we all really wanted Pride to succeed. And after witnessing the rampant disorganization last year, I have to say I'm not totally surprised that the organizers didn't get the bills paid.

Posted by GrammarCop | February 23, 2007 11:24 AM
11

I must disagree GrammarCop: the wider streets, the thematic off-hill presence in "mainstream" downtown, the longer route--all made for a better parade last June. The Center is a superior space for the festival compared to Volunteer Park. Last year truly was a rebirth, now it's a matter of growing pains. Pull it together, "community," please...

Posted by andy niable | February 23, 2007 11:30 AM
12

A hundred twenty-one bucks? That's insane.

You'd be surprised at all the expenses with running a big event. Insurance, for one thing; I'll bet Bumbershoot pays close to fifty grand for it. Large-scale event organizers get paid pretty well, too, and they're worth it. And there's lots of staff (qualified stage riggers don't volunteer), and the acts to pay.

Posted by Fnarf | February 23, 2007 11:35 AM
13

Get Budweiser and Microsoft back?
Where did they Go?

Posted by Large Marge | February 23, 2007 11:38 AM
14

Grammar Cop - what did you do to help?
Were you one of the 8 volunteers who was the "rampant disorganization", or were you one of the donors who put in $121 dollars?

Sounds like Seattle Pride did a great job. Can you imagine what would happen if we all helped out!
Sign me up!

Posted by ProudMary | February 23, 2007 11:45 AM
15

Is SOAP a 501(c)3? Can it solicit donations from some of those rich gay people we have around here to pay off this debt?

Posted by beef, it's what's for dinner | February 23, 2007 11:48 AM
16

It seems like all of these gay organizations -- SOAP, ERW, Hands off Washington, etc. -- eventually succumb to disorganization via sniping.

Maybe it's time the gays considered hiring a str8 person who can organize and motivate the minions. Someone like the Rev. Ken Hutcherson?

Posted by beef, it's what's for dinner | February 23, 2007 11:51 AM
17
Can it solicit donations ... ?

No, it cannot.

Posted by H0RAT!0SANZSER!F | February 23, 2007 11:57 AM
18

Budweiser (K&L Distributors) and Microsoft decided to put there money elsewhere thanks to the controversy and pressure from businesses on the Hill (read bars) and I have a feeling that after last years event being successful - at least in terms of turnout- they will rethink their sponsorship position.

Posted by Johnny Quest | February 23, 2007 12:05 PM
19

I just did some fact finding.
Seattle Pride is probably the Largest Pride in the country with an ALL VOLUNTEER Effort.
NO PAID STAFF! - What Gives Seattle?
Does The Pride Foundation have paid staff? Does the LGBT Center have paid staff?
Does the GSBA have Paid Staff?
Does LifeLong Aids Have paid staff?
Does Verbena Have Paid Staff?
Pride should be given an award for their efforts, I wouldn't do it! Oh Neither do any of you.

Posted by Large Marge | February 23, 2007 12:06 PM
20

uh, isn't kind of ridiculous that Seattle Pride is such a slip shod/slap dash, amateur hour, BORING event? Seattle is a big city and should have a respectable Pride... Someone needs to go visit the San Francisco and Los Angeles Pride Committees to learn how to organize a professional organization to put on a SMALLER SCALE version of those festivals that is actually fun and creative...Or for that matter, go and copy the Fremont Solstice folks...they do an incredible job on a relatively small budget AND do it in a creative and socially responsible way...PLUS they have naked people!! The wimps at Pride whine they have to make sure the Parade and Festival are 'suitable for everyone'...WHY?!?!? The Fremont Solstice event is edgy, yet except for the obligatory handful of prudes who gripe about it, it's not a big deal...and thousands of families attend it every year!!!

Posted by michael strangeways | February 23, 2007 12:07 PM
21

The LGBT Community Center DOES have paid staff...ONE, the fabulous Shannon Thomas...

Posted by michael strangeways | February 23, 2007 12:10 PM
22

Michael Strangeways, are you aware that Christopher Street West (LA Pride) charges roughly $20 just to get in? Can you imagine the bitching that would go on here if they announced a $20 Pride ticket price here? Really? Come on... Sounds to me like you should just schedule a trip elsewhere in June....

Posted by Johnny Quest | February 23, 2007 12:12 PM
23

Michael Strangeways, are you aware that Christopher Street West (LA Pride) charges roughly $20 just to get in? Can you imagine the bitching that would go on if they announced a $20 Pride ticket price here? Really? Come on... Sounds to me like you should just schedule a trip elsewhere in June....

Posted by Johnny Quest | February 23, 2007 12:13 PM
24

To clarify: they CAN solicit donations (anybody can), but those donations are not tax-deductible for the donors.

I don't see how they can have a parade this year. They still owe $100,000 for last year? How's that going to work? June is only four months away. They need an angel.

