[skyemoor]

This forum is definitely cooking up some excellent ideas.

I like the idea of adding an 'extreme makeover' dimension, as it takes you from a limited number of basic how-to into the realm of a long running "This Old House", "Victory Garden", etc. However, I wouldn't pull it on residents like a surprise, but work through a design process with them on how a backyard/balcony/etc can be remarkably transformed.

Here's how such a segment might progress;

- Going from a starting point of a typical urban/suburban/exurban backyard, even if they already tried an ordinary garden
- Analyzing the needs of the family/residents
- Examining their climate, areas of sunlight, existing landscaping, etc.
- Discussing the merits/output of each possibility
- Creating the design alternatives, finalizing on one
- Then making it happen.

The design aspect might become one of the shows central features, with the rest as supporting segments. The first year how-to segments might become part of a DVD set that the show's following years provide a perpetual market for.

I also like the broad appeal this could have, because your audience demographics can include;

- Urban: sizes from only a balcony to small yard
- Suburban: How to have bountiful, healthy produce that (after establishment) takes little more time than the usual weekly lawnmowing/trimming/pruning/etc
- Exurban: Same as above, though more conducive to dairy and meat goats/sheep, larger ponds, more expansive edible landscaping, etc

All the above should be part of a business plan that the Postman discussed back on page 3 of this thread.

You might want to make it clear that people will take incremental (baby) steps over a number of seasons, so that they aren't scared off at first from all of the startup effort or overwhelmed with too many new processes to manage at once. Along with that, let them know that they will make some mistakes, but it is simply part of the learning process. I remember when I lost my first lamb, which left me saddened for several hours, but helped me to seek out more information about the subject and expand my knowledge base. So emphasize the concept (which could become one of your 'trademark' quotes) "if a city girl like me can do it, so can you". Your interspersed use of contemporary business clothing helps a broad range of people to connect with that concept (for example, the closing shot in your promo).

You don't have to focus on work you exclusively have done; you might feature similar efforts by other urbanites/suburbanites, especially where fruit/nut trees are concerned and people have maintained a permaculture approach for years, so that others see the effects of cutting down sunlight-blocking ornamental shade trees to be replaced by food-bearing shade trees. Or else use landscaping software that shows how the trees would look as they grow.

The potential for this is almost unbounded, especially as gas prices are resuming their upward climb.

[threadbear]

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PS. Did you notice that people on this board talk about planetary death like some people talk about what the weather is going to be like next week? Forgive me for not making a religion of propping up your self-esteem just because your lower lip quivers and big crocodile tears run down your cheeks.

[FilmShack]

Skyemoor: Thank you and thank you for your support. I think your on to something in ref: "extreme makeover" version of the show. I am currently thinking about pitching two shows. Basically Garden Girl(Urban Sustainable Living) and then "Ask Patti". Garden Girl will for the first season focus on what I'm doing at my house. The primary advantage is that: it's at my house. I think I would like to bring experts there, but becuse it is at my house it "keeps it real" and gives me the ability to check back on the projects on a year to year basis. That allows us to work and shoot within natures schedule, because with grapes for example- wouldn't it be so cool to go all the way from planting to two years later making some wine!? I think that would be hot. That theory gives the show and home video legs, because all of the things require maintenance and upkeep, and that is something that people will find hard if they haven't learned from my mistakes and thus be a bar to entry for many people. I'm getting the notion that season one needs to focus on simple and easy. The KISS method so to speak, but also show super cool working prototypes that inspire people to go the extra mile. I'm thinking that one of the larger projects for season one will be PV Array that powers the aquaponic basement or garage. That with simple window box and back pourch projects.

