Berkeley Liberation Radio

the key situation

2008-04-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

If you have been listening really hard, you may know that when we lost the original lock to the studio, we had to pay to have it replaced. The manager gave us 2 months to pay it down, then ended up giving up trying to get the last 20 bucks out of us. She really does like us. I had a
talk with her Thursday April 10.

Bad News: The manager insists that we begin using the lock provided by the company. For months, we have been using our own lock because we can make as many keys as we want cheaply. Not so with the company lock.

I had previously assumed that the reason she wasn't making a big deal initially was that it was just a kind a arbitrary rule in the lease that the corporation was unlikely to find out about. Turns out, the fire code inspector told her all the doors have to be on a master key. So if the inspector notices, it would get back to the owners.

We currently have 2 copies of the key to it so at least we have a spare now. I will go ahead and purchase another lock box for the key and we can all decide on the 17th what to do. If someone can come up with a better idea, I'll just return the lock key box to the store.

I found a lock place that has key lock boxes with a push button code rather than a dial, so people should prefer that. right? And this place is 9 dollars cheaper than Reed Bros., always look on the bright side? See linked jpeg file

Meeting Notes for 2/21/2008

2008-02-21T21:19:00.000-08:00

If you have a question about some item on these notes, email the rise up list
blrinternal@lists.riseup.net
or leave a comment on this blog

Meeting Notes for 2/21/2008

Announcements
Broadcast Log, write down when the air goes down, or the stream goes down
We have decided we cannot move studio to previously proposed new location, so we will rescind 30 day notice at current studio.
Treesit update - they need our support
Forum for public safety - police misconduct - 2/27 Wednesday 7pm - location to be updated
Struggle continues at location which is asking us back - New crew in and batling with a legal strategy
Demonstrations about state cuts
BPD murdered Anita Gay 2/16/2008 - Memorial was today at 6pm - updates to follow

Agenda
Antenna
Fundraising
Scheduling
Programming when no DJ in studio
Finance Committee

Soonest we would move antenna to previously proposed new location would be April 1st
They want $200/month
2 djs are set to apply for keys next month
We would have to set up lock box for transmitter computer
Presence at previously proposed new location would endear us to them
Improve our broadcasting range to targetted audience of Berkeley
Internet connection included, making the added expense 150, rather than 200
We would leave antenna up at alternate location to ease move when becomes necessary
Representative of location which is asking us back proposed that we move antenna immediately to location which is asking us back for 50/month plus internet and phone, so added cost would be 100/month
Proposal for reportback on location which is asking us back proposal next meeting
location which is asking us back History summarized by representative
Representative stated that situation at location which is asking us back is just as stable as it was when we had our studio there
There are new residents at location which is asking us back who would be in house tech & supportive of transmitter security
Representative stated that an absent DJ was in favor, meeting accepted proxy vote in favor
12 votes present, 6 votes in favor of immediately moving antennaa to location which is asking us back
Since it was tied, we will revisit this decision next meeting, 3/6
Fundraising Chair not present
La Pena monthly benefit proposed
6 bands interested
2 established djs changed their slot
Programming for when no dj is in studio
We will have a special portfolio set up for keeping CDs nice
Scratched CDs will go in a special place too, so they can be copied by computer
DJs are reminded that storing CDs on spindles does scratch them
To keep CDs from getting scratched, put in case or store in paper
Finance Committee
Please begin using slips of paper attached to your dues, slips will be made available at studio

Please try to get more DJs to come to March 6th meeting so that we can make a decision on antenna

Transmission Update

2008-02-14T01:11:00.001-08:00

So stream has not failed. Everyone, please try to use the right words to describe trouble. The air broadcast went down Monday due to another hard drive failure. Please do not place speakers near computers. There are magnets in speakers which cause all the molecules (or some smallish shit) to line up against one side in the hard drive. Depending on length of magnet exposure, sometimes I can clear off the data on the drive, then reformat it. The reformat process is designed to help repair such damage but often it has to be reformatted several times, again depending on the amount of magnetization. So, if, for some really good reason, you want to move the speakers, err on the safe side. Please take no chances. Where the studio speakers are placed now is in consideration of the computers.

