Posted by blackburst@aol.com on 12/23/76 11:25

Steve Guidry wrote:
> OK. I yield.
>
> And I have to say . . . I gotta respect a guy who can take all the crap that
> an operation like that generates.
>
> If we ever find ourselves in the same town at a convention or something,
> we'll have to get together and share a beverage or 2. I'd like to hear you
> stories . .
>
> Steve

Oy, do I have war stories...

The first few years, in the towns, were like King Midas, everything
turning to gold. Even with crap equipment, like JVC BY110 cameras,
those damn 20-minute 3/4" tapes, a Fortel 16-line TBC and the stunning
Quanta Microgen CG: two fonts, 2 sizes!

Then, the big city. EVERYTHING was 12 times more difficult, and I
supervised a staff of 17. Convinced me that there was no more execrable
experience than supervising. Then I became area manager of 10
communities - still managing about 20 people, but all in satellite
studios, which was better. But about 10 selectmen or cable committee
meetings a month. And through a weird series of events, one of my
volunteers became my boss!

Then escape to academia. Lower-key, lower pay, better facilities, but
lethargic administration. That's why I started building studios and
freelancing at an all-news station.

Now, ED of a 2-town system. Paradise. I make all the decisions, and the
Board of Directors backs me. Life is good. And I'm upgrading to
Broadcast Pix, DVCam, FCP, all SDI, a small 4 camera remote truck, a
staff of 3. Life is good!

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