Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

That's All You Got?

OK...full disclosure (and for regular readers, no surprise), I thought the City of Duluth's decision to sideline their award-winning DMO for an out-of-market ad agency was beyond boneheaded. And, I'll admit that I may not reside in the destination's target market (though I like hip, urban destinations with a vibrant culinary and nightlife culture and I have a fair amount of discretionary money to spend on my weekend getaways, live just a few hours away and have loved my previous days and nights in Duluth). 

All that said, all I'm getting served up in my Facebook feed over the past month are sponsored posts with this image (click to enlarge) and the words: "From the world-famous to local favorites, discover what makes Duluth so special. You’ll get it when you get here." Only this image. Only these words....which virtually any destination could utilize (and do). 

Hammocks? That's all you got? That's unique? That's gonna make me book a visit?

Madam Mayor? When you intimated that you wanted an edgier approach to community marketing as you shredded your DMO, is this what you had in mind?

Because, we need to have a serious conversation about what "edgy" means.

Just sayin...

Real ID? Really?

Four years after 9/11 (really...it took four years?), Congress passed a law to make State Drivers Licenses compliant as a means of uniform and accepted identification on flights and border crossings. Yeah...2005.

Never mind that it is a piece of cake for High School kids to get fake IDs...this was gonna make us safer?

It was then 2013 (yes, eight years later) when we were told that our Drivers Licenses would need to be compliant within the year. Which was delayed several times because we were apparently not ready. Oh yeah...and then COVID happened (whatever).

Now, we all must have a Real ID by next May. Really?

And, 17 years later, how has all this kept us safer? All to get a star on our license?

This is why I grit my teeth every time I write a check to the government. I mean, really...WTF?

Masks on a Plane

Let's be clear; a judge declared that the government did not have the right to mandate masks on planes. That doesn't mean it's not advisable as cases of the variant plague begin to rise.

Big difference (as a maskless woman is hacking up a lung next to me as we wait to board).

Just sayin...

The Room Tax Balancing Act

In some States, Legislatures have enabled the imposition of local Hotel Room Taxes without any guidance on how these revenues should be invested. As one can imagine, the abuses of original intent are significant.

More sophisticated States have been very clear on such investment...and their Visitor Economies have flourished.

Up until last week, Colorado was one of those States, directing that 100% of local Room Taxes go to Destination Marketing and Development. But, in the face of some local communities pushing back on visitor congestion and a disturbing lack of workforce housing, the Governor has signed a bill allowing communities to spend up to 90% of collections on initiatives outside of marketing.

Can you say "knee-jerk?"

Hey...I have no qualms with redirecting Room Tax revenues to where it needs to go as the hospitality industry fights to regain its footing. But, let's be clear, saying only 10% must go to marketing will become the new norm...and only 10% is what will be end up being invested in marketing.

Until Colorado has another 1990's moment and tries to claw back its losses in tourism spending.

Couldn't we have tried 50% to start?

Just a thought.

Come Away Melinda

Soldiers sign up for being targets. Innocents don't.

As the war crimes being committed in Ukraine become more and more documented, songs like last week's Music Friday post continue to play in my head.

I shared this song a couple years ago in a listing of songs that often bring a tear to my eye...but it wasn't the featured tune. That changes today.

On this Music Friday, we offer Uriah Heep's version of "Come Away, Melinda," a heartbreaking lyrical conversation between a father and his young daughter in the aftermath of war. The late David Byron pulls off the anguish in this song by singing the daughter's part high and then dropping an octave for the father's response.

And, like Melinda, we all are asking, "Why can't things be the way they were before the war began?"

End this War.

Do the Russians Love Their Children Too?

It was the mid '80s when Sting originally penned the ominous song that asked the existential question. It was a moment in time when we actually had to question whether we were facing a mutually assured fate.

And here we are again, when the same nuclear power again rattles its sabres.

As Sting said, he typically hasn't performed the song anymore because it hasn't been relevant.

But, on this Music Friday, it is.

And we ask the question...Do the Russians Love Their Children Too?

Isolation

The companies that have withdrawn from Russian engagement continues to grow. McDonalds (which will result in a $50 million loss in revenue per month) is one of the most notable to say nyet.

But, it isn't just shutting off commerce in an effort to encourage Russian leadership to stop this wanton act of aggression and disregard for human life. It's shutting off services...which Destinations International has just done by termination of the membership of the St. Petersburg Convention Bureau.

Along with the announcement, DI also offered a link to a non-profit organization led by D.C. chef, José Andrés, that
has been on the ground in Ukraine feeding displaced people since the outbreak of violence.

Please join DMOproz in supporting this vital lifeline for so many.

The 'Publicans

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am fiercely independent when it comes to my politics. It's the person, not the party. And, I'm looking for integrity, honesty and alignment with my views before I throw in.

At the same time, let's be honest. I'm on the back 9 of my life. That's when once idealistic liberal kids begin shifting to more conservative thought. Thus, at this stage in my life, I should be leaning Republican...as I'm sure the Republican Party is expecting me to do.

And yet, when a Party votes to classify last year's assault on the Capitol as "Legitimate Political Discourse?" 

I guess you believe those whom you expect to vote for your side are insanely and sheep-like stoopid.

Good luck with that and God help us all if you are correct in your strategy.

For those like me, know that any candidate that identifies as Republican now enters my consideration 21 points down...because the truth matters.

Lemme Get This Straight

You know that commercial where a band of young adults are being targeted by a stereotypical killer...and they ultimately hide in a shed filled with chain saws? And the killer subtly shakes his head in disbelief?

Yeah, that's how I felt during the first days of Omicron...when officials said that closing borders was a bad idea because it would hurt South Africa's economy. 22 days later, Omicron has been detected in every State in the nation.

And now, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has announced that the City will require patrons of indoor dining, fitness and entertainment to provide proof of vaccination for entrance. Starting January 3rd.

Huh?

If there's a need to require such a measure...why wait two weeks? Because it will harm business and piss off voters if you impede their holiday celebrations? If so, this isn't about public health, is it? Because, if it was, you wouldn't wait two weeks.

I've arrived at a point where I simply don't give a shit anymore. In the beginning, I believed lockdowns were important because of the misinformation that was coming out of Washington. Hey, some people are easily swayed and local government needed to protect the mentally vulnerable.

But coming up on two years, everyone knows what's up and we've all made our choice. Those who have avoided the vaccine (outside of medical reasons) have their reasons and can be counted as people who care about themselves and their politics more than their fellow citizens. Those on the other side know to take precautions when they are warranted.

So...enough of the lockdowns. We're all adults and have made our decisions accordingly, however reckless some among us may be.

And with that...Happy Holidays to you all. And here's hoping we all make it to 2023.

When Politicians are Spokesmodels

For some reason, some elected officials believe their video invitations to visit their destination is a good idea. It typically isn't.

I can think of only one such ad that ever worked...and it featured Ocean City Mayor Ed Meehan back in 2010.

Until now...Newark Mayor Raz Baraka simply nails his turn in this video, recently released by the Greater Newark CVB.

To Ricardo and company...you've joined some rarified air with this inspired video. Nicely played.

One Family, indeed.