Guidelines Improve our product Train our observers Spread the word The professionals point of view the big picture and direction

Product Deliver quality observations in a convenient manner to the community Provide means of publication for the amateur community Provide a vibrant website interface Who is our target?

Train Observers Provide relevant manuals, etc. on website Hold workshops for training Mentoring Transition observers where possible Support visual observers as entry, but find something relevant (hard!!!)

Spread the word Make the observations essential for the professionals Publicize the organization to the professional community Find means of reaching those who want to become Citizen Scientists Foster international relations

Phase 0 (inherited) ASCII database Dysfunctional website No observing directions Journal years behind Archaic practices Untrained staff Inadequate HQ building

Phase 1 Transition database to MySQL Transition all tools to modern languages Make tools automatic (VSP, VSX, preval) Bring journal up to standards (eJAAVSO) Remove stumbling blocks like validation file, observer code generation, LPV bulletin calculations Move to new facility Finished! - but longer than Id like (impatient)

Phase II (No breather!) SQL query access to database; VO access to other databases; bring in CBA etc. Upgraded and useful website Calibrate the sky (APASS) Provide access to professional-quality equipment for training and research (net) Provide on-line training and courses. Get amateurs to produce high-quality results Integrate into current surveys and prepare for new ones (PTF, CRTS, LSST; others?) Bring more professionals on-board (net, DB) Use modern media to access the cross-discipline professionals (CS start)

Means Plan, plan, plan (no breather; advances) Use existing staff where possible, including necessary training (time) Bring in new staff to replace those that dont fit (expense, research/AAVSOnet) Bring in external help in specialized areas (volunteer where possible, contract where not; cloud computing, etc.) Find grant opportunities that are aligned with core mission (not education) This cannot be done with a decreased budget, but should be a temporary spike

Needs Sufficient budget to handle the transition period Time to look for the right fits (computer experience, VS background, enthusiasm) Stephen Levine, Aaron examples Proper means to lay off long-time staff, whove supported the organization