Comments by SDurkin
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Posted on September 18 at 9:48 a.m.
And...thank you treeclimber, that is exactly how my input was intended and unfortunately just not clearly parlayed.
Posted on September 18 at 8:47 a.m.
Dear mskitty...not that I feel it necessary to defend myself to you or anyone for that matter, I do feel it necessary to assure everyone who has commented that the thing about the money was a standing joke between Patrick and I, and we joked about it often. I made a number of comments to the Democrat about him, all of which were positive (did you miss those parts?). The arguement between him and my (at the time 19 year old) sister about whether or not his being a Texan constituted his being a "Southerner", was also extremely light-spirited and in jest. He was truly a fun guy to spend time with, a truly class act. And, gottabehappy...each time I picked him up to go somewhere it was from the Eola. I don't think he ever actually stayed at Stanton Hall, but I could be mistaken. Please understand that I had a special place in my heart for Patrick, and am deeply saddened that he lost his hard fought battle with cancer. And mskitty...how you can refer to me as a "no good person" is beyond me...who are you, and how is it you can judge me? And I have no problem paying my bills either. I meant absolutely no disrespect to his family members, and I commented on a lot more than the lousy $56 bucks. The Democrat did not clearly protray the stories I shared with them and the vein in which they were intended, so I implore you to cut me a little slack. And, tiny_tim, I have no idea who you are, so I would appreciate it if you would clarify what $56 worth of stuff have you done for me. Thanks
Posted on January 7 at 4:59 p.m.
The whole purpose of the seminar is to educate area business owners about how electronic marketing can help them promote their businesses; and in most cases, at no cost to them. The reason you don't see much "movement" in e-marketing around here, is because no one has brought the idea or "how to" of it to people's attention. Until now; and I would hope that the CVB would finally get a pat on the back for bringing it to the table instead of the usual criticism it receives.
Posted on January 7 at 4:52 p.m.
It's all going into action on the new web site...You Tube, Podcasting, Facebook, and so forth. I've had my pencil spilling lead for a long time.
Posted on January 7 at 4:38 p.m.
Hey Gary...Jaci is an advertising and marketing expert and she's doing the seminar as a favor to the CVB and the people of Natchez, and all she asked in return is that I video the seminar so she can use it for educational purposes in the future. Hope this answers your questions.
Posted on December 15 at 2:57 p.m.
I just feel compelled to clarify a couple of things for everyone; the first of which is that we are doing a lot to reach out to the film community. Just last year new legislation was passed and the incentive package for Mississippi was upgraded to be more enticing than that of Louisiana's. Also, I've been taking photos all over the area for the past two years and now have about 700 that I am categorizing to send out to Location Scouts and Producers on a CD in hopes they will consider Natchez. It has been difficult to sell Natchez for anything other than "period" films like those produced here in the past, but it's an ongoing effort to do so. HGTV was just here two weeks ago and shot 2 episodes of "My House is Worth What?" which is publicity you cannot buy, and we're still talking to the producers of the Bonnie & Clyde film. And, just so you'll know, back in the 70's and 80's when Natchez was a big draw for location filming, there were no financial incentives and there weren't many locations competing for films. There are now 44 states with production incentives, and, many of them have the financial resources to attend film industry trade shows and have face to face meetings with Location Managers and Producers. We send information about filming in Natchez whenever the State sends reps to industry trade shows, but it's their job to promote all areas of the State, not just us. A major drawback for Natchez, is that we have little or no production base to provide film companies who hope to cut expenses by not having to bring in "below the line" personnel, which would include, set dressers, production assistants, prop assistants and the like. Natchez simply does not have much "trained" personnel to fill these positions.
The other thing I want to address, and I'm not sure why Kevin said "No one has seen a detailed marketing plan so they don’t know what’s being done to help promote the area and subsequently their livelihoods," as there are a number of people who have copies of the detailed marketing plan as outlined by the CVB and the Tourism Marketing Advisory Committee. There were several people (not on the committee) at the meeting where the finalized plan was distributed, and everyone there received a copy. We have also faxed copies to several people who requested them.
The CVB and Tourism Marketing Advisory Committee are holding an unscheduled meeting tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Visitor Center to review the current plan and see where adjustments can be made to do some really creative advertising as a result of the current economic crisis. We can certainly pool our resources and find a way to get more bang for the buck and that's one of the things that will be discussed tomorrow. Feel free to attend and offer your thoughts, suggestions, and opinions. Two heads are still better than one; three or more should be fantastic.
Posted on December 10 at 11:48 a.m.
On the contrary...I don't think we should exclude bands from the parade...they are an integral part of the event. I just feel that the dancing should be less risque. I thought the outfits the Natchez High girls were wearing were really great; and very representative of Christmas. I watch the Macy's parade every Thanksgiving day and I don't see any lewd or vulgar dancing in it, nor do I witness such in the Tournament of Roses Parade in LA. It would be nice to build this parade up to such a level that people would want to drive over from McComb, Brookhaven, Jonesville, Clayton, Sicily Island and other places to see it. I'm proud of what Carrie Lambert and the City have done to spruce it up, and proud to be a part of it; and there is absolutely no reason it can't be a draw for visitors from all over. I don't like being associated with anything that wouldn't qualify for a Good Housekeeping seal of approval. It's not going to hurt anyone the least little bit just to make the necessary adjustments to suit the audience. That's all I'm asking.
Posted on December 9 at 4:53 p.m.
Writers all... I am one of the 5 people who organize the Christmas parade, and I have heard, and now read, a lot of negative commentary regarding the dancing and music (and I actually saw some of it), and quite frankly, I think much of it was innappropriate for a Christmas parade. It bothers me deeply that so many people were obviouisly offended, that the issue does indeed bear addressing. I especially don't like hearing that people won't come to the parade in the future if it persists, and all I ask of the instructors and the kids participating is to please tone it down some, and make it more appropriate for the event and the season. I am not at all against artistic expression, in fact, I applaud it. It's just that this parade is designed to entertain children; mostly those under the age of 8, and I just feel that the dancing should be geared toward a PG rating, not that of NC-17 or worse. We work really hard to make the parade worth turning out for in windy, 40 degree weather, so please, be respectful of the target audience and please express yourselves accordingly in conjunction with the season. Save the other for the football field if you would. Anyone wishing to assist with the planning of next years parade, feel free to contact Carrie at Downtown Development. It is an overwhelming and very time consuming task when you don't have many people helping out. We have to raise money to put the parade on too so you can donate dollars if you can't donate time. Thank you, Sally
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Posted on September 18 at 9:51 a.m.
And happyreader...you hit the nail on the head
On Locals remember Patrick Swayze