YOU AIN'T GONNA LEARN WHAT YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW

Spicy Bloody Mary and You

The thing about it is, I would do it all again. 

I pushed the send button in my email. 

I knew it as soon as I finished typing that it was going to have the intended impact.  

I was drained.    

Drained emotionally, strained spiritually, yet full of energy. 

You see, I have this major problem -- and, it is making sure I'm not silent on issues, things, and mostly --  people who I think are out of line. 

Its mostly the, people part that gets me in trouble.   (people who are out of line.....)

People who talk, yet their substance is so critically flawed, they poison the collective air that we all must breathe, together. 

I don't care who you vote for.   I really don't.  

You love the President, don't like the President --- good on you.

  

I went to a friend's house yesterday.  His mother in law was in the kitchen, as we were preparing extra spicy bloody mary's on a Sunday morning.  

 

I happen to reveal who I was supporting (and working with) in this election.   My friend brought it up in an effort to stir the pot....and, knowing it would get a response from her.   

You would have thought I killed her dog.   "How could you?"  

"Are you that stupid to be supporting, him.....?" 

Yes, I am.   I am stupid.   I am ignorant.   But, you my lady -- are wise.

  

And, I did not get mad.   Respond, or get offended in any manner.    She laced into me, and I sat quietly -- loving, and listening intently to the tongue lashing I was receiving, from a 70 year old woman.  

 

People are entitled to their opinion --- and more broadly, I'm flattered and honored when I get to hear them. 

It's revealing, and refreshing.   

Whether we agree with it or not, hearing someones views --- often times is the right medicine, so that you know who you are dealing with. 

"Where the past and present meet, is this very moment, that make up the precisely now -- as well as your destiny." 

Where I get in trouble is when a person I respect -- oversteps, and goes beyond their, "moral authority" to push their agenda on others. 

I'm no moral authority.   I represent no one.    I don't have a flock.   We have employees, but I no more represent their views on personal issues, than I hold sway -- over the stranger at the supermarket. 

But, when you stretch into "pushing and banging your opinions" down the throats of others -- well then, thats where I speak up. 

 

 

This week two Mayors of major cities (Chicago and Boston) decided to send a message to the company, Chik-Fil-A - because they dont like the Founders views on Gay Marriage.

From the Boston.com: 

The company was considering opening a location on Union Street, across the street from City Hall and Faneuil Hall. After learning about the company leadership’s views on same-sex marriage, Menino issued a letter to Cathy, lambasting him.

 

“I was angry to learn on the heels of your prejudiced statements about your search for a site to locate in Boston,” Menino wrote. “There is no place for discrimination on Boston’s Freedom Trail and no place for your company alongside it.

 

“I urge you to back out of your plans to locate in Boston.”

 

 

Seriously?

  

 

Did the Mayor of a City --  threaten a private business because they dont like the views of it's management? 

 

This was applauded by many, when it should have been condemned by, EVERYONE. 

 

It was not. 

 

As both a vegetarian, and a supporter of Gay Marriage, I can tell you I won't eat at a Chik-Fil-A --- but I support them, as much as I support the rights for Gays to be married.  

 

I would not try either one, but I respect them both.   Neither is my cup of tea.......

 

This is the abuse of political power (what the Mayor of Boston did) plain and simple.   And, I will speak out, and speak up.   And, speak loudly.....

 

 

I also cringe when I hear religious leaders tell us their views on politics, candidates, or issues ---  that they feel their opinion is so morally superior -- that you, "just have to know what they believe in...." 

 

Are you to tell me that if I disagree with my religious leader, (and do so forcefully, publically, and without regret) that somehow, someway I won't pay a price -- or better yet, my family won't suffer the consequences? 

 

 

I won't be silent.   The term "never again" signifies the fact that too many people, were too quiet, for too long --- enabling and tacitly supporting a mad man, and his regime.

 

 

Because they wanted to, "get along.."  

 

 

I will call out abuse of power.   Dont care if you like me -- but, I can sleep at night.   (not really, but thats another story) 

 

 

Our civil discourse has disappeared with each passing election. I've been guilty of it -- and, it is surprisingly refreshing when you know you must speak from the heart, yet -- you also know it will get you in trouble.....and, you do it anyway. 

 

 

Because you must.

 

 

You have an obligation to speak loudly, boldy, and without regret to people, who offend your moral compass.  

 

"Can I have a Spicy Bloody Mary please, extra horseradish?"  

   

 

 

:)   

 

 

Sometimes It Takes a Cartoon.......

 

A cartoon to explain what we do @Lotame........

 

 

Look The Other Way

 

 

Joe Paterno was considered a hall of fame football coach, who represented so much more than the sport of college football, that he coached. 

 

He touched, affected, and contributed to the lives of many thousands of students, athletes – and people throughout our country.

 

Joe Paterno was a legend.

