Folks,
I have put this project on the back burner for some time. I had become demoralized by the departure of early team members, and my financial circumstances have become diminished from what they were.
However, continued interest in the project by Billy, Charlesetta, Adebayo, Harpreet, and Saka have convinced me that I should find a way forward. Every day the news delivers information to me about the environmental crisis. Every day I fail to act, I feel guilt. I wish to press ahead. I have new ideas how to role this project out on a limited basis, gradually growing as resources become available. I think that the new launch will be pleasing to the artists who have generously agreed to share your talents on this project. I recognize that you expect and deserve exposure as a result of donating your work, and I intend for you to have it. I will explain my new strategy within a couple of days.
I'm very excited that Billy is close to completion of the professional mix of his version of the tree planting song, and he has wonderful ideas for engaging local agencies in making the idea of environmental restoration a reality. His plans can serve as a template for others who wish to try the same thing in their local area. I will let Billy explain his projects in whatever detail he is prepared to at this point.
I know that other people will have ideas to share when the project has a little more shape to it, and so I hope to contribute to that as well. I will write again this weekend.
In closing, I just want to thank you all for being the special people that you are, and please feel free to write back to the list (rather than just to me personally) if you have ideas and thoughts you'd like to share. I will be useful for you folks to get to know each other, particularly if you wish to become very active with this project.
Matt
