Tuesday, March 18, 2008

A Reader With The Write Stuff

Now THIS is how to ask the right questions about anything or anyone associated with the Teaching Drum. In response to Tamarack's Craigslist ad for an editor, our dear contributor (who asked to remain anonymous) astutely observes why there is something seriously wrong with a writer who wants a live-in editor.

Great follow-through, anon. We shiver everytime Tamarack writes that he is looking forward to "our sharing." You've spared yourself a lot of grief and given us yet another good chuckle at Dan Konen's loony desperation.

"A liberal percentage of royalties..."? Oh, please. Tamarack self-publishes. You'd make more money looking under the sofa cushions!

Hi there. I just wanted to say, thank you so much for your website. I just wanted to share with you why I came across it.

-cut-

I'm looking for a job in the editing or writing field. I came across this post on Craigslist.

http://madison.craigslist.org/wri/598355561.html

Writer-Editor--Earth conscious material
Reply to: see below
Date: 2008-03-07, 8:22AM CST

This is a full-time, live-in position in northern Wisconsin. Established book writer needs writer-editor to assist with organization and structure, proofreading, and research. Topic matter includes social change, personal healing, Native spirituality, and nature writings. You'll be working on and off with another editor and an award-winning book designer.

Writing talent and organizational skills are required; will teach editing. Compensation is a liberal percentage of royalties and a small monthly stipend. Room and board (modern or rustic cabin, organic food) and vehicle use provided. Please submit two writing samples (resume optional but preferred) to tamarack@teachingdrum.org

* Location: Three Lakes (four hours north of Madison
* Compensation: Compensation is a liberal percentage of royalties
and a small monthly stipend. Room and board (modern or rustic cabin,organic food) and vehicle use provided.
* This is at a non-profit organization.
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Phone calls about this job are ok.
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
PostingID: 598355561

-----------

I'm badly in need of a job and decided to respond looking for more information. I didn't want to send my resume or writing sample because I don't know this person, who knows what kind of creep he or she may be (I was once a New Yorker so I'm pretty paranoid on the whole). Also, the fact that they are looking for a live-in editor, prior editing experience not required, set off alarm bells in my head. Most editing can be done over the phone or email; I can't think of one professional writer who -lives- with an editor. That seemed a little ridiculous. Anyway, I responded to the ad listing my qualifications and also asking for more information about the project itself. I received this email in return:

Greetings _,

You have the training and experience I'm looking for, so yes, I would like to explore possibilities with you. I think it might be easier to fill you in on the job by phone, as I could answer your questions directly. If you will provide me your number, I can call you at your convenience, or you may call me at 715-546-2944. I look forward to our sharing.

In Balance,
Tamarack

More alarm bells. At first, I thought Tamarack was a fake name. Secondly, the man required no training or experience, so how is it that I have what he's looking for? And finally, what can't be said over email that can be said over the phone? So I decided to do a little digging. I started with public records then did some general Google searches. Everything seemed okay - he seemed a little kooky but nothing out of the ordinary.

-cut-

Anyway, I can't remember how I came across your website, but I am so glad that I did. I just wanted to thank you for putting that information out there before I wasted more of my time following up on his ad. There is also a copy of the ad on his website as well.

-cut-

Labels:

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Wanna Play Indian? Give Tamarack $8000

Greedy little creep, ain't he?

In 2002, the Yearlong program only cost $3600.

According to the Wisconsin State Journal, twelve out of fifteen people have quit the 2007-2008 Yearlong so far- a impressive number that almost beats the title holders from Yearlong 2002, which saw two survivors out of fourteen.

Can ya'll say "More money than sense"?

Look, we tried to warn you folks, and now each and every one of you twelve are out $8000 a piece. And Tamarack Song is laughing his racist, playing Indian, new ager ass off all the way to the bank. As the article clearly states, Tamarack and his phoney outdoor school aim to "teach traditional American Indian ways" - a racist, culturally imperialistic purpose if ever there was one. Only REAL Native American traditionals with deep roots in their own Nations can teach authentic, indigenous ways. Imagine if Tamarack claimed he could teach you traditional Jewish ways. The uproar would be pandemonious.

Dear god, white people! WTF??!!

Four are surviving year in the North Woods wild

Excerpts from the article by Ana Davis:

"THREE LAKES -- As dawn breaks over the icy North Woods, four shapes are beginning to stir inside a small, dark, birch bark shelter built deep in the heart of the forest. It's well below zero outside, and the trees and ground are covered in snow."

"The aim of the program, now in its eighth year, is to teach traditional American Indian ways and how to live in harmony with nature, without the comforts and distractions of the modern world."

"The tiny lodge, with its gently puffing campfire, earth floor strewn with pine needles and thatched walls covered with drying socks, has been home to Corley, Bastion Barucker, 24, and Armine Wetzel, 28, both of Germany, and Denise Bosak, 46, of Underwood, Minn., for the past nine months.

They are the last survivors of a group of fifteen who entered the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in May on a yearlong wilderness program organized by the Teaching Drum Outdoor School in Three Lakes."

"Program cost: $8,000 for the year, including equipment, clothing and supplies Starting this year, the school will also offer monthlong internships for those who wish to experience living in the wilderness but cannot commit to a full year, at a cost of $850 per person."

Labels: , , , , ,