Know-How Exchange : Social Media

Carrie tells me that she's received what she calls "a bit of flack" over the post above. She's asked if I can take the post down ... I'm not sure how to do this, but yes, I'll take the post down.

A reason wasn't stated as to the nature of the flack, but I'm guessing some busy body is a little bent out of shape over some issue of protocol, or because of some slight.

Over the last 18 months I've contributed what I believe to be a good amount of value to the readers of this forum. I also like to think I've helped a few people. The post above was by way of wanting to help a few more people—little kids who know nothing about marketing.

My intent here was to help a charitable organization on Thanksgiving.

My intent here was to provide children in poverty—many of whom are in that situation through no fault of their own—with a new pair of shoes, shoes that would be given by a company with whom I have no affiliation what so ever.

Shoes people. SHOES.

Ever been poor? Ever been picked on for not fitting in with the in-crowd? Ever been to school in clothes that were a little raggy and that had been handed down? I have.

If the flack throwers have an issue, let them voice it here.

If the flack throwers would begrudge a kid a pair of shoes on Thanksgiving ... three weeks from Christmas for Christ's sake, and all for the sake of clicking a box on a social media site that that same person is then quite capable of un-liking, then I'm really wondering what kind of people I'm associating with.

I'm with you Gary. This is not blatant self promotion it's for a great cause. But rules are rules regardless how asinine they are. Maybe our community could have an area for these requests from members who are actively contributing. Just my 2 cents.

First of all, thank you to Carrie for being the epitome of grace under pressure. Carrie my dear, you have a tough job; not one I'd want for all the tea in China—you were a trooper about this and thank you for your support and kindness.

Thanks also to Webmaster for your words of support. Yes, rules are rules, but sometimes, they're of more use when they've been kicked in the nuts and punched in the face because only THEN do they crumple to the ground to allow ideas to pass freely.

And finally, to Randall. Wow Randall, my only hope is to one day do something to make me worth enough to live up to your compliments.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

On the Stride Rite Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/striderite right now is the following message:

"Stride Rite: We'd like to thank everyone for helping us reach 50,000 fans and our goal of donating up to 6,000 pairs of shoes to Kids in Distressed Situations! ..."

SIX THOUSAND PAIRS OF SHOES people, 6,000 pairs!

Proving that social media works, proving that direct response marketing works, and proving that DESPITE complaints, that the flame of human kindness is very much alight and burning brightly.

As for the people that complained ... whoever you are,
yes, you are entitled to your point of view, but as you declined to voice it, all I'll say is that I truly hope you and yours never want for anything: friends, support, a roof over your head, food on your table, and yes, shoes.

Were I to post my TRUE feelings I'd be banned from the forum, so I'll leave to your imagination just what those thoughts might be. But rest assured, they're dusted with the floweriest of Anglo Saxonisms.

Merry Christmas to one and all.

—Gary Bloomer