Is Alison Smith Gone?

[Uncayimmy]

Is Alison no longer working for the JREF? I recall seeing her listed on the staff page (http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/staff.html) when I was checking to see if Jeff Wagg was still listed there when he was rumored to be gone. I recall her being listed, but she's not there now. The Google cached version is too new to be of any use.

Her public Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/RemieV) indicates that she worked for the JREF from October 2007 to August 2010. The other employer is listed as August 2010 - Present.

It seems that the rumor I heard about her no longer working there is true. The circumstances of the change I don't know.

[arthwollipot]

I'm pretty sure that in chat some time ago she said she wasn't working for the JREF. I get the feeling that it was a couple of months ago, but of course I don't have any evidence.

What is known, is that Banachek is now coordinating the MDC.

[Uncayimmy]

I think Arthwollipot may be one of the greatest minds of our generation.

[arthwollipot]

...but probably not. :D

[Chris H]

She was at TAM 8, discussing the MDC on stage with Banachek.

[Hamradioguy]

It DOES seem odd that first Jeff and now Alison have disappeared from the staff listing with nary a word from the JREF. When I worked in HR every organization where I worked made it a point when a key staff member left to make some sort of announcement. Even if someone left in a huff or got caught doing something bad there was always a Corporate announcement to the effect of, "So and so has left the company. We wish him/her well in their future endeavors." The JREF silence is puzzling...or maybe that's how companies these days deal with staff changes.

[Uncayimmy]

Unfortunately, I don't find it all that surprising. Communication is not their strong suit. It's not even their weak suit. It's like a tweed suit in the attic buried under the box of Jarts. And, yes I know I mixed metaphors.

[NobbyNobbs]

Unfortunately, I don't find it all that surprising. Communication is not their strong suit. It's not even their weak suit. It's like a tweed suit in the attic buried under the box of Jarts. And, yes I know I mixed metaphors.

Technically, you mixed similies. :p

[Uncayimmy]

Technically, you mixed similies. :p

Sometimes I wish the IQ on this board were lower.

[HawaiiBigSis]

Even if someone left in a huff or got caught doing something bad there was always a Corporate announcement to the effect of, "So and so has left the company. We wish him/her well in their future endeavors."
I wrote those announcements in my time. It was ... um ... challenging ... when it the person left just in front of criminal charges. We sometimes didn't wish the departing well, and everybody knew it.

I always wished we could tell the truth.

[rjh01]

It DOES seem odd that first Jeff and now Alison have disappeared from the staff listing with nary a word from the JREF. When I worked in HR every organization where I worked made it a point when a key staff member left to make some sort of announcement. Even if someone left in a huff or got caught doing something bad there was always a Corporate announcement to the effect of, "So and so has left the company. We wish him/her well in their future endeavors." The JREF silence is puzzling...or maybe that's how companies these days deal with staff changes.

All what it would take is a SWIFT article. Not much effort.

[Soapy Sam]

Not compared with a lengthy paean to DragonCon.
As communicators go , JREF are ...the word that comes to mind, is "dumb".

[hcmom]

I wrote those announcements in my time. It was ... um ... challenging ... when it the person left just in front of criminal charges. We sometimes didn't wish the departing well, and everybody knew it.

I always wished we could tell the truth.

I'm pretty sure neither Jeff nor Alison left being chased by the local authorities... ;)

[arthwollipot]

I wrote those announcements in my time. It was ... um ... challenging ... when it the person left just in front of criminal charges. We sometimes didn't wish the departing well, and everybody knew it.

I always wished we could tell the truth.I'm pretty sure this situation is not like that. Jeff has said on Rational Alchemy that his leaving the employ of the JREF was on cordial terms.

[HawaiiBigSis]

I'm pretty sure this situation is not like that. Jeff has said on Rational Alchemy that his leaving the employ of the JREF was on cordial terms.
No, I know. I didn't mean to imply that.

I was responding to Hamradioguy's comment about "Even if someone left in a huff or got caught doing something bad there was always a Corporate announcement to the effect of, "So and so has left the company. We wish him/her well in their future endeavors." "

[RecoveringYuppy]

I've never worked for a company that publicly announced it's employees comings and goings, except for executives. Announcements are to the company. Forum members aren't employees of the JREF.

[HawaiiBigSis]

I've never worked for a company that publicly announced it's employees comings and goings, except for executives. Announcements are to the company. Forum members aren't employees of the JREF.

But both Jeff Wagg and Alison Smith were employees of the JREF.

[RecoveringYuppy]

Right. Not sure why you think that needs to be pointed out. Some people are claiming it's some sort of failure of communcation that their leaving the JREF hasn't been announced to the forum or via the blog. That's not unusual. Companies don't typically make public announcement about employees leaving.

