-Liza

My comments about being self-satisfied were not aimed at you. My entry was really for ‘Content Creator’ and others who seemed confused or put out by criticism of XLNTADS. I was really addressing other blogsters, though I fully expected you’d read and use the thoughts expressed here.

I appreciate your willingness to take feedback, and I hope you’re not afraid to “shoot straight” as Jared says and let Nestle or any other Brand decision makers know that this is not a game of whimsy for us. If you are indeed intending to stand in the gap- to work as a connector between Brands and creators, then I wish for you clarity of vision and strength of conviction.

Respectfully,

Tim

Personally I don’t know how long I will stick around at xlntads ‘as a creative’ without concrete promises of change so I am posting in this blog to try to effect those change if possible. I don’t mind helping to be the catalyst for change when that change is good.

Earlier in this thread, ‘contest creator’ suggested my disappointment with the contest outcome was borne of a sore losers perspective. I will share/offer this information as a counter:

After winning the Heinz contest and receiving a National Commercial, prize money, etc. I put a call out to David Ciesinski (President of Ketchup at Heinz). Within hours (probably because I was a ‘winner’) he called me at my home. I am sure he expected an extatic, overjoyed victor on the other end of the line. The opposite however was what was waiting for him. I proceeded (for two hours) to let him know all of the MANY flaws that were intrinsic to his contest. I spoke from the perspective of a contestant (NOT A WINNER OR A LOSER). Because I was a ‘winner’, I had his attention. I am glad I ‘won’ because had I lost:
1. I probabaly wouldn’t have had the access to David Ciesinski.
2. He might think, the only reason I was griping was because I was a ‘loser’.

After hearing me out (to his crideit) David promised that there would be many changes to the HEINZ TAKE TWO contest as aresult. He said he would implement a ‘moderator’ who would anser questions in a more personable/timely fashion, as well as change many other aspects that prevented the free flow of communication between the creator and the brand. I am glad David and I spoke. It was to the benefit of his brand and the contest in general the second time around. In subsequent emails between David and myself, there were other issues (concerning commercial broadcast parameters) that we didn’t quite see eye to eye on, but it did not prevent me from shooting straight.

So to ‘content creator’, I say . . . . Win or lose, I have always spoken my mind. One day, when you lose a contest, contest creator, and you have a legitimate point or gripe, but it is ignored because of your ‘loser status’, you may reflect back on this blog thread and see the bigger picture.

Jared

Many of the difficulties are in our control, but many are not. I wouldn’t call myself ’self-satisfied’ nor arrogant about the way things turned out with the 100 Grand assignment, but in many regards, there is not a lot more we could have done differently once we had already launched. XLNTads did not determine what videos were chosen, our client did. 100%. We take your videos and put them in front of major brand managers, an opportunity for creators we see as unmatched in the industry.

We are exploring uncharted territory with these major brands. We are a completely new model. We’re not ‘consumer-generated’ nor are we offering full professional work. We’re trying to connect semi-pro creators with a lot of ambition with work and the attention of (normally unreachable without a connection, reputation or an agency) brand decision-makers. That’s our goal. We’re learning as we go, and we’re trying to make adjustments. The 100 Grand assignment was the first assignment we ever launched.

But thank you, everyone for your feedback. We take it very seriously. We will do everything we can do improve the experience in assignments moving forward. And of course, we welcome your thoughts in the future as well.

Those of us who are grateful for the opportunities that are rising from the current trend of Brands seeking consumer generated creative content are expecting professional direction and feedback from those who seek our time & talents. You got to give to get. It’s only fair. It’s not because we have no ideas of our own. It’s because, like any good creative performer, we want to address audience expectations (even if only to confound them). That’s how we can be most efficient and effective. Time is valuable- we don’t want to waste it. This isn’t just creative masturbation.

It seems to me. XLNTADS needs likewise direction and feedback, knowledge of their audience (us). So, comments about breakdown in communication for the Nestle 100 Grand spot should be viewed as a positive opportunity. If you’re happy with the way things worked out- God love you. Those of us who see a need for growth and evolution hope to be as happy as you someday.

If you’re really serious about the future of Consumer Generated opportunities and about doing quality work, then try a little research. Google Jared Cicon. Search YouTube and see what’s possible. Perhaps spend a little more time investigating the playing field and maybe a little less time being self-satisfied. That’s how we learn and grow.

I know Jared is not the only professionally motivated talent on this site, but I do know through personal interaction and observation that he represents the best of what recent internet opportunities intend.

To suggest he’s just jealous about not winning so completely misses the truth that it just makes me sad.

Do you not see how this corrupts the xlntads cyber-model . . . or ANY advertising model for that matter????
I am sure there will be times that xlntads REALLY needs us to follow directions TO A TEE. Anyone who has done serious work in the AD World knows how important this is. But given the Nestles 100 Grand, why would anyone listen to Mark, Neil, or xlantads in general, when a new assignment is given?

Let’s follow your line of reasoning Susan. Yes you went into the womens department of Macy’s thinking you would get a pair of khakis and ended up choosing bell bottoms. But you STAYED IN THE WOMENS DEPARTMENT. You definitely didn’t end up walking out with a Lionel Train set or a link of bratwurst. (Neither would a BRAND).

If 100 different ideas of how women loved chocolate were the only videos being judged I would have been cool with that, win or lose.

XLNTADS must reassure creators like myself, David, Tim etc., that we did EXACTLY what we were supposed to, and in the future those creators who stray from the assignment WILL NOT be rewarded. PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Anything less will mean certain failure for XLNTADS ‘new’ Ad Agency model.

Jared

I had high hopes for xlntads. Maybe there is still a chance they can pull it together. The plain truth of the matter is that xlntads will be regularly inviting 50 or more creatives to a dinner table where there is only enough food for 3-5. If they don’t compensate for this shortcoming with a correction of the items you and I have inumerated, it will be to their own demise.

I wish ‘content creator’ could see the futility in thinking that our comments are born of jealousy or poor sportsmanship. Even if I had won, I would have still CLEARLY understood the disappointment from those creators who had followed the required elements mandate to a tee but were shut out.

If you wish to dialogue off this page Tim, I can be found on YouTube under username: jaredcicon

Talk to you soon my friend.

Jared