Another issue we have trouble with is union scale. For the past several years, we have been paying our performers union scale. That means we have to get the audience to pay for them. This year, we are debating whether to terminate our contract with the union. This will allow us to pay less to those who will accept it. It also means that we can go back to the old way of performing. Of course, it also means we will have to accept smaller audiences, most of whom are already the converted. It will probably also cost us much of the sponsorship we are getting.

I find myself in the middle of this issue. As a union activist, I want to support the union and I have always had trouble with those who tell me, "you will make up for it in exposure."

A related question is whether the priority is to support the union and pay performers scale wages or to keep costs down. If the event costs more than the organization can raise or bring in, either the event will cease or the organization will. Clearwater has had to do major belt tightening this past year.

I am not a bean counter but I certainly do understand the need to eat and survive.