Here's what Seth Godin has to say about Disney/Iger

[rutgers1]

I mentioned this a few months ago on the board. In his book, Meatball Sundae, bestselling author Seth Godin (who writes marketing books that ANYONE would love, not just business folks) has a section called "A Short Note for Bob Iger."

I just scanned it to .pdf. From what I know about Seth (he encourages people to tape his speeches and give away his books), he won't mind. The main issue with my scan is that it is sideways. I suggest either printing it or turning your head sideways to read it (ouch!). One of the pages must have moved as it was being scanned, as it looks a bit odd, but I think you can read it fine. If not, let me know, and I will rescan it.

Here is the link. I hope this works:
click here (http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=868225&da=y)

I am hooked on Seth's books. His latest is Tribes. His blog is sethgodin.typepad.com. I just went to see him speak in NYC. Smart guy.

Anyway, let me know what you think.

[rutgers1]

Just wondering.....Why isn't this thread getting any responses? If it is a stinky topic, no problem. However, if the file isn't able to be viewed, let me know and I will find another way. I thought that an outsider's view (outsider = non disboard user....as well as a somewhat famous guy) would incite some conversation.

[deej696]

Thanks for sharing Rutgers, the link did work for me. Interesting read for sure. Personally I dont think Disney has the slightest clue how to capture on new media. Sure I can play fantasy football on ESPN.com, and book my trip online as well, but those arent experiences. Disney sells experiences, and I think they are wandering the wilderness aimlessly trying to sell them in the virtual world. Maybe having