Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Once Again, The Media is Our Own Worst Enemy

Forget that we are not allowed the candidates that could actually move the needle. The media is even more culpable when it comes to the the drive-by shootings they perform during times of natural disaster.

The Oil Crisis of 2011? While there were sections of the coast that were pretty oily...the vast majority were not. But the coverage suggested mass ruin. The wildfires of this summer out west? Not nearly as widespread as perceived, despite the breathless network coverage.

And, the loss of Atlantic City's Boardwalk at the hand of Hurricane Sandy? So not so.

But, will the Weather Channel and the National Media cover this Sunday's “Walk the Boardwalk,” a charity event that will cover four miles of the famous attraction, from the Atlantic Club to Revel, raising money for the Red Cross and Sandy relief efforts?

We can only hope...but I have my doubts.

Sigh...

A New Scambo

Maybe scam is too harsh a word. But what I saw last month in Florida is definitely bait and switch.

Unless one has some sort of rewards thing going on, we pretty much buy gas for our vehicles based on price. That's why gas stations post their prices so prominently outside their shops (and don't get me started on price collusion). It's why I typically consult GasBuddy on my mobile device before i gas up. Unlike brands I like, I simply don't care where my gas comes from.

Hmmmm. There's a thought. But, I digress...

The game has become more interesting in Florida, however. A lot of gas stations are now posting the "cash price." Which, of course, could mean that the credit card price could be, errrr, just about anything once you commit and pull up to the pump.

Bait. And switch.

Sucks.

Hey, Hon? Let's Go to the County Seat this Weekend

It's always kinda cute when "amateur marketing executives" weigh in on the strategies being utilized by their Destination Marketing Organization. And, yet, it often distracts from the serious job we do.

Case in point, Flagler County Tourism's new logo that promotes "Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches."

Which leaves out the County Seat of Bunnell. Which some in Bunnell feel is a snub. As does News 13.

Of course...they're missing the point. The words "Palm" and "Beach" make me want to know more. The word "Bunnell" means nothing.

Go with your strength...and visitors might stumble upon the County Seat. Promote the County Seat?

Crickets.

 

States Rights, Man

The video introduction that used to introduce visitors to the Home and Museum dedicated to the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, took great pains to paint the man as leading a movement to preserve States Rights in the face of a Federal Government that he thought was over-reaching in its dictates. It wasn't that he supported slavery, the narration spun...but that the Federal Government was going well past what the Founding Fathers had intended.

This blog is not about to go down that path...but (as work slowly progresses to restore the museum, lo these long years after it was nearly destroyed by Katrina), I was reminded of the premise in the wake of last week's votes in Colorado and Washington to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

According to two former DEA agents, the Federal Government will likely push back hard, inserting itself into the lives of the residents and businesses of any State that legalizes weed.

Time for modern day crusaders to suggest secession if they do?

Just a thought...

 

Photo: Ben Masel, longtime activist from Madison, RIP
Credit: navajo

Tick Tock Austin

OK...this blog is primarily about Destination Marketing. And, yes, it occassionally veers into whatever I'm thinking 'bout (like, I guess, this week). And, yes, on Fridays it has become all about music.

On this Music Friday, it all converges.

Check out this sensational music video for Austin Texas...the live music Capital of the World.

Hell, yeah.

This video so makes me want to return.

And, thanks to my friend Anne Hornyak for the catch.

UPDATE:

Just got a "thank you" e from the producers of the video for our shout out…and, (gasp) it's the way cool team at North 40 Productions, who just happened to be behind one of our all time favorite destination videos.

Who knew? But, these guys cook!

How Did America Become So Polarized?

Honestly, that was the title of the link in my news browser last night that directed anyone who clicked to this story.

Someone in the media actually asking how this once fiercely united country became so divisive? Really?

Hey guys...it's called a mirror. You'd be amazed out how clear the answer is if you'd occassionally stop and, ummm, look in one.

Just a thought.

Like Tom Said

Change the World

20 years ago on this Tuesday after the first Monday of the month of November, the future of the City of Madison took a decided turn toward prosperity, creativity and an enhanced Quality of Life.

20 years ago today, Madison voters said “yes.”

The question was whether the city should move forward to reclaim its downtown by building a Frank Lloyd Wright designed Convention Center. And, for those of us that live in the Mad City, I'm guessing we are (as I am) stunned that it was 20 years ago today.

Since then, the city has veered dramatically into coolness. Into Top Ten List Land. Into its destiny. As an empty nester, I have the option to move anywhere in the world (with a viable airport and internet connection). And, though there is the occassional temptation when the snow flies...Madison is my choice. As it always has been.

Tonight, 20 years ago, was a tense night. Polling showed us close to victory...but by no means assured. And yet, as one of the faces of the referendum campaign, I donned my best look of confidence as I faced the cameras. And, damn...I still had hair.

We changed the world known as Madison 20 years ago tonight. And, I am proud to have been a part of that movement.

As John Lennon said, “You may say I’m a dreamer...but I’m not the only one.” And, yes, I still believe a vote can change the world. It changed mine. It changed my town.

It can change yours.

Vote.

Vote

I know...what's the point?

While I think most politicians start out with the best of intentions, so many get flipped to the darkside that it's pointless to think our votes will make a difference. And, the media serves us up, not the best choices but, the candidates that will garner the best stories.

So, WTF...go ahead and skip this round. No one will notice.

But...before you do? A favor?

Read this piece from Politico.com.

Still staying home?

Feelin' Like Some Nasty

Time for some nasty chunky rock on this Music Friday.

Kid Rock...need I say more?

And, yeah...I can tell you're trouble (but I still want a taste).

And, no...I have no idea why they bleeped out the word "stoned."