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.
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?
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.
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.
Quote from: DrChubby on April 20, 2013, 05:14:12 PM
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.
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.
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. :))
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.
Quote from: spyrals on April 20, 2013, 05:27:28 PM
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?
Quote from: DrChubby on April 20, 2013, 05:28:07 PM
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.
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?
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on April 20, 2013, 05:29:36 PM
Quote from: spyrals on April 20, 2013, 05:27:28 PM
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.
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.
Quote from: spyrals on April 20, 2013, 06:12:19 PM
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on April 20, 2013, 05:29:36 PM
Quote from: spyrals on April 20, 2013, 05:27:28 PM
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.
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?
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.
Here is another contributors view.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xFNUymDz_Y
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.
too early for dick jokes.
QuoteThat'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.
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!
Quote from: DrChubby on April 20, 2013, 06:43:32 PM
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. :)
Quote from: dougskiles on April 20, 2013, 07:00:27 PM
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 :)
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!".
QuoteAll 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.
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on April 20, 2013, 07:00:59 PM
Quote from: DrChubby on April 20, 2013, 06:43:32 PM
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.
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. ;)
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.
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!
Quote from: stephendare on April 20, 2013, 07:59:28 PM
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.
Quote from: tufsu1 on April 20, 2013, 08:06:13 PM
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!
Agree on both counts. We will see a bigger and better event next year and I am sure there will be many good connections "sparked" during the event and lots more in the way of interesting stories and experiences to be told in the days to come.
This:
QuoteStephendare
But to be honest I think Jax has suffered from a couple of generations of people who are more eager to tear down from jealousy and schadenfreude than gain through a collection of successes, and to be honest, Im sick of it.
Which is the sentiment behind my continued posts to this thread.
Entertainment district is buzzing tonight until 2:00AM. Here is what is happening.
http://beonespark.tumblr.com/post/48121436137/entertainment-district-events
Don't know how typical I am, but am well over 30 and figured out how to register, and have voted for (or will vote for, I have some voting to do tonight) more than one creator.
Don't know if the One Spark folks have a venue for soliciting comments, and hope they will drop in here. I know there is some overlap between OneSpark and MetroJacksonville people.
My experience today was similar to what others have reported here - that creators are getting tongue-tied from having gone over their same spiel so many times. One apologized a couple times for tripping over his words, saying he'd been on his feet for 12 hours a day for 3 days.
Anyway, my comments
- Voting is unclear - for example are the Art people competing against the business people against the non-profits? That doesn't seem fair, for the "best" artist to get less than the "best" tech idea. Not sure what the solution is, but something the OneSpark folks should ponder.
- Is it true that everyone who gets even one vote gets a piece of the $250,000? That dilutes the prize for the "winners" - top vote getters. Perhaps only the top [pick a number] vote recipients should divide the money proportionally. Although I know the value of each vote will go down as more votes come in, but what good is it going to do for someone who only get one vote to get $12.50?
- Why are some of the commercial ventures there - The Carling? Really?
- The website needs work, you can't 'search' for exhibitors - fortunately you can in the phone app.
- It is great to lots of people downtown!
Once You log on, click the box in the upper left corner. You will open a drop down. Type their number or name, enter. Click the creator and you will go to a vote tab. Repeat for more entries.
Money is divided by percentages. 10% = 25,000
QuoteBut to be honest I think Jax has suffered from a couple of generations of people who are more eager to tear down from jealousy and schadenfreude than gain through a collection of successes, and to be honest, Im sick of it.
I 100 percent agree with Stephen here. I think there is
legitimate debate warranted for what should and should nr have happened this weekend... But calling it a failure is about as far away from reality as possible. I have found something I have always known to be true, this city is filed with innovative and creative people who simply need an avenue in order to follow their own path. In that sense, One Spark was an undeniable success.
I'd be happy to discuss how to improve the event (and there are
legitimate opportunities to improve it) but I simply cannot in any way, shape or form call this anything short of a success.
Quote from: fieldafm on April 21, 2013, 12:04:57 AM
I'd be happy to discuss how to improve the event (and there are legitimate opportunities to improve it) but I simply cannot in any way, shape or form call this anything short of a success.
A great 5 days. With that said, here are my two improvements for next year - less spread out & the event schedule/voting process should be better advertised.
Fantastic job by the organizers and a definite 'A' for a first year event with so many unknowns.
Quote from: 02roadking on April 20, 2013, 11:35:13 PM
Once You log on, click the box in the upper left corner. You will open a drop down. Type their number or name, enter. Click the creator and you will go to a vote tab. Repeat for more entries.
Money is divided by percentages. 10% = 25,000
Are we looking at different One Spark websites?
