Start with small-scale, cheap, achievable and meaningful projects that demonstrate to participants that they can actually achieve something beyond talk. Document and publicize the projects to prove to skeptics and narrow-minded types what is possible and to attract new participants with additional skills and talents. Spread the credit. Alert area foundations, etc about projects' progress.

Everyone loves success -- even bunts and singles -- and everyone gets tired of long-winded promises, buzz words and sweeping "visionary" initiatives that swing for the fences but put zeroes on the scoreboard.

How to get the word out about Piedmont Voice? Successes, even modest ones, generate their own buzz, build their own momentum, and make believers out of skeptics and inert bystanders.

Bad habit we in the Piedmont should break: Calling in out of town consultants to do the thinking we're supposed to do.