The docents met Sunday morning, covering a range of topics. Here is a run down of some of the issues we touched on, and what we are thinking.

The fun stuff:

• As you no doubt noticed, we've put out the call for new docents. Let us know if you're interested and have the time and energy.
• In order to recognize excellence in citizen journalism, we're going to name a "Blogger of the Month." The recipient will be rewarded with a gift certificate to a local business.
• By unanimous vote, the docents agreed that stevenl be named Olyblogger of the Year for 2007. We are unable to offer a prize this year, but he has our eternal thanks and admiration for all the hard work he has done making OlyBlog damn fun to read!
• We're starting up another fund drive in order to collect the cash we'll need to refit OlyBlog with a new structure that will allow more news-focused content on the front page, and take that function off of the blogs. Our initial goal will be $1,000. The following are some examples of layouts that we're considering:
  

  http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/
  http://www.opendemocracy.net/
  http://cornellsun.com/
  http://www.sbindependent.org/
  http://www.insidevandy.com/drupal/

  Let us know what you think about these. We'll also be putting out the call to our more tech-savvy friends to help us build this new structure.
• enpen is working on constructing a pool of stock photos of Olympia on Flickr. He'll post more on this later, but if you're interested, drop him a note.

The not-so-fun-but-necessary stuff:

• We agreed that OlyBlog should adhere closer to its mission of focusing on hyperlocal content. In a manner similar to how Wikipedia flags material that does not meet its standards, docents will begin to flag material that has no apparent connection to Olympia. Olybloggers will have a chance to establish that connection; if there is no connection established within a reasonable amount of time, the non-local content may be removed. (There is one exception: humor. We all find a lot of value in sharing a good laugh.)
• Docents will also begin to flag posts that violate the social contract. Again, the person who originally posted the material will have a chance to adjust the post. If there is no compromise after a reasonable amount of time, the offending post may be removed. Multiple violations may also result in the blogger being placed on probation until they create 3 local posts.

It looks like there are some big changes in our future as we continue this curious experiment into citizen journalism. Thanks to all our contributors and supporters in the community. We're trying to build something that will have lasting value to everyone in Olympia. Let us know if you have ideas about how we could do this better.

I no longer serve as a full docent but I still enjoy lending a helping hand when I can. I'm on site usually daily, often several times a day.

How active I get depends on how much time and energy I have. All volunteers here have a nice easy flow, we pitch in when we can, things get done.

I check the Akismet moderation queue and move posts and comments along as appropriate.

I look over recent posts, is there anything that needs to be moved to the front page? Do any images need loading, formats need changing? Anything to put into books and collections?

I then might dig a little deeper, are there any questions I can answer? Any encouragement? Redirection?

I answer any questions that I've been asked in msg and I might try to help solve any site mysteries.

I look over logs to keep an eye on trends.

My colleagues at Madison decorated the break room for my going-away. There's goodies on the table. The cheese dip does not have chipotle in it, but...

The Brewtus Burger I got with the Applebee's gift card DOES!

Applebee's Brewtus Steak Burger w/ Chipotle Mayo

Ten ounces of thick, juicy chopped sirloin burger topped with cheddar cheese and crispy Applewood smoked bacon and served on a toasted split-top bun. $9.99

Joan and I were at the Dr. John Show at Jazz Alley last night.  Hopefully the pics I took will load.

Keep watching.

Oh....yes.....we were in the right place, and wasn't the wrong time.

Nobody do the voodoo like you do.

Does anyone know 110 Household electrical?  I have a circuit that isn't working and I've cleared all breakers and the GFIs.

Help!!

Do you want to participate in the management, maintenance and operation of OlyBlog? Then this is the chance that you've been waiting for!

OlyBlog is currently seeking, and accepting applications for, some new good Docents. If you want to apply, you are asked to please submit a detailed yet brief and succinct letter for the purpose of explaining you're interest in serving OlyBlog as a Docent.

Application letters will be accepted on an ongoing basis until further notification. All letters, and information therein, will be treated with confidentiality. Your application will not be made public unless you are chosen as a Docent, or in the case that you choose to publish it yourself.

Please send your letter of interest for application to serve as a Docent to:
olyblogdocentapplications@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Capital City Pride is accepting submissions for a call for talent for the 2008 Pride Festival. The festival is June 22, featuring a parade in downtown Olympia and a day-long festival in Sylvester Park.

Selected entertainers are compensated.

Capital City Pride
ATTN: Karola Longoria
PO Box 7221
Olympia, WA 98507

For more information, contact karola.longoria@capitalcitypride.net or go to www.capitalcitypride.net.

1912 was a wild election in Washington State. Nationally, former president Theodore Roosevelt was not happy with the performance of William H. Taft and was making a bid to return to the White House as part of the newly formed Progressive Party. The Republican vote split, handing the office to Democrat Woodrow Wilson, a figure who otherwise would never have had a chance. Since all three candidates identified themselves as "progressives," the choice appeared to be more about personal style rather than issues.

From now until its self-destruction date set to the distant future, the Olympia Drawing Club has been formed. We meet on the west side every Thursday evening to draw together. Please email us if you would like to come. Everyone who likes to draw or wants to like to draw is welcome. Send us an email at: olympiadrawingclub@gmail.com !