Posted by Fnarf | February 23, 2007 12:14 PM
25

Michael - check out the Solstice Web page they have 51 sponsors - I guess you can do a lot with 51 sponsors huh.

Posted by ProudMary | February 23, 2007 12:15 PM
26

the people who think major corporations will give to an organization who is deep in debt, has no accounting, no plan that is more the hope and "hail mary" --- you all are dreamers that have never asked for money

SOAP needs to declare bankruptcy and get out of the way -- at their Sunday last board meeting they admitted for the first time they have lost money for the past two years, even on the hill, and owe 40,000 in addition to the center bills, and no real bookkeeping for three years.....hmmmmm

so SOAP is broke, deep in debt for a small one event group of not so smart volunteers - you all rush to them with your giant checks.

Posted by caleb | February 23, 2007 12:17 PM
27

Speaking of the LGBT Center -
They're another indication of lack of support from our community. Its not just Pride. The LGBT Center is Great and so is Shannon but they don't own their building they struggle with donations. Why can't Seattle support our organizations better?

Posted by Pirate Pride | February 23, 2007 12:20 PM
28

I have to say the downtown parade will probably be a one time deal. Who wants to pay $100,000.00 for what Seattle calls a Gay Pride Parade?? Besides, everyone knows the only part of Pride Weekend is the massive sex that happens from Friday through Monday. Who cares about the parade!!!!

So my plan is we have a Gay Orgy Weekend!!! That's right! Screw the parade, let's have 4 days and nights of non stop edgy safe sex!!!!

Posted by Andrew | February 23, 2007 12:21 PM
29
Can it solicit donations ... ?

No, it cannot.

OK, it cannot, like, realistically.

Whatevs, bros. Let's just move the parade to downtown Bothell, for a day or a lifetime?


Posted by H0R@T!0S@NZSER!F | February 23, 2007 12:21 PM
30

Again with the negative criticism... I wonder what your role has been in putting this event together. If you're 'so smart' why aren't you on their board?

Posted by Johnny Quest | February 23, 2007 12:22 PM
31


Caleb

"Not so smart volunteers"
- what have you done to help?
I'll bet you took part for free last year didn't you? Or did you sit up on the hill where your little world rotates.

Posted by ProudMary | February 23, 2007 12:23 PM
32

Crap if everyone stuck just $3 damned dollars in the donation boxes they'd have the debt paid for -
What you can't give up your tall latte's for a day?

Posted by Large Marge | February 23, 2007 12:28 PM
33

I hope SOAP pulls it together and that the sponsors that stayed away last year will jump on this year.

The City and Seattle Center should support the sophmore effort and help these guys unravel their apparent newcomer problems.

The parade / weekend was a successful and well-attended event and made solid gay strides into Seattle's mainstream in the process.

Posted by Lloyd Clydesdale | February 23, 2007 12:45 PM
34

uh, I think a lot of people WOULD pay $20 for PART of the festival. Thousands of people pay big money to enter the on street parties the bars throw on the Hill...Obviously, the parade is free and part of the festival has to be free, but why not book some big name acts and charge the big bucks for that to help offset the cost of the free stuff? And Solstice IS free, and it's a helluva lot better than Pride...

Posted by michael strangeways | February 23, 2007 12:46 PM
35

The underlying problem here is with the Parks Department and the Special Events Committee – it is only coincidentally about SOAP or the Seattle Center.

Despite City laws that require permit applications to be processed quickly and a State Constitution that requires public spaces be available for free speech events, organizers applying for free-speech event permits, which pay no park usage fees, are sent through a labyrinthine process of meetings and disclosures that are virtually impossible to meet in time to hold an annual event. Many end up threatening lawsuits or suing for their permit, or they fold.

The outgoing Parks Superintendent, Ken Bounds, is only indirectly involved in issuing permits but is the man behind the curtain holding them back. His efforts to build ball fields are admirable but his disregard for political events tarnish his reputation. In 2002, he prevented Pride from expanding their full plans in Volunteer Park for two days or setting up a beer garden, like those at Fourth of July celebrations that are also free-speech events, by claiming it is a neighborhood park but not a destination park. He also tried to limit Hempfest to one day and prevented Hempfest from moving up to the Capitol Hill venue insisting that, despite the zillion nearby bus lines and virtually unfettered street access, that there wasn’t enough room for emergency vehicles to have safe access.

The arguments might seem plausible unless you delve deeper and determine that Bounds is perfectly willing to allow permits for less-visible parks with even more limited access, such as Magnuson (where events go to die) or Myrtle Edwards (where park officials are currently colluding with SAM’s Olympic Sculpture Park to narrow the entrance of the venue to 15 feet, thereby preventing large events the access required to meet the safety requirements of a Special Event – more on this in a few weeks). There are no other viable public venues for large-scale free-speech events in central Seattle.

