Hello all.
My first post, FWIW.
John Atkinson has suggested that I raise this issue on this forum.
I have been asked to volunteer for a committee of a local church that is considering replacing its not worth restoring old pipe organ with a new one. The new one is to be all-pipe (no digital synths or subwoofers). The church wants every aspect of the project to be optimal. They are not looking to spend money for ostentation, but they want to make sure that no corners are cut.
They plan to invite bids from four or so world-class organ builders from the US, Canada, and Germany. My input will be primarily on room acoustics and a system to document performances.
The goal is to make the organ a true community resource, and not have it under lock and key six days a week.
As the process gets going, I plan to offer periodic updates in my Stereophile column.
I also plan to ask any readers who might be so inclined to make donations--even $20 will help.
Here's the perception issue. When I get involved in a project like this, my usual thing is to riffle my Rolodex and see who might be able to give. In the absence of any other consideration, I would ask people I know in the audio industry--including makers of products I have covered both at TAS and Stereophile--to give modest sums.
I recognize, though, as does JA, that the bloody-minded and ill-intentioned may wish to cobble up a full-scale ethics issue out of this, as in 'John Marks is asking people to donate money to a project he is involved in. Won't that influence his choice of products to review?'
As far as I am concerned, the short answer is 'No.'
In support of the longer answer:
1. It is not my church and not even my denomination.
2. I know that some companies can afford to give and some can't--just like people. I don't judge people or companies by their bank balances.
3. I will ask the committee to put up a website dedicated to the organ project, listing all donors except those requesting anonymity.
4. I will let potential donors know that their decision to donate or not will not influence my writing.
5. I will tell potential donors that lavish or disproportionate gifts are not being sought.
So, there it is.
JA and I will be interested to hear your take on this.
Cordially,
JM
Hello all.
My first post, FWIW.
John Atkinson has suggested that I raise this issue on this forum.
I have been asked to volunteer for a committee of a local church that is considering replacing its not worth restoring old pipe organ with a new one. The new one is to be all-pipe (no digital synths or subwoofers). The church wants every aspect of the project to be optimal. They are not looking to spend money for ostentation, but they want to make sure that no corners are cut.
They plan to invite bids from four or so world-class organ builders from the US, Canada, and Germany. My input will be primarily on room acoustics and a system to document performances.
The goal is to make the organ a true community resource, and not have it under lock and key six days a week.
As the process gets going, I plan to offer periodic updates in my Stereophile column.
I also plan to ask any readers who might be so inclined to make donations--even $20 will help.
Here's the perception issue. When I get involved in a project like this, my usual thing is to riffle my Rolodex and see who might be able to give. In the absence of any other consideration, I would ask people I know in the audio industry--including makers of products I have covered both at TAS and Stereophile--to give modest sums.
I recognize, though, as does JA, that the bloody-minded and ill-intentioned may wish to cobble up a full-scale ethics issue out of this, as in 'John Marks is asking people to donate money to a project he is involved in. Won't that influence his choice of products to review?'
As far as I am concerned, the short answer is 'No.'
In support of the longer answer:
1. It is not my church and not even my denomination.
2. I know that some companies can afford to give and some can't--just like people. I don't judge people or companies by their bank balances.
3. I will ask the committee to put up a website dedicated to the organ project, listing all donors except those requesting anonymity.
4. I will let potential donors know that their decision to donate or not will not influence my writing.
5. I will tell potential donors that lavish or disproportionate gifts are not being sought.
So, there it is.
JA and I will be interested to hear your take on this.
Cordially,
JM