You've Spoken: Common Craft and Politics
By leelefever on October 6, 2008 - 8:55am.
Through nearly 50 comments and 15-20 emails, you have spoken. You don't want to see politics on Common Craft. I agree that it is the right move - political discussions will not appear on the Common Craft web site. We may make videos about events that relate to government, but these will not reflect personal/partisan views. A couple of things:
1) First, wow. We are both so excited to see such amazing comments. The thoughtfulness is inspiring. Thank you so much for being involved - we are lucky to have people like you around us. My Mom even got involved via email (thanks Mom!)
2) I was surprised to see so many responses in email. One of my favorites simply said "Listen to Sachi." It's good advice. As I mentioned in a comment on the entry, it seemed as though people were more open to the idea of talking politics when they emailed me directly.
3) This discussion highlights the ways in which Sachi and work together. On our "About" page, Sachi is named (lovingly) as the "Chief Party Pooper." It fits well - Sachi is ultimately reasonable, rational and risk-averse. In this way, we are a team. It's my nature to dream and to take risks. Together, we create a sense of balance. When I mentioned our "ongoing discussion" in the last post, it doesn't just apply to politics. We have ongoing discussions about everything, all the time. It's through those discussions that we find middle ground and ultimately the ideas that help us be successful.
I've learned to never underestimate the value of having people in your life that disagree with you and are willing to talk about why. It has helped me keep my feet on the ground when that's where they needed to be.
Good call.
Good call.
Of course, you could just start a 2nd blog
I have two, one that is professional ... I still bring in elements of my personal life, but I don't discuss politics or any other sensitive topics. My second blog is for my personal life, travels, politics, relationships, whatever. If a reader doesn't want to know about that stuff, they shouldn't read my personal blog.
Politics - where?
I love Common Craft...and I, too, am passionate about the upcoming elections...so I'm wondering where you are publishing your political ideas, if you are?
Keep up the good work. Keeping politics out of CC is the right move.
Where
Hi Jeremy,
I'm using a personal site to share articles, etc. I see around the web. I'm sure you could find it with a quick google search. :)
Good Choice
Hey Lee, glad you and Sachi chose to keep the politics out of Common Craft. I think it's great that you not only asked but took on board the comments from your viewers and worked together as a balanced team to decide what was best. Keep up the great work.
hekimboard
I agree to.
Thx for keeping the Common in CommonCraft!
Bravo!
Partner
Excellent tribute to a partner.
Glad you keep the uncommon common sense
in Commoncraft and its plain English crafty videos.
Here is a gem from Steve Rubel's blog
To succeed in this new world, brands need to move from taking tried and true marketing tactics and retro-fitting them for the new environment. We need to stop thinking about talk and buzz. Instead, there is an imperative that marketers engage publicly by collaborating with their audience towards a shared desired outcome. Follow that path. Be action-oriented toward a win-win outcome and transparent in the process and ethics won't be an issue.
http://www.micropersuasion.com/2008/10/ethical-social.html
I have two, one that is
I have two, one that is professional ... I still bring in elements of my personal life, but I don't discuss politics or any other sensitive topics. My second blog is for my personal life, travels, politics, relationships, whatever. If a reader doesn't want to know about that stuff, they shouldn't read my personal blog.
yeah, don't talk about politics
i totally agree with this move. i like this blog just the way it is and without the politics. hope to hear some more good stuff coming from you guys soon! thanks
Obama or McCain
Last nights debate was an exacting one! I think they should have been sitting next to each other the whole time. For a first time, they actually acknowledged each other and the debate got kind of heated and entertaining. I know you don't want to talk politics, but it's getting hard not to.
Politics, Politics and Politics
Every where same discussions, but really hot ones now a days. Yep, i agree whatever in the movie. Lets see whats up and whats next to this.
Politics
Since we are getting so close 11 days to be exact before the elections, I think we presonally should start talking about politics. I mean this is America. If we have the freedom of speech then we should have the freedom to talk politics on the commoncraft blog! How's with me!???
I disagree
Do what you like and if you care what your viewers say then i guess you will stop talking politics BUT you have a great style and ease of making complicated things simple. You have a tremendous opportunity. What are you going to do with it? Whatever you do I will continue to come to the site, refer people here, and ask my school to support you by buying videos, BUT don't underestimate the impact you can have! Not many people have the chance in life, take it seriously. You might lose a few viewers but certainly gain more. I guess if you make a decent living through the site there are bigger things to think about but if it is only one of many income streams, it would be a shame to miss the opportunity. Great work and bon courage!