Meanwhile, Special Event Committee Chair Virginia Swanson aggressively encourages event organizers to move their events to the privately managed Seattle Center, where she doesn’t have to deal with them. But that venue – exempt from obligations to waive permit fees and other costs -- requires organizers who typically use volunteers to instead pay expensive union labor wages to much of the technical staff.

In a nutshell, events are constricted in their scope and processed to death, or forced to move to Seattle Center where they die in debt. It’s the high cost of free speech in Seattle.

The solution: We need a thorough audit of the Special Event Committee, as proposed by Peter Steinbrueck last year after the City narrowly avoided a lawsuit from Hempfest, and modify the process of the unaccountable Special Events Committee to adhere to the Seattle event law, and the State and federal Constitutions. The right to free speech should not be granted only to those who can shell out a half-million bucks, nor those with the legal means to sue the City when they don’t issue a permit. Currently, Hempfest, Seattle’s other big free speech event, may either have to sue the City for access to their historic waterfront venue or move to Seattle Center and risk suffering the same fate as Pride. Say tuned.

Posted by Dominic Holden | February 23, 2007 12:52 PM
36

I see that the Pride Board has hired a professional firm to handle sponsors.
The Times Article also quotes them as saying - "they are going to pay their bill". This group sounds fearless to me - I want to help! BUT I think someone really needs to ask the City why it takes $95,000+ of Union Labor to put on a free festival - Why aren't we grilling Seattle Center - they work for us!
They do it full time. What kind of salaries are they pulling down over there?

Posted by News Flash | February 23, 2007 12:56 PM
37

Just to set the record straight:
-The Times did not break the SOAP story, the Seattle Gay News did, in their Feb. 16 issue-check out wwww.sgn.org. There will no doubt be a followup story this week, as well, also, no doubt it will have the whole story, not just SOAP's lawyer's version (who seems to have a problem with the Dykes On Bikes' exposed nipples).

Posted by ariesgirl | February 23, 2007 12:57 PM
38

The SGN - now theres a model of a community business. Lets see they have cigarette ads, bar ads, escort ads. What have they done for you lately? Finally we have a Pride Event in downtown and at Seattle Center - why can't we have a decent paper? Oh we do... the Stranger.

Posted by Large Marge | February 23, 2007 1:11 PM
39

"hemp fest the same fate as pride"

rumors on the street is using the term embezzlement about Pride

you have embezzlement problems at hempfest, dominic?

no money, no body can answer where it went, no bookkeeping - is it not a wonder SOAP has no credibility at this time

8 volunteers, wrong -- hundreds and hundreds day of the event, I have been one for years

Soap charged 1,000.00 for commercial entry to be in the parade and 500.00 to gay businesses

sold over 30,000 in booth spaces to business and non profits

where DID all the money go? the first question

eight month after last year Pride, finally owned up to their deep, deep fiscal mess - great strategy to keep your credibility intact

Posted by eric | February 23, 2007 1:19 PM
40

Large Marjorie -

Are you saying there are no whore ads in the Stranger and no bar ads and no ciggie ads?

Honey you are blind - I read both.

Posted by Freddy | February 23, 2007 1:23 PM
41

Screw the Center - why can't we have the parade downtown and the party up on the hill? Close off Broadway and turn it into the Pride Street Fair the day of the Pride march.

Posted by CrazyCatGuy | February 23, 2007 1:23 PM
42

Pride had about 75 volunteers last year - not hundreds, and if Bumbershoot charges $25 a ticket - took in $3million last year and only turned a $200,000 profit. No wonder Pride only lost $100,000.

Posted by Pirate Pride | February 23, 2007 1:25 PM
43

Freddy - For sure the Stranger has all the goods but the news print doesn't rub off on me like the SGN!

Posted by Large Marge | February 23, 2007 1:28 PM
44

Oh. fucking. please.
So, the S-----r NEVER runs cigarette ads, bar ads, escort ads, ad nauseaum, pages upon pages,essentially burying anything of any substance, every fucking week? The S-----r does not give a rusty fuck in hell about the GLBT community, and never has. Unless there's muck to be raked, the gay community of Seattle is a source of income, and nothing else. They took up the cause of Downtown Pride several years ago, even tried to make ut happen-until they found out how expensive it was, and how much work it was. So, little more was said til last year, when they became sponsors, and ran that butt-ugly ad for the downtown Pride.
Sorry if the SGN doesn't dig up enough dirt to suit ya'll, but a "decent" newspaper is just that-DECENT. Meaning ethical, factual, unbiased-while it's hard as hell for any news vendor to be completely unbiased, the SGN has done a far better job of actual news reportage for about 2 decades longer than the S----r has been in existence. Sorry if the only thing that galvanizes you is muck-raking, smart-assed, high school cool kid negativity. But then, actually affecting change as opposed to bitching and moaning is soooo boring, sooo sixties, right?

Posted by ariesgirl | February 23, 2007 1:31 PM
45

Aries Girl,

You're starting to sound like one of Shannons minions.....