(ETA: Oh, I should point out I wasn't addressing you in particular, sorry).

[Uncayimmy]

I've never worked for a company that publicly announced it's employees comings and goings, except for executives. Announcements are to the company. Forum members aren't employees of the JREF.

If you're going to announce a hiring for a given position, it's usually good practice to announce when somebody leaves that position. If the people have been prominent in the public eye, you usually say something about it. Jeff was the Communications and Outreach Director and a regular blogger (his blogs are still there). Seems only fitting to that the JREF say something about it. While Jeff struggled to define his function in regards to this forum, we still don't know if he's still serving that function. I asked in Forum Management, but Darat just told me to ask the JREF and closed the thread.

Alison negotiated protocols on behalf of the JREF. She was the point of contact for all things related to the MDC. It still says on her Forum Profile that she's a JREF Research Assistant. There has been no mention anywhere by the JREF that she's gone, which is just silly. On the forums there has been no mention from the JREF regarding Banacheck taking over the MDC.

They suck at communication.

[arthwollipot]

Or maybe it just isn't any of our beeswax.

There was an announcement when Banachek took over as director of the MDC, I assumed at that point that Alison had left her position.

Her last post on the Forum was on 15th July, so it's not exactly surprising that she hasn't updated her Forum profile since then.

[RecoveringYuppy]

If someone wants to make the case that they suck at communication they should point to someone who needs to know these things that doesn't. I think anyone getting in touch with the JREF to take the challenge, etc, is likely to find that the people answering the phone and reading the mail know who at JREF needs to get the calls and letters.

[hcmom]

If someone wants to make the case that they suck at communication they should point to someone who needs to know these things that doesn't. I think anyone getting in touch with the JREF to take the challenge, etc, is likely to find that the people answering the phone and reading the mail know who at JREF needs to get the calls and letters.

I dunno, knowing when TAM9 will be seems like something that should be communicated...

[TsarBomba]

I dunno, knowing when TAM9 will be seems like something that should be communicated...

Especially when it is pretty clear that the date has been known for a while now.

[RecoveringYuppy]

I dunno, knowing when TAM9 will be seems like something that should be communicated...
Of course. Scheduled upcoming meetings can be found at the link below. Don't know why I'd need to know if Wagg or Smith work at JREF to read them.

http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/amazing-meeting.html

[Uncayimmy]

Do you think I'm being too harsh in saying that they suck at communication? Is your argument that I am not entitled to say that they suck if they are providing the minimum "need to know" information to the public?

[hcmom]

Of course. Scheduled upcoming meetings can be found at the link below. Don't know why I'd need to know if Wagg or Smith work at JREF to read them.

http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/amazing-meeting.html

Jeff, at least, made sure that the info was put out there in a timely manner. Many people need to know as far in advance as possible when something is going to happen. Like TAM9. It seems very likely that somebody knows the dates, but they don't seem to be particularly forthcoming. I certainly don't need to know if Jeff or Alison work at the JREF, although I do. What I do need to know is when TAM9 is going to be.

[Patricio Elicer]

So all this mess about staff people leaving the JREF seem to coincide with DJ Grothe becoming the new JREF president. Coincidence?..... Just speculating.

[Uncayimmy]

Speculation is one reason why it's a good idea to announce these things, especially in this case.

[arthwollipot]

So all this mess about staff people leaving the JREF seem to coincide with DJ Grothe becoming the new JREF president. Coincidence?..... Just speculating.I'm not one to gossip, so all I'll say about that is that it began before DJ.

[RemieV]

I am no longer with the JREF, though that doesn't signal the end of my involvement with skepticism. If you haven't already, be sure to friend me on Facebook if you'd like to keep in touch, as I probably won't be posting here often. http://www.facebook.com/remiev

Also, if you'd like to contact me via e-mail, my address is alison@unbridledchaos.com.

[Chaos]

I am no longer with the JREF, though that doesn't signal the end of my involvement with skepticism. If you haven't already, be sure to friend me on Facebook if you'd like to keep in touch, as I probably won't be posting here often. http://www.facebook.com/remiev

Also, if you'd like to contact me via e-mail, my address is alison@unbridledchaos.com.

"unbridledchaos"? Sounds promising. :D

[Soapy Sam]

I think we should turn the whole sordid affair over to the conspiracy theorists and soap writers.

[Linda]

So all this mess about staff people leaving the JREF seem to coincide with DJ Grothe becoming the new JREF president. Coincidence?..... Just speculating.

It's no coincidence Patricio.

[paperskater]

So... how many people are left?

