Fart Company

I’ve never been wholly convinced that MSM will succeed at blogging. It’s one thing to allow readers to comment, but it’s another thing to task potty-trained reporters, who chomp at the bit with the publisher-editor relationship, to blog with freedom, independence and a degree of irreverence.

Take my new best friend, Linda Tischler, who felt the urge to critique both Advertising Week and my panel in her blog post.

Let’s dissect her profound prose:

I just got back from a panel on the future of the 30-second spot, which could have been interesting except for the fact that the moderator (that would be me), in what must have been payback for help on his new book (are you saying that these panelists contributed to my book, paid for it or endorsed it in any way – because if you are, you’d be wrong.), assembled a panel of six talking heads (as opposed to?), and then lobbed questions that each answered in turn (‘er that’s called a panel Q&A). Had this been a 30-second spot, I would have TIVOed through it in a heartbeat. (drumroll please)

There must be a better way to deliver information from experts and pundits than the tedious panel. Anybody seen any formats that are more appealing? This industry could use some fresh ideas.

OK, Linda…what exactly are you so upset about? Are you lamenting on the panel format in general or specifically something about my panel? Why did you not have the courage to ask a question to the panelists or myself? If you were unhappy with either the line of questioning or the responses in general, why did you not stand up and voice your opinion?

What makes me angry here is that you’re hiding behind your blog (which does not allow comments that are not sanctioned by yourself) and essentially abusing your right and privilege to have a voice.

Secondly, you’re hiding even further behind your Fast Company safety net.

Thirdly, you’re taking the easy way out by harping on a problem without coming up with a solution. Be proactive and constructive, rather than petty and destructive.

If you’re going to give us your opinion, do it on Linda Tischler’s personal blog; not Fast Company’s. You’re representing FC when you mouth off, not yourself. Did you ask a few people in the room what they thought of the panel? I know that many people approached me with positive comments. What if you’re wrong?

I stand corrected, but I believe Fast Company passed on reviewing my book, which is strange given your central mantra and mission, and the bulls-eye fit with the theme and gist of my book. I would be fairly confident that you have not read it yet.

Do me a favor…think before you post next time. Think about the fact there were people from 2 TV networks – Turner and Scripps - (who inarguably have the most to lose from talk about the demise of the 30-second spot) who showed up and added what I thought was tremendous value to the conversation, Plus high level representation from Comcast, Deutsch, MPG and G.E.

Believe me, I’ve been where you are before. I suspect you are an immensely passionate person….I am too. Too many panels in the past have frustrated me to the point of being on the brink of spontaneously combusting. I can’t stand it when people are self-serving, avoid answering the question and/or take the safe way out. But at the same time, you need to wizen up and be a little more realistic…what exactly did you expect Chris from Turner to say for example?

If you believe you can do a better job, go ahead and approach the folks over at Advertising Week for 2006. But until you step up to the plate, stick to keeping your magazine afloat.

Update: I left a comment (decidedly a little more serene) on Linda's blog yesterday (9/28) around 7pm EST and as of 3.30pm EST today (9/29), it still has not been approved. Linda - your credibility is soaring right now.