 

But, today he is no longer considered to be great.   In fact, his legacy will not be the things he accomplished, (or did) but rather for the things, he did not do.

 

By not speaking up – by sweeping tough issues under the rug, he allowed (and fostered) an environment of secrecy, and an environment that perpetuated damage, and of criminal behavior by a person who was “bent on” -- preying on innocent children.

 

Out of concern for both his reputation, and the reputation of a University that he helped to build (Penn State) he did not take the tough steps – to speak up, report, yell, and DEFEND the people who needed him most.

 

The kids.  

 

He failed.

 

He failed….. and because of his failure to act – to speak loudly, and to shine a light on what he knew to be wrong ---- all of his positive actions across the span of his life, all of his good efforts, and all of his hard work --- have been lost, swept under history’s rug, possibly forever.

 

Eventually, his name will be removed from the school.

 

His name will most likely become a VERB, to signify , inaction or a coverup ----

 

“Oh, so you knew – and you pulled a PATERNO?”  (did not act)

 

“You Paterno’d your co-worker when you did that?”   (did not act)

 

“Why did you Paterno me?”   (not defend me)

 

 

You can see how this could play out.

 

 

I write this with a heavy heart.

 

 

I feel that as Americans we have fallen into the “politically correct” stance of being similar to Joe Paterno --- when we fall silent on major issues, that are tough to tackle, and tougher to bring up. 

 

Issues that are complicated, (not plainly criminal like sexual abuse) – but complex issues that need the light of day……

 

We look the other way.......

 

When we see wrong doing, and do not speak up ---  are we doing it BECAUSE WE DO NOT WANT TO BE CALLED NAMES --- do we perhaps pull a "Paterno on each other?" 

 

 

Are we more concerned with our reputation, and how others view us – or will we stand for the truth, even if the message is tricky, and it hurts? 

 

 

Are American’s (and the American way) taking the same route as Joe Paterno?   Falling silent, or worse yet – looking away, or covering up the hardest, the most complex challenges, that by raising --  may make us look bad, or tarnish our reputation, in the eyes of others?

 

 

I fear we are looking away.

 

I know we are.

 

 

Being politically correct, towing the line to not offend – and worst of all remaining silent through the tough times --- render us all, to the verb of Paterno.  

 

We did not as a nation collectively hurt children, nor do we as a nation commit violent crimes against children --- but, our silence perpetuates, and allows for terrible things to befall us all.  

 

 

It is truly not about politics.   It is not about a President, a Nominee, or a political parties.

 

It’s about truth.  The facts.   The facts should not be spun......yet they are.  

 

You cannot possibly put a spin on the FACT that children were harmed at Penn State by a monster -- and the monster (Sandusky) was allowed to continue his criminal behavior because others knew, and looked the other way.  

 

"If you don't have time to review the full 267-page internal investigation of the Penn State scandal, here's the gist: Everyone knew.Former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno knew. Former Penn State University president Graham Spanier knew. Former Penn State University vice president Gary Schultz knew. Penn State Athletic Director (currently on leave) Tim Curley knew. Everyone knew. As far back as 1998, when they learned of a criminal investigation of Sandusky related to an instance of suspected sexual misconduct with a boy in a PSU football locker room shower. "

 

The article is HERE.  

 

We walk a tricky line -- but, each of us believe in something so strongly, so fiercly, yet we do not speak up, we do not raise our voice, we do not defend the values that so many brave heroes before us have fought for, have died for, in order to allow us to have this sacred right......

 

I thank Joe Paterno for all of his greatness on the field -- yet, I despise him for his silence off the field.....

 

Stand up, speak out -- and defend what you believe in.....

 

Don't pull a PATERNO with your values --- for if you do, all of your good works, good and positive efforts --  will be rendered useless, and forgotten......

 

Like Joe. 

 

Because he did not do what was right when he had the opportunity.....

 

Will you?

 

Speak up.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calling it Like I See It

 

 

I think it is time.

 

This morning, I got my coffee at the same place I have been buying coffee for 10 years.

 

Backing out of the parking spot, (the same spot that I pull in nearly every day) I hit the corner of the building.   SMACK.     Trashed my bumper.

 

 

I bought the car on Saturday.   It still has temporary plates.

 

 

I think it's time.

 

 

Time for what exactly?

 

 

Well, since I’m in a rip roaring raucous mood – so, now is as good a time as any, to share……

 

 

I’m consumed and agitated, with people who are full of crap.

 

 

Yes, I said it.  

 

 

In my industry (and probably in yours) there are a ton of fakers, a multitude of bullshitters – and a group of phonies who puff out their chest in an effort to be seen and heard, regardless of the content in their message……

 

 

Their motto is, “fake it till you make it.”  

 

 

“Form partnerships and bonds with companies that can help me say that I actually do it…..”

