One Spark Questions

[DrChubby]

More people have attended than voted.  I'd agree.  However, the numbers of registered voters as stated against the attendance is dismal as are the votes per registered voter.  A comparison might be ArtPrize.  Artprize has ~10 votes per voter.  In this case it's ~1.3.  If the measurable of the festival is how the money is divided and the division is based on votes....sorry...That's a failure if you haven't hammered it home again and again and again that people should vote and vote often.  I would also point out that if there are 15k registered voters and they're voting a little more than once, it seems one possible explanation is they're voting for their friend or family member.  It might be they believe they can only vote once...if that's the case, it's still a failure to communicate that and to effectively explain the concept of your festival.

I drop hints that I'm great in bed but if I can't live up to it then I'm not.  As I've said...spin.  Hype.  Thanks for helping me clarify that sooner.  You can tell everyone you're the world's whatever...if you're not then you're hypbolic.  Comparing One Spark to Jesus is extraordinarily premature.   Let me know when the organizers walk on water.

I never said most everyone attending was a volunteer.  I did say that at times when I attended I saw more participants, volunteers and organizers walking around.  That was not always true however there were large portions during the day where that was certainly the case.

[Cheshire Cat]

Here is another contributors view. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xFNUymDz_Y

[DrChubby]

Cheshire Cat, if you'd like we can pull out our cocks and compare who does more for people....being a regular commenter on this forum does not make someone an active participant in their community.  To provide some answer, I own several businesses, employ people and regularly contribute to city activities as an active participant and creative individual.  I have participated in event planning providing resources and knowledge.  I do not now, or ever, need to justify my viewpoints based on what you do and don't know about me on a forum.  Congratulations that you spend far more time on here than you probably should. 

Your opinion of my usefulness as a person has no bearing on my viewpoints.  I believe everyone is entitled to an opinion...not an unquestioned opinion.  While I'm happy to discuss my views with you, the validity of my views should not be based on your opinions as to my participation levels as you see them.

If you spent a lifetime engaged in your community making poor decisions and achieving little, it does not make you a more worthwhile member of the community.  It just makes you someone who makes bad decisions and achieves little.

[fsquid]

too early for dick jokes.

[TheCat]

That's a failure if you haven't hammered it home again and again and again that people should vote and vote often.

The voting process was not clear. That does inevitably concentrate votes. But, for a first year event of this scope they have done a great job and I would be remiss if this did not continue well into the future. Further, I think your use of the word "transparency" makes it sound like the planners have been secretly planning how to concentrate the money.

I think you missed the point of the Jesus comparison.

[dougskiles]

Every creator that I talked to seemed very happy for the opportunity to be there.  And I probably spent 2 minutes (or more) at every one that I could (in 2 days).  Many of them told me that they were getting far more value from the feedback they received from visitors than the money they hoped to get.  It was a great chance to gain exposure from several thousand people AND get feedback (which you can't get from ads) AND hopefully make a few bucks.

I did observe a few things that will hopefully be improved next year (and really hoping there is a next year):
- many people did not realize you can vote for more than 1 creator.
- a few of the creators we're isolated in areas that didn't get much foot traffic (in particular the lady with the airplane at the TU Performing Arts) center.

But for a FIRST year event, they did an AWESOME job!

[Cheshire Cat]

Cheshire Cat, if you'd like we can pull out our cocks and compare who does more for people....being a regular commenter on this forum does not make someone an active participant in their community.  To provide some answer, I own several businesses, employ people and regularly contribute to city activities as an active participant and creative individual.  I have participated in event planning providing resources and knowledge.  I do not now, or ever, need to justify my viewpoints based on what you do and don't know about me on a forum.  Congratulations that you spend far more time on here than you probably should. 

Your opinion of my usefulness as a person has no bearing on my viewpoints.  I believe everyone is entitled to an opinion...not an unquestioned opinion.  While I'm happy to discuss my views with you, the validity of my views should not be based on your opinions as to my participation levels as you see them.

If you spent a lifetime engaged in your community making poor decisions and achieving little, it does not make you a more worthwhile member of the community.  It just makes you someone who makes bad decisions and achieves little.

It did not take very long to expose the personality behind the posts.  Not only are we seeing the words and views of someone who finds the negative in the actions and achievements of others as important commentary, we see insults and comparison of body parts as relevant to making a valid point on an issue. lol That to me describes "failure". No need to engage you further Dr.Chubby.  Your own words have told everyone all that they need know about you.  You have still failed to say who you are and what you have contributed and put your name to it. You certainly did not tell us which "creator" you are which is interesting seeing as how "One Spark" is all about making your idea, art or product known. Look at the potential votes and support you may be losing by remaining mum on this fact. This also says volumes about how much stock you put in your own views if you are unwilling to stand behind them with your own name.  Hot air and insults does not a valid argument make. 