Now, having said that I figure what the heck, if I am timed up with nature, when my garden goes to sleep in November, that's when I hit the road with a BioDiesel truck and Trailer and visit people in warmer climates (then I miss the New England winter!). This show's working title is "Ask Patti". Now, this gives me the ability to visit and help people just starting out, but more importantly I can connect and promote people that are doing the same thing all over the country! This creates community and promotes buying local, by creating national exposure. When I'm in the area I can shamelessly self promote myself and the messabe by teaming up with local organizations to do fund raisers and "Ask Pattii" style public events. Because celebrity/personality is part of the territory for this thing to work, I have to put myself out there as the posterchild and ambassador to a post peak world, that helps move the dialogue and thinking forward, without scare tactics or politics, just common sense and fun. We will then create shows that can be region specific. I can go to from Arizona to Oregon, dealing with local climate and issues. Wow I can't wait to go!

I have decided that PBS is my first choice for my projects. They are the most widely available. I live in Boston, about five miles from the WGBH studios, so that is clearly a sign to me that the creators of This Old House and Victory garden are produced there they should be my best bet and ultimately give the project the widest audience. Re-runs of the shows can then move to Discovery/HGTV etc as re-runs. I know some people there, but they know me as a Film producer, not a television producer/host etc. But I do know that they pay attention to the public, and go with the flow, that's why I have begun with my show sample and shameless self promotion. So far, we have shown traffic numbers that the average PBS show's dream about even after being shown nationally. Because what I'm promoting is illegal and foriegn to mainstream thinking, I need to show and prove a rabid and supportive audience base exists for the show even before the show has a deal. That impresses the skeptical and the dismissive. The problem with this is means I will need to find 4-8 corporations that will support the show, PBS doesn't come up with any budget, to produce the shows. These are the companies in my mind to target:

Toyota(Prius), Purina, Home Depot, Loes, Tractor Store, Agway, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, I welcome more ideas. This is probably the thing that is going to require the most thought. I would rather try to pick who I have to do business, if I have an audience base I have a better chance of controlling the show and it's content.

Batzion: Thank you for PM! I was talking to you a bit up in my message to Skymoore.

Greyman: Thank you for comming and pitching in here with me at Peak Oil. I promise my show will be like what you saw, just better! I am psyched that I started with showing my sample to the public, I think I have learned so much by listening to them. I will get the mailing list and all of that together soon, but keep up with me here, and follow my journey from obscurity to mainstream!

Tessa: Thank you and I will. Watch me now, I'm just gettin' started!

Threadbare: Exactly, Madartha of Harlem! Madartha goes on a donkey, who eats only organic apples, walking uptown to Jerry Seinfelds apartment and turning it green while supplying blessings to everyone I meet on the way!

Annicat: I have sheared my bunny Nancy, next up is Angel. Hopefully, it I can get off this computer, I can get to shearing and spinning. It's cold and raining outside, fiber art weather! Keep posting for me, can I grow coffee in Boston I wonder? Serously, how will we handle coffee in a Post Peak world? This needs to be studied in depth right away! My parties went great! Thank you for asking- Thirteen people, Five bottles of two buck Chuck, and some some spanish food!

CindyDale: Thank you for joining me here! I will, I will and thanks for inspiration! I talk about some of your ideas up in the section to skymoore! Which site is yours? I want to check it out, if I haven't already. If you have questions I would love to answer them. Right now I am in my Shameless Self Promotion phase and am thankfull for the help from you and your co-moderator. I'm nervous about kids, or at least my kid, although she is cute as a button it may be risky, I asked for a public presence she didn't. But I will spend lots of time withother families and single head of households in my "Ask Patti" show.

Thank you all for the help and inspiration, Happy New Year! I'm working on a women and power tools post, but that will have to wait for tonite at the earliest. Wow, I'm so jazzed up I'm gonna make two shows!

Patti

[Bat-Tzion]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('FilmShack', 'c')an I grow coffee in Boston I wonder? Serously, how will we handle coffee in a Post Peak world? This needs to be studied in depth right away! Patti

[CityBoyGoneCountry]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('skyemoor', 'Y')ou don't have to focus on work you exclusively have done; you might feature similar efforts by other urbanites/suburbanites

[FilmShack]

Cityboy, you are 100% right. You haven't lived until you have had Puerto Rican style porkshoulder! Hats off to the hogs.

