Synergy with AIN (the Applied Improv Network)

[SparkGuy (AKA Leif)]

Hey Folks,

As the admin for the applied improv network (appliedimprov.ning.com) I just wanted to let you know we are right next door and ready to play!
What is Applied Improv?
Well, you already know one way of applying improv!
We are a community of professional practitioners and clients who value the use of improvisation skills for personal and organizational development, doing things like:

• improving relationships & communication
• increasing authenticity
• promoting spontaneity
• fostering trust
• building communities of practice

I work with Spark Northwest using improv to do team-building and collaborative brainstorming with organizations, doing personal growth workshops like playformation, and hosting themed workshops like Soul Tech (to be featured on the Today Show Feb 19th). Check us out and we look forward to generating some synergy with you all!

[Julie]

Hi, we're planning an Improv Everywhere event in Seattle this coming Saturday, Feb 23rd at 2:45 pm at the parking lot on 2nd and Pike. We will walk to Westlake center and freeze. Details here:

http://washington.facebook.com/event.php?eid=9106719124

[Agent Todd]

Julie-- looks awesome. One picky thing, do you mind not referring to it as an "Improv Everywhere" event? See the post on the main page about naming your group. I know it seems like I'm splitting hairs, but it irks me to see a Facebook event called "Improv Everywhere freeze in Seattle." That implies it's an official mission of Improv Everywhere, rather than "Seattle Freeze" or "Seattle-Tacoma Improvement Society presents: Freeze (inspired by Improv Everywhere.)"

(or whatever your group name is.)

Like I said, I know it's picky, but in the long run it is very important to me for everyone involved with this site and doing our missions worldwide to make the distinction between "Improv Everywhere" and "[name of group], organized on IE Global"

[Julie]

Agent Todd,

I tried to change the title of the event, but it wasn't possible in facebook's system so I added a tagline mentioning that the event is not directly affiliated with Improv Everywhere. Sorry for the mix-up. Is it possible for us to be an official Improv Everywhere event? What makes an event official?

Thanks!

Julie

[Agent Snazz]

Improv Everywhere is the name of the New York group. It'd be an Improv Everywhere event if the New York folks were traveling to Seattle to perform it.

It's a little confusing having the New York group called Improv Everywhere, and this site being called Improv Everywhere Global.

I agree with you Agent Todd that there should be a distinction between local groups. There's a danger of bad press affecting the image of Improv Everywhere NY, and it's handy to have different names for local groups.

I think it was mentioned somewhere in the cops thread, or maybe on the IE site that when performing a flash mob esque event, that should trouble arise there should be no official 'leader'. I think if any bad things happen due to the actions of a local group, then the effects should fall upon the local group if their actions weren't approved by IE Global, and on IE Global if the actions were approved. Under no circumstances should any responsibility for local groups be placed upon IE New York. That's why we need to be be careful in how we publicize things.

it works both ways too. We don't want IE New York taking credit for our awesome missions, right? :)

[Julie]

yeah, totally makes sense. I didn't realize that there could be legal implications for what we're doing. This whole organization seems to be created of independent entities taking a concept and running with it (at least that's my take on it). It feels kind of empowering to see the effect the internet can have to spread ideas and organize people. It didn't occur to me that having a centralized name to pin the blame on in the event of something going wrong could be a liability legally for a few people in NYC who may or may not have anything to do with what happens in Seattle.

[Agent Todd]

Julie, thanks for understanding. It's not so much a legal thing as a quality control thing. Improv Everywhere is me. There has never been an Improv Everywhere mission that I wasn't there for. I wouldn't let a trusted friend do something without me and call it Improv Everywhere, and I certainly can't let someone from the Internet I've never met do that. I love people taking our ideas and running with them in other towns, I just don't want to read news and blog articles on those events that call them "Improv Everywhere" rather than "inspired by the group Improv Everywhere."

[SparkGuy (AKA Leif)]

just a note: while I'm in the pacific NW, we have members all over the world. So Im sure you can find folks in your city. Search the members page.