 

 

Problem is, many of these phonies – don’t even know they are being misleading.  They don’t even know that they are out in the market spewing crap.   They think (possibly rightly) that they have a real product, that they have an offering --- and that their “solution” solves problems.

 

News flash – you are a fake.   It doesn’t.

 

I found this a significant piece of relevant data from 1905.

 

“Of the 125 auto companies that sprang up in Detroit in the early twentieth century, Ford quickly rose to the top. A restless innovator, Ford devised the modern assembly line. In 1908, the fledgling company introduced the Model T, a car whose standardized production would revolutionize the industry. "

 

 

 

 

 There were 125 companies that suddenly emerged at the beginning of the 20^th century ---- who said there were in the auto business.

 

 

I feel bad for consumers who bought cars (their 1^st car) from about 120 of those companies…..

 

 

Odds are, if you did not buy a Ford Brand, you bought the equivalent of a LEMON. 

 

 

(Disclaimer:  Our business at Lotame, is not manufacturing cars, moving people, or transforming the world, the way that Henry Ford did.   I am also not in any way, shape, manner or form – comparing myself to one of the greatest entrepreneurs of all time --- Henry Ford.)

 

 

In technology, the same thing applies.    There are technologies out there that are Lemons --- disguised as Model T’s.

 

 

Let me give you a few examples.  This is the definition of our business, and what we focus on,  as a Data Management Platform.   

 

 

Advertising Agencies who have control of hundred of millions of dollars of media, are forming partnerships with technology companies (and data companies) – and now calling themselves a “DMP”. ( Data Management Platform)

 

 

They are not. 

 

 

They are in a fight to transform their business as their business models change– and, are “fakin it till they make it.”

 

 

And, they are confusing clients.

 

 

Technology Companies who specialize in one aspect of the “stack” – like attribution, tag management, are NOT DMP’s…

 

 

A DMP is at its core a unifying platform, that allows companies to import data from any source, segment it in any manner (customize) they want --- and then EXPORT it to any destination they wish…….all in an effort to drive more value, gain knowledge – and increase results.  (whatever they/results may be) – and,  along the way the get analytics, attribution, control, and reporting……..

 

 

This was our website in 2006.   It talks about data, audiences – and segmenting consumers into actionable audiences.   This was in 2006.   We have been building this platform since then --- and suddenly in the past 3 months……

 

 

NEARLY EVERY DIGITAL COMPANY IS CLAIMING TO BE A DATA MANAGEMENT PLATFORM.  

 

 

“You are a DSP, you are now a DMP.”

 

 

“You are a analytics company, you are a DMP.”

 

"You are an ad server -- oh my -- retarget -- then yes, you are a DMP."

 

 

“You were an ad network, you are a DMP.”   (snicker, that was our detour – but during that detour to pay the bills and keep the checks from bouncing – we, still built the platform to support the tens of millions of dollars, in media -- that flowed through the platform, to deliver value)

 

 

“You are a media agency, oh – you too are a DMP.”

 

 

“You are a holding company, with big client relationships that you can leverage --- oh yes, welcome to the DMP club.”

 

 

 

It’s a joke.   A rather bad joke --- and, it's got me mad.

 

 

Quite coincidentally, one of our star performers, Maddie Rich made this video blog today -- on a very similar topic.   The 20 second video is HERE: 

 

 

I'm sad for the value that is being destroyed.   I'm sad for companies that choose one of the "fakers" that I've described.

 

I'm sad for my bumper.

 

I'm sad that my cup of coffee this morning cost me $1000, instead of $1.75.

 

 

I'm sad for clients that go with a "faker DMP" because it's easy......but, they will not see the value of FROM THEIR DATA anytime soon.    

 

"But oh -- we can retarget in our FAKE DMP....."

 

"You can fix the bumper for $500, or replace it for $1000 -- your decision." 

 

That is what I heard from the repair guy at my car dealership... (which I drove directly to from the coffee place, cursing the whole way) 

 

As the cigarette dangled from his mouth --- "You can fix the bumper for $500, or replace it for $1000 -- your decision."

 

I stopped to think....

 

Spending more initially requires thought, a commitment, and it allowed me to feel confident that every time I look at the rear of my car -- I will not be reminded of that cup of coffee......

 

A repaired bumper is not a NEW bumper.   I spent the $1000 and got myself a NEW bumper....

 

Retargeting is not a new bumper.  Retargeting is NOT a DMP. Retargeting is simply a fix...a tactic -- and, a piece a DMP. 

 

Lyrics from a song I love: 

 

"Birds of a feather are flocking outside
Like whippets they dance in a curly-queue dance
Of pulses and ringing and campfire chants
Of ritual drumming although at first glance
You thought you could run but you won't take a chance"
**********************************

I want to move quickly away and distance myself from the fakers, in both business and life.....

 

But, sometimes you cannot. 

 

So you get a new bumper, and call it a day.