Re: Pseudo-intellectual bully with a sound level meter
Times like this, I'm thankful to be part of this community. You all have been there, and your responses, whether humorous ("Diana Moon Glampers" - perfectly appropriate), to general commiseration, perspective, to specific suggestions on ways to respond. Thanks.
Brian jojade - He and I have long discussed OSHA vs. NIOSH standards - NIOSH being more conservative - he feels the OSHA table was tainted and watered down due to large manufacturing concerns' influence on the process.
I have decided to respond now, after two days of stewing, and taking Bennet's advice of drinking a beer (every time it turned 5:00 somewhere) and "invite" him to take an active role in his project.
Took more than a few passes for the "snarkiness" filter to work. I'll sleep on my latest draft (with the same CC list to Mayor, etc) and send it off in the AM. It looks like this:
Bill (et al)
I believe that I've established myself as a responsible sound provider over the years. I don't anticipate problems of violating City Ordinances or your proposed safety levels. As you are quite aware, part of my indoor and outdoor sound control protocol has been, and continues to be, exactly as you describe in suggestions 1 (stage, speakers back by Madonna and Child - where appropriate), 7 (sound level meter use), and 8 (liaison to the band to control stage volume). As it works out, those three strategies were the ones I brought to your attention during a flurry of emails last year. You quoted me nearly word for word - I guess imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. As always, I'll take responsibility for those points.
As to the other suggestions:
#2 - I would like to keep the public from around my gear - not only as a crowd safety measure, but also as protection for my equipment investment. As you are probably not aware, a new, and very expensive audio snake was ruined (crushed and shorted) at The Green Man festival last year due to a careless vendor driving over the snake. Maybe I'll run some caution tape and reduce the possibility an expensive equipment loss again this year. And, of course, crowd safety.
We all know volunteers are in short supply, and are quite busy with their assigned responsibilities and things they understand. Suggestions 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9 would be best implemented and monitored by someone who understands the importance of the details, and can dedicate their full time and attention to those matters.
Its good that you are being proactive - and here's your golden opportunity to actually make a difference. Maybe it's time for you to take that next step up. I'm sure that you, Bill, will make yourself available Saturday and Sunday for those tasks - including monitoring of the dance area for children who you will need to direct to a more appropriate, safe place.
For those events that do not require sound reinforcement, (i.e., the Drum Circle) I'm sure you will be there to direct the participants as to the safe sound levels as necessary.
In addition to your suggestions, might I suggest you set up an information and education booth for the two days to serve as your base of operations. While at the booth, you can provide ear protection and show how that protection is to be properly used. Grab some proper hearing protection you can share, make up some charts and handouts, and make it an educational experience. I know we'll have the space - we can supply a table for you.
Please understand the sound tent is not the proper place for these activities as my full time and attention will be directed to providing quality, appropriate sound reinforcement, and therefore the safe control of the sound - on stage and in the plaza.
I know your intent is for a safer festival, and I know you will enjoy directly participating in making that happen. Thank you.
Be ready for the drum circle at 9:30 on Saturday!
frank
ps. Bill - Other things that need fact checking:
1. The suggestion of dropping levels by 20dB when children are present - assuming we're running at 85 dB(A), a 20dB reduction would put the sound at or below ambient levels on the plaza, or on Crescent Road, for that matter.
2. The system I provide is incapable of producing 140dB sound levels - at all - let alone feedback or pop "mishap".
3. Check your facts concerning "cheapie" ear plugs. When used properly, they are much more effective than you portray. BTW, higher cost does not necessarily mean better protection.
4. Whether using OSHA or NIOSH specifications, both refer to an average sound level over time. Neither you nor The City are prepared to accurately measure that sort of compliance.
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Ball squarely in his court. I feel much better now...
