Completely unscientific findings from volunteering at KCRW's pledge drive

Earlier this week I had the esteemed pleasure of joining dozens of unemployed, retired, and possibly homeless radio aficionados in a basement at Santa Monica College, volunteering as a pledge taker for KCRW's annual winter subscription drive.  I met some fun, interesting people, gorged myself on delicious vegetarian sandwiches, befriended a charming gay couple (of course I did), and gave back to the radio station I love.  My 6:30am shift was a little slower than expected, but the slow periods afforded me the opportunity to ponder the important things in life--like whether I should make a special trip to Trader Joe's to purchase a $2.99 six-pack of Red Oval Beer--and the time to mentally write a blog post recapping my observations from two days slaving away at the phones.  I hope you enjoy, and I really hope you take the time to donate to one of my favorite things about Los Angeles--89.9 KCRW.

Most of the people that call in to donate are women
The majority of the calls I handled were made by women, and/or the elderly.  This wasn't exactly a shocker--I'm guessing the younger listeners donate online--and also goes a long way toward explaining why Tom Schnabel still has a weekly broadcast.

Subscribers love the random, donated premiums
I was amazed at how many people call in immediately after special, donated premiums are announced--ie restaurant and shopping gift certificates, tours, autographed books, etc.  Only a few callers were interested in the plethora of CDs the station offers, and almost no one chose a piece of KCRW merchandise (apparently I'm the only person in LA that enjoys smugly wearing around KCRW T-shirts--I'm up to three!).  I fielded numerous calls from people that just missed limited time giveaways, and rather than choose something else, they chose to hang up and hold out for the next gift certificate premium to be announced.

Maybe it's just me, but it seems a bit odd to only donate to the Dub if you're getting a cash equivalent in return.  I suppose it doesn't matter since KCRW certainly isn't complaining.

Many subscribers have no idea what they want, or are even aware they get something for subscribing
Including the CDs, there are literally hundreds of premiums available to KCRW subscribers.  A startling number of callers seemed completely oblivious of this, and were hardly aware they could receive anything at all.  As a result, I was left trying to predict which CDs or other premiums middle-aged women would enjoy.  Shockingly, they routinely shot down my unbiased "Raul Campos 4-CD Pack" recommendation, despite its inclusion of Hot Chip and Quadron.  Shows what they know.

If you're planning on calling in before the end of the drive, click here and here for information on the standard premiums available.

Volunteers love free shit
I met a number of incredibly nice, interesting (and in most cases unemployed) people from all walks of life during my two shifts.  Volunteers came in all shapes and sizes, from nearly every area of Los Angeles, each with a different story to tell.  Aside from an eagerness to help, and a deep, passionate love of KCRW, there was one trait that tied everyone together--a love of free shit.  T-shirts, food, stickers, crappy CDs, gift certificates for places you've never heard of--you name it, if it's free, volunteers crave it.  I quasi-include myself in this--at least with regard to food (which, btw, was delicious).

The half-hour Bookworm is on the air is the busiest half-hour of the drive
Amazingly, the half-hour Michael Silverblatt controls the KCRW airwaves is the busiest of the entire drive.  Who knew?  Jason Bentley must be jealous as all hell.  Apparently, Bookworm's prodigious results are due to the fact that it only airs once during the drive, the show has an ardent following--it's the only program of its kind in the United States(!), and Silverblatt always has a special autographed book premium available at the show's conclusion.  Add it up and it's a lucrative combination for KCRW.

Speaking of Michael Silverblatt, I got to meet him, and he was far less creepy in person that he comes across on the radio.  I also had the pleasure of receiving an exhortation/thank you from Warren Olney (yes, the Warren Olney), and he was just as dignified in person as you'd expect--though not as well dressed.  I guess that's the beauty of the radio.