Mechanical Pencil Writing Rates
These rates based on recommendations from the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR), and are adjustable for the Pacific Northwest region. Positions are explained, followed by rates which depend on the complexity of the job TBD post consult and experience level of the writer.
Writing Rate Card
Average Writing Service Rates by Project
White paper. The average freelance writing rate for a whitepaper depends on the length and the amount of research needed. Writers typically charge around $500 for a short whitepaper and $5,000 or more for a longer one that requires interviews or other background information.
Research article. A writer who is new to freelancing and doesn’t have many reviews could charge less for the first couple of articles. The low end for a 1000-word research article is around $75, while an experienced writer may charge closer to $250 or more.
Blog article. Less technical articles are often quicker to write, so you may want to charge less. A 1000-word blog article averages around $50 at the lower end and $175 at the higher end.
Social media captions. As a social media content writer, charging a set price for posts, and letting clients pay per project, is common. The rate depends on how long the captions are and how much time you estimate it will take. The average price for social media captions range from $1 to $10 per post.
Email. Determining your freelance copywriting rate for an email depends on the length of the email and the type of copy. If you need to create a long newsletter with statistics, it will require more time than a graphic-heavy product email. A short email can cost anywhere from $25 to $50, while freelance writers often charge $150 to $500 and more for longer emails.
Press Release. Press releases are sent to traditional media sources such as newspapers, radio stations and television stations. They alert news directors of events and announcements that can reliably reach a much larger audience. They usually contain the who, what, when, where and why of an event, and include contact information of the sender. A one page press release (the recommended length) properly timed and sent can be as little as $50 and and much as $150.
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Average Writing Service Rates by the Hour
Technical writer: $20-$40
Social media writer: $25-$40
Content writer: $15-$40
Copywriter: $19-$45
SEO writer: $15-$35
Resume writer: $25-$65
Grant writer: $35-65
Blog writer: $15-35
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Average Writing Service Rates by the Page
Web content. A shorter web page may only need 250-500 words of sales-driven copy and take less than two hours with minimal research. Freelance writers typically charge $100-$200 per page for a shorter webpage. A highly technical and longer webpage may average closer to $500-$750 per page.
Ebooks. Marketing ebooks are popular for gaining leads, and many companies use these as gated content. Ebooks are longer pieces of content, typically between 2,500 to 5,000 words and 6 to 20 pages. The average cost per page is around $300 to $500.
Novel. Ghostwriters take an idea and outline for a book and bring it to life but do not get final credit for the publication. Each page in a novel is about 200 to 300 words, and a book can have anywhere from 75 to 300 or more pages. The average cost per page for fiction is $20 to $50 and $75 to $100 for nonfiction.
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Average Writing Service Rates by the Word
Beginner: $0.05-$0.10 per word
Intermediate: $0.30-$0.50 per word
Advanced: $1-$1.50 per word
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Retainer Rates
Four blogs for $1000 per month (about $250 per week)
30 social media posts for $500 per month (about $125 per week)
15 emails for $1200 per month or (about $300 per week)
Reference: https://www.upwork.com/resources/freelance-writing-rates
Beavercreek Studio Audio Production Rates
These rates based on recommendations from the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR), and are adjustable for the Pacific Northwest region. Rates are determined by the complexity of the job TBD post consult and experience level of the producer/technician/assistant.
Audio Rate Card
Type of Commission
Level 1, Intermediate to Advanced $1075 to $1500
These SINGLE pieces typically:
- Involve research and enterprise reporting
- Require substantial subject matter expertise
- Have a sophisticated narrative, written in scenes
- Require travel by the reporter
- Are sound-rich with a variety of sounds demonstrative or supportive of the story
- May be funded through grants or other third party sources
Tape Sync (2-hour base rate) $125 w/$35/hour additional
Day Rate $300 to $1500
Pilot Production $8,000 to $15,000
(original ideas)
Pilot Production $5,000 to $8,000
(ideas from other sources)
Pilot episode production involves the creation of episodes
constituting a new SERIES.
Repurposing any audio segments for use in broadcast, vs non-broadcast
is accompanies by a 5% rate increase.
