One Spark Questions

[DrChubby]

Over the last few days I've been astounded to read the gushing love the One Spark festival has gotten.

I'm not sure of the exact funding One Spark has received from various sources.  Kickstarter and Peter Rummel contributed $850k+ not to count other sponsorships, volunteers etc and yet from that there are only 15,000 registered voters creating 20,000 votes.  I have seen figures indicating 30,000 votes but I'll take Elton Rivas' figure quoted today at 20,000 votes.  Each voter voted less than 2 times apiece.

Each day we're told there are 20,000 attendees.  Only 15,000 registered voters.  Less than 20% of the attendees registered to vote and each voted less than twice.  I suspect that many of the attendees were the same 15k and some daily stragglers attending each day.  From my observations, I saw the same faces (mostly riverside faces) and the same crowd do the same thing each day.

When I attended I saw stages with performers with no one watching.  Booths with no one visiting.  In my two trips to the festival, I saw more participants, volunteers and organizers than I did attendees.  Food trucks were doing good business...>The food trucks that pay no rent or employ anyone downtown.  I took my family and they wanted to leave early because my mother and grandmother couldn't be bothered walking around looking at crochet bags.

I don't think it's any coincidence that the current vote leaders have a history with CoWork Jax and the One Spark organizers and very few of the "innovators from around the world".   For a real time voting system there was little, if any, transparency.  Elton Rivas announced today that each vote was currently worth $12.50...That equates to EXACTLY 20,000 voters.  Exactly.  Given this is a real time voting system, the figures given should be instantly verifiable and instantly available.  Ticket buyers to the speaker sessions must have been thrilled when speaker sessions were made free...a "thank you" because evidently the festival was such a huge success, recuperating funds was of no importance...or maybe it was because no one was attending the speaker sessions.

There are no measurables for this festival.  There are no ticket sales.  There is no way to measure the attendees.  Not one single gate with hand held counters.  That's not an accident.  There are no transparent voting systems and at this point the leading vote getters almost all have very strong ties to the One Spark organizers at CoWork Jax. 

The 15k voters are AT LEAST 10% comprised of creators and family (500 creators and 2 family members). I think it's a whole lot of spin going on by the organizers. They're making speaker sessions free so that people actually attend. Wishing something good happens to Jacksonville is all well and truly nice and getting people together for a big party is cool too but in the end you're pushing the SAME people around in the same place hoping that they'll spend more money than they already have.

My friends tell me that today will be the day.  Voting will go up and attendance will be through the roof.  Maybe if families attend today.  The party goers will be back for the party, the oldies have already come and who knows...maybe First Baptist church will encourage people to attend the closing ceremonies tomorrow but  I'm not a big believer in "raising the profile of the city" when you can't even give an accurate assessment of attendance.  I mean really...how hard is it to block the side streets and put counters on a gate? 

Not one single person I've heard give an opinion on the attendance, even for the opening night, would say it was as much as 20,000 people but each day we're told...20,000 people came.

Anyway, I just think it's a shame the spin game is played here so much so that so few can see the real economic benefits.

[Cheshire Cat]

Hold up here please.  This city has been needing this type of event and interest for a very long time.  While I appreciate that there will be much to review when this event is concluded, I don't see the value of deciding half way through it to focus on what needs fixing or to point out "Failures".  Those who worked so hard on this initial event will take a long look at what needs to change at a later date. 

If you feel the need to point out the negatives let's at least be sensible enough not to attach the word "Failure" to what has been a remarkable first time event.

I hope the original poster will change the thread title and if that person fails to, I hope the moderators will.

This need to point out what is wrong in our city or events as opposed to applauding all that is very right is a mentality that does not help excite growth and interest.  I applaud the creators of One Spark and all those who helped to put it together.

Dr. Chubby, beyond pointing out failures, can you share with everyone what you did to make the event the best it could be like promote it, volunteer or help fund it?  What was your contribution to the success of this event?

[Tacachale]

DrChubby, did you seriously register an account just to whinge? That kind of behavior is unlikely to make anyone seriously consider any point you may have had.

[DrChubby]

I'm a contributor and creator as well as attending.

What exactly makes it a success?  Because it's there?  Man, talking about setting the bar low.

No, I did not register an account just to whinge.  I've had this account since 2009 but thank you for taking the time to ask.

[Cheshire Cat]

I'm a contributor and creator as well as attending.

What exactly makes it a success?  Because it's there?  Man, talking about setting the bar low.

No, I did not register an account just to whinge.  I've had this account since 2009 but thank you for taking the time to ask.

Really?  Then why not wait until the entire event is over before declaring "failures"?  This forum did not create the event.  Why not deliver your concerns directly to the event creators and staff as opposed to publicly dissing an event before it's completion?  Bad form Dr. Chubby.