[Cheshire Cat]

Every creator that I talked to seemed very happy for the opportunity to be there.  And I probably spent 2 minutes (or more) at every one that I could (in 2 days).  Many of them told me that they were getting far more value from the feedback they received from visitors than the money they hoped to get.  It was a great chance to gain exposure from several thousand people AND get feedback (which you can't get from ads) AND hopefully make a few bucks.

I did observe a few things that will hopefully be improved next year (and really hoping there is a next year):
- many people did not realize you can vote for more than 1 creator.
- a few of the creators we're isolated in areas that didn't get much foot traffic (in particular the lady with the airplane at the TU Performing Arts) center.

But for a FIRST year event, they did an AWESOME job!

Agreed Doug.  The majority of creators I spoke with shared this same sentiment.  As Abel said in an earlier comment on another thread, he would personally return the price of admission to anyone who attended and was unhappy.  It cost no one to go nor did every contributor enter the event with the sole purpose of walking away with money. This was a gift to the community at many levels.   It was also about making contacts and getting the word out about different ideas or creations and possible funding for them.  This was a great start to an event put together by folks who knew in advance that there would be much to be evaluated and changed going forward.  The voting process is likely the one needing the most clarification and they are already aware of this as I have checked in with some of those at the heart of the event.  This is the first year of an venue that is going to grow and get better and better over the years.  I for one am so pleased to have folks in our city who are willing to step forward with wonderful new concepts and see them through.  I congratulate all involved in One Spark and thank them for their hard work, especially and including all the volunteers 

[DrChubby]

I perfectly understand the jesus comment and I think my comments were fitting.

You see the festival as a success and I disagree.  That's cool.  I personally don't get it as I said.  People in this city seemed to be thrilled that people from Jacksonville are going downtown for a 4 day festival.  Awesome.

Spending a large amount of money to convince people who are already consciously not buying your product to come down and receive more of the same product for free is not an exceptional plan.   All I'm asking is whether or not the money and enthusiasm is going to deliver anything meaningful.   The hype and spin is just that in my opinion and classifying it as a success because you gave away free product to your existing poor customer base is a loser business plan. 

If your purpose was to expose your city...you exposed it to the same people already here.  If it was to expose artists, innovators, creators etc to the world, frankly 15k registered voters who actually care to find out how to vote and participant is not a great turn out for the money spent and the hype involved IN MY OPINION.   If you're happy with it.  Great.  Hopefully over the course of the coming months there will be many examples of real success stories coming out as a result of the festival. 

Maybe your own views should serve as your own guideline.  Before proclaiming what a great success and wonderful story the festival was, you see if anything positive happens out of it.  Until then it was a a fairly small festival that in many cities would be smaller in attendance and revenues than a large name band/artist filling a stadium over a 1 or 2 day run and it cost more money.  In my expectations and for the message conveyed, I think it was a failure.  Plain and simple.  If the festival happens again next year, I'm sure it will have many changes.  If those changes are successful then great...If they're not "maybe next year!".

[thelakelander]

All I'm asking is whether or not the money and enthusiasm is going to deliver anything meaningful.

From my view, I've looked at this event as being something similar to Art Walk, except it's four straight days.  Thus success to me was as simple as drawing a mass of people to the downtown core who typically avoid the area.  I also view it as a success in allowing people to network and connect with other Jaxsons, which is hard for many people to do. 

Outside of things like that, I don't think any festival or event will resolve long term issues impacting the quality of downtown.  More events on a routine basis would be helpful but believing One Spark is supposed to be something of "turning the corner" magnitude will only result in disappointment. Anyone expecting a festival to transform the city should have learned their lesson from the Super Bowl a few years back.

[DrChubby]

Cheshire Cat, if you'd like we can pull out our cocks and compare who does more for people....being a regular commenter on this forum does not make someone an active participant in their community.  To provide some answer, I own several businesses, employ people and regularly contribute to city activities as an active participant and creative individual.  I have participated in event planning providing resources and knowledge.  I do not now, or ever, need to justify my viewpoints based on what you do and don't know about me on a forum.  Congratulations that you spend far more time on here than you probably should. 