Patti

[buffy]

I am thinking that a video/DVD series would be great even without the TV/ Cable shows. I can see you being the next Carla Emory. That is the greatest compliment that can be given to a human being in my opinion! She sold all her books by word of mouth and going to craft/ farming shows.
OMG! If she had the internet support that you do... WOW.
I'm not rich but I would find a way to buy your videos!

I'm lucky that I live in Richardson, TX. (suburb of Dallas) Here you can have just about any farm animal that you want. Its all legal. I have chickens and rabbits. I'd have more but the landlady wont let me. All of us suburban farners need to rise up and insist on out rights to grow our own food!

[AnniCat]

Patti, I love the idea of the two shows, but I really think that the "Garden Girl" show will have to be the base before you could do "Ask Patti." You'll need to establish yourself in the public eye before anyone would care who Patti is (Other than us, of course. ).

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('FilmShack', '
')Annicat: I have sheared my bunny Nancy, next up is Angel. Hopefully, it I can get off this computer, I can get to shearing and spinning. It's cold and raining outside, fiber art weather! Keep posting for me, can I grow coffee in Boston I wonder? Serously, how will we handle coffee in a Post Peak world? This needs to be studied in depth right away! My parties went great! Thank you for asking- Thirteen people, Five bottles of two buck Chuck, and some some spanish food!
Patti

[windrider]

Great idea for a show.
I have found that in trying to get non-"greenie" people to think about applying permaculture principles to their lives - I cannot use much of the greenspeak we so often use. Also, the mainstream concept of beauty has to be incorporated to get folks to think about doing some of this stuff to their own property. In my community, saying the word permaculture automatically sets off the thought pattern of "decreasing property values".

I hope you get your show!

[AccurateOne]

I think what you are doing is great. I found your Google video through another site and was led here. There is a huge audience out here waiting for this knowledge. There are 300 million people in the US. You have a market out here and I applaude you for going after it. If you can/will sustain your dream and work hard promoting this you will find someone who will help you bring this to your target audience. TV may be your ultimate destination but do not miss the opportunites such as Internet DVD sales, Downloads, and specialty stores. You could make your initial move with a well designed Website. There are many inexpensive ways/steps to you can make to get this off the ground. Good Luck to you and work hard for your dream!

AccurateOne

[CindyDale]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('FilmShack', 'C')indyDale: Thank you for joining me here! I will, I will and thanks for inspiration! I talk about some of your ideas up in the section to skymoore! Which site is yours? I want to check it out, if I haven't already. If you have questions I would love to answer them.

[FilmShack]

You people are working me to the bone! No, I love it, I stayed up deep into the night and bought www.gardengirltv.com! I've been trying to gather photo's and stuff to throw up there tonight! It's so hard picking pictures! So, what you will see isn't my vision, but more of a bonus, I'm gonna post some of my book there as well. Remember, it'll be rough, I don't know web so don't beat me up too bad.

PostPeak thought of the last two days: Power tools. I love them. Sorry, but it is true. They are incredible equalizers, allowing me to do stuff that my tiny wrists and hands could never do without them. You should see me screw(no pun intended) with my screw gun. Power tools will be available post peak. Because they have so many batterypowered tools it is easy to immagine solar battery charging and power tools into the future!

Coffee: We are gonna have to figure out how to greenhouse grow it. I don't think waiting for the ship to sail in is gonna work. We're gonna have to breed a hardy strain, or work on greenhouse coffee. It'll just be one of those things we grow in our medicine gardens.

CindyDale: I am on my way to your group, but I'm trying to do this website thing.

AccurateOne: I am with you. You get what I'm working on. This thing could be a big deal. Check out my bonus pics tonight or tommorow. Thanks for the PM as well. I'm getting my own email with the site, so stand by for my new direct email folks.

Windrider: You are right. Mainstreamers are terrified of being green hippies. It'll be a slow process of baby steps.

Annicat: Still haven't given anyone a haircut, this website is gonna get me for this week. Keep posting and emailing for me.

