Frequently Asked Questions about Philosophy Talks Fund Drive QUESTION: Why are you asking for money at all? ANSWER: Because our program is pretty expensive to produce and distribute. Nobody works for us for free -- not our producers and editors, not our Roving Reporters, not Ian Shoales, not our researchers, not our marketers and distributors, not our web maintenance people. Those people all deserve to be paid. If we didnt pay these folks, there would be no show. QUESTION: But Stanford is an incredibly rich university. Why cant the university just absorb the cost of producing and distributing your show? ANSWER: We get this one a lot. First thing to say is that Philosophy Talk is entirely the brainchild of Ken Taylor and John Perry. A bunch of years ago -- way back in 2000, Ken and John went to the powers that be and said, Weve got this idea for a radio show. Can you help us out. And much to their surprise and delight, the powers that be were willing to help out. But they always knew that the powers that be wouldnt forever be willing to pay the entire freight. QUESTION: But why is that story relevant? ANSWER: Its meant to demonstrate that Philosophy Talk is driven by the missionary zeal and vision of two individual faculty members. Its not part of the teaching or research mission of the University. The University views itself as helping and enabling John and Ken to make their dream a reality. QUESTION: Well, how much has the University helped over the years? ANSWER: A tremendous amount. In the beginning, the University was actually our SOLE means of support. It gave us 100% of the cost to produce our pilot and then to market that pilot to potential stations. It also fully funded our very, very modest budget in the first few years of operation. QUESTION: So why hasnt it continued to do so -- fully fund you, I mean? ANSWER: Well, we never expected it to. Our initial budget was very modest, And the quality and reach of the show reflected that fact. (We started out on just three outlets OPB, KALW, and KUCR). We regard the initial years as very much an experiment. We had no idea whether the experiment would work. We always knew from the start that if we were to grow the show in reach and quality, wed have to find additional, outside funds. We couldnt reasonably expect Stanford to fund us in perpetuity at the level that reflects industry averages for nationally syndicated radio programs. QUESTION: Why not? ANSWER: Well, because Universities just dont operate like that. While they are often happy to offer seed money, they generally are not in the business of fully funding individual faculty initiatives that fall outside the scope of normal teaching and research. We know its hard, but think about from their point of view for a second. At great universities, there are LOTS of really creative and ambitious faculty with LOTS of dreams and visions. If the University tried to fund them all, it would end up cutting somewhere else teaching and research and physical plant, etc. Thats not going to happen. In the great scheme of things, were a relatively low institutional priority for Stanford. But we would be at any other University too. QUESTION. Well, shame on Stanford, then. You should be a higher priority. Philosophy Talk is great! The show does great good in the world. ANSWER: That wasnt really a question, but well address it anyway. it wont come as a surprise to you that we agree that Philosophy Talk does good in the world. Thats why we are trying to keep it afloat. But we dont begrudge the University its priorities. Were actually extraordinarily grateful to it. What it has done for us over the years has been beyond amazing. Ask our colleagues at other universities and colleges out there if they could have gotten their institution to invest several million dollars over the course of 13- 14 years, in a dream like this? The total support that Stanford has given Philosophy Talk represents both an extraordinary investment and extraordinary endorsement in us and what we do. We feel nothing but deep and extreme gratitude. QUESTION: So is Stanford totally cutting you off? ANSWER: Not at all. In the future we still expect roughly 40% of our total budget to come from Stanford. In the recent past, Stanford covered about 80% of our costs. In the distant past, it covered 100%. QUESTION: Why cant you get what you need from foundations? Why cant you sell underwriting or commercials? Why do you need me? ANSWER: We are constantly seeking foundation support. Weve had some modest success. But there just arent that many foundations out there who believe in the kind of thing we do. Weve also approached many corporations for underwriting and sponsorships. (As a non-profit, we cant do commercials.) Our success on this front has been even more modest. Corporations are mostly looking for return on investment. They dont seem to believe that Philosophy on the Radio (and on the internet) is that great of an investment. QUESTION: But why me? ANSWER Heres something we know about you. You believe in what we do. You value you what we do. Thats why we are turning to you for help. Were not asking a lot. There is strength in numbers. Anything you choose to give -- $5, $50, $500, or even $5,000 will make us very happy. QUESTION: Okay, Okay. Youve convinced me. Now how do I give? ANSWER: I thought youd never ask. Just click on the link below. It will take you directly to a page at Stanford, where you can donate directly to Philosophy Talk. https://alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/makeagift?mop=CC&gfty=G&pgnTPC=399&stp=180&gdso=5&tgso=6&cturl=close&olc=15387
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:57:32 +0000
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