[Cheshire Cat]

Thanks for the name change to the thread guys.  Declaring "Failure" in the title was purely negative and certainly thoughtless given the heart felt hard work and sacrifice of all of those involved.  As far as setting the bar too low statement Dr.Chubby, that is purely ridiculous.  The event creators and organizers aimed high with a sizable and ambitious first event and have done very, very well.

[spyrals]

I'm a creator too. I didn't get much foot traffic to my art, I saw people walking around mostly outside though but not really going into all the venues. One thing I would have liked is to be able to see the number of votes I got. Which is probably like 3. )

[DrChubby]

Geez Cheshire Cat...I was under the impression this was a forum for the discussion of issues relevant to Jacksonville and, in this particular area, downtown Jacksonville.

I understand what your concerns are.  You're a cheerleader and don't like it when someone doesn't cheer for your team.  I didn't see you commenting so vociferously in the one spark boom/bust thread that started before the event even happened.  I don't think it's my "bad form" so much as the message you disagree with.

I would also disagree with you that One Spark is what Jacksonville needs.  There are many things Jacksonville needs far more than a feel good event.

[Cheshire Cat]

I'm a creator too. I didn't get much foot traffic to my art, I saw people walking around mostly outside though but not really going into all the venues. One thing I would have liked is to be able to see the number of votes I got. Which is probably like 3. )

Which venue offering is yours and where is it located?

[Cheshire Cat]

Geez Cheshire Cat...I was under the impression this was a forum for the discussion of issues relevant to Jacksonville and, in this particular area, downtown Jacksonville.

I understand what your concerns are.  You're a cheerleader and don't like it when someone doesn't cheer for your team.  I didn't see you commenting so vociferously in the one spark boom/bust thread that started before the event even happened.  I don't think it's my "bad form" so much as the message you disagree with.

I would also disagree with you that One Spark is what Jacksonville needs.  There are many things Jacksonville needs far more than a feel good event.

That is where you are mistaken Dr. Chubby.  I am much more than a cheerleader to a single event but rather a citizen who has put in decades of hard work on city needs and issues.  As far as the forum is concerned, it has no responsibility to perform according to my views.  I am not a principal to the site but am an informed poster educated to the hard work so many do that others so readily dismiss or complain about.  Yes, I do take issue with proclamations of "Failure" when a first time event has done so well out the gate.  Sure there are things needing revision and change and those things will be addressed.  I just don't hold with wanting to tear down the very worthwhile efforts of folks who want positive change in our city even before the event's completion. 

You state Jacksonville needs more than a feel good event?  Really?  You think other issues have not been looked at and discussed in depth on this site?  What are you personally doing to create the change in Jacksonville according to what you feel it's needs are?  We need positive change as opposed to bellyaching. 

[DrChubby]

Fair enough...you're a cheerleader to all that is Jacksonville and that's great.   Criticism and honest assessment of the efforts made by an individual or group is not bad form.  Just because you don't like the timing don't make my views any less relevant.  It's interesting that you're only interested in stifling and censoring than you are in discourse.  I've contributed and created and participated.  I also don't believe anyone should be free of criticism just because they've made some effort.  I believe in grades.  I believe that some people and some organizations fail.  Your own views that we need to wait to see the outcomes and wait until an honest assessment has been done are totally valid as well but as I've said, what will be your measurements for success?  You've pretty well stated that just having the festival itself constitutes a success and in that I would very much disagree.  As a businessman I'm much more interested in quantifiable results and not just celebratory back patting that we managed to unlock the door and answer some phones.  "Creators from all over the world"....I would be interested in how many non-residents actually participated as creators.  "The world's crowdfunding festival".  Did the world attend and fund?  These are real questions.  Having a party downtown filled with Jacksonville residents does not mean that the stated goal of the festival was met.    At this stage, I think it's pretty simple to say that there weren't many creators from around the world participating and I personally didn't see much of the world attending.   IF less than 20% of attendees actually registered and voted I would say that's extremely poor turnout given the nature of the festival itself wouldn't you?   If there are changes to be made to the registration process...great.  It doesn't mean that aspect of the festival wasn't a failure.  Less than 20% participation in the voting process to me is plain dismal.  That's a failing grade in most areas of life.  If I ran a bar or restaurant and less than 20% of the people who walked through my door ate or drank, that would not be great for me.   Telling me "yea, but everyone had a wonderful time!" doesn't mean much to me as the owner.

To answer those questions about the stated purpose of the festival, it would be interesting to see flight figures for this weekend.  Hotel bookings.  Country of residence for creators.   So, if you're all about Jacksonville and positive things, I hope you source those figures for us and embarrass me in front of all the forum readers.  If it was actually great for Jacksonville I'm happy for the city...I live here too you know?

Do I expect every festival to be perfect and an amazing success?  Not at all.  I don't think it's bad form or irrelevant to post my views on the relative success after 3/4 of the festival is complete given the marketing spin as to the content and participation levels of the festival either.