Buffy: That is way too cool. I think this project has real legs. I left my first message to the head lady at WGBH today. It is so hard to get attention or a meeting. Thats why this internet marketing(or my Shameless Self Promotion) is going to work. People know people and sooner or later someone is gonna reach out to the project. Farm and Garden Magazine offered to publish an article! How cool is that! With or without a deal, I will begin shooting again in March, so there will be stuff to see regardless of my relationship with a network. I am possesed by this thing.

Thanks peoples and look out for the brand new www.gardengirltv.com.

Patti

PS people that post my link a lot will be in line for one of my handmade hats! Just let me know where and what and you'll be in line too!

[LeadEagle]

You definitely need a place on your site where people can submit their e-mail addresses. This will allow you to keep in touch with your public,, and allow you to show interest to the networks.

Would be much easier for me to follow the discussions without bouncing all over the web!


Contact me if you would like to do a link exchange
www.GreenCleanUSA.org

Cheers

[LeadEagle]

Also please consider solar that does not involve solar panels.
( My biggest pet peeve,, now that the entire world associates the idea of "solar" strictly with expensive, marginally cost effective “Solar panels”)

Technologies have been around for thousands of years that for very little expense (compared to solar panels) can heat your home, and much more. ( Tromb Walls, Icehouse Roofs, Green Roofs, Thermal mass,, ... )

Cheers

[topcat]

Patti -- Watched your intro video, very good and certainly has potential, which you know as so many have provided such positive and constructive feedback. Have not made the time to read this thread yet (must be one of the fastest growing ones in quite a while).

One quick suggestion (others to follow in time):

Where is the cat? You need a cat. Maybe a Tomcat???


MEOW

[FilmShack]

Got my first meeting! I will be meeting with the producers of This Old House on Friday! Who knows, I'm crossing my fingers...

Patti

[LeadEagle]

Congrats!

[jchrstn]

Patti
I came across the video link last Friday and was blown away, I think the time is now for a show like yours! Figured that I better pop in and drop a line before you really take off!!!! Good luck and be ready for unintended consequences and grow some thick skin, your message is important and I think you are differently the Poster Person to do it even if others will try to marginalize you.
Read through the thread and was impressed and wanting to know more of your "Garden Girl" homestead. At this point I cannot add any thing more looking at all the great advice you got so far. I was shocked to read of your PV/Lister generator. I finally got a 12/2 and a 10kw gen head and am going to set it up as a CHP (combined heat power) and tri fuel it (bio-diesel, straight veggy oil and wood gas). I too like electricity and the leverage it gives me to make things plus there is a lot you can do with the hot water.
In the 80's I was in urban Minnesota and was planning to do something along the lines that you are doing but fate moved me to my great grandmothers homestead on a lake in northern Minnesota. I wound up rebuilding and adding on to the old farm house and making it a super insulated "Green and Green style" house. Lots of set backs through the years but the goal remains!
I sent your link to people I know and put it on the Oil Drum plus I got you booked marked, great to be on the ground floor and watch this grow! Jeff

[CityBoyGoneCountry]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('LeadEagle', 'Y')ou definitely need a place on your site where people can submit their e-mail addresses. This will allow you to keep in touch with your public,, and allow you to show interest to the networks.

Would be much easier for me to follow the discussions without bouncing all over the web!

[FilmShack]

CityBoy: Did you see the photos on the new site where I call myself CityGirl?
JChrstn: A Lister fan! Sweet. My idea, and the show will feature this is to use the hot water to heat the aquaponic rig! I have a old two car garage that this project is going to work out of. I'm hope that the system will be totaly self sustaining! I wish I was on a homestead sometimes. I love my mini farmette, it is just the city noise that sometimes gets under my skin. Thanks for the words and talking to us.
LeadEagle: I will definately contact you soon. I'm a bit burried but pulling it together. I dig your site a lot. Good work! I will put a photo of my cat "Dirt" up tonight for you. Meow yourself.

Thanks folks, hope to have some more time soon. I am about to post on the site my inspirations for Urban Sustainable Gardening. And sorry about not having an editor yet.

Patti