Reference: Association of Independents in Radio Producer’s Guide to Rates and
Best Practices 2015
Beavercreek Studio Video Production Rates
These rates based on recommendations from Medium.com, and are adjustable for the Pacific Northwest region. Positions are explained, followed by rates which depend on the complexity of the job TBD post consult and experience level of the producer/technician/assistant.
Video Rate Card
Pre-Production
Executive Producer
An Executive Producer (EP) is a role that is often found in the video content production industry. The EP is usually the person who is responsible for overseeing the production from start to finish. This can include managing budgets, coordinating with different departments, and working with the creative team to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Oftentimes, EP’s are the point-of-contact for all parties involved, including clients, agencies, vendors, and so on. In most cases, an EP is involved in the creative process, too, offering input on the direction of the project and making decisions about casting, location scouting, editing, and other important aspects of the project.
Day Rate Range: $1,000-$2,500
Producer
A Producer is the person who is responsible for overseeing the practical filming of a project. The producer’s role can vary depending on the project and the specific responsibilities that have been assigned to them. Producers may also be involved in the marketing and promotion of a project to build buzz and attract an audience. In some cases, if an EP isn’t involved, a Producer may also be responsible for securing financing for a project and for finding distribution outlets for the finished content.
Day Rate Range: $1,000-$1,500
Line Producer
Line Producers are often the first person hired on a crew and are involved throughout all stages of a project. Tactically speaking, they are less involved in the creative decision making, and more so focused on the logistical components of executing the project.
Day-to-day, they are responsible for all aspects of field production, including budgeting, hiring crew members, making sure everything is running on schedule among other logistical issues. The line producer will oversee the production wrap and hand it over to the post-production supervisor (as necessary).
Day Rate Range: $750-$1,250
Production Manager
A Production Manager is a person who is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a film, television, or video content production. The production manager works closely with the producer and other members of the production team to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Day Rate Range: $800-$1,500
Location Scout
A Location Scout is the person responsible for finding and securing locations for a project. The location scout works closely with the producers and the visual team to identify locations that will be suitable for the project and that meet the needs of the shoot.
While not always a necessity for a project. When they are needed, they are sure needed.
Day Rate Range: $800-$1,200
Art Director
An Art Director is a team member who is responsible for the visual appearance of a project. The art director works with the producers and other members of the production team to create a visual style for the project and to oversee the design and execution of all visual elements, including sets, costumes, and props.
Day Rate Range: $800–1,000
Production Assistant (PA)
The role of a Production Assistant (PA) can be quite varied, and PA’s may be called upon to perform a wide range of tasks to support the production team. Essentially, they will be tasked with anything the production team needs when planning and preparing for a project.
Day Rate Range: $250-$400
Miscellaneous
In many cases, additional team members who are involved in other stages of production can be brought in as well. Some of these positions include Directors, Writers, Editors, and so on. This is necessitated by the scale of the project and the overall budget.
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Production
Director
During the filming phase, the Director is the leader of a project, and oversees the creative aspects of a video content production. The director works with the producer and other members of the production team to bring the script, story, and idea to life, and is responsible for guiding the performances of the talent and making creative decisions about how the story should be presented on screen.
Day Rate Range: $1,200–2,500
Director of Photography (DP)
A Director of Photography (DP) is a team member who is responsible for the look and feel of the visual elements of a video content production. The DP works closely with the Director to create a visual style for the project, and is responsible for planning and executing all aspects of the cinematography, including camera placement, lighting, and the use of different lenses and other equipment.
Day Rate Range: $1,000-$1,500
Camera Operator
A Camera Operator, oftentimes referred to as a B-Cam Operator, is responsible for operating the second camera during filming. The b-camera is typically used to capture additional coverage of a scene or to provide different angles or viewpoints of the action. The c-cam operator works closely with the director of photography (DP) and other operators (who are responsible for operating the primary cameras) to ensure that the necessary shots are captured to support the overall vision of the film or show.
Day Rate Range: $600-$800
Drone Operator
A Drone Operator is a person who is responsible for operating a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during a video content production. The drone operator works with the director, director of photography (DP), and other members of the production team to capture aerial footage that can be used in the final product. This is considered a niche position, and often incurs a higher day rate due to the specific nature of the position.
