[Chapter-delegates] Chapter advice on live streaming

Mon Sep 16 20:31:07 PDT 2024

Thanks for your analysis, Olivier. Makes sense to me.

With kind regards

satish

On Tue, Sep 17, 2024 at 10:27 AM Winthrop Yu via Chapter-delegates <
chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org> wrote:

> +1 Olivier.
>
> This particular post makes several important points, and thank you for
> summarizing the metrics.
>
> WYn
>
> On 17 Sep 2024 9:58 AM, Olivier MJ Crépin-Leblond via Chapter-delegates
> wrote:
>
> Dear Ted,
>
> Thank you for responding to my comments.
>
> I have previously articulated that focusing on “live streaming” as a
> descriptor for the service provided by Joly McFie is a misdirection.
>
> Reiterating the former CEO’s email from April 8th is equally unproductive,
> as we have already observed the manner in which he defended his decision.
> However, if you are emphasizing his email, I would appreciate it if you
> could share the Communications Department’s analysis along with the
> supporting data, comparing it with the social media metrics for the ISOC
> YouTube channel. Additionally, I am interested in the brand placement
> analysis, social media analysis, and search engine optimization figures
> that demonstrate the Internet Society’s online performance. This includes
> metrics such as likes, comments, shares, engagement rate, reach (including
> by geographical region), impressions, follower growth rate, click-through
> rate, conversion rate, brand mentions, and sentiment analysis, particularly
> concerning the Internet Society’s image and core messages. Furthermore, the
> amount of referral traffic and watch time are critical metrics that should
> not be overlooked.
>
> If the Communications Department has conducted an analysis of ISOC.Live, I
> would expect a similar analysis for the Internet Society’s own channels.
> This cost analysis should include benchmarking a cost of $63,000 against
> the Internet Society’s own production team costs.
>
> Based on Vint's suggestion, I have compiled my own basic metrics, which
> are calculated approximately on a monthly basis. It is important to note
> that I have been generous in my assessment, as ISOC.LIVE content primarily
> consists of fully edited and processed productions. In contrast, the
> Internet Society YouTube channel predominantly features unstructured short
> videos or simple recordings of Zoom calls. Additionally, while the Internet
> Society YouTube channel initially contained a significant amount of
> Chapter-related content, such mentions have become infrequent in recent
> times.
>
> Internet Society Youtube Channel:
> 599 Videos, 7.38K subscribers
> Most popular video: Four Reasons to Care About Your Digital Footprint - 8
> year ago - 304K views
> In fact, the most recent of the top 20 popular videos on the channel was
> done 5 years ago. Most of the others, 8+ years ago.
>
> September 2024: 2 videos, 81 views
> August 2024: 7 videos, 477 views
> July 2024: 5 videos, 381 views
> June 2024: 0 videos, 0 views
> May 2024: 2 videos, 184 views
> April 2024: 0 videos, 0 views
> March 2024: 0 videos, 0 views
> February 2024, 0 videos, 0 views
> January 2024: 0 videos, 0 views
> December 2023: 0 videos, 0 views
> November 2023: 4 videos, 360 views
> October 2023: 20 videos, 1540 views (includes presentation of all the
> Youth Ambassadors 2023)
> Total: 40 videos and 3023 views
>
> ISOC.Live
> 1368 videos, 24K followers
> Most popular videos: HOPE 2024 - 2 months ago - 5.8K views. Indigenous
> Connectivity Forum, 3 months ago, 1K views. State of the Net plenary +
> breakout 1, 7 months ago, 1.4K views.