Also, just a reminder, if you play the stereo at all loudly or the monitors turned up, please make sure the door is down. This does not completely cut off all sound from escaping, I realize. Complaints to the manager are connected with the door being up and the stereo blasting.

The desktop computer is disabled because I had to cannibalize it in order to replace the transmitter computer hard drive. There is a 200 gb one in there, but I am missing all my XP installation disks but one from my box in the studio. Sadly, that one was too scratched to use.
Anyway, I'll get down there to set it up as soon as I can.

proto-minutes for meeting Jan 17

2008-01-18T05:20:00.000-08:00

So the big news is that the location we had thought had already turned us down has apparently approached BLR about becoming a tenant in one of the vacant spaces opened up by a tenant leaving. There is talk of actually getting all the various components together at one site here.
After all the terrible trouble we've had since starting the remote broadcast, a lot of djs are excited about that prospect.

The location is having a meeting to discuss it this SUNDAY at 4pm. Nobody has a clear proposal yet, my understanding is that we'll discuss and brainstorm ways we might make it work what with security and access type questions, on Sunday.

ALL blr DJs are encouraged to come this Sunday at 4, at the proposed location to talk about it with proposed location peoples.

The other news is that the turntables were stolen Jan. 7th. We in no way have the $ to replace them so that's tragic. At the meeting, a lot of discussion was centered around who might be the culprit.
The security cameras at the building are not pointed into the parking lot. They are only set up to monitor the inside of the building, we are an exterior unit.

We narrowed down exactly or pretty close when it happened and we will continue to make inquiries with respect to accountability.

We need to be more responsible as members of the collective and hopefully can prevent this from happening again soon
We spoke about making up a checklist for people so they will be reminded of important tasks before they take off after their show
Also was mentioned a suggestion of asking djs to sign in and out so that we can get used to the idea of being accountable.
A generous and brave dj volunteered to create a sheet, he'll bring it to the next meeting and we can discuss more then if necessary

We had to cut through the landlord's original lock Dec. 29, because somebody locked us out of the studio by accident. We may still have to purchase a new lock from the landlord. Currently we are using a lock and copied keys provided by a veteran dj. We would like to stick with that if possible. A dj who knows the manager will talk to her about it.

The meeting didn't create a list for the checklist / sign in sheet, but here are some items I think are basic and consensus, in no order:

MAKE SURE THE STUDIO IS LOCKED WHEN YOU LEAVE
DON'T LOCK THE KEY INSIDE THE STUDIO OR DO ANYTHING ELSE WHICH WOULD PREVENT THE NEXT DJ FROM GAINING ACCESS

NOTIFY OTHER DJS IF ANY EQUIPMENT IS MISSING OR DAMAGED

IF SOMETHING IS HOOKED UP WRONG OR SEEMS TO BE JACKED, PUT IT BACK THE WAY IT SUPPOSED TO GO
DON'T JUST LEAVE IT WRONG FOR THE NEXT DJ

DON'T MAKE A MESS
CLEAN UP THE MESS YOU MAKE
CLEAN UP THE MESS THAT'S ALREADY THERE IF YOU CAN

NOTIFY OTHER DJS IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STREAM

PUT THE PERMIT AND THE CARD KEY BACK ON THE WALL WHEN YOU ARE DONE

DON'T PISS OFF THE NEIGHBORS AND THE LANDLADY BY HAVING PARTIES OR BY BEING TOO LOUD

DON'T ALIENATE YOUR AUDIENCE AND THE OTHER DJS BY PLAYING MUSIC WHICH GOES AGAINST THE MISSION STATEMENT

PAY YOUR DUES OR CONTRIBUTE IN LIEU WITH LABOR, TIME, OR EFFORT

COME TO MEETINGS

There is a benefit coming up at La Pena on Feb. 1.
There will be music and we'll get 25% of the proceeds after overhead.

