One Spark 2016 Announces Dates and Enhancements

[Tacachale]

I'm not surprised to see these changes. The festival clearly wasn't sustainable when so much of the budget was based on the largess of one or a few people.

I think the earliest thing that stood out to me was that while the total amount of vote-driven funding was impressive, individual payouts weren't. I know a lot of the creators felt everyone should make at least a little money, but to me, it seemed the better bet would have been to limit payouts to, say, the top 50 creators, with the winners in each category getting a really big check. So a lot of people get nothing (besides exposure), but the ones that stand out get some really money.

The other thing was the lack of a revenue stream at the event itself. I know there were some ticketed events, but I always wished they'd added something like a music festival or tech conference that would have produced revenue for them.

[ProjectMaximus]

The other thing was the lack of a revenue stream at the event itself. I know there were some ticketed events, but I always wished they'd added something like a music festival or tech conference that would have produced revenue for them.

The speaker series was probably intended to do that to a degree.

[CityLife]

I may be about to jump onto one "conspiracy" theory...

One Spark serves one purpose, it's a marketing tactic, goodwill building...in order to more easily gain the incentives wanted for healthy town usa.

I don't think Rummell's intent all along was just for incentives, but I do think he was banking on the festival creating a critical mass of creatives, techies, and entrepreneurs....and that he would then have the most shovel ready project ready to take advantage of the energy and subsequent need for modern office space and housing.

[TheCat]

meh.  people buy lottery tickets every day.  Millions of people literally buy lottery tickets every day.

Right, if there is a jackpot.

Every week the amount of money available to win is explicit.

That's not really part of the next One Spark. There isn't a pot of "guaranteed" money.

The direct contributions may prove to be a jack pot but for now it's ambiguous what that means for potential creators.

[TheCat]

I may be about to jump onto one "conspiracy" theory...

One Spark serves one purpose, it's a marketing tactic, goodwill building...in order to more easily gain the incentives wanted for healthy town usa.

Ha, yeah, okay dude.

It's irrelevant.

And, "conspiracy" is the wrong word to use. "Strategic," is more sensible. 

One Spark has certainly raised awareness of the Rummell brand, which will not be a negative as he develops healthy town...and seeks public and governmental support.

[thelakelander]

Wait a minute. So this upcoming Art Walk is the only street festival night of One Spark this year?

This year's One Spark won't be the giant six-day blowout it was last year, but it will still fill the streets of downtown Jacksonville next week.
The street party aspect of the festival is being merged with the monthly First Wednesday Art Walk to create Spark Walk. It will run from noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday over a 15-block area of downtown centered on Laura Street, with live music, a food truck village and One Spark creators showing off their innovative ideas. A Spark Walk After Dark party will follow at downtown bars, restaurants and galleries. It's all free.

http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/2016-03-31/story/what-you-need-know-spark-walk-coming-downtown-next-week?utm_source=Recommendation_Widget_rail&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=qrec&utm_content=image

[ProjectMaximus]

Wait a minute. So this upcoming Art Walk is the only street festival night of One Spark this year?

Yep. They announced this a few months ago so it's not like it's a sudden surprise now, but doesn't change how disappointing. 

[thelakelander]

For some reason I thought there was a street festival every night. I just thought the festival was shorter.

[Marle Brando]

So bummed out. I thought we had something special. Turns out, you were just like the others..watered down afterall..One Spark . Hopeful next year brings change for the better this time if there is even a festival next year..