Why does that threaten you so much?

[spyrals]

I'm a creator too. I didn't get much foot traffic to my art, I saw people walking around mostly outside though but not really going into all the venues. One thing I would have liked is to be able to see the number of votes I got. Which is probably like 3. )

Which venue offering is yours and where is it located?

I was in North Laura St. Its cool to be able to display my stuff though I wasn't very optimistic having to compete not just with other artists but with unrelated businesses like restaurants and charity organizations. I think I will have better luck at the Jacksonville Fine Art Festival next year where the art is the focus. I am glad that first place went to a women's organization though! Good for them.

[TheCat]

Dr. Chubby, please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions. I appreciate them. Although, I wouldn't interperte many of your points as signs of failure.

If Dr. Chubby is saying "hey, it sounds like the organizers are exaggerating the event attendance" he's free to do so...before, during and after the event. That won't ruin One Spark. It will, at most, force organizers to make sure they can back up their statements about the event. That can only be good. In fact, real time criticisms  will help next years event be better.

My Response to Dr. Chubby's points:

1. Not a lot of people are showing up that's evidenced by the number of people who have voted. The numbers are exaggerated. It's mostly friends&family of creators and volunteers that are present. .

I think a lot more people have come to One Spark than have voted. It's not a lack of transparency that's at issue here it is a lack of explanation about how to vote and take an active part in the event. Registering & Voting is a bit more complicated then it should be. I don't know many people over 30 who are going to take 15 to 20 minutes to register and vote if they don't have a friend or family member who is a creator.

The good about this event is the multiple venues. That means tens of thousands of people are scattered through multiple places. Which means you won't see everyone attending at one spot (like most of the Jazz festival) nor will you see them at one time. The events are all day long. People are coming and going continually.

2. This is not a worldwide event as it is billed.

Sure. You know, even Jesus waited 30 years before he implied he was the son of God but he dropped hints when he was kid. One Spark is tagging their event based on what they want to be.

When a couple of creators from this years event receive a check for tens of thousands of dollars and -hopefully-when a couple of creators receive capital investments from random investors that will do a lot to grow the event to an international festival.  Especially if the pot of money grows.

3. Mostly everyone attending was a volunteer.

Not factually possible but sure One Spark did a great job securing volunteers. I'm actually quite surprised that there were so many dedicated volunteers. And, the creators I've talked to, about a dozen, will tell you that they are tired because they have talked to many people about their concept and they, the creators, have loved it! That is good enough for me. I love that One Spark has created a space for talented Jacksonville people to interact with their city about their idea.

4."I don't think it's any coincidence that the current vote leaders have a history with CoWork Jax and the One Spark organizers and very few of the "innovators from around the world". "

Probably. One Spark did showcase certain creators over others. I'm not sure how they made their decisions. When it comes down to it...this is a sales event. People are pitching. The people who prepared on the front end and connected with the organizations like cowork jax will probably have an edge.

5. "There are no measurables for this festival.  There are no ticket sales. "

The only measurable that will matter is how the $250k is divided.

[Cheshire Cat]

I'm a creator too. I didn't get much foot traffic to my art, I saw people walking around mostly outside though but not really going into all the venues. One thing I would have liked is to be able to see the number of votes I got. Which is probably like 3. )

Which venue offering is yours and where is it located?

I was in North Laura St. Its cool to be able to display my stuff though I wasn't very optimistic having to compete not just with other artists but with unrelated businesses like restaurants and charity organizations. I think I will have better luck at the Jacksonville Fine Art Festival next year where the art is the focus. I am glad that first place went to a women's organization though! Good for them.

Spyrals,  I believe that the votes are going to be decided in categories with art being one of many.  So you are only competing with other artists.

[Cheshire Cat]

Cat, It was the use of "Failure" in the thread title that most disturbed me when in fact this event is a great success for one that is new and untested. 

To Dr.Chubby Not a word of your views threatens me and my involvement in city issues goes way beyond cheer leading. I am simply annoyed when I see the initial statements a person uses to describe the hard work of others is one of failure as opposed to saying this is what needs improvement.  You called this a feel good event which shows exactly how shallow your understanding of this undertaking is.  You claim to have registered with the site in 2009, yet have never once commented or joined the many ongoing discussions about positive change and how to achieve it in Jacksonville.  Your initial comments on the forum we prefaced by beginning the thread with the title "One Spark Failure", beyond that you have never commented on any of the wide variety of important topics discussed here that need the hard work and commitment of involved and active citizens.  Perhaps your complaints of event shortcomings would better be framed by sharing with forum readers what you yourself have done in Jacksonville to make it better.  For instance what issues have you fought for or events have you created for Jacksonville to move it forward?  You have yet to say anything beyond being a "contributor and creator".  What did you contribute, what did you create and why did you bother to participate in a "feel good" event if that is indeed the only value you saw in it?