Posted by Large Marge | February 23, 2007 1:43 PM
46

*Whew* apologies, all, for getting off-message, but she started it.

But the fact remains that neither the Stranger or the Times or anyone else has been following the SOAP story, and the SGN has. And that is what a responsible, responsive community paper does. Period. And I'm out.

Posted by ariesgirl | February 23, 2007 1:45 PM
47

Start the parade downtown and move it up to end East of Broadway or go all the way up to Volunteer Park. Broadway or 15th could be closed from Pike or Pine to Roy Street, like they close the Ave for the the University Street Fair.

The East/West crossings at Pine and at John can remain open for traffic and transit.

Posted by elswinger | February 23, 2007 1:57 PM
48

Eric @39 - No, Hempfest does not have embezzlement problems.

Elswinger @47 - That would be nice, but it is unlikely the City would issue such a permit without getting sued, even though your proposal is perfectly reasonable.

Posted by Dominic Holden | February 23, 2007 2:04 PM
49

@37: I don't have any problems with the Dykes on Bikes or their nipples. The event accomodates the Dykes on Bikes (as it always has) and accomodates kids as well with a variety of events. The community (and hence the event) is a spectrum of people from a variety of backgrounds. That's what I said and that's what was reported in The Times.

By the way, I encourage everyone to come to the open public meetings that are held regarding the event. It would be great if more people would come and voice their opinions, support, concerns and dislikes. For more info check out www.seattlepride.org

Posted by Dave Coffman | February 23, 2007 2:35 PM
50

"I think someone really needs to ask the City why it takes $95,000+ of Union Labor to put on a free festival"

Uh, let's see... security, janitorial, landscaping, set-up and tear-down, clerical. The center is a large place where big-time events happen. Those people deserve to be paid a decent wage, regardless if the cause is politically correct. Would you want them to donate their time?

Posted by Give me a break | February 23, 2007 2:37 PM
51

uh, yeah, I immediately turn to the SGN for hard hitting, late breaking, well written news stories....

BUT, they do get props for writing about it first and the Stranger HAS dropped the ball on it...

we gotta get the joystick/Nascar guy to start whining about it...

AND you can't throw the homophobic flag at the Stranger...everyone there, including the 'str8' people, are gayer than the mayor of McGayville...

Posted by michael strangeways | February 23, 2007 2:41 PM
52

The SGN has fucked over more members of "the gay community" than the Stranger has ever ignored or irritated. Talk to the SGN's gay writers who have to race their paychecks to the bank so the meth-heads in charge don't get to the payroll money first...

Posted by TheTruth | February 23, 2007 2:54 PM
53

The Truth - above

You are so full of shit you squeak.

I own the SGN, lock stock and barrel, and run it. There are no methheads here, none. And I don't do any drugs as anyone who knows me knows well.

All staff are paid on time, and SGN has had solid finaces for the past five or six years.

I really don't know what the hell you are talking about.

Fucked over who? We have routine bills, including payroll, paid on time.

George Bakan

And the Pride discussions are important - even if difficult. Had to happen, and yes, SGN broke the story about SOAP's debt in a factual, precise, well edited story.

Onward.

Posted by George Bakan | February 23, 2007 3:23 PM
54

so SGN prowls Slog...

i wonder if the Stranger is prowling over at SGN?

and how come you never see Dan Savage and Mom/Mark Finley in the same room together at the same time?!?!?!?

oh, note to Mr Bakan: bring back 'Mom' or someone equally entertaining...all your current columnists are really, really boring...

Posted by michael strangeways | February 23, 2007 3:40 PM
55

maybe the Truth meant the meth heads who work at the bank? there seems to be a lot of tweakers in the banking community...

Posted by michael strangeways | February 23, 2007 3:43 PM
56

One more short post - SGN just hit the street with a second Pride Problems story, exclusive. Seattle Center canceled their contract with Out and Proud last Friday, "for cause". (ie. did not pay)
Now I will let the Stranger have the Slog back.

George Bakan


Posted by George Bakan | February 23, 2007 3:52 PM
57

"and how come you never see Dan Savage and Mom/Mark Finley in the same room together at the same time?!?!?!?"

Uh, because one of them goes to sleep when the other wakes up...?

Posted by GW | February 23, 2007 3:52 PM
58

Part of the blame should go to the business and bars that didn’t participate in the downtown event and instead wanted their own party back up on Broadway which they got with the help of Budweiser (K&L Distributors) and Microsoft. So we had two parades, both raising money for their event that really should’ve been a united community effort. So much for community building.

Are we going to have the parade on Broadway this year? I hope not. I’m not going to participate in another Broadway parade only to walk through a boring overly crowded volunteer park rally. No way. The one in downtown was a great start except for the large gaps but that has always been a problem with this parade.