Day Rate Range: $750-$1,500
Assistant Camera (AC)
An AC is responsible for assisting the camera operators and the rest of the camera crew in the setup and operation of the camera and related equipment.
Day Rate Range: $400-$600
Sound Mixer
A Sound Mixer is a person who is responsible for capturing and mixing the live audio throughout the filming of a video content production. The sound mixer works closely with the director and other members of the production team to ensure that the sound quality of the final product is of the highest quality before editing.
Note: this position and day rate often includes the cost of gear.
Day Rate Range: $800-$1,200
Gaffer
A Gaffer is the lighting technician on a video content production. The gaffer works closely with the director of photography (DP) and the lighting crew to plan and execute the lighting setups for each scene. This is a highly technical role and experience is prioritized.
Day Rate Range: $500-$750
Grip Department + Grip
A Grip Department, or an individual Grip, are/is a member(s) of the video content production team whose primary responsibility is to handle and set up the various equipment required for a shoot. This can include everything from lighting and rigging to camera support and grip gear.
The grip department is responsible for ensuring that all of the equipment is set up safely and correctly, and that it is positioned in a way that allows the camera crew to capture the desired shots. The grip team works closely with the camera department to achieve the desired look and feel of the footage, and to ensure that all of the equipment is functioning properly throughout the shoot.
One benefit of hiring a grip department is that they can transport equipment to and from a shoot. This appears in the form of a Grip & Electric Truck, referred to as “1–3–5 Ton Trucks”
Grip Truck
1-Ton Truck Range: $250-$450/Day
3-Ton Truck Range: $450-$700/Day
5-Ton Truck Range: $700-$1,000/Day
Grip
Day Rate Range: $400-$600
Hair & Makeup Stylist (H/MU)
A Hair & Makeup Stylist (H/MU) is responsible for applying hair and makeup to on-camera talent to enhance their appearance for the camera. In the context of video content production, the H/MU artist works with the director and the rest of the creative team to understand the desired look and feel for the project, and then uses a range of techniques to achieve that look.
Day Rate Range: $600-$800
Wardrobe Stylist
A Wardrobe Stylist is responsible for selecting and coordinating the clothing and accessories that will be worn by on-camera talent in a video content production. The wardrobe stylist works closely with the director and the rest of the creative team to understand the desired look and feel for the production, and then selects and coordinates the wardrobe accordingly.
Day Rate Range: $600-$800
Production Assistant
See above, and apply on-set principles.
Day Rate Range: $250-$400
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Post-Production
Video Editor
A Video Editor is responsible for assembling and cutting together the video footage to create a finished product. In video content production, the video editor works with raw footage and other media to create a cohesive, visually compelling story. This typically involves selecting and trimming footage, arranging and rearranging shots and scenes, and adding transitions, effects, and other elements as needed.
This position can vary widely depending on the project. For example, some projects call for Editor-specific styles, such as commercial editor, documentary editor, and so on.
Day Rate Range: $800-$1,200
Audio Engineer
An Audio Engineer is responsible for capturing, processing, and manipulating audio for video productions. This can include everything from recording dialogue and sound effects on set, to mixing and mastering the audio in post-production. Audio engineers work with the rest of the creative team to understand the desired audio aesthetic for the production, and then use a range of audio recording and processing techniques to achieve that aesthetic.
Day Rate Range: $500-$750
Sound Designer
A Sound Designer is responsible for creating the audio elements for a video content production. This can include everything from designing and creating original sound effects and audio environments, to selecting and editing pre-existing audio elements. The sound designer may also be responsible for synchronizing the audio with the video footage, and for ensuring that the audio is of high quality and free of technical issues.
Day Rate Range: $600-$1,000
Visual Effects Artist (VFX)
VFX stands for visual effects, and a VFX artist is responsible for creating and integrating special effects into a video content production. This can include everything from adding computer-generated imagery (CGI) and compositing to create realistic environments, to adding special effects like explosions or particle effects. The VFX artist works with the rest of the creative team to understand the desired visual aesthetic for the production, and then uses a range of VFX techniques to achieve that goal.