> September 2024: 7 videos, 189 views
> August 2024: 10 videos, 280 views
> July 2024: 11 videos, 6100 views
> June 2024: 15 videos, 1520 views
> May 2024: 17 videos, 698 views
> April 2024: 18 videos, 579 views
> March 2024: 13 videos, 226 views
> February 2024, 8 videos, 1610 views
> January 2024: 3 videos, 315 views
> December 2023: 12 videos, 288 views
> November 2023: 8 videos, 112 views
> October 2023: 13 videos, 693 views (includes presentation of all the Youth
> Ambassadors 2023)
> Total: 135 videos and 12 610 views
>
> Comparing the stats for ISOC.LIVE with ISOC YouTube ("YT"):
>
> Month ISOC.Live Nr. Videos ISOC.Live Nr. Views ISOC YT Nr. Videos ISOC YT
> Nr. Views
> Sep-24 7 189 2 81
> Aug-24 10 280 7 477
> Jul-24 11 6100 5 381
> Jun-24 15 1520 0 0
> May-24 17 698 2 184
> Apr-24 18 579 0 0
> Mar-24 13 226 0 0
> Feb-24 8 1610 0 0
> Jan-24 3 315 0 0
> Dec-23 12 288 0 0
> Nov-23 8 112 4 360
> Oct-23 13 693 20 1540
> Total 135 12610 40 3023
> Costs for ISOC.Live:
> $64k / 135 = $474 per video produced/archived
> $64k / 12610 = $5 per unique view
> Considering that this was conducted on Vimeo’s Livestream, which is not
> the most widely used platform, these figures are quite satisfactory.
>
> I have shared the most basic metrics I have, please share yours.
>
> Kindest regards,
>
> Olivier
>
>
>
>
> On 16/09/2024 17:06, Ted Hardie wrote:
>
> Hi Olivier,
>
> Several times in this message you refer to live streaming as a "critical"
> or "core" service.  Live streaming is a part of the execution of the
> communications plan, and it was in that context that it was analyzed.  As
> Andrew noted in his message on this topic on April 8th, that analysis
> showed that many of the live streams attracted very few attendees and some
> none.  As there are other methods for recording many of the events, the
> decision was made to move the live streaming contract to a project basis,
> rather than a retainer basis.  This in no way reflects on the quality of
> the service; it reflects a change in how media is being consumed not just
> for ISOC events but very broadly.
>
> As the response from the board notes, if there is new data here, this will
> be revisited, and data from the chapters on their use of live streaming is
> welcome.  In the case that it does change, the board is confident that the
> staff will issue an appropriate RFP and analyze the responses
> appropriately.
>
> regards,
>
> Ted Hardie
>
> On Mon, Sep 16, 2024 at 4:40 PM Olivier MJ Crépin-Leblond <ocl at gih.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Dear Ted,
>>
>> Thank you for your response. Given your valid point regarding the
>> openness of the Chapter Delegate mailing list, I will focus exclusively on
>> the ISOC.Live Streaming and Archiving service, which primarily serves
>> Chapters.
>>
>> Aligning with the previous CEO's statements, you mentioned that the
>> decision to close ISOC.LIVE was made by staff. However, this misses a
>> crucial point: the request to resume funding was formally submitted by
>> Chapters to the ISOC Board of Trustees through the Chapter Advisory
>> Council. A formal decision from the ISOC Board of Trustees was necessary,
>> requiring adherence to governance principles, including transparency and
>> accountability, which your response lacks.
>>
>> I refer you to my previous points made to Luis concerning the Board of
>> Trustees' responsibilities, beyond their fiduciary duties:
>>
>> According to the US Council of Nonprofits (
>> https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/governance-leadership/board-roles-and-responsibilities
>> ):
>>
>> "A board of directors does not exist solely to fulfill legal duties and
>> serve as a fiduciary of the organization’s assets. Board members also play
>> significant roles in providing guidance to nonprofits by contributing to
>> the organization’s culture, strategic focus, effectiveness, and financial
>> sustainability, as well as serving as ambassadors and advocates. Beyond
>> fulfilling legal duties, board members can be important resources for the
>> organization in multiple ways."
>>
>> Merely rubber-stamping staff decisions can lead to significant failures,
>> as evidenced by numerous corporate governance disasters. A pertinent
>> example is the failed attempt to sell PIR, which severely damaged the
>> Internet Society's reputation. It is advisable for all Board members to
>> undertake a basic course on their rights and responsibilities to ensure
>> effective governance and fulfil their critical roles as outlined above.