Since moving the antenna, the air broadcast has been puny. That's because the antenna is just thrown up on the edge of the roof at the moment. We are working hard on getting the antenna to a higher point on the roof. A small subcommittee is planning to remount the antenna this weekend, GOOD LUCK to those generous, brave and sure-footed djs.

Because the transmitter computer crashed and probably won't rise again, we switched the desktop from the studio Jan. 6th - in order to get the air broadcast happening again.

But Jan. 17, we installed a new desktop into the studio, so we are back up to our standard 3 system configuration. ALL THREE OF THESE COMPUTERS ARE CRAP, but since they have only very specific uses, we can slide by.
A summary of the current equipment can be found here

A dj who works on the computers announced that she doesn't want to be the only collective member willing to deal with the computers. She needs to have help, be replaced, relieved, whatever. We need to either step up and share the computer responsibility, or recruit new djs who will.

A couple of djs agreed to get training and try to take some of the load off the tech person (who complains about being the only tech person)

There was an offer sent from an individual who was not present to assist us to begin internet program sharing with other micropower stations. More details to come, let's hope.

Next meeting will be Feb. 7th

Minutes for June 7, 2007

2007-06-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

Minutes for June 7, 2007

Proposal to create a sub list for djs who are going to miss their show.

Proposal to order stickers, designs discussed

DJs to paint studio, Sunday, June 10

Tech workshop set for 2pm on June 9

BLR minutes from the 3rd Thursday meeting

2007-05-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

BLR minutes from the 3rd Thursday meeting on May 17, 2007
***********************************************************************
As promised, the following information was posted to the email list last night after the meeting
To check the status of the stream go to:
http://radio.indybay.org:8000/
To reconnect our computer to the stream all you have to do is make sure the computer is on and Winamp is open.
If anyone has questions, please ask.
***********************************************************************
DJs who do not have all the printed materials you need - hopefully you can print what you need at
http://www.berkeleyliberationradio.org/orientation.html
That's the most recent (top) link on the DJ BULLETINS link from our homepage
The username and password to access password-protected content is username "BLR", password "blrdj"
And yes, case specific, if you have problems, let someone know!
A productive meeting with a lot of long-tabled issues resolved.
Here are the topics discussed that I recall, not chronologically listed, plus my disclaimer

Stream / Computer
Communication
Procedure / Quality
Scheduling
Location
Internet
Transmitter
Equipment
Disclaimer

Stream / Computer
There continue to be reports of the stream going down or unavailable.
A reason for this is that the streaming (2nd) computer has been freezing. This is because the hard drive is just too old and the motherboard doesn’t have enough RAM.
After some discussion, it was agreed that the station does need the proposed 200 gb hard drive for our desktop (1st) . The difficulty of maintaining a 500 gb as a primary hard drive was heard and validated, thanks.
We were reminded that mp3 files and wav files and other media files cannot be defragmented which comes up when maintaining a hard drive.
This new hard drive will go into the 1st, freeing up that 80 gb for use in the 2nd.
Additionally, the current router was installed only as a stop gap to allow our stream to be set up. It is not appropriate for our purpose. BLR will need to replace it.
The proposal to purchase a router, 2 sticks of 256 mb RAM, and the 200 gb hard drive was unopposed. The prices quoted in a recent email were not recalled at the meeting but here they are: $40 for the router, $32 for 2 sticks of 256 mb PC100 RAM, and $50 for the 200 gb hard drive. $122 total.

Communication
It was announced again that we so easily could set up berkeleyliberationradio.org email addresses for every one of us, multiple if so desired. Please let us know if you want a berkeleyliberationradio.org email address, it is no trouble. For some DJs, computer access is difficult so we can easily set up a login with the desired email address on the desktop.
Questions? There are no bad questions, only bad people!
Email your Show descriptions or ask someone to email your show description, for promotional purposes.
So far collected or stolen by hook and crook,
http://www.berkeleyliberationradio.org/whowe
That's the SHOWS link from our homepage
Web content was discussed with no major issues, lucky so far.
Please bring designs for buttons and stickers to the next meeting, suggestion made to look for local vendors, there may be a button maker available for us to use nearby, report back at next meeting. Bring design ideas!

