Paul Georgakis is the new media coordinator at e Museum of Springfield. He is working on the biggest assignment of his career: developing the forthcoming new show website for the museum's "Images of Springfield." The exhibit is being underwritten by Midwestern Industries, and museum that Mary counting on the exhibit's success to of trustees open the door to more corporate support. "If that happens we'll have a shot at becoming a top quality regional museum. Mary tells Paul. "I don't have to tell you how important that is to the board of trustees." Mary might as well have said "I don't have to tell you how important this is to your career." Along with Paul, the project team for the web site includes four other members
Elaine Dorsch is the site's designer. Bringing an Francisco-based Elaine on board was a coup for Paul. She has created sites for several world-class organizations d she took the museum job for a deeply discounted fee because she grew up in Springfield and wants to give something back to the community Roger Chilton, a history professor at the local branch of the state university, is the content expert on the exhibit and the accompanying website. His specialty is the influence of business and government institutions on underprivileged groups in 19th century U.S. society. Julia Winger is the corporate liaison with Midwestern Industries. She has made it clear that her company is glad to support the museum and that it expects to be recognized for doing so Doing good can help Midwestern Industries do well," she told Paul. Mary Weston, Paul's boss, represents the museum's administration and board of trustees
The website project got off to a good start. But lately, several problems have developed. On a practical level, it has proved almost impossible last few meetings because Elaine is based in San Francisco and Julia's office is in Minneapolis, it has proved difficult for both of them to squeeze in visits to Springfield - Even more disturbing has been the growing tension, as it has become clear that Roger's exhibit includes some disturbing images and stories Julia recently sent the team an e-mail saying "Midwestern Industries isn't contributing several hundred thousand dollars to upset the community," Roger replied, "It isn't a historian's job to make people happy." Mary is growing worried that either or Mary may pull out of the project, and either scenario would be a disaster.
Finally, it has become clear that Elaine views any suggestion for revising her design as an assault on her artistic talent. "I don't tell you how to run Industries," she says. your museum or Midwestern You're the experts in your own fields, and I am in mine. I know what I'm doing, and you just have to trust me.
Paul's boss Mary has made it clear that she is counting on him to keep the team together and the project on track.