Friendly Suggestions for Next Year's One Spark

[Todd_Parker]

Have the creators of OneSpark ever talked about how big they would like this event to become? It would be fantastic if it became a kind of SXSW for the kickstarter and indiegogo scene drawing more national and international entrepreneurs. Hopefully, any perceived notions of the limitations of downtown (lack of hotel/convention space or other amenities) wouldn't prevent that from happening.

[Charles Hunter]

Before this momentum of trashing me gets too far, perhaps I can steer the rush of misinterpretation, to one of understanding.

I do not wish to promote limiting One Spark, nor things like One Spark. 
...
I am suggesting that we consider ... having the event every two years, instead of each year.  This kind of thinking is only an offering .... against the habit of running with the crowd ... something I have difficulty doing, as should be obvious to most.  I simply cannot help it.  Spare me please.

And I disagree totally with Jerry Moran's idea about having One Spark at the fairgrounds.  The location in the DT is perfect in my opinion. 

Events do introduce "outsiders" to all DT businesses, and this is greatly appreciated.   

Contradict yourself much?

[CityLife]

Can we all try and keep this friendly and constructive? At least while the festival is still going on? It's springtime, the weather is fantastic, and a lot of people are having a good time downtown. Lets all just sit back and enjoy it for what it is. There will be plenty of time to discuss it after the fact when the dust has settled.

[camicus]

Alternating years for OneSpark and JazzFest? Are you serious? Are you mentally ill? Also, having restaurants open every other day is about the dumbest fucking thing I have ever heard. You guys must seriously have no clue what's going on. It's time you guys leave the downtown game. We are all tired of your bullshit. There is a large group of us with momentum who's sole purpose is to revitalize downtown, but you small minded dinosaurs just don't get it. If you don't like what's going on, leave.

And just so people can't use the old "he's hiding behind a message board avatar argument"

My name is Cameron Beard. I own Underbelly. And if this is seriously the bullshit you fools can come up with, then consider me and a ton of other people your enemy.

[Gamblor]

Also, having restaurants open every other day is about the dumbest fucking thing I have ever heard.

The idea of restaurant with alternating days was said as sarcastic mocking of the idea of alternating festivals, as the one who proposed it is involved in the downtown food sector to a degree.

[Steve]

Also, having restaurants open every other day is about the dumbest fucking thing I have ever heard.

Pretty sure this was said tongue-in-cheek as a response to alternating events. I don't think anyone actually thinks that is logical (or even legal for that matter)

[ronchamblin]

Can we all try and keep this friendly and constructive? At least while the festival is still going on? It's springtime, the weather is fantastic, and a lot of people are having a good time downtown. Lets all just sit back and enjoy it for what it is. There will be plenty of time to discuss it after the fact when the dust has settled.

You make good sense CityLife.  Seems to be a little emotion running wild here. 

[ProjectMaximus]

Ron, I hear the essence of what you're saying but I think you've misunderstood the nature of One Spark. Hopefully it evolves from being a drawing board for the same creators year after year...to eventually becoming "The World's Crowdfunding Festival" which would certainly deserve to be annual. In fact, if it reaches that lofty scale it could even be sustainable multiple times a year in multiple cities...

Have the creators of OneSpark ever talked about how big they would like this event to become? It would be fantastic if it became a kind of SXSW for the kickstarter and indiegogo scene drawing more national and international entrepreneurs. Hopefully, any perceived notions of the limitations of downtown (lack of hotel/convention space or other amenities) wouldn't prevent that from happening.

I think I heard the co-founders say somewhere that SXSW and ArtPrize were their inspiration. I was also at that lecture given by the ArtPrize Director and founder (Cultural Council Awards Banquet in 2011 or 2012) so if they were following ArtPrize's lead I'm sure the goal is to grow it to be huge on a global scale.

And with regards to the geographical footprint, I have not had a chance to see much of the ideas/creators, but I can offer a personal anecdote: I booked flights for some musicians flying in and out this weekend and I did the same thing last year. I did not notice any unusual pricing last year, for NYC-JAX, which is generally $250 when I book a month out. This year, again about five weeks out, the cost of that same direct flight from NYC was $750.

[JaxByDefault]

My only critiques would be:
  1) Create a new group for philanthropy/non-prof projects. Right now, they seem to crowd out business/creative innovation in the rest of the categories.
   2) Pull more of the focus to street level or make bigger clusters of projects in higher-floor spaces (a small group of creators in the 8th floor of an office building don't get much traffic).
   3) Less Landing, more Elbow.

Overall, it's an absolutely fantastic event. Makes me glad to live in the Urban Core.

[Steve]

Agreed on your points, particularly #1. I noticed that tonight. While I definitely appreciate the non-profits, they shouldn't overshadow the business ideas.

[ronchamblin]

I'll have to say that I am impressed, and surprised at, the huge crowd that One Spark has drawn to the core.  This is not only a message as to the need and "fit" for something like One Spark, but a message as to the willingness of the population.... the participants ..... to actually get out .... work..... and "do" their projects.  I think the event holds good potential still, and will continue on to greater things.  The progress will be interesting.  I certainly appreciate all the work done by the facilitators who've worked so hard to get it to where it is. 

The problem for us however, is that now we don't know what to do with all the extra cash we've accumulated because of the crowds coming into our place.  Its just too damned much. We'll figure something out.  Recycle it perhaps. 

[IrvAdams]

That's funny, Ron. All that cash, indeed.

[Charles Hunter]

I've heard that Ron has the best prices on beer in the One Spark area.
Was down last night - amazing crowds.  The Skyway to/from both the Convention Center and Southbank parking areas was jammed, as were the parking lots.  I heard that the private operator of the mudhole parking at Jefferson Station did not open his mudhole ... er parking lot ... last night.  C'mon, man, make a little extra cash ($5/car), and at least fill in some of the deeper canyons on that lot.

[EatDrinkJax]

Loved One Spark. Can't wait for next year. My two friendly suggestions for next year:
1. A "donate $1" button next to the voting button on the app would be a super easy way to generate a lot of money for some of the creators. I know you could click a donate button and enter an amount but one-click would be better, IMO.
2. For those who donate $1 with the idea above, automatically send their email to the creator to easily enable a longer term relationship between the creators and their supporters.

[JayBird]

Loved One Spark. Can't wait for next year. My two friendly suggestions for next year:
1. A "donate $1" button next to the voting button on the app would be a super easy way to generate a lot of money for some of the creators. I know you could click a donate button and enter an amount but one-click would be better, IMO.
2. For those who donate $1 with the idea above, automatically send their email to the creator to easily enable a longer term relationship between the creators and their supporters.

That is brilliant
+1000