Procedure / Quality
There was no serious proposal to continue trying to make work the 5-cd tray system currently not working for us because of skipping. That is such a beautifully awkward statement, I'm gonna leave it.
We continue to hear skipping CDs on air. It turns people off the station, we get turned off, its worse than dead air.
We heard proposals to discontinue the use of unattended CDs by creating mp3 playlists to maintain the broadcast whenever no physical dj is present. This can be accomplished easily with WinAmp or iTunes. Most media players can open and play playlists. My understanding is that this proposal was agreed to.
Using the “rip” button on JetAudio is one way DJs can convert their CDs into mp3s allowing us to maintain our desired content.
DJs who want to continue using CDs in the trays when no one is in the studio need to propose a way to make that work.
So set mp3 playlists running from the desktop (1st) computer overnight and whenever there is no dj in the studio.
Yes, the only limitation which prevents a secondary hard drive, for example, a 500 gb, from being added to the desktop (1st) computer, is that we would also need to upgrade the power supply. If memory serves, currently we use one with less than 200 watts, really not enough to boot properly the minimum quantity of 2 drives as some have noted when drive-find errors come up during boot.
For DJs interested in procurement of upgrade, it is a little pricey for an adequate power supply, but there is time to shop around so think 350 watt probably, 500 watt to be safe. Maybe one of the various offers of donated computer parts will result in a nice new power supply and hard drive.
If someone wants to propose we buy a 500 gb as an additional drive, they need to price it and a power supply.

Scheduling
We welcomed a new dj who has been DJing some already, see the schedule for changes.

Location
The meeting, all 13 DJs present, agreed to continue the rule to have no noise after midnight.
Also, the continuing personality conflict between 2 djs, which has been a concern, will be addressed outside the meeting. Beyond putting up a new sign replacing the old one to say turn down the monitor after midnight, no further action was proposed. If BLR does end up being asked specifically to expand this rule, then it should be discussed further.
The various possibilities of a new location were discussed. There will be a report back from one of the new djs next, 6/7, meeting. Again, the previously discussed desired qualities are at
http://www.berkeleyliberationradio.org/BLRhome
That's the LOCATION link from our home page
We do like that there are people in and around the studio, we like to feel safe out on the street, there is lighting out on the street, and there are other things we like about our current spot. It is good. There was concern raised that perhaps not all the djs feel safe, also there have been muggings in the neighborhood. What safety we do feel, we appreciate. And there was an offer by a house resident to provide protection to whomever might feel in need of it. If you need help finding that house member, email us or ask someone at the house.

Internet
The 2nd person doing web work (male dj for disambiguation) wants to encourage every dj to post to the site - also if they need technical help in doing so, he is available.
http://pdxmedia.mahost.org/pdxmp
That's the RADIO NEWS link from our homepage
The person who updates the schedule wants to keep it a simple text format rather than adding links, claiming it would be too much work since the schedule gets updated so often.
If someone else wants to tackle linking the schedule, hey go for it, no argument, that would be kick ass.

Transmitter
There was a report of bleeding onto the other stations near us on the dial. Please test this and report back to BLR. Bleeding is an issue for our neighbors and a potential obstacle to our continued existence. It has been known to cause complaints to the FCC which is bad. There was a concern that the limiter is no longer functional. We have to ask our tech person to help us on this. We asked someone to address that issue with the tech person. Thanks in advance. The limiter was discussed following a report that the antenna has to be adjusted, which the tech person reportedly has noticed and will handle. Thanks.