Day Rate Range: $750-$1,000
Colorist
A Colorist is responsible for adjusting the color and tone of video footage in post-production. This can include everything from adjusting the overall color balance of the footage, to selectively color grading specific elements within the frame.
Day Rate Range: $600-$1,000
Production Companies + Advertising & Marketing Agencies
Production Company and/or Advertising & Marketing Agencies
A Production Company — or in some cases, Marketing and Advertising Agencies — handles all aspects of making video content from start to finish. In many cases, these companies will take a 10% overall fee based on the scale of the project and budget. For example, if a budget is $100K, a company will take $10K that covers all pre-production expenses.
Other times, a flat fee will be charged. This is largely dependent on the rates an individual and/or company has in-house.
Day Rate Range: Varies
Gallery of Published Articles
This is a complete collection of all articles written by or about me.
List of Don Merrill Interviews & Feature Stories
These interviews with me were with differing outlets about different passions.
- Merrill, Don – KBOO’s Erin Yanke interviews Don Merrill about his book,
- PLEDGE: The Public Radio Fund Drive
- Merrill, Don – KBOO’s BOO Wire interviews volunteer Don Merrill about his interviewing style and passions.
- Merrill, Don – SmartALEC Oregon: In the fourth part of this series examining the influence of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) on the Oregon Legislature, Don Merrill looks at how model bills submitted by ALEC as they relate to public employees is nearly identical to language in bills submitted by legislators for adoption as law.
- Merrill, Don – SmartALEC Oregon: In the seventh and final part of this series examining the influence of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) on the Oregon Legislature, Don Merrill looks at ALEC’s past, present and future.
- Merrill, Don – Don Merrill and Joe Meyer interviewed the 11 candidates for the Portland Public School Board
- Merrill, Don – KBOO’s Ken Jones interviews Don Merrill, author of his book,
- PLEDGE: The Public Radio Fund Drive
- Merrill, Don – KBOO’s Wednesday Talk Radio Show interviews Don Merrill on a new website he’s built to help Americans be more aware of what’s in their state constitutions.
- Merrill, Don – KMUZ’s Melanie Zermer interviews Don Merrill about the Candidate Interview Project
- Merrill, Don – KBOO’s Karen Green interviews Don Merrill about the Art of the Interview
- Merrill, Don – KBOO’s Althea Billings interviews Don Merrill about changes to PPB policies affect his non-profit, CNBSeen
- Merrill, Don – KBOO’s Tammy Habeytes and Althea Billings interview Don Merrill about his
- non-profit, CNBSeen
- Merrill, Don – KBOO’s Lisa Loving and Annette Newell interview Don Merrill about his book,
- PLEDGE: The Public Radio Fund Drive
These were special feature stories I did.
List of Political Interviews
To SEARCH a name, type CTL F
Interviews are with past and present incumbents and candidates for Oregon governor, the legislature and the judiciary, as well as for Secretary of State, and the Bureau of Labor and Industry (BOLI). Also included in this list are Oregonians who have registered with the Federal Elections Commission as a candidate for President of the United States. Although a few interviews with candidates for Portland Public Schools are here, local races are the exception.
A
- Al-Abdrabbuh, Sami – Candidate, US House, OR 4th Dist.
- Anderson, H. Thomas – Candidate, Oregon House Dist 19.
- Anthony, Paul – Former PPS Board Member
- Anthony, Paul – Candidate, PPS Board
B
- Barajas, Ricky – Candidate, US House, OR 1st Dist.
- Barker, Brent – Candidate, Oregon BOLI Commissioner
- Beebe, Jason – Candidate, US Senate
- Beilstein, Mike – Candidate, US House, OR 4th Dist.
- Bjornsen, Natasha – Candidate, US House, OR 2nd Dist.
- Bjornsen, Natasha – KBOO Candidate Forum
- Brown, Anita – Candidate, US House, OR 5th Dist.
- Brown, Julie Esparza – Candidate, PPS Board
- Buchal, James – Candidate, US House, OR 3rd Dist.
- Buckley, Peter – Candidate, US House, OR 5th Dist.
- Bussell, Serin – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 33.
C
- Callahan, Cathleen – Candidate, Oregon Circuit Court
- Campos, Wlnsvey – Candidate, Oregon House Dist 28.
