I think we have a wonderful virtual club at the moment, so to me the question is - does it get a physical location as well? I couldn't avail myself of it 'IRL' being one of those from far away, however I think a drop in link might fun 😊 and the idea of providing event space for folks is great - with live stream & recording capabilities of course.
Ben, re: your club idea, maybe what America needs now is something like an Alliance Francaise of Americans, by Americans, and for Americans.
The mission is to celebrate and promote the best parts of American democratic values, culture, and knowledge through programs of education, entertainment, and community service,
Maybe call it American Alliance.
My inspiration is the lasting positive experiences I had learning about French language and culture at Alliance Francaise in New York. See https://lallianceny.org/
Like Dog Shirt, Alliance Francaise is a global community. Note how the US umbrella organization integrates online events and local chapters. See https://www.afusa.org/
There are some business challenges with this model. I think much of their revenue derives from their language classes. Plus, I think they're subsidized by the French government. So I don't know if this model could be self-sustaining.
Idea #2 is to reimagine something like The Reform Club as a more inclusive, intergenerational American organization. See https://www.reformclub.com/
One way or another, it's critical to strongly differentiate Club Ben from all the university clubs, gyms, and other paid membership groups which many people can access.
If you start a club I would be interested if it had things that would distinguish it from existing DC/think tank crud and from gyms and/or bars
Jesters goofing on “serious” things encouraged for any activity with > 2 people.
No fixed location. Use coworking spaces that permit booze and laughter. This has the advantage of working all over the world with conference VTCs that blend physical and virtual. Would also enable a scalable pay as you go model with surge capacity.
I am a DC resident and love the club idea! Ben, this is the gardening neighbor who recognized you one morning while you were out walking your dog.
I think we have a wonderful virtual club at the moment, so to me the question is - does it get a physical location as well? I couldn't avail myself of it 'IRL' being one of those from far away, however I think a drop in link might fun 😊 and the idea of providing event space for folks is great - with live stream & recording capabilities of course.
How about this for Beast of the Day? https://youtube.com/shorts/uBJo37Fmf4I?si=hao3xavzRHBDvFow
Ben, re: your club idea, maybe what America needs now is something like an Alliance Francaise of Americans, by Americans, and for Americans.
The mission is to celebrate and promote the best parts of American democratic values, culture, and knowledge through programs of education, entertainment, and community service,
Maybe call it American Alliance.
My inspiration is the lasting positive experiences I had learning about French language and culture at Alliance Francaise in New York. See https://lallianceny.org/
Like Dog Shirt, Alliance Francaise is a global community. Note how the US umbrella organization integrates online events and local chapters. See https://www.afusa.org/
There are some business challenges with this model. I think much of their revenue derives from their language classes. Plus, I think they're subsidized by the French government. So I don't know if this model could be self-sustaining.
Idea #2 is to reimagine something like The Reform Club as a more inclusive, intergenerational American organization. See https://www.reformclub.com/
One way or another, it's critical to strongly differentiate Club Ben from all the university clubs, gyms, and other paid membership groups which many people can access.
Best,
Fred
If you start a club I would be interested if it had things that would distinguish it from existing DC/think tank crud and from gyms and/or bars
Jesters goofing on “serious” things encouraged for any activity with > 2 people.
No fixed location. Use coworking spaces that permit booze and laughter. This has the advantage of working all over the world with conference VTCs that blend physical and virtual. Would also enable a scalable pay as you go model with surge capacity.
What constitutes porn: Kash Patel comeuppance.
Now I'll listen and find out what Ben actually meant.