Equipment
We are pleased to report and celebrate that we will have full redundancy in the area of studio start up. Our DJs tirelessly have collected and safe-guarded these precious components and there is no gratitude great enough to encompass our thanks. Maybe someday when the state crumbles (ATR) heh heh we won't worry about our current setup getting collared and incarcerated. But for the foreseeable near future, it is part of our operation to have a backup setup ready to go.
My understanding is that extra equipment should be stored with this in mind, perhaps in the same location, perhaps that DJ may feel up to moving the extra equipment after his next show.
We can expect the new cd player Friday, 5/18, and a rack is supposed to get built soon as well. Hopefully, we can get our friendly neighborhood carpenter to also build us that lockable box we have been dreaming of. If so, we will furnish it with a combination lock of which DJs will be notified.

Disclaimer: I decided to go ahead and write these minutes even though I lost my notebook tonight. I felt it necessary to write up from fresh memory what I remember. I now have the feeling I may be mistaken on some of these points. To keep agreed upon ideas documented in a practical manner, minutes are never approved by the collective, remain only one person's perception of the varied and fluid meeting. If the assertions posted are not accurate, speak up at the studio, through email, leave phone messages, post comments, broach in person, however. This blog will be corrected or abolished according to the desires of our project.

BLR minutes for May 3, 2007

2007-05-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

BLR minutes
May 3, 2007

Thursday meeting of Berkeley Liberation Radio
Outreach – Proposal to hold meetings every Thursday again, tabled til next meeting
Benefit at La Pena in August, progress update next meeting
Schedule – New arrival has been trained already
Tech – Still waiting for new cd mixer, we will try to use the paypal account to buy it online
Harddrive is full, proposal to buy new hard drive, no vote
Tech will clean off drive as best as can
Future, maybe djs can record in mp3?
Internet – Streaming is working if you use iTunes or Realplayer, will change website link to reflect

BLR minutes April 19, 2007

2007-04-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

BLR minutes
Thursday, April 19, 2007

Third Thursday meeting of Berkeley Liberation Radio

Tech
DJ hooked replacement CD player that DJ purchased
discussion raised for a cd jukebox
burning CDs
CD will still be burning after transition to next show
Workshop on burning CDs
since not everyone can do it yet
Tech says can do Workshop by June
Streaming workshop can happen before then with the other tech who set up the stream
Proposal to spend $160 on a cd mixer
About cd mixer, should we buy big thing when FCC is coming?
6 votes, proposal passed

Electrical wattage
Here is a veteran’s DJ estimate of our power usage
Re: Estimated power use break down
The transmitter puts out about 100 watts and maybe burns half again that much juice due to inefficiency.
So estimate about 150 watts power requirement for the transmitter.
Not so much for the rest of the equipment.
Maybe 100 watts total for the mixer, cd players, tape decks and turntables.
Add in another 150 watts for the computer so all told we're probably at about 400 watts consumption when everything is up and running.
If necessary, it could be in a van and running off one of those inverter things. Last mobile broadcast, a car battery powered a five watt and everything else ran off AA or 9-volt batteries, and got out just fine. It's good to have contingency plans.
Station paid $140 to catch up w/ power bill

Outreach
Peoples Park this Sunday for the anniversary
ironing board tabling
with schedules
Announcements on shows

Facility
Agreed to a bulletin board in studio just for station announcements
Like search for new site
Need more djs
Thursday meetings
Benefits
Donations
Etc.
We will be Painting the studio on Wednesday April 25th in the morning
Alternate Thursdays possible new site
Veteran DJ opposes other meeting because puts too much pressure on djs to come every week

New location
Announcements on shows that we are looking for new location
Some djs are already mentioning it
At the meeting we couldn’t remember the exact specs for a location.
We talked about the importance of a friendly landlord who knows and understands what we are doing. Here is the notes made about the new location a year or so ago
Help Us Find a New Home (berkeley)
Our Ideal Facility
Supportive Landlord
At Least 100 Square Feet
24 Hour Access
Restroom Available
Window that Opens
Ventilation
Private or Separate Entrance
Secure from Outside
Near BART
Is there a restroom?
What is the square footage?
And what are the dimensions?
What are the lease options?
What is the monthly rent?
What is the security deposit?
Are there move-in fees in addition to security deposit?
Help us find new work space for our on-going project. W e offer stable and punctual rent. We are good neighbors. The project is well-established.
In the past, a finder’s fee has been approved for a person who finds us an appropriate site.

