Haha, well it looks like the folks up at PVS still have some extra time on their hands. I won’t bother getting back into Richard’s redundancy except to note that any “manager” that brags about single-handedly keeping his product from reaching the internet for a half dozen years is probably not one that deserves a large bonus and incredible raise. I’m sure there are plenty of other people who have sunk their time and money into the organization and I don’t see them lining up to draw out those returns at a vital moment when the organization should be growing.

I’m sure Bethany has moved out there already, and I hope she’s enjoying it. I’d echo Andrew’s comments, it was an experience I wouldn’t trade, but I should add a warning to anyone heading up there to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice should you be “dismissed” for asserting your rights (something management does not look upon with kindness.) You’ll get about 15 minutes to pack up your stuff and get a ride into Phillipsburg, where they do have free internet access 3 days a week, and presumably an expensive cab service to the closest transit point.

Good luck to anyone up there! And don’t spend too much time inside!

I find it very interesting too. Maybe it’s just my reefer induced paranoia, but if I were you I’d switch cell phone numbers and take a different route home every evening. Never know who’s out to get ya…

This is such bullshit. But apparently this kind of injustice goes unnoticed or even accepted these days. Just got a letter from the bank that my student loans came from and guess what, they want me to pay them back! The WHOLE amount! This injustice cannot stand man!

*smokes joint and thinks deep thoughts*

I know! I’ll send in a disparaging comment to the Missoula Independent…perhaps chortling about how the bank manager’s signature looks like an 8 year old’s. Soon the word will be out across the NATION! Zing!

The pluses are that it is located in unbelievably beautiful Montana. The mission and purpose are both solid and patriotic. Many of the interns and staff that go there are very idealistic - believing that through the power of information we can change Our politics. They are also incredibly bright and interesting. The members who come for two weeks are also fantastic.

The minuses in truth are the work. Much of it is grueling data entry, phone calls, envelope stuffing and the like. It is also truly a voter library, so their are minimal efforts to engage in outreach beyond broadcast media (although they are delving into these things with a bus tour). Also, like much of the non-profit industry they are struggling to shift from an autocratic management structure to some more conversational.

My advice would be to temper your idealism with your goals – what do you really want out of the experience? The bottom line for me is that I would not trade my time there for anything else – the people I met, friends I made, experiences I had etc.

Also – I want to note, that despite our grievances, many of us have participated in building a Project Vote Smart Alumni Network, which spans blogs, social networks, etc. http://projectvotesmartalumni.blogspot.com/ - if you do end up going, don’t forget to join to show your support by joining these groups (especially on facebook). http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2204761306

Regards