In the upper left is the One Spark logo - which is the Home Page button
Next to that is the Discover button - where you can find Creators, Venues/Events and Speakers
Clicking the Creators button does yield a drop-down, but in gives a list of the categories - no place to type in anything.
None of the other top menus lead to anywhere to type in "creator" info.
Tried in both FireFox and IE (latest versions of each).
Another thought - although from the reports above, doesn't seem to be an issue - limit the number of votes people can make - make us think a little more if we only have, say 10 votes, about just voting for a creator because they smiled at me during their pitch. Or maybe a smaller number per category.
So, if 10% of the votes = $25,000 everyone is competing against everyone. OK, I get that. Doesn't address if there is a "bottom" - if my idea for an Acme Road Runner Catcher only gets my vote and a Mr. Coyote's vote (2), that is still a percentage of the total votes. Even at yesterday's 20,000 votes, my 2 votes would be 1/100 of 1% or $25. (Which matches the $12.50/vote value yesterday. Of course, as more total votes come in, the cash value of my 2 votes goes down - at some point making it more costly to cut the check than the value of the check.
And this isn't a really big deal to me, just indulging my MetroJacksonville right to obsess over small details. :)
Quote from: Bill Hoff on April 21, 2013, 08:41:20 AM
Quote from: fieldafm on April 21, 2013, 12:04:57 AM
I'd be happy to discuss how to improve the event (and there are legitimate opportunities to improve it) but I simply cannot in any way, shape or form call this anything short of a success.
A great 5 days. With that said, here are my two improvements for next year - less spread out & the event schedule/voting process should be better advertised.
Fantastic job by the organizers and a definite 'A' for a first year event with so many unknowns.
I've heard others mention the desire for a more compact layout. However, I liked it spread out. I was more relaxed having a little more space around the exhibitors than at a typical festival where people are always squeezing by. And, it drew me to places that I otherwise wouldn't have gone - for example the outdoor courtyard between Farah & Farah and Perdue Office Intereriors. Each place took on its own style. Except for the ones inside the TU Performing Arts building. They were too isolated.
I agree. I think there is a greater value to having it spread out through out the core then just at Hemming. Having it spread probably brings about repeated visits. Hit one section one night and another the next.
Quote from: TheCat on April 21, 2013, 12:52:53 PM
I agree. I think there is a greater value to having it spread out through out the core then just at Hemming. Having it spread probably brings about repeated visits. Hit one section one night and another the next.
In other countries festivals like this are held in very tight spaces and they are extremely successful. I know that my parents in law didn't come to One Spark because they're older and didn't want to walk around for hours in the sun. A smaller space like other food, art and music festivals might be better in my opinion.
I keep waiting for an email or something about how many votes I got, how are the creators supposed to find out? Should we email One Spark? Im dying to know.
My $.02 on the voting...
Since practically everyone has a smartphone, there should be several 'voter registration' stations with each attendee required to check in each day that they're at the event. QR scan required to check in and register.
Each attendee is allowed (1) vote per creator per day with each creator assigned their own QR barcode loaded with all their pertinent information. At each creator kiosk/setup, if you want to vote for them, scan their barcode.
Everything feeds into a database and the 'real-time' and 'transparency' issues fix themselves.
This seems like a no-brainer to me, but that's because I didn't have to plan for anything else regarding the event other than which food truck to eat at and my daily (flexible) limit of One Spark Kolsch to drink....
^ well the app did keep track of your votes....and because it was GPS enabled, you could not vote if you were outside of downtown
btw, the organizers realize that the voting process wasn't as intuitive as they thought it would be....I believe changes to that process are on the slate for next year.
Bottom line....from both a volunteer and attendee perspective, the festival was AMAZING!
No, I was able to vote from home - well outside DT - which I did because I couldn't "search" on the website.
I am sure the smart folks who put this together will make needed improvements before next time.
That's strange Charles. We only live 4 miles from the core and could not vote from Avondale. I would have loved to do what you did. Being able to vote from home gives one the opportunity to go through the information gathered during the event, evaluate what you saw and make your choices. I expect we will see different voting parameters next year. :)
Quote from: Charles Hunter on April 21, 2013, 08:07:10 PM
No, I was able to vote from home - well outside DT - which I did because I couldn't "search" on the website.
I am sure the smart folks who put this together will make needed improvements before next time.
did you vote on the app...or by text?
Quote from: tufsu1 on April 21, 2013, 07:39:34 PM
^ well the app did keep track of your votes....and because it was GPS enabled, you could not vote if you were outside of downtown
btw, the organizers realize that the voting process wasn't as intuitive as they thought it would be....I believe changes to that process are on the slate for next year.
Bottom line....from both a volunteer and attendee perspective, the festival was AMAZING!
My comment wasn't a negative on the festival in general, only the hassle in the app and voting system. I'm sure it'll be worked out before next time. I was there for the opening and the closing and had a great time both days.