Press pass
Press pass can be made up by individual DJs & confirmed by station

BLR minutes Thursday, April 5, 2007

2007-04-11T04:06:00.000-07:00

BLR minutes

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Thursday meeting of Berkeley Liberation Radio

$30 to new dj to get one CD player in 2 weeks

Proposal to return about the dj cd turntable

The Long Haul asked we go to 2 meetings per month here. People will research other places to meet but we decided to meet first and third Thursday at the Long Haul

Will meet next week at 3pm at People’s Park

Webstreaming, indybay.org

Go to berkeleyliberationradio.org, click indybay link, streaming link is there.

March 29, 2007 Thursday meeting minutes

2007-04-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

BLR minutes

March 29, 2007

We heard pitches for 3 new shows and a pitch which had already been approved the previous week,

Of note was a returning dj who had apparently been asked to leave because of content in his show.

We decided that it would be best if he were to come again the following Thursday

So that his proposal could be addresserd at a decision meeting.

He agreed to come back in a week.

One dj wanted to switch her slot from her current one

To a Thursday slot, and change the name

She specially emailled the station to ask for a proxy to come to a meeting and request the change.

She cannot attend Thursday nights because of work.

BLR minutes March 15, 2007

2007-03-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

BLR minutes

March 15, 2007

Thursday meeting of Berkeley Liberation Radio

Tuesdays 1-4pm KPFA Friday morning DJ has shift

Agenda

Rearrangement

FCC visit

Scheduling

Tech

Fund raising/outreach

SFLR court case went against them, FCC may be reacting to that decision

DJ has NAL, addressed to occupant

Another DJ warns that the FCC has used subterfuge by pretending to be the next DJ, and thereby getting the broadcasting DJ to open up.

Currently, there is no obstacle to passerby just walking in to studio.

The studio has no consistent security procedure.

It’s unrealistic to expect the house to close its doors.

Advisement: Lock door after you if there is no DJ after you.

There is no way to bring in interviewees through the house

We can still make the studio more livable by upgrading the paint with mildew resistant paint, by adding a carpet.

We have given tech guy $200 but do not have back-up transmitter. The current transmitter is fm, but there has been no other changes as far as we can see.

The second board was running into the wrong input on the board even though it was set up correctly Friday, March 9.

We will set up the components correctly and then make note of the connections so that they can be put back to the norm.

Solidarity with the People’s Park anniversary.

Board should be situated so that DJ can work board and watch the door.

7 collective members decided to get rid of loft after discussing it with the house. There were none opposed.

Training can be scheduled for times other than Saturday night.

BLR minutes Thursday, March 8, 2007

2007-03-08T23:52:00.000-08:00

BLR minutes

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Thursday meeting of Berkeley Liberation Radio

Tech

ï Old server computer to arrive at station on Saturday night, since this appears to increase our power usage, proposal made and passed that BLR offer amount to help with catching up with power bill. DJ will contact house and find out what, if any further responsibility should fall on BLR for maintaining the power.

ï Some DJs irate that studio was reordered, there is less feeling of space with the new setup, there is no light on the CDs, so people cannot look for CDs to put in the tray if they are leaving. Special concern voiced about the difficulty of having more than one person working the board

ï Decision made to reorder the studio again next Sunday, the 11^that 5pm, note posted to this effect in studio

Internet

ï DJ offered server space through his connection, suggestion was made to go into more detail about that outside of meeting then come back to meeting with proposal

ï Streaming proposal passed without opposition, however, some DJs need to know more about streaming and servers and bandwidth in order to participate meaningfully

ï Some DJs felt that they did not want to know more about that part of the computer work, they just wanted to move towards streaming with the help of people and DJs who have interest and knowledge in that area

ï $111 allocated to pay phone bill including internet, $20 dollars allocated to start up streaming service with StreamGuys

Outreach

ï Anarchist Bookfair, commitment from DJ to at least start up the table for 2 hours, 10-noon

ï $50 allocated to make screen for printing t-shirts

ï Every DJ is invited to pitch in for the anarchist Bookfair tabling, no one should feel that they are not wanted and desperately needed

Procedures

ï FCC visit yesterday, no consensus on whether this increases our vulnerability or whether this is something that can be downplayed.