>>
>> If ISOC.Live is considered a critical service for one of the Internet
>> Society’s three core communities, the ISOC Board of Trustees is obligated
>> to take action and fulfil their responsibilities, rather than avoiding them.
>>
>> Kind regards,
>>
>> Olivier Crépin-Leblond
>>
>>
>>
>> On 16/09/2024 09:04, Ted Hardie wrote:
>>
>> Hi Olivier,
>>
>> Thanks for expressing your thoughts on this matter.  You ask below
>> whether the Board will be "formally notifying the Chair of the Chapter
>> Advisory Council, along with her Council Board members, of the rejection of
>> the Chapter Advisory Council’s Advice?"
>>
>> On the question of the openness of the chapter delegate list, the board
>> has pointed out that there is no need for board action here, since the
>> history shows that the original action to close it was taken by the ChAC.
>> This is not a rejection of the advice; it is a continuation of the dialogue
>> with the ChAC on how to accomplish their goal and a note that the staff
>> contacts will be able to help worth through the options with them.
>>
>> On the question of live streaming, the board has reminded the ChAC that
>> the decision to move to a project basis for live streaming was a staff
>> decision, based on an analysis of the consumption patterns of the relevant
>> media.  The board's role here was to set the goals for the communication
>> plan; it does not direct the staff on how to structure contracts nor would
>> it be appropriate for the board to require specific contractors.  It has
>> also noted that data from the chapters on the consumption patterns they see
>> when using live streaming would be valuable input to ongoing analysis of
>> how to best meet the goals of the communication plan.
>>
>> I do not believe I would characterize either response as a rejection of
>> the advice of the ChAC.  The board has responded and clarified its roles
>> here, and in neither case would it be the right body to take the action
>> requested.  We are happy to have the staff support the ChAC in meeting its
>> goals directly in the first instance and in the second instance to work
>> together with the chapters to continue the analysis of consumption patterns
>> and communication strategies.
>>
>> The ChAC has been kind enough to invite me to the call tomorrow,
>> September 17th, and I look forward to the opportunity for us to chat
>> together.
>>
>> best regards,
>>
>> Ted Hardie
>>
>> On Sun, Sep 15, 2024 at 1:36 PM Olivier MJ Crépin-Leblond <ocl at gih.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Dear Ted,
>>>
>>> Thank you for explaining the process by which the Internet Society Board
>>> of Trustees reached its decision. I question the appropriateness of this
>>> process, given the formal nature of the request made by the Chapter
>>> Advisory Council, which included a vote and extensive documentation.
>>>
>>> Could you please clarify the rationale behind the decision not requiring
>>> a formal resolution? Is it not customary for the Board to formally endorse
>>> or reject formal Advice upon receipt? What measures of accountability does
>>> the Board have in its decisions if they are based on informal processes
>>> that lack transparency and traceability? Considering the fiduciary
>>> responsibilities of all Board members, how many other decisions of the
>>> Board are subjected to this “informal” process, of which non-Board members
>>> were previously unaware?
>>>
>>> Finally, will you be formally notifying the Chair of the Chapter
>>> Advisory Council, along with her Council Board members, of the rejection of
>>> the Chapter Advisory Council’s Advice?
>>>
>>> Kind regards,
>>>
>>> Olivier Crépin-Leblond
>>>
>>>
>>> On 13/09/2024 12:36, Ted Hardie wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi Olivier,
>>>
>>> The board has an active mailing list and informal meetings once a month
>>> (though August's meeting did not occur this year because of low
>>> availability).  The discussion took place mostly on the mailing list, along
>>> with trustees' edits of a proposal using online tools.  Because this
>>> response did not require a resolution, confirmation of agreement was
>>> assessed on the list and confirmed at the September informal meeting,
>>> earlier this week.  None of those methods generate minutes in the formal
>>> sense, but I can confirm that there was consensus for the response.