I hope SOAP can pull it together. No LGBT organization in this city should be that far in debt especially when we have LGBT organizations that have several paid employees and nice offices. These organizations can raise thousands of dollars promoting marriage equality and candidates that support it while other organizations are struggling to keep afloat that work with LGBT youth, trans health, LGBT minorities and various other issues. Ask the LGBT Community Center how the funding is coming along with securing a new building with senior housing. It seems that our priorities are sometimes bit misguided.

It would be great to see the community pull its resources together on an off year election to move forward with these issues and work to have a strong pride that promotes visibility for said organizations that rely on this event to get their message out.

Open your books SOAP and make sure you have a strong system of accountability in place so you can ask for corporate donors and funding from organizations that can sponsor pride. If this does not happen then it’s time to move aside and declare bankruptcy.


Posted by aquatic | February 23, 2007 3:54 PM
59

All I got to say is that the LGBT community of Seattle needs to step the FUCK up. You all just sit on your asses and show up to a big party that a few VOLUNTEERS put on for you. Seattle Pride is a fantastic event, and SOAP should be commended for their great job in moving the parade and festival to the heart of Seattle. You show up, have a good time, and don't think anything more about it. You don't think that they need help and support. You don't think they need funds to help pay for the event? Like one of the past posters said, if everyone just gave a few dollars, pride would be paid off. We can not turn our backs on the folks that spend their own time to coordinate this event for us year round. We need to step up and help them. Donate time, money, materials, etc. Spread the word to LGBT friendly businesses that they should support our pride. I have been to a couple of the monthly meetings that SOAP holds. How many people show up? Last time it was me and one other person. This past weekend, about 18. Where the fuck is everyone else? We can't let pride die! Do you all want to be responsible for that? It is OUR pride. They are the organizers, but it is OUR pride and we need to decide right now what we want our pride to be. I encourage everyone to contact SOAP and offer up your support, or there may not be a pride. Quit your bitching and step up and do something. Also, embezzeling? Where the fuck have you heard that? That can't be farther from the truth. Would like to see what facts you have to back that up? There is no evidence of embezzlement. I applaud SOAP for hanging in there and doing what they can for the community. They should be appluaded... not condemed.

Posted by WTF? | February 23, 2007 3:55 PM
60

George Bakan... you and the SGN are sorry and pathetic. You are supposed to be the community newspaper right? They why have you not sponsored pride in quite a few years? You would think that if the SGN got news about this situation, they would write a story to tell the facts and spin it in a positive light towards SOAP. Rally the community up and ask for their support. But no, you throw SOAP under the bus. What have you done to support pride? Probably just as much as the rest of this pathetic community. I am ashamed to say I am part of the gay community here in Seattle. Maybe someone can come to their senses and help out. Support our community organizations. I hope someone challenges the SGN, have another gay publication come into town. One that puts out news, spell and grammer checks the articles. One that really supports the community.

Posted by WTF? | February 23, 2007 4:06 PM
61

"The LGBT Community Center DOES have paid staff...ONE, the fabulous Shannon Thomas..."

In my opinion,thatt's not true, she is running it into the ground. There hasn't been a paid full time assistant there since quitting before summer last year. How can she handle all this on her own? She does not communicate with the community. The Center seems to always be closed and the volunteer staff quit as quick as they come.

Posted by The Insider | February 23, 2007 4:32 PM
62

WTF

Get some facts straight. SGN has sponsored pride with unlimited ads, program space, cash, and staff going back to 1982. Year after year after year. I was a co- chair as were four other staff members over time. Our favorite organizing efforts by far have been Pride efforts.

And not just Seattle, all the smaller towns as well, Northwest.

Last couple of years the proposal for sponsorship was too much cash for us.

Are you nuts? Free unlimited ads for the Film Festival, Equality Washington, organization after organization. Three pages of free community calendar week after week, on and on. We donate 30 per cent of our potential revenue right back to the community

By the way SOAP was going to sue us last year for using the phrase Seattle Pride once, they have trademarked the phrase. Yes.

SGN has had no part in creating the fiscal mess they have created for themselves by not factoring into to a solid funding plan the real cost of a move to Seattle Center.. $95,000.00.

Call me at the office if you wish to talk.

George Bakan

Posted by George Bakan | February 23, 2007 4:36 PM
63

George -

You were asked to stop using the Phrase:
Official Seattle Pride Guide as the story goes.
Since you're a publisher you know darn well
the meaning of a Trademark.
Why aren't you doing something to bring the community together. Of course you'd have crawl out of your hole behind the liquor store where your Corporate Headquarters is located.

Posted by Large Marge | February 23, 2007 4:45 PM
64

How much does the SGN make off its Pride Issue?
How much did it contribute to Pride Last year?

Posted by Tricky Dicky | February 23, 2007 4:48 PM
65

Does it matter to anyone that Bumbershoot lost $300,000 in 2005. Why is there support for that festival (At $25 a head) and we can't support our own? Why isn't the SGN reporting anything positive about this? How to overcome this- If you're such a legacy business person why aren't you heading up the campaign to fundraise? Oh that story isn't as juicy - for circulation is it?

