Rogue of the Week-Richard Beer?I was rather startled to see Richard Beer of the Hollywood Theatre listed as Rogue of the Week. The accusations made against him are completely out of character with the Richard I have come to know over the last few years in my role as volunteer facilitator of The Indie Group here in Portland. The Indie Group has experienced nothing but generosity, kindness, and uncompensated support of our efforts from Richard. I know of dozens of individuals and organizations who can say the same.In short, I cannot but feel there is more to this story than was expressed in the Rogue article. At the very least I would have expected some kind of accounting from Ms. Donaldson as to why she believes she was banned (he has a shit-list just doesn't cut it). Without that information the article is an example of the worst kind of yellow journalism, to echo your rather debased comparison to the HUAC hearings that are the subject of Clooney's film. I think it important to note that the throw away comment which ended the article is comparable to a tactic I recently saw trying to be used by a Republican hack to discredit the Special Prosecutor who indicted Scooter Libby. Not good company in my opinion.And, while the article cites only "former employees and renters" as supportive evidence, I want to know why more research was not put behind your accusations.Did your reporter speak with Tony Fuentes, coordinator of the PISS Fest held at the Hollywood last week? Did they speak with anyone at the Oregon Film and Video Office? Why was there no quote from the Lovecraft Festival coordinator offering their take on these accusations? Were there no current employees who would discuss the situation, even anonymously? Are the "four former employees" friends of Ms. Donaldson? These are all questions that come to mind after reading the article. My take on your article is that it offers a patina of investigation that, in actuality, obscures an inherently superficial seeking of information. The end result is a desultory and derogatory treatment of a situation that causes me to seriously question Willamette Week's editorial acumen and the reporter's investigative abilities. FYI, The Indie Group, aka The Portland Salon of the Association of Independent Video & Filmmakers (AIVF), exists to support two activities: 1) offering screenings of independent work, regardless of genre, and a place for discussions on topics of interest to independent media makers in Portland and the surrounding area. These meetings are free and open to the public, though I do ask people to contribute something to the potluck if they are able.2) hosting the Indie site, a community-based internet bulletin board/discussion group that currently includes over 450 participants interested in participating with and discussing issues of relevance to independent media makers.It is highly unlikely the Indie Group would be in its 7th year of existence without the assistance the Hollywood Theatre has freely offered over the last three years. As counter evidence to the Rogue listing I wish to publicly thank them, and specifically Richard, for that generous assistance.David BryantIndependent Media Artist and volunteer facilitator for the Indie Group.—David Bryant

 

Supporting Richard BeerDear Willamette Week:We were dismayed to learn that Richard Beer had been chosen to be WW's Rogue of the Week. Over the last year and a half our film project has been sponsored by the Oregon Film and Video Foundation. In all that time, Richard Beer has been unfailingly professional, supportive, and kind. Through the OFVF, Richard is a tremendous asset to the Portland film community.However, even if we had never met Richard, we would have looked askance at an article as poorly presented as that week's Rogue offering. Your readers were guided to a conclusion but offered nothing but hearsay and innuendo to support it. Why was Ms. Donaldson fired? What reason was given for banning her from Hollywood events? Were these "four former workers" who sang Donaldon's praises her co-workers at the Hollywood, or elsewhere? We learned presumably endearing traits of Ms. Donaldson (She revels in historic buildings! She took a non-profit job for the love of her community! She digs Patti Smith!), but you obviously didn't go out of your way to find out who Richard Beer really is. You don't appear to have even spoken with recent festival organizers, film-makers with sponsored projects, or current employees of the theatre and foundation.Suggestion for next week's Rogue: Leah Sottile and her editor.Sincerely,Stephani Skalak and Tara Johnson-MedingerSour Apple Productions, Inc.—Tara Johnson-Medinger

 

Richard BeerWould you think "Dick Beer" would get served in the bars? —A Friend