- Carrillo, George – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Carr, Tim – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Castles, Patrick – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 38
- Cate, Jami – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 17
- Chaichi, Farrah – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 35
- Challstrom, Gordon – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Chambers, Kevin – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 20
- Christofferson, Aelea – Candidate, US House, OR 2nd Dist.
- Close, Betsy – Incumbent, Oregon Senate
- Cross, Michael – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Cummins, Miriam – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 15.
- Crumpacker, Jimmy – Candidate, US House, OR 5th Dist.
D
- Dalton, William – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 19
- Davis, Charles – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 19
- DeFazio, Pete – Incumbent, US House, OR 4th Dist.
- DeVore, Joel – Incumbent, Oregon Court of Appeals, Pos. 11
E
- Erickson, Karl – Candidate, Oregon House, Dist. 20.
- Evans, Paul – Candidate, Oregon House, Dist. 20.
F
- Farrell, Tim – Candidate, Oregon Circuit Court, 7th Dist.
- Felicity, Calla – Candidate, US House, 1st Dist.
- Ferrioli, Ted – Incumbent, Oregon Senate
- Fitch, Lynn – Don Merrill interviews the Station Manager about recent turmoil at KBOO – PT 1
- Fitch, Lynn – Don Merrill interviews the Station Manager about recent turmoil at KBOO – PT 2
- Fontaine, Barbara – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 55
- Foster, James – Candidate, US House, OR 1st Dist.
G
- Gallant, Katherine – Candidate, US House, OR 2nd Dist.
- Gamba, Mark – Candidate, US House, OR 5th Dist.
- Garcia, Mark – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 42.
- Gavitte, Don – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 42.
- Gavitte, Don – KBOO Candidate Forum
- Gergen, Christopher – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 12.
- Goberman, Pavel – Candidate, US Senate
- Gomberg, David – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 10.
- Gonzalez, Jose’ – Candidate, PPS School Board
- Grad, Paul – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Grant, Jenefer – Incumbent, Oregon Circuit Court, Dist. 19, Pos. 3
- Grayber, Dacia – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 35
H
- Hahn, Tina Jayne – Candidate, US President
- Hall, Peter – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 60.
- Hall, Peter – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Harder, Kathleen – Candidate, US House, OR 6th Dist.
- Harrington, Michael – KBOO Candidate Forum
- Hass, Mark – Candidate, Oregon Secretary of State
- Hess, Nick – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Heym, Jason – Candidate, Oregon Circuit Court, 19th Dist.
- Hicks, Wally – Incumbent, Oregon House Dist. 3
- Hill, Julia – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 39
- Hollands, Gretchen – Candidate, PPS School Board
- Holm, John – Candidate, US House, OR 3rd Dist.
- Hook, Paige – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 17.
- Horn, Larry – Candidate, US President
- Howard, Ryan – Candidate, Oregon Senate Dist. 13.
- Huffman, John – Incumbent, Oregon House Dist. 59
- Husseman, Robert – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 21.
I
J
- Johnson, Stephen – Candidate, Oregon Governor
K
- Karr, Darren – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Keizer, Teddy – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 42
- Keny Guyer, Alissia – Incumbent, Oregon House Dist 46.
- King, Chelsea – Candidate, Oregon Senate Dist. 13.
- Knight, Ethan – Candidate, Multnomah County DA
- Kohnstamm, Amy – Candidate, PPS School Board
- Kreisman, Paige – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 42.
- Krohn, Kyle – Candidate, Oregon Court of Appeals, Pos. 11.
- Krupkin, Alex – Candidate, US President
- Kulla, Casey – Candidate, Oregon BOLI Commissioner
- Kudlac, Shala – Candidate, Oregon Circuit Court, Dist. 15.
L
- Leith, Faith – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 56.
- Leon, Teresa Alonso – Candidate, US House, OR 6th Dist.
- Leuenberger, James – Candidate, Oregon Senate
- Lewis, John – Incumbent, US House of Representatives (GA)
- Lively, John – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 15.
- Logan, Margo – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 44.
- Lugo, Christina Jean – Candidate, US Senate
M
- Mann, Christopher – Candidate, US House, OR 1st Dist.
