Posted by Brian C on May 06, 2003 at 17:34:22:
I know Sean does not like eb*y posts, but I invoke the much loathed name because of an idea I had. Instead of a music director determining the programs the orchestra puts on, why not put a list of music for the upcoming season on ebay or some similar auction site and let the public determine which pieces get played. The auction would be much more sophisticated than a normal auction, but it's not something a couple of economists who specialize in auctions couldn't come up with over the course of a few beers, or cases of beer.
You could also use the auction to replace the marketing staff that is used to solicit donations and sell tickets. I admit the rules would be very complicated, but it's something that could be done once for one orchestra, and if it works then others could use the same model, (i.e., by putting the business process in the public domain).
It's a crazy idea. I haven't thought through it. Lots of possibilities, eh?