[NoZed Avenger]

I am no longer with the JREF, though that doesn't signal the end of my involvement with skepticism. If you haven't already, be sure to friend me on Facebook if you'd like to keep in touch, as I probably won't be posting here often. http://www.facebook.com/remiev

Also, if you'd like to contact me via e-mail, my address is alison@unbridledchaos.com.


Damnit, they're dropping like flies! Who drop!


They got RemieV.



NNNNooooooooooooooooo.


























Well, cr*p. Hope you can check in from time o time.

[MattusMaximus]

I'm pretty sure this situation is not like that. Jeff has said on Rational Alchemy that his leaving the employ of the JREF was on cordial terms.

Knowing Jeff and his personal situation (don't worry, it's good :) ), I'm not surprised to know he is leaving JREF. Since it is a personal thing, I'm not going to say anything more, sorry. And, I might add, I'm also speculating a tad.

[MattusMaximus]

Or maybe it just isn't any of our beeswax.

In Jeff's case, at least, I think this is the most appropriate comment, given what I know.

[MattusMaximus]

I am no longer with the JREF, though that doesn't signal the end of my involvement with skepticism. If you haven't already, be sure to friend me on Facebook if you'd like to keep in touch, as I probably won't be posting here often. http://www.facebook.com/remiev

Also, if you'd like to contact me via e-mail, my address is alison@unbridledchaos.com.

Keep in touch, Alison! :)

[MattusMaximus]

So... how many people are left?

You've still got me ;)

[Cuddles]

So... how many people are left?

Looks like five (http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/staff.html).

[rjh01]

Looks like five (http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/staff.html).

At least it is more than four at January 2008

http://web.archive.org/web/20080105004009/www.randi.org/joom/component/option,com_contact/catid,12/Itemid,3/

[Jeff Wagg]

Umm, Matt? They know about Jen. :)

[Soapy Sam]

Who do?
Jen who?
What?
Have YOU come out as gay too?
Is it a virus?
Nosey minds demand to know.

[RemieV]

rj - I was employed by the JREF at that time ;) The site was incorrect. Randi also had an assistant at that time, bringing the total to six.

[Geek Goddess]

I don't think Brandon is there any more. I received an email yesterday, with his new address, saying the randi.org email was no longer valid beginning this week.

[zooterkin]

I don't think Brandon is there any more. I received an email yesterday, with his new address, saying the randi.org email was no longer valid beginning this week.

Interesting; that may explain why I didn't spot him at TAM London.

[Geek Goddess]

Interesting; that may explain why I didn't spot him at TAM London.

Well, to be fair, last year you didn't see Jeff or Linda, either. Too expensive for the JREF to send them.

[Hamradioguy]

I don't think Brandon is there any more. I received an email yesterday, with his new address, saying the randi.org email was no longer valid beginning this week.

Yes, I got that email as well. Seems like a lot of JREF people have left over the past year. What's going on?

[arthwollipot]

yes, i got that email as well. Seems like a lot of jref people have left over the past year. What's going on?4, 10.

[DJGrothe]

Too expensive for the JREF to send them.


As skeptics, I believe the facts should matter to us. Speculation, removed from fact, may lead to unintended negative consequences. Among other things, such speculation may misinform people.

While it is true that Karl and Linda Shallenberger didn't attend TAM this year, it is not at all true that this is because it was deemed too expensive for the JREF to send them. They were in fact invited to attend TAM at JREF expense, but declined. If I recall, it may have been because of a conflict with vacation plans, or for some other reason.

Linda had some four months before TAM retired from the JREF, I believe after many years of stating publicly that she wanted to do so. She left the JREF on good terms (there was an announcement of this on the randi.org website late February or early March, which some folks apparently may have missed).

It is true that there have been a number of employee separations from the JREF over the last year, including resignations, retirements, layoffs, and terminations for cause. Every employee who has left the JREF has informed me and other principals of the organization in writing and/or verbally that he or she has left on good terms. The JREF wishes them all well.

Speaking of Brandon specifically, he is leaving the JREF to pursue what I think are some exciting full-time career opportunities in journalism that he has been working on intensively for many months, and which I believe we will all be happy to hear about as they develop. Additionally, I believe he may at some point in the near future also be planning a move to another city in another state. I'll leave it to him to reveal specifics if/when appropriate.

[RemieV]

By the by, I'll probably post the link elsewhere when it launches, but just to keep everyone updated who was wondering -

I'm starting a column at CSI called 'Magical Mystery Tourist', and have just finished penning my first article. If it's approved, it will be available soon. It's very much like the early days of SAPS, when I was investigating in a hands-on way. In fact, the story is actually that old! It just hasn't been told until now.

Anyway, keep your eyes peeled! Hope to keep in touch with all of you.