- Marchandt, Zelozelos – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 35.
- Marsh, Pam – Candidate, Oregon House 5th Dist.
- McCloud, Tim – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- McGlaughlin, Sarah – Incumbent, Oregon Circuit Court, Dist. 14, Pos. 4.
- McLane, Mike – Incumbent, Oregon House Dist. 55.
- McNaught, Kyler – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 21.
- Mills, Scott A. – KBOO Candidate Forum
- Miller, William – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 50.
- Mills, Scott – Candidate. Oregon House Dist. 18.
- Milne, Patti – Candidate, Oregon Senate Dist. 11.
- Montalbano, Sonia – Candidate, Oregon Circuit Court, Dist. 4, Pos. 12.
- Montchalin, Mike – Candidate, US Senate
- Moore, Ken – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 24.
- Morgan, Delinda Delgado – Candidate, US House, OR 1st Dist.
N
- Nearman, Mike – Incumbent, Oregon House Dist. 23.
- Nearman, Mike – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 23.
- Niemeyer, Bob – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Niemeyer, Bob – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 35
O
- O’Brien, Kathleen – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 42.
- O’Brien, Kathleen – KBOO Candidate Forum
P
- Palcic, Hugh – Candidate, Oregon Senate Dist. 28.
- Patterson, Deb – Candidate, Oregon Senate Dist. 10.
- Perkins, Jo Rae – Candidate, US Senate
- Pierce, Bud – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Polikoff, Alex – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 23.
- Pool, Lisa – Candidate, Oregon Senate Dist. 12.
Q
R
- Rafferty, Mae – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Raines, Keith – Incumbent, Oregon Circuit Court, Dist. 20.
- Reardon, Jeff – Incumbent, Oregon House Dist. 48.
- Regan, Bobbie – Candidate, PPS School Board
- Richardson, Amber – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Richardson, Dennis – Incumbent, Oregon Secretary of State
- Roberts, Mark – Candidate, US House, OR 2nd Dist.
- Robinson, Art – Candidate, US House, OR 4th Dist.
- Robinson, Art – Candidate, Oregon Senate Dist. 2.
- Roe, Ted – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 41.
- Roll, Perry – Candidate, Oregon Senate Dist. 16.
- Romero, Paul – Candidate, US Senate
- Rosen, Mike – Candidate, PPS School Board
- Rosenthal, Garrett – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 47.
- Roses, Laurel – Candidate, US House, Oregon 5th Dist.
- Rowe, Joe – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 44.
- Rowe, Joe – KBOO Candidate Forum
- Ruiz, Ricky – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 50.
- Runyan, Casey – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 9.
S
- Saultz, Andy – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 33.
- Schlosser, John – Candidate, Oregon Circuit Court, Dist. 4, Pos. 12.
- Schmidt, Mike – Candidate, Multnomah County DA
- Schwartz, Robert – Candidate, US Senate
- Scorvo, Sean – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 23.
- Seligman, Mark – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 3.
- Shaw, Daniel – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 42.
- Shaw, Dan – KBOO Candidate Forum
- Sincic, Tom – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 45.
- Sincic, Tom – KBOO Candidate Forum
- Smith, Daniel J. – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 13.
- Smith, Jeff – Candidate, US House, OR 2nd Dist.
- Smith, Tootie – Challenger, US House, OR 5th Dist.
- Soderback, Wes – Candidate, PPS School Board
- Spenser, Alex – Candidate, US House, OR 2nd Dist.
- Squires, Eric – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 26.
- Starnes, Patrick – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Steele, Kathi – Judge, Oregon Court of Appeals, 5th Dist.
- Steiner Hayward, Elizabeth – Incumbent, Oregon Senate Dist. 17.
- Stephenson, Christina – Candidate, Oregon BOLI Commissioner
- Stephenson, Christina – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 33.
- Sweeney, John – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 42.
- Sweeney, John – KBOO Candidate Forum
- Sweeney, John – Candidate, PPS School Board
T
- Taher, Ibra – Candidate, US Senate
- Taylor, David – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 30.
- Thatcher, Kim – Incumbent, Oregon House Dist. 25.