Posted by ProudMary | February 23, 2007 4:57 PM
66

Time to get involed folks. Bitching only goes so far. It's easy to kick'um when they're down. Seattle Pride is what Seattle's Gay community makes it. Since it is free and 100% volunteer run it becomes incumbent on the Gay Community to make it happen. Of course maybe the need for a "protest" march has ended? How about a Ceebration? Oops, that takes work too.

Posted by Sargon_Bighorn | February 23, 2007 4:58 PM
67

Why is everyone killing the messanger: SGN? The SGN is not as bad as people think it is. Even the Stranger could use improvements.

The real problem is in the roots of this all. An the real message is that community in-fighting (SOAP vs LGBT Center & SGN), cronyism (L before G politics), "pride" (sometimes we need to ask for help and be honest), lack of foresight (reaching out to qualified minorities - Latino, transgendered as Board members - ERW take note), and maybe even lack of confidence (beyond paranthetical examples) are to blame for SOAP's problems.

From the tone of some of these blogs, I recognize many voices from our community that have been ignored, burned and disenfranchized by the elitist mentality so pervasive in Seattle. Maybe if these voices were heard, were accepted and heeded (maybe they have had ideas now lost that could have saved SOAP's woes) we would not be here today wondering about the fate of Pride.

A call out to SGN, SOAP, ERW, Lifelong AIDS et al to do more connecting to the community and to your true ideals. It is when we center ourselves that we can look beyond. Only by looking inward are we able to look outward. Phew!

Posted by Fire on the Hemisphere | February 23, 2007 4:58 PM
68

Obviously this is an important event for us - or there wouldn't be so much talking. How do we come together to put this behind us?
And how about telling the Seattle Center to chill - they're charging interest - and making money off the balance. Sounds like the bill will be taken care of this year anyhow. Dang!

Posted by Save the Day | February 23, 2007 5:05 PM
69

Didn't the Space Needle decline the offer to fly the rainbow flag last year - maybe Seattle Center and the Space Needle don't like "our kind" !!!!!

Posted by Tricky Dicky | February 23, 2007 5:09 PM
70

No one is killing the messenger. George was asked why he did not sponsor pride the last couple of years. He stated that it was too much cash. In working with Pride in the past George, money is not the only way to sponsor pride. Free ad space, articles on pride, something. George if I remember correctly, you were very adamant about not moving Seattle Pride. You had your own agenda there. Seattle Pride has outgrown the hill, and it is Seattle Pride. There were costs with holding the event on the hill as well. Who pays? Sponsorship pays for a large part... but then people in the community complain that it is too commercial... but still don't offer to help or donate money. Can't have it both ways folks.

Like I said... I challenge each and every one of you to show up at a SOAP meeting and let them know how they can help!!!

Posted by WTF? | February 23, 2007 5:22 PM
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WTF?, um, WTF?

George just wrote: "SGN has sponsored pride with unlimited ads, program space, cash, and staff going back to 1982."

And you replied: "In working with Pride in the past George, money is not the only way to sponsor pride. Free ad space, articles on pride, something."

Sounds like he did what you recommend, like, for 25 years. Furthermore, SGN has been trying to support the gay community -- albeit with debatable results -- but rather than recognize those efforts, you are rewarding SGN with nothing but criticism while lambasting people for not helping enough.

Practice what you preach, you sanctimonious turd, and maybe someone will actually be willing to work with you. Jeez.

Posted by GW | February 23, 2007 5:35 PM
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Can't we all just get along?

Posted by Tricky Dicky | February 23, 2007 5:42 PM
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this year, 2007 - seattle gay folks need to start at square one - reality based - no finger pointing, no name calling, but we are so good at that arn't we

Seattle out and Proud is bankrupt, no cash, no assets, 150,000.00 of short term debt - being sued for money, diminishing options

what next? who knows, but it can't be a bankrupt organization - and the strife from last year is also a negative

I will donate and help a plan that salvages 2007 - yes, march on Broadway, events at V. park - careful and very public finances, good energy

and then the people who like the event at the Center can get together and write some very, very big checks and - voila, New Pride in 2008 - what say you all?

Posted by Barry Just One Queer | February 23, 2007 6:22 PM
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Oh yes Barry you'll help - if it stays oon Broadway! No vision. Once Again Bumbershoot LOST $300,000 the YEAR BEFORE LAST (2005). But you\o don't see them folding up and moving to Capital Hill Arts Center. They took in over $3 million from their $25 entrance fee last year and turned a profit of $200,000. It would only take $3 a head to pay for Pride. Don't we deserve to be at the cities premier park Seattle Center? Don't we deserve to March right down 4th Street? It would only take $3 a person, some vision and some effort.

Posted by Large Marge | February 23, 2007 6:45 PM
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well Marge - couple of things, first vision does not pay the bills. Ask SOAP.