ï Since SF Liberation Radio apparently had an unfavorable decision in the 9^th circuit court, concern voiced that this could be a signal to expect increased enforcement

ï There has been intense aggressive raids on BLR, notably in 2003, all programmers should find out from our veterans any details that interest them regarding the risks involved with this project

ï DJ thought it was important to note that the FCC did not have a warrant and therefore were not allowed to entered the house

ï Security issue noted that list of phone numbers should not be posted in studio, which currently it is not. FCC procedure passed out in hard copy to individual DJs

ï Everyone agreed that any paperwork received by the house regarding the FCC should be posted in the studio, otherwise a note should be posted for the edification of DJs who don’t already know of the visit.

2007-03-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

BLR minutes

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Thursday meeting of Berkeley Liberation Radio

Tech

Stored equipment can be dumped

Loft is obstacle but the loft allows us to be an emergency spot for a full house

Want New turntables

Programmer suggested that the reason computer keeps getting disconnected is that people don't realize it is there as an integral part of studio

Component layout with computer as integral part of studio

Reorganizing equipment in “L” shape

Internet

Domain/email addresses/server space

Streaming tabled again

Outreach

La Pena wants 200 deposit and 30% of door to do fund raiser (200 capacity)

Procedures

New programmer info, a bit of discussion about mandatory training

BLR minutes Thursday, February 22, 2007

2007-02-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

BLR minutes

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Thursday meeting of Berkeley Liberation Radio

Scheduling

ï programmer pitched a show for Thursday 2-4.will be house music

ï He has agreed to do training.

Internet

ï Streaming was brought up at meeting

ï There was nobody opposed to the proposal at the meeting

ï Suggestion was made to wait until next Thursday since those opposed have not had the opportunity to express their objection

Outreach

ï DJ wants a drop box for donated equipment perhaps at the Long Haul

ï The long haul groups meeting is the 3rd Sunday of every month, so we missed this month's meeting,

ï issue has come up in listserv traffic that Long Haul wants no equipment stored there – djs will ask around for alternate places to perhaps have drop box for equipment

ï Also- house is not accessible to wheelchairs, we’d all lilke to see accessibility improved especially in this rain

Tech

ï house meeting Saturday (2/24) at NOON - it is open, DJs can go and make proposals

ï Phone might be patched into board somehow

ï Discussion about whether or not training is mandatory

ï Discussion about whether signal has gotten weaker since we went stereo - majority believes no change

Anarchist Book Fair

ï We talked a little about t-shirt designs

BLR minutes February 15, 2007

2007-02-17T12:14:00.000-08:00

BLR minutes

February 15, 2007

Thursday meeting of Berkeley Liberation Radio

Scheduling

Two shows were added. One will be Sat. night 10 to 12 now that we have determined that is open

and the other was Tues. 6 to 8 which is open again.

Thurs. 6 to 8pm came up to me today to tell won’t be able to do it

Monday nights is still holding down the show

Animal Rights show is up and there is someone who also comes and helps with the show like last Monday was suppose to cover the show

Phone

There is a phone working in the studio, handset on the wall

Programmer dropped it, but seems to be working again

Will not be able to check e-mails before then and hoping cell phone not lost. Brought the phone bill and the $ to cover it in cash hoping to connect with bill person, otherwise can connect Sunday

Tech

With the new transmitter put in we are now in stereo

Programmer started rag about the CD burner but cut off saying already dealt with the issue satisfactorily and that the tendency is annoying that some talk negative on folks who actually do stuff

Benefit

2 programmers are working on a summertime benefit with 60s music.

