"SOWNY BOARD FAQ and Questions and Answers"
March 17th 2007.

The Southern Ontario - Western New York (SOWNY) Radio-TV forum has been around since 1998. As the moderator, and a 40 year radio fan I've met countless professionals and fellow enthusiasts though e-mails and in person,including many people I grew up listening to and still listen to today. Support and suggestions from readers of the board have always been appreciated. The idea of a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) was first floated five years ago, but I've only now got around to writing one up. So, here are some of the basics of the Big Yellow Board, to help explain how the playpen works.


HOW DID THE BOARD START?
Dale R. Patterson launched the forum as an offshoot of his aircheck site "Rock Radio Scrapbook". A few oldies fans and ex-employees who worked with Dale at FM 108 were the first to embrace the board. Frequent contributor Craig M.Smith (not the to be confused with Don Daynard's former producer Craig Smith) was handed the reins in February 2001. Greg Simpson a music and radio industry veteran from London, Ontario is responsible for the "official" pronunciation of "SOW-nee " (not to be confused with the Japanese electronics company.

HAS CRAIG EVER WORKED IN RADIO?
No, but I've been a listener for almost my entire life. I've also worked in music retail and I know a bit about music and the charts.

WHAT ARE THE TOPICS COVERED ON THE BOARD?
Radio,radio,radio! Television, music and other entertainment and media trends are welcome as well. Generally we keep it local, but often go outside the limits if there is a story or item of interest to people who live in the area. When a post contains information from an outside source please provide a link to the original web page site. This board has regular visitors from all ten provinces, most of the United States and internationally.

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED.
Politics: For the most part, unless it's inspired by a radio host's specific opinion, or maybe a current or former media personality is running for office,or in the news.
Pure gossip: You may criticize someone's on air performance within means but don't drag up personal issues into it. These posts will be deleted unless you can supply a reliable source. Personalities who don't discuss their personal lives on the air or in their bloggs don't deserve to have them revealed online.
Blatant attacks: Different readers have different tolerance levels. What one person thinks is satire may offend somebody else. We all have opinions, but think ahead before you post.
Disputes between two people: Better to take it up with the person privately where possible that turn it into a public fight. These arguments are a waste of board space and show a lack of respect to everyone else. If you're just here looking for attention, fame or notoriety this isn't the place to seek it out. If you've made a point on a specific thread -- move on

HOW ABOUT FREE PLUGS FOR A SHOW, SITE OR EVENT?
Generally not. Praise for a station is fine, but refrain from repeated cheerleading. We know where and when your favorite personalities are on the air. News about something new or interesting or a note about a programming change is usually welcome. A question like "What do you listen to" with out offering any valuable comment of your own, is often a waste of energy. Milkman Unlimited posts many press releases in his "Tuned In" section. I'd also be happy to post these links on my own site.

WHO READS THIS STUFF?
Plenty of loyal radio fans, and many people from the industry past or present along with people interested in the workings of the media business. During a typical weekday, there are about 1000 unique hits. What you post is definitely being read.

IS THIS A PRIVATE CLUB?
No it's not. The moderator has been accused of playing favorites at times, but I try and keep a level head when dealing with posters. Naturally, I will trust the discretion of long time readers, contributors and supporters more than new people who post but everyone is subject to the same rules.

WHAT'S WITH THE PASSWORDS?
There used to be one password and user name for everybody, but abuse, threats, complaints and other nasty stuff has necessitated a more rigid system. A few passwords are shared by several people but those will be eliminated if anyone steps out of line. You can post under any name, or handle, so long as you aren't representing yourself as someone else
The true Identity of each individual who asks for a password is kept confidential, if you want to remain anonymous. The IP address is posted as an extra safeguard in case of misrepresentation issues.

SHOULD I POST AT WORK?
Not a good idea for those working at large media companies who want to remain anonymous. Your owner,manager or program director could be watching.But those policies are the responsibility of the workplace , not me. You can always e-mail me privately about anything.
Running this board is both fun and an education, but I also take my responsibilities very seriously. It's my goal to keep SOWNY running smoothly, to give people a place to vent, praise, and share information about the radio business, and other topics of interest to the community that continues to evolve.
Best Regards
Craig M. Smith
Moderator