And my friend and I stopped by one of the voting station and were told that we would be able to vote from home later, we just had to be checked in downtown prior to voting. Seems as though that wasn't the case either.
tufsu - I used the OneSpark App - it said each time that my vote was accepted. I actually voted for multiple creators.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on April 21, 2013, 09:57:28 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on April 21, 2013, 07:39:34 PM
^ well the app did keep track of your votes....and because it was GPS enabled, you could not vote if you were outside of downtown
btw, the organizers realize that the voting process wasn't as intuitive as they thought it would be....I believe changes to that process are on the slate for next year.
Bottom line....from both a volunteer and attendee perspective, the festival was AMAZING!
My comment wasn't a negative on the festival in general, only the hassle in the app and voting system. I'm sure it'll be worked out before next time. I was there for the opening and the closing and had a great time both days.
And my friend and I stopped by one of the voting station and were told that we would be able to vote from home later, we just had to be checked in downtown prior to voting. Seems as though that wasn't the case either.
It wasn't clear NRW and your post didn't sound negative. :)
Quote from: Charles Hunter on April 21, 2013, 10:19:48 PM
tufsu - I used the OneSpark App - it said each time that my vote was accepted. I actually voted for multiple creators.
Instructions said that you just needed to check-in at the festival once and then you could vote from anywhere. I did not verify that this was working but that was their plan at least.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on April 22, 2013, 12:39:45 AM
Quote from: Charles Hunter on April 21, 2013, 10:19:48 PM
tufsu - I used the OneSpark App - it said each time that my vote was accepted. I actually voted for multiple creators.
Instructions said that you just needed to check-in at the festival once and then you could vote from anywhere. I did not verify that this was working but that was their plan at least.
That's what I did - checked in Wednesday evening from downtown, then was able to vote via the app from home.
Quote from: Charles Hunter on April 22, 2013, 06:42:54 AM
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on April 22, 2013, 12:39:45 AM
Quote from: Charles Hunter on April 21, 2013, 10:19:48 PM
tufsu - I used the OneSpark App - it said each time that my vote was accepted. I actually voted for multiple creators.
Instructions said that you just needed to check-in at the festival once and then you could vote from anywhere. I did not verify that this was working but that was their plan at least.
That's what I did - checked in Wednesday evening from downtown, then was able to vote via the app from home.
My apologies Charles. The first thing I should have let you know was to use this http://vote.beonespark.com/ instead of the regular site that they listed on the voting brochure.
That was a big mix up in my opinion.
As long as you did an initial check-in by volunteer at a kiosk or gps check-in from the event, you could vote from anywhere from then on.
As a creator for One Spark, my group ended up helping people figure out how to vote on their phones and explain the voting process, a few times each day. It seems like the One Spark crew started to explain more clearly and concisely on their website how and why one should vote, once the festival got going, and their app fixes on the second or third day were quick and responsive, though clearly not everything was fixed. I am sure they will update the voting process (and improve communications about it) for next year.
My team didn't place in the closing ceremonies, so I have no idea how we did financially. Aside from the prize money, we made very valuable connections with a few people. Those connections will help us in the long run, and might prove to be more valuable than the prize money; we would not have had the opportunity for that under normal circumstances.
Overall though, the story behind the founders of One Spark, guys who could have moved to bigger/better/more forward-thinking cities, but didn't because they want to see Jacksonville become better, is a story that I and many of my friends relate to. I don't think of One Spark as a game changer for the city, but if nothing else, it was a very loud and clear indication that more and more talented people want to invest in Jacksonville, and to me, that's the biggest success of One Spark.
Getting you idea in front of so many people has to be the most valuable thing about OneSpark in the long run. That's even more important than being one of the top three in the categories.
It's not who you know, it's who knows you.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on April 21, 2013, 09:57:28 PM
And my friend and I stopped by one of the voting station and were told that we would be able to vote from home later, we just had to be checked in downtown prior to voting. Seems as though that wasn't the case either.
ah! that makes sense....the app wouldn't let me vote from the southside on Thursday, because I hadn't yet checked in downtown at that point
Nice video clip of the last day of event posted by TU. I did not make it on Sunday, but even with the weather it is clear peopled were engaged. Note: Click link to see video.
Good stuff!
Quote
Each generation in Jacksonville must find its own voice.
One Spark was the sound of a new generation beginning to tap into the incredible unity and energy of Jacksonville.
It will be fun to follow the footprints from this new arts and innovation festival, because I am sure there will be many positive spinoffs that we can't even imagine.
Sunday morning marked the close of the festival. We checked it out from several angles, including high above the activities.
Watch the brief video.
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/406107/mike-clark/2013-04-22/video-glimpse-final-day-one-spark
One Spark announces 2014 plans.
www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=539960