Two, there is no such thing as a Pride tax. You need a solid fund raising plan and people who are smart and hard workers to execute it. Absolute honesty about your bank account might help.

You need to quit the name calling and accept support when offered.

Yes, fence the event and charge by size, so when Large Marge shows up you get 250.00 for her, a dollar a pound.

Marge, you got a real plan, put it out there. SOAP will still take your check, I bet, they have debts to pay. An attorney I guess now, too.

Bumpershoot cut staff, raised ticket prices, and dropped a day off the event to save Center fees.

So again, Dearest Biggie Marjorie, what is your plan?

Posted by Barry Just One Queer | February 23, 2007 7:06 PM
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I run around in the fountain at the Center all the time, even naked a few times, no big deal. Yes boys, you should have been there.

Why do you want to charge me Marge? Why do people want to pay to use Seattle Center, it is free most of the time.

I bet you can wave your pride flag anytime you want, no cost at all.

Posted by Seattle Hippie | February 23, 2007 7:20 PM
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As many on here have stated, the community needs to step up and help the Seattle Out and Proud Committee (a) cover this debt and (b) plan/present Pride 2007. Or, there will be no Pride this year.

As the owner of a full service sound engineering and mobile DJ company [Kelcema Productions, , I have contacted the Sponsorship Chair of the SOAP Committee and offered full sound services for next year's festival. This will include the speakers in Westlake Center as well as up to two sound stages at Seattle Center itself. I will know within the next week or so if the committee will be able to use this donation (read: they're not already contracted with someone to pay for these services), but as long as they accept this donation, we'll be there.

Will this cost me money, time, and sleep? Yes. But am I in a position to help make next year's festival a success? Yes. This donation will save the committee the (budgeted) amount of $10,000. I don't have the cash on hand to write them a ten-thousand dollar check, but I can make the stages sound really really good.

I stand with George Bakan- the community can make Pride successful in the future. I envision a Pride that is nationally known like BC, like LA, like SanFran. I envision glossy ads in national magazines promoting Seattle. I envision a week long event with activities all around Seattle.

If you're willing to stand up and help, then do it.

Ray Aberle
President
Kelcema Productions

Posted by Ray Aberle | February 23, 2007 8:19 PM
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The Seattle Gay News blog reports on the latest chapter in this Pride saga. They posted a letter from Seattle Center Director of Productions John Merner informing Seattle Out and Proud that they were in “Default and Breach” of their three-year contract. The letter also stated that the Seattle Center would be releasing the dates for Seattle Pride 2007 and forwarding SOAP’s account to the City of Seattle Law Department for collection. Check it out!

Link: http://seattlegayblog.blogspot.com/2007/02/seattle-center-cancels-soap-contract.html

Posted by Joyce McDonald | February 23, 2007 11:44 PM
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I'm very disappointed to hear all this. Last year's PRIDE was quite simply the best I've ever experienced in my 16 years in Seattle. Bringing it back to Broadway would be ok, although something of a letdown, but please! No more sad Volunteer Park "festival"!

I'm very amused to see the SGN scooping the Stranger all over the place about this story - even though the only way anyone knows about it is through SLOG.

Posted by genevieve | February 24, 2007 1:38 AM
80

Last year after I got wet in the fountain, I left the Center, there was nothing to do. And, very disorganized.

If they get good speakers and some good local talent a "rally" in V. Park will just be fine. Remember it won't be costing $100,000.00 of the community's money.

The Rose beer garden is the best new addition to pride, and at this moment I would not give SOAP a nickel.

They have not only breached their contract, they have breached the community's trust.

Posted by Angel | February 24, 2007 4:04 AM
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point of fact, SGN scooped all of them, big time

No PI, no Times for a week, no Stranger, no KING 5, KUOW asleep ..... must feel good at SGN

seems the fearless old/new "non-corporate" Queer media in town is still sparking

of course the Stranger is obsessed with who is farting about the viaduct at City Hall and Tacoma artsy insider stuff, plastic dolls that look like babies, so what? - and other fluffy we are so cool non news

what is the news that no person living or dead has ever liked the viaduct as civic art? but you can't let if fall down and kill possibly hundreds of people

back to the topic, if I am not mistaken, the Stranger gave Out and Proud a lot of money last year, big sponsor deals/stuff

Posted by bob | February 24, 2007 4:31 AM
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I like the drawing, I want it on some fabric to slip cover my old Goodwill couch.

Is that the Grand Hotel de Cannes on the right? Where are the bare breasted sunbathers?

When is that being built here in hicksville Seattle?

So exciting on rainy days.

Need to rebuild as quickly as possible and then launch tunnel subway system - expensive but true and tried.

