Just had a killer activist idea - can we be mature enough to carry it out?

[bogie]

VERY true..

However, there's no such thing as a "local" "national" celebrity.

Remember - we're not looking for a "the other team is all at half court slam dunk" situation here... It feels good, it's exciting, but face it - it's only two points... We want the game-winner typestuff - or at least a couple of consecutive three-pointers...

(grew up in central Kentucky, near roundball mecca...)

Nobody's said anything yet about student #1?

 

[collateral]

count me in.

 

[ilbob]

I think you are seriously overestimating what email and web presence can do to someone who has a life that does not revolve around such things.

 

[Zedicus]

VERY true..

However, there's no such thing as a "local" "national" celebrity.

No, but it would get our Foot in the door, and be a step towards National Celebritys.

 

[bogie]

So, what do you guys think of an e-mail pressure campaign to take the CEO (or her management team...) of Ebay out for a pleasant day at a nice range?

 

[Nitrogen]

bogie: That's a great idea. That's exactly the type of thing that something like this might help.

 

[bogie]

Right - Her name is Meg Whitman, and from the documentary, she seems like a reasonable enough sort - business decisions, not "emotional" decisions, and she is VERY concerned about what the population as a whole thinks/does about the company. In addition, it's a good corp candidate, because, well, just about everyone knows what ebay is, and it's also a media-sexy subject.

 

[Zedicus]

So, what do you guys think of an e-mail pressure campaign to take the CEO (or her management team...) of Ebay out for a pleasant day at a nice range?

Dude!!!

 

[bogie]

Okay - will start trying to get the site somewhat polished - anyone know how I do forms for a guest registration/poll kinda thing? I'm using Kompozer...

 

[Guntalk]

Just a few thoughts. If you don't entertain the "cold water" questions you set yourself up for failure. You must anticipate and prepare for the tough questions.

First, Jeff has asked good questions, and I've seen no response.

Every manager at ever level has one question for every proposal.

"What's In It For Me?" If you don't have a quick and solid answer, there is no point in contacting him/her in the first place. It's the heart of all selling, and this is just sales.

The sentiment for this effort is good, and it is similar to the "Step Outside" program started by the National Shooting Sports Foundation years ago. Basically, they suggest that each of us invite a friend to "step outside" with us.

"Putting pressure" on an executive will not motivate him/her to do anything other than brand us as lunatics.

Wanna make this kind of thing work? Get Steven Spielberg (sp?) to invite corporate types to a gala weekend outing where shooting is a big part of it. If not him, then someone of that level, where invitations are not turned down.

The idea of putting pressure on someone to force them into realizing that we are good people seems a bit sideways.

Can I twist this somewhat? How about a national effort to take teachers shooting? Lots of PR opportunities there, with lots of "ripped from the headlines" story lines. It's the "man bites dog" stuff that the media loves and can't ignore.

I'm not saying this effort should not be done. I just would suggest that every step along the way be measured with the "what's in it for me" micrometer.

 

[bogie]

Tom, the first person I'm thinking of approaching is Meg Whitman, CEO of Ebay... She -is- concerned with her company's PR around gun owners. In a recent documentary, we were one of the only groups who she specifically mentioned. She wants to retain us as customers, but at the same time, she is very risk averse regarding lawsuits and various state and local legislation. I think that she'd be amenable to a little education. And a bit of internet pressure from the blogosphere is something she'd understand. What's in it for her? A better understanding of a sizable segment of her target market, a day outdoors (not to be sneezed at...), and a bit of visibility.

And the fun part is that by using a high profile exec such as her as our first prospective student, we have a much better chance of getting some serious publicity. Even if she, or her management team, never takes us up on it, we still get that. And maybe we get some folks from _other_ ventures who are interested?

I'd also like to steer away from both reporters and "entertainment" people - treat this less like a "news event," and more like simple education. Many gun clubs have had media days, with very little success. Because, when it boils down, you can invite 'em, but you don't have a way to make 'em show up, and if they show up, you can't keep their attention...

The teacher thing is a good idea, but would definitely have to be grass roots.

 

[Guntalk]

>>I'd also like to steer away from both reporters and "entertainment" people - treat this less like a "news event," and more like simple education. Many gun clubs have had media days, with very little success. Because, when it boils down, you can invite 'em, but you don't have a way to make 'em show up, and if they show up, you can't keep their attention...<<

Sounds good. I'm not saying the concept isn't good, I just am skeptical about the ability to put pressure on people to do what you want. The phrase "trying to push a rope" comes to mind.

It's a good goal -- education and getting decision leaders to the range. It's the "how to" that presents challenges.

Keep me in mind if/when you want to get word out on it. We'll crank it up on the radio.

Good on ya!

 

[nicki]

Outreach

Outreach is something we must do, and it is something that must be done in all areas of the country.

Gun sales will be up this year and I think the firearms industry should help this effort. For us, it is a loss of our freedoms, for them, it is a loss of their business.

We are going to be a very hostile political enviroment for the next decade. We need to go on the offense because if we don't do it now, we may never have a chance.

Nicki