[rjh01]

Welcome to the forum DJGrothe. I hope this is the first of many posts here. This forum is a major asset of JREF, worth about $100,000.

Ref http://pagestat.com/www.forums.randi.org

[Geek Goddess]

As skeptics, I believe the facts should matter to us. Speculation, removed from fact, may lead to unintended negative consequences. Among other things, such speculation may misinform people.

While it is true that Karl and Linda Shallenberger didn't attend TAM this year, it is not at all true that this is because it was deemed too expensive for the JREF to send them. They were in fact invited to attend TAM at JREF expense, but declined. If I recall, it may have been because of a conflict with vacation plans, or for some other reason.

Linda had some four months before TAM retired from the JREF, I believe after many years of stating publicly that she wanted to do so. She left the JREF on good terms (there was an announcement of this on the randi.org website late February or early March, which some folks apparently may have missed).

It is true that there have been a number of employee separations from the JREF over the last year, including resignations, retirements, layoffs, and terminations for cause. Every employee who has left the JREF has informed me and other principals of the organization in writing and/or verbally that he or she has left on good terms. The JREF wishes them all well.

Speaking of Brandon specifically, he is leaving the JREF to pursue what I think are some exciting full-time career opportunities in journalism that he has been working on intensively for many months, and which I believe we will all be happy to hear about as they develop. Additionally, I believe he may at some point in the near future also be planning a move to another city in another state. I'll leave it to him to reveal specifics if/when appropriate.

I probably have outdated or old information. Last year's TAM London, I was told that if they wanted to go, they were told that they had to pay their own way. That was before you were involved in JREF, BTW.

[a_unique_person]

Do you think I'm being too harsh in saying that they suck at communication?

Yes.


Is your argument that I am not entitled to say that they suck if they are providing the minimum "need to know" information to the public?

What is so important about it? It's a little office in Florida staffed by a few people.

[Uncayimmy]

Yes.
I guess we just disagree.

What is so important about it? It's a little office in Florida staffed by a few people.
What does their size have to do with it?

[Patricio Elicer]

Well, to be fair, last year you didn't see Jeff or Linda, either. Too expensive for the JREF to send them.


FWIW, I seem to recall meeting Linda and Karl last year at TAM London.

[Geek Goddess]

FWIW, I seem to recall meeting Linda and Karl last year at TAM London.

You are correct, they were there, on vacation. I apologize.

[Ducky]

As skeptics, I believe the facts should matter to us. Speculation, removed from fact, may lead to unintended negative consequences. Among other things, such speculation may misinform people.

While it is true that Karl and Linda Shallenberger didn't attend TAM this year, it is not at all true that this is because it was deemed too expensive for the JREF to send them. They were in fact invited to attend TAM at JREF expense, but declined. If I recall, it may have been because of a conflict with vacation plans, or for some other reason.

Linda had some four months before TAM retired from the JREF, I believe after many years of stating publicly that she wanted to do so. She left the JREF on good terms (there was an announcement of this on the randi.org website late February or early March, which some folks apparently may have missed).

It is true that there have been a number of employee separations from the JREF over the last year, including resignations, retirements, layoffs, and terminations for cause. Every employee who has left the JREF has informed me and other principals of the organization in writing and/or verbally that he or she has left on good terms. The JREF wishes them all well.

Speaking of Brandon specifically, he is leaving the JREF to pursue what I think are some exciting full-time career opportunities in journalism that he has been working on intensively for many months, and which I believe we will all be happy to hear about as they develop. Additionally, I believe he may at some point in the near future also be planning a move to another city in another state. I'll leave it to him to reveal specifics if/when appropriate.

Yeah but now it's a total sausage-fest at the JREF.

;)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

So... how many people are left?

Randi, Merrill (sp?), Brandon, DJ, Michael, Bart. Maybe others?

ETA: Removed Brandon. Good luck to him!

[The Central Scrutinizer]

In Jeff's case, at least, I think this is the most appropriate comment, given what I know.

Post what you know, then we can compare to what I know. Then we can compare both with the actual truth! :)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Umm, Matt? They know about Jen. :)

Do "they" know that "Jen" is short for "Jens", and DJ turned you gay too? Where will he stop?!?!?!? :eek:

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Interesting; that may explain why I didn't spot him at TAM London.

Maybe Merrill(sp?) is his replacement? I met her briefly in London, but by that time, I had consumed a lot of pints.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Linda had some four months before TAM retired from the JREF, I believe after many years of stating publicly that she wanted to do so.

Linda announced her "retirement" at TAM 2, IIRC. Is her last name Favre? :)

[delphi_ote]

Yeah but now it's a total sausage-fest at the JREF.

;)

Sword fight!