Posted by Grunfeld | February 24, 2007 6:45 AM
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You people amaze me. Seattle Pride 2006 was AMAZING. SOAP did a bang up job pulling off that historic event. It was the largest and most sucessful pride event ever in Seattle. You people are all mouthing off like you know what you are talking about. SOAP had good intentions to pull of this event and also be able to pay for it. They were promised big sponsorship money, and that is what they used to plan the event with. Then some of you bitchy queens cried and cried over the event moving off of the hill, the gay ghetto, and convinced some of those sponsors to pull their support or there would be boycotts. They had almost 100k in sponsorship that they lost becuase of that. I don't think with any amount of planning that they could have forseen that happening. SOAP did it, they pulled of an amazing event. They did it all on their own time, unpaid. They are all volunteers and put their heart and soul into this event for us, the community. Now it is our turn to show our appreciation to them and help them through this. Do we want to see Seattle Pride die? They proved that they can pull off an amazing event. They need our help. We can't expect them to keep doing what they are doing forever. We need to help them get paid staff, we need to help them come up with ways to fundraise, we need to help them with ideas on the event. If we don't like something, instead of bitching, we should go to the meetings and offer up our ideas and suggestions. If everyone that was at the parade just chipped in 1.00, they would be paid off and have money to put on this year's event. Is that too much to ask? Let's start a dollar campaign. If everyone can send a dollar to them (or more if you can afford), we can keep the awesome event at Seattle Center, and show them some appreciation that they deserve. For their address, go to www.seattlepride.org. You can even use the PayPal link on their website. I am!

Posted by WTF? | February 24, 2007 4:48 PM
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BOB: Yes, the SGN did break the story. Did they have the best story.. NO! The Seattle Times was there the next day and so were other publications, radio, websites. Their stories were more informational, and did not have a ha ha ha gotcha attitude to them. The SGN seems to want to throw SOAP under the bus. What do you have against SOAP George and Robert? The slant to the article just seems to have a negative tone to it. Do not see any support for SOAP, no mention of how to rally the community together to help them.

Also, SGN states that they did not have the money for pride (cash) last year. There were several in-kind sponsors. Where were the pride ads and stuff you said you offered. I did not see you advertising the event downtown. You wanted it on the hill, so you would not give them the space. That is why you were not a sponsor.

We in the community all need to pull together and help each other out when we are having issues... not kick them when they are down.

Posted by WTF? | February 24, 2007 4:54 PM
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WTF,

I am convinced you are with SOAP. You have SOOO much anger in your writing.

According to my own research, the only other articles I saw was in the Seattle Times -- a full five days after the SGN's first article. Then on Friday, they were the first to break the news that Seattle Center had voided SOAP's contract, released the dates and sent SOAP to collection.

Also, I have read both articles and found them to be VERY factual by nature. I didn't find one ounce of the SGN's own opinion in there. They equally quoted all the parties involved. I am not sure how much fairer they could be?

About moving the event from Capitol Hill to Downtown Seattle, I would say that the vast majority of the community seemed to oppose the move. People like myself included. Of course, after the move, that attitude changed.

I think the only people who have thrown SOAP under the bus is SOAP itself. I think it was a lot of poor planning and a "at any cost" mentality that has led SOAP to where its at right now.

Posted by Joyce McDonald | February 24, 2007 5:54 PM
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WTF- you need to chill out a bit. The first Times story was 4 days after the SGN. And was a sloppy re write of SGN.

All this credit you want to give the "community" - why can't you credit SGN with good fact based, crystal clear journalism?

You need a newsletter, print one. Last time I checked, the SGN is still called the Seattle Gay News, and in this instance and many others, they do the real hard, nitty gritty news. IMHO, that is one of their jobs.

I will go to pay pal and send a dollar. Last year I dropped a twenty in the can, I guess I was a major donor as they claim they only took in 121.00 at the event.

Blaming the bearer of bad news is silly.
SOAP bet on the come. Like gambling, the cards turned and now they are holding the bag for 150,000.00 of debt and lessened credibility. Not pretty, but blaming willy nilly everyone else is also silly. Their bag, good or bad in the end.

There will be pride, the bars are humming with ideas and if a bit not organized, we will parade/march some where and rally somewhere.

No panic on that one. And I bet, working on a VERY LOW, pay the bills OK budget.

WTF- did your granny ever tell you, "you can't save people from themselves" ???? SOAP is a Classic case. Pity. Hard lessons.

Posted by bob | February 24, 2007 6:03 PM
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I think SGN is one of Seattle's best papers and Robert Raketty deserves an award for his articles for being objective and breaking this very important story.

A huge thank you.

I was floored when I read the headlines of SOAP over $100,000 in debt not to mention over $40,000 to other creditors. Missmanagement? I guess it was all the previous bragging by SOAP to the newspapers of the $60,000 they received by corporate sponsors alone that gave the false impression they were doing well.

Frankly, I'm tired of all of SOAP's fake smiling PR statements and hearing they are hiring people (and spending more event money) to sell Pride. One wonders how much they paid their lawyer to send cease and desist letters to everyone?
SOAP doesn't own pride thank you.

Posted by Rainbow Nail | March 6, 2007 2:36 AM

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