>>>
>>> regards,
>>>
>>> Ted Hardie
>>>
>>> On Fri, Sep 13, 2024 at 12:16 PM Olivier MJ Crépin-Leblond <ocl at gih.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Dear Ted,
>>>>
>>>> I acknowledge receipt of your response, which I have reviewed with
>>>> interest.
>>>>
>>>> The Chapter Advisory Council submitted its formal request on 17 July
>>>> 2024. The Board, through its Chair, issued its, I assume, formal response
>>>> on 13 September 2024.
>>>>
>>>> Upon reviewing the list of ISOC Board Meetings available at Internet
>>>> Society Board of Trustees Meetings
>>>> <https://www.internetsociety.org/board-of-trustees/meetings/>, I have
>>>> not identified any meetings of the ISOC Board of Trustees occurring between
>>>> these dates.
>>>>
>>>> Given that this decision was made by the Board, I kindly request the
>>>> following:
>>>>
>>>>    - The minutes of the meeting during which the Board decided not to
>>>>    reinstate the ISOC.LIVE video production, editing, and archiving services.
>>>>
>>>> Warmest regards,
>>>>
>>>> Olivier Crépin-Leblond
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 13/09/2024 09:17, Ted Hardie via Chapter-delegates wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Dear colleagues,
>>>>
>>>> One of the items in your recent advice to the board was a request that
>>>> the "ISOC funding for the ISOC.LIVE video production, editing, and
>>>> archiving services should be reinstated, as well as ISOC.LIVE should be
>>>> financially supported by ISOC on an ongoing basis."
>>>>
>>>> The board's role here is to set the direction for the organization by
>>>> establishing strategic goals; the details of the communication plan are a
>>>> part of the staff execution of those goals.  During the budget analysis of
>>>> 2023, the communications team analyzed the effectiveness of specific
>>>> streaming approaches and found that community engagement was driven
>>>> primarily by on-demand viewing.  This matches a broader shift common to
>>>> mainstream programming.  As a result of this analysis, the communications
>>>> plan shifted away from a retainer-based contract for live streaming to a
>>>> project-based funding model for future work.
>>>>
>>>> This was a staff management decision, taken with due care and analysis.
>>>> The board's role is to assess whether the overall communications plan is
>>>> effective in meeting the strategic goals; it does not direct the staff to
>>>> use specific contract types or contractors.  If the needs of the
>>>> communications plan change again to require live streaming on a full-time
>>>> basis, the board is confident that the staff will issue the appropriate RFP
>>>> and conduct the appropriate analysis of the submissions.
>>>>
>>>> The project-based funding model remains available, and chapters may, of
>>>> course, fund specific live streaming events using chapter funds or Beyond
>>>> The Net grants.  Any analysis of the effectiveness of those live streaming
>>>> events would be valuable data for any future considerations of the
>>>> engagement model.
>>>>
>>>> The board thanks the ChaC for its attention to the communications plan,
>>>> and we look forward to continued discussion of how to engage the broader
>>>> community in the mission of the society.
>>>>
>>>> Best regards,
>>>>
>>>> Ted Hardie
>>>> for the Board
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> As an Internet Society Chapter Officer you are automatically subscribed
>>>> to this list, which is regularly synchronized with the Internet Society Chapter Portal (AMS): https://community.internetsociety.org.
>>>> -
>>>> View the Internet Society Code of Conduct: https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> As an Internet Society Chapter Officer you are automatically subscribed
> to this list, which is regularly synchronized with the Internet Society Chapter Portal (AMS): https://community.internetsociety.org.
> -
> View the Internet Society Code of Conduct: https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/
>
> _______________________________________________
> As an Internet Society Chapter Officer you are automatically subscribed
> to this list, which is regularly synchronized with the Internet Society
> Chapter Portal (AMS): https://community.internetsociety.org.
> -
> View the Internet Society Code of Conduct:
> https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://elists.isoc.org/mailman/private/chapter-delegates/attachments/20240917/6f505585/attachment-0001.htm>