Ann Burkett 2010 Candidate Statement
Candidate Statement:
Hi All, I'm Ann Burkett, current Chair of the Silicon Valley IGDA Chapter.
Things voting for me would accomplish: You would have a person whose focus would be to help you build strong local chapters. This would help enormously to answer the question "how does the IGDA affect me?" and build global membership. My other focus would be connecting those strong local chapters to the Central IGDA in ways that benefit both in membership, fundraising, fun, projects and jobs. So why should you believe me that I know anything about building strong chapters? Answer - check. My links are posted below under question number 2 from the board.
Things voting for me or anyone else wouldn't instantly fix no matter what is promised: Please see my statement below where I talk about how it would be easy to promise the moon below under "What do you see as the biggest challenge facing game developers today? What should the IGDA's role be in addressing that challenge?"
How do I feel about running for the Board? Somewhat ambivalent. If by your wise decision you send someone else, that may be a relief. If by your wise decision you send me I will focus on trying to accomplish more than positive words and heaping piles of promises and instead concentrate on having you see a global organization reach out more locally and directly to you and with you. It's your role playing game decision, either outcome works.
Candidate Bio:
Develops web games and social applications for a living. My company also configures, optimizes and runs web servers and hosting for games and applications. I currently chair the Silicon Valley IGDA Chapter. Favorite game quote: "Enchantment? Enchantment!" -- Sandal, Dragon Age Origins
Board Interview Q and A:
1. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing game developers today? What should the IGDA's role be in addressing that challenge?
Given the last year and the history of the gaming industry as a glamor industry attracting at least twice as many applicants as jobs even when the field is expanding, I would say employment is the number one challenge. The second largest challenge would be employment that doesn't drive people crazy and they can still have a personal life.
It would be easy to promise the moon here, and ignore exchange rates and competition and say the IGDA can somehow wave a magic wand and change basic supply and demand or international labor issues. Please vote for someone else who tells you what you want to hear if that is the case. What I believe the IGDA can do is provide a place for stronger local and international game development community, shared interests and benefit. Interestingly that may also be the key to helping where we can with jobs -- because connecting people through local events and social media gets them jobs and projects and teams, and gets them to have more influence over the quality of their lives because they are not alone.
2. How do you expect to contribute to the IGDA Board? What qualifications or skills do you possess that will enhance your contributions?
I would focus on the area I have proven expertise which is growing and sustaining strong local chapters. To that I would add one new goal -- forming more supportive relationships from the central IGDA to the local chapters and vice versa in mutually beneficial ways. There is no reason for example, why the local chapters and central IGDA could not do some event partnerships that raise needed funds and form stronger practical mutually beneficial communities and relationships. So why would I think I would be good at helping grow strong chapters? I tend to believe data, rather only simply words or paper qualifications. Our chapter had a wonderful seed start thanks to people before me, whom we are honored to have advise. After I took over as chair, building on the wonderful seed inherited from previous chairs and advisors, our google group went from 75 people to 720. Our linked in group went from 0 to 522 and our facebook fan numbers went from 0 to 236. We do a lot of events and outreach, here is our chapter website as well as an affiliated fest we ran last fall (we'll do a new one this spring).
3. How much time do you expect to volunteer to the IGDA? How will you manage this commitment?
The same way I have been managing the time with the chapters. I still need to make a living. The IGDA is the only organization I give any discretionary time to.
4. As an IGDA board member, you're often asked to get things done on a short timeframe and tight budget. What do you think a reasonable expectation of a board member's contribution is? How will you accomplish your goals as a board member?
While I think and am experienced in lots of ways to get something accomplished on a tight budget one does have to be careful about just why a "short timeframe" occurrs. Is it excuses for poor planning? A disconnect from those who command to those who execute? An addiction to adrenaline crunch mode? It is important to get things done in a friendly enjoyable manner that preserves and grows relationships as much as possible.
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