Your opinion of my usefulness as a person has no bearing on my viewpoints.  I believe everyone is entitled to an opinion...not an unquestioned opinion.  While I'm happy to discuss my views with you, the validity of my views should not be based on your opinions as to my participation levels as you see them.

If you spent a lifetime engaged in your community making poor decisions and achieving little, it does not make you a more worthwhile member of the community.  It just makes you someone who makes bad decisions and achieves little.

It did not take very long to expose the personality behind the posts.  Not only are we seeing the words and views of someone who finds the negative in the actions and achievements of others as important commentary, we see insults and comparison of body parts as relevant to making a valid point on an issue. lol That to me describes "failure". No need to engage you further Dr.Chubby.  Your own words have told everyone all that they need know about you.  You have still failed to say who you are and what you have contributed and put your name to it. You certainly did not tell us which "creator" you are which is interesting seeing as how "One Spark" is all about making your idea, art or product known. Look at the potential votes and support you may be losing by remaining mum on this fact. This also says volumes about how much stock you put in your own views if you are unwilling to stand behind them with your own name.  Hot air and insults does not a valid argument make. 

Cheshire Cat you revealed yourself with your first comment calling for my statements to be edited and for me to keep quiet.

I thank you for your time and comments.  Should the time come where you look to voice an opinion in a public forum I certainly hope someone shows you the same drive to censor you and provide straw man arguments as you've posted here.  Since the original post all you've really done is claim that I'm not a team player for Jacksonville because I don't just pat you and the One Spark organizers on the back.  That's it.  As for any body parts reference, it's certainly a saying where I come in relation to your need to somehow insinuate that because you spend more time chatting on this particular forum, your opinions and right to silence criticism overrides my ability to voice an opinion and to choose my own words I feel are appropriate.  That you somehow view yourself as a better citizen and a more important component of this city simply because you bloviate more on forums is self aggrandizement at it's most insidious.

Again, nothing you say makes me want to share who I am with anyone in this forum.  I personally know, have worked with and socialized with many of the One Spark organizers, sponsors and city representatives involved.  As you've so masterfully demonstrated, you're not interested in the opinion someone may have but rather in using a tactic to silence or punish them for not supporting your viewpoint.  Even now, you wish to have me ignored or silenced by creating a sense of distaste or outrage based on a commonly used phrase in my circle.  Failing to show the error in my assessments or to accept that I have an opinion you don't share, you simply wish to disparage me.

You must be in politics.

That says more about your character than anything I have said. 

[Cheshire Cat]

Yes indeed, you have everything all figured out Dr. Chubby.  Thanks for sharing with all of us your positive aspirations for and support of Jacksonville.  Your negative opinions directed at the wonderful and inspiring efforts of event creators, investors, participants and volunteers of One Spark who have used their time and energy to do positive things for our community has been so very enlightening. 

[DrChubby]

And your blind support and enthusiasm surely creates a magnificent future for all of us because everyone is awesome and deserves a ribbon!!

What's funny Cheshire Cat is that you have no idea what I've done for this community or other communities I've lived in.   Not one jot.  Nor do I seek your praise for things I have done.  I think you'd be surprised if you did know what I've done with my life.  I've told you that not only did I contribute to One Spark and am a creator showing at a venue at One Spark and I'm an attendee at One Spark...but that I also employ people here in Duval, Clay and other counties around Florida, participate in other city events and not only know the One Spark organizers, business people and city officials involved but work with and socialize with them...but somehow that's still less than what is required to voice an opinion that in any ways says "Wow.  I was disappointed with this festival and think it was poorly run and organized and not at all what I was hoping for."

You're right, I should just be happy my efforts were given a venue.  I am.  I'm just glad you weren't there to disagree with the content or intent and ask to have them removed or censored.

You're a wonderful person and I hope we have many more opportunities to voice and opinion and have them censored.

[tufsu1]

Couldn't have said it better myself Stephen.....yea, mark this day down

Fact is I've been out at the festival every day...and the buzz just keeps building....if even one creative person from Jax thinking of leaving instead stays here because of this festival, it was a success!

[DrChubby]

And your manners could use some work as well. We do observe rules of civility on the boards, so while your views are welcome, that doesnt mean anyone has to agree with them, nor are they bad people with low character because they arent taking the 'corruption in a crowd sourced event' bait.

I didn't ask anyone to agree with my views.  I just stated mine but it's interesting what you say about civility and manners.  The very first comment sought to censor and silence.  From the beginning the low character and bad form and not-doing-enough-for the community has been leveled against me.