Archive for September, 2008

Life of Georgia Building Not So Lively, To Be Demolished

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Today the AJC reports that yet another historic Atlanta building is in danger of being razed.

Let’s ignore, for a moment, the irony concerning the destruction of the “Life of Georgia” building.  Really, Atlanta?  Again?  Can we just keep something?  Please?

Jim Auchmutey (who is a very nice man) writes:

Emory Crawford Long Hospital plans to demolish the 78-year-old Life of Georgia building, at West Peachtree Street and Linden Avenue, to make way for a medical complex scheduled to open in 2013.

The Atlanta Preservation Center is already on the case, and you can sign their petition here, if you’re so inclined.  And, by the way, you totally should be.

For one, the Life of Georgia building (also known as the Industrial Life and Health Insurance Co. building) is made of Indiana limestone.  That stuff’s very pretty, in case you were wondering.  Perhaps I am biased, having gone to a pretty college made of said pretty limestone.

For two, why do hospitals in Atlanta (or anywhere, really) have such spotty records when it comes to creating new facilities that so often detract from the environment around them?

I’m sure the insides are top o’ the line.  But in terms of design, it’s like they’re trying to rend the urban fabric and kill any semblance of connectivity or pedestrian inclusion.  Keeping this building would buck the trend, for sure.

So hey.  We can do better than this. Preservation may be expensive now, but tearing down this building will be much more costly in the future.

h/t: Atlanta Intown’s In the Loop, from a while back

Related:

• Life of Georgia Photo Album on Flickr

• Life of Georgia Photos on Atlanta Time Machine

• Atlanta Preservation Center

Microsoft’s New Commercials With Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld

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Microsoft and house museums share the same problem. They’re (perceived as) boring. Super boring.

Unlike most house museums however, Microsoft has some pretty deep pockets. They addressed the problem by hiring the same firm that brought back the King from Burger King.

And behold! They made Bill Gates funny! With impeccable timing!

I suppose you could say that Microsoft’s Seinfeld commercials are a little bit like the Wren’s Nest blog–a little awkward, sometimes confusing, oddly funny, and a direct response to a problem (of being branded a snoozefest) outside of our control.

Oh, but ours cost $300 million less.  …and reaches approximately 300 million fewer people.

Thanks, Epicenter.

Sage Fundraising Advice: Seven Ways To Improve Your Snail Mail

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Lately folks have been clamoring for my wisdom about raising money from individuals.

Who has better advice than someone with no formal training? Who has only been in the field for two years? Who frequently spills coffee everywhere?

No one, that’s who.

So, I’m here to offer my coveted, sage advice. Onward!

Let’s pretend we’re writing a letter to Tom.

Tom is very busy.

So busy that he doesn’t have time to read your letter. We’re here to trick him into thinking he does.

Before you get started, have your good remarkably spectacular story ready.

And remember that the goal is to build a relationship, and the product of this relationship may be a contribution. And don’t be nervous–a contribution is an exchange between you and Tom. It’s not just Tom giving you money.

Got that?

Once you’ve written your story in 2 – 3 pages, you’re going to need seven elements–

1. Bold words and phrases.

Your eyes love bold words and phrases. Tom’s do too. Assume that Tom will skim your letter. Put the important stuff in bold, but don’t abuse it.

2. Handwriting

Handwriting is even better than bold words. Tom will read it before anything else. I use blue pen because it’s distinct from the black ink.

3. P.S.

Since the beginning of time, psychologists and fundraisers have known that Tom will read the P.S. first.  Weird, I know.

4. Personalization

Now that you’ve got Tom’s attention, you might as well talk about something that matters to Tom–himself.

It’s not that Tom is selfish, he just needs to be invested in your story. You know that Tom is already invested in himself, so make sure you include him in your letter.

5. Pronouns

Repeat the words “you” or “I” to lull Tom into believing you’re having a conversation.  He loves that.

6. Firm, specific, but non-threatening asks

Tell Tom what you want (more than once and in bold) and shut up already. Do you want $1,000? Say so! Tom may not give you what you want, but at least he knows where to start.

7. A pre-stamped envelope

Seal the deal with a pre-stamped envelope.

When Tom sees that you’ve spent an extra 42 cents on him, he’ll be loath to throw out the envelope. Either he’ll save it for a rainy day or you’ve just guilted him into a contribution. Booya.

Or he’ll think you’re spending your money irresponsibly. Note: my personal contribution to the Wren’s Nest is buying stamps to put on pre-stamped envelopes.

Your story will do the rest. Just make sure it’s a good one.

Is all this incredibly time-consuming? It sure is. Do I really know what I’m talking about? Only sort of. Is there a better way to do it? Probably so.

If you’ve got better suggestions, enlighten me. No, really! I need all the help I can get.

We Survived the Decatur Book Festival

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…and all you get is a lousy blog post.

No really.  This is gonna be kinda lousy.

(Behold our lousiness!  Also, hi Vernacular Editors.  How many more times will I be able to embarrass you?)

You see, dear reader, Lain and I just finished being pooped from the festival, which means it’s time to play catch up.  We’ve got some big things poppin’ this month, and we’ve got to spread the word.

In the meantime, check out our pictures from the festival, complete with Lain’s best attempt at witty captions (I kid, I kid– they weren’t even attempts) on our facebook page.   For the record, you don’t need a facebook account to see them, but please let us know if you have any problems viewing those beauties.

Rich’s Children’s Menu Featuring Brer Rabbit

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Southern historian Tim Hollis sent us this Rich’s Menu featuring Brer Rabbit and his critter friends–

Click here for the full menu.

Isn’t it weird that the tar baby recommends desserts, but included in those desserts is tar baby ice cream?

For those of you who never had the chance to go, Rich’s was an Atlanta-based department store, founded in 1867. It was like the Macy’s of the south until Macy’s acquired Rich’s in 2005.