What Have We Learned From #OccupyWallStreet? Pt II

Okay, so yesterday I outlined the problems the protesters are having at #occupywallstreet.  In today's post let's examine what's been working out right for them.

1. Excellent websites.  All of the co-ordination done, from the USDoR site to the Anonops blog really made the plan come together, and if we want to stand beside them by Friday we really have to get our co-ordination right now.  We need to start talking about where we're camping, and we need to start notifying people that this is happening.
2. They got really good at raising money.  If we're going to make it we have to do the same.  We need a P.O. Box so people who couldn't make it can send us supplies, a WePay account, and someone with some credibility to take charge of distribution and treasury.  Is there anyone out there who's good at organization who is willing to show their face for the cause?
3. Good press from celebrity endorsements.  Nothing says NYC has your back quite like Robert DeNiro showing up at your protest, and Chicago celebrities have the clout to say the same.  Vince Vaughn, John Cusack, Oprah Winfrey, and Lupe Fiasco all live in Chicago, and a campaign to call their publicists for their support would greatly help the cause.  I've made calls, why haven't you?
4. MiFi Cards.  The NYC protesters knew better than to rely on corporate controlled media outlets to share their story.  We now know they where right.  We need to start a drive right now to make sure there's enough internet to go around.

As usual, if you anything more to add please leave a comment.

What Have We Learned From #OccupyWallStreet?

Okay, so I'm starting this blog to help with the Occupy Chicago protests.  Let's start off by enumerating the various pitfalls that cropped up with the #occupywallstreet protesting, as well as a few that are unique to Chicago and then go into detail as to how to avoid them.

1. The anti-mask laws in NYC are giving the cops a prime reason to mess with the members of anonymous who wanted to protest
2. Tent city torn down
3. No permits
4. Little media coverage
5. Media coverage tainted by the lack of coherent message.
6. Common perception is of radical (fringe) movement
7. Low retention numbers past the first day
8. Overzealous protesters harassing passers by.
9. Illinois wiretapping laws

Okay, time to address the issues.

1. It looks like the anti-mask law in Chicago abolished back in 2001
2. If your tent is under 400 feet you don't need a permit.
3. Apply for a right of way permit
4. One of our news corporations shoots their news in front of a huge glass window
5. This one's for the comments section, but we desperately need one unifying reason for the protest.  I believe USDoR is saying that we are protesting corporate personhood.
6. Be smart!  I know your anarcho-communist collective desperately needs the press, but you need to keep this protest as narrowly focused as possible.  This is not the war, this is a battle, and if we treat it otherwise we will lose both.
7. Tent donations.  Seriously, if the protest isn't completely miserable like the one in NYC looks we can probably retain a lot more campers.  Also, get Lupe Fiasco involved.
8. This is on you guys.  Aside from constantly blasting Pink Floyd I can't think of a way to keep the mob from getting out of hand.
9. Be aware!  Audiotaping, or videotaping with sound a police officer without their consent carries a 15 year sentence!  Find an app that lets you videotape cops without sound, or figure out how to turn the mic off on your phone or video camera.

Point out more flaws and solutions in the comments so we can make this the most effective protest it can be.