- Thomason, Cliff – Candidate, Oregon Governor
- Thompson, Jim – Candidate, Oregon House Dist. 23.
- Todd, Spencer – Candidate, Marion County DA
U
V
- Vaughn, Chris – Candidate, US House, OR 2nd Dist.
- Verbeek, John – KBOO Candidate Forum
- Vega Pederson, Jessica – Incumbent, Oregon House Dist. 47.
W
- Walker, David – Candidate, US House, OR 3rd Dist.
- Williams, Emma – Candidate, PPS School Board
- Woldeit, Valerie Draper – Candidate, Oregon Senate Dist. 8.
X
Y
- Yates, Jason – Candidate, US House, OR 1st Dist.
Z
Which Way?
Since about 2020, a good friend and excellent graphic artist named Jennifer Rombach, has been working with me on this idea. Like many people, I’m always thinking about how parts of the world work, and always looking for a sort of Unified Field Theory of how it all works together. That is a fools quest, at least metaphysically. But we all take little bites of that elephant; trying to find ways to help us understand what motivates people to do the things they do, and more importantly, to get them to think about them.
So, I got the idea for these cards, which I call “Quandaries.” A quandary is simply defined as “a state of complexity or doubt.” Also, it reminded me of the word, quad which of course, means “four.” So, Quandaries, is a card game where users are presented with two options and their opposites. Each choice is different from every other choice and forces players to think about the circumstance each quadrant creates. I also plan to create a set of video shorts explaining those circumstances for a few cards so people can more easily understand how to navigate them.
For example, in the card above, the UL quadrant asks, “Is there someone you love and like?” The UR quadrant asks, “Is there some you love but don’t like?” The LL quadrant asks, “Is there anyone you don’t love, but do like?” And the LR quadrant asks, “Is there anyone you don’t like and don’t love?” Each question makes the player think about people and situations they know in ways they may not have before. I expect it will give them a new perspective on something that, up to that point, may have been an ignorable thought.
I’ve come up with wording for hundreds of these. Meanwhile, every one Jen has created is as elegant as it is beautiful. Eventually, Jen and I will box up some of the best ones and package them as a game at a ComicCon or something. To learn more about other ideas I’m considering, visit dma.drawingboard.com.
Controlling the Agenda
This is a quickie.
For years, I’ve written in this blog about journalistic tricks, techniques and tendencies. I’ve talked about the dark art and dark humor of writers and reporters as they try to balance objectivity with their own humanity. And I’ve looked at how important it is to not become part of the story you are covering.
But with the Club Q shootings in Colorado this weekend, I am sadly reminded of something we as coverers of the news can’t do, which is try to control the agenda. We cannot and should not, as reporters, journalists and writers bent on telling an unbiased story, work to influence people to form an opinion about something, one way of another.
However … that does not mean that we simply repeat the prevailing, dominant agenda, whatever that is. If the zeitgeist is “Mass shootings are prevalent, growing and seemingly, unstoppable,” we search for balance and evidence that communities are fighting back against haters. If the zeitgeist is that “Shooters are inhuman monsters,” we look for extenuating circumstances that pushed shooters down the path to be shooters. If the zeitgeist is to blame victims, we look to hold law enforcement and public policy responsible for holes or hypocrisies in how civil or administrative law is applied.
In other words, if there is a sunny optimism to the extreme, we inject some realism. If there is crushing despair to the extreme, we show how people are determined to fight their way uphill to make it work despite the odds. And in the case of Club Q, if the community of shooters past and shooters to be feel like they’re making headway toward remaking the world in their bloody image, we show communities lighting candles, rallying marches, and doubling down on wrestling murderers to the ground before they can do more damage.
Through hundreds of political interviews over years, I’ve heard a crude sentiment inferred by some that goes something like this; “If you don’t agree, it means you don’t understand. And if I can’t make you understand, it means you’re stupid and therefore, less than me.” Nowhere in there is there any balance. If that is a creeping attitude that is used by those folks to control the agenda; although there is much writers, reporters and journalists can’t do, there is one thing we can certainly do.
And that is, we must highlight the full spectrum of thought, opinions, words and actions, not just the loudest, meanest and dumbest part of it.
Reporter's Notebook 