Need some help again: showcase

[Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com>]

I need some advice.  First some background.

James Purchase, the guy who proposed and headed last year's AGA
Showcase/Contest, has been ill for several months with pneumonia and other
complications. He's been in and out of the hospital during this time.  
>From his description, it's pretty nasty. He's been more or less out of
e-mail contact as well.  He has popped in once or twice to explain that
he's been unable to deal with e-mail but he's getting better and will be
able to "real soon".

I am getting antsy about getting started with this year's showcase.  I
beleive we have a MANDATE to run it again.  Folks e-mail me and ask when
it opens, etc.  Last year at this time, we had the website up, judges were
being confirmed, etc.  This year, I would like to pull the date up by a
few weeks to coincide with the convention.

Two weeks ago I e-mailed James and suggested we get started and if he's
not well enough, could I take it on.  One week ago I got a reply saying he
still wanted to do it and he thought he was well enough to do so now.  I
immediately replied with "great, let's get going!" Since then there has
been nothing but silence.  Meanwhile, Charlene is also getting antsy
because of the need for manufacturer donations and sponsors for both the
showcase and the convention.  James was also point man for this job.  I
have now sent three messages to him noting the URGENCY of getting started
(one of which contained a request from Charlene to call him), but have
heard nothing back.  Charlene is ready to blow him off and have Dave
Gomberg take care of getting sponsors.

I know this is incredibly insensitive of me, given he's been in the
hospital and all, but I'm a jerk and I accept this:  How long should I
wait for him before mutinizing this project,? Indefinitely? Do it now?  If
he gets back to me and says "I still want to do it?"

FYI, I cannot and will not do all the jobs James did (i.e. interfacing
with vendors, ordering ribbons), but there are three or so people who told
me privately over the last year that they would help out with the showcase
if James isn't running it.

I would appreciate any suggestions from you guys, because you often have
an angle that doesn't manage to alienate the people I would otherwise
skewer.  Thanks!

  - Erik

-- 
Erik Olson
erik at thekrib dot com

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