A Wednesday programmer will have a warehouse near the West Oakland BART plans to put together a BLR event

Location

Our phone is not linked to that of the house because they have a $600 phone bill but it seems the phone guy noted the existing connection in the house

Organizational

Before the meeting I ran into programmer who mentioned that talking about the windbag issue inadvertently out on the air. Oh well a bit of airing dirty laundry but sentiments shared, make feel some dread about going to BLR meetings

every time we discuss ways to (re)structure it only seems to encourage those who like to hear themselves talk so one way is just to make a point of not going every week which sometimes means having to deal with stuff done poorly like scheduling shows when someone is already doing a show

Actually it does seems like presently and compared to past years we over all are in better shape than we have been even though it certainly falls well short of what we should be capable of

We have survived and have had some good programming go down since our start on July 31st, 1999 and have outlasted Free Radio Berkeley and that is in itself a significant accomplishment

design ideas for t-shirts

2007-02-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

What about these designs for a t-shirt?
Please help come up with ideas for merch to distro at the Bookfair

BLR minutes February 8, 2007

2007-02-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

BLR minutes

February 8, 2007

Thursday meeting of Berkeley Liberation Radio

Announcements

Screening of DVD has been set for Saturday, March 24, chosen after looking at calendar, aiming to shortly follow Anarchist Bookfair the previous weekend

Outreach

Opportunity to table at second day of Anarchist Book Fair (is extended by Long Haul who will not be using their second day) – one veteran programmer and 2 newer ones volunteered to table. DVDs might be ready to distro by then, if not, just fliers and promo items will be fine too. One programmer suggested cd recordings of shows would be appropriate

Phone

One programmer complained that personality issues were getting in the way of business, cautioned not to jump to conclusions.

Phone was installed 2/6, not sure where. After calling the phone company, it was established that it is in the name of the person who ordered it, contrary to rumor. House rep handled it by switching over an existing phone jack despite decision at last meeting to have whole new jack installed in studio room.

This may present a problem since part of the expense was justified by also having dsl access through that line. Currently paying for dsl which we can’t use. Tabled until next meeting.

Schedule

Changes made http://www.mistakemagazine.net/BLR_Schedule.htm

Tech

There is a new tape deck in studio, looks like the one that might have been broke got replaced
Programmer reports that CD2 is not broke, just sensitive. Better to use only cds in good condition in that machine
Computer keeps getting dismantled despite house residents desire to use it. Speculation that dismantling may be resulting from residents’ concern about power bill expense

Internet

Some new procedures on line at http://radio.mistakemagazine.net/helpfiles.html
mission statements & schedule fliers passed out
phone list reviewed and approved http://radio.mistakemagazine.net/PhoneList.htm
new dj wanted to know why there is no domain name for BLR, speculated that need internet access in order to make a serious website - tabled
call out to help establish procedures

February 1, 2007 Thursday meeting

2007-02-07T20:51:00.001-08:00

February 1, 2007 Thursday meeting of Berkeley Liberation Radio

Announcements

Homeless Union Rally before Berkeley City Council Tuesday Feb.27 at 6pm in front of 2124 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way
BLA wants to raise awareness about case in SF

Schedule

Some changes made, see updated schedule

Tech

Voted unanimously to go stereo because mono signal does not come up on that auto scan feature on modern receivers
CD2 has been having problems, not sure if it’s broke, to replace need another 5-cd tray player
Dual cassette player has also been having problems, not sure if it’s broke
Programmer complained because burner was removed, some other programmer thought it was broke, so put computer in it’s place
$400 for back up transmitter, agreed to go half now, half on completion
spectrum analyzer costs $5,000 approximately, field strength tester goes for between $100- $200

Solidarity with other stations

New station in Hunter’s Point
Bay Area Indymedia wants program exchanges
BVHP Radio (contact name & number available from meeting)
Democracy Now
Guns & Butter

Screening

DJ Him & DJ Her Pirate Radio USA screening at Long Haul, also provide DVDs for sale

Phone
Want to install phone line, need permission from House, phone service will mean internet access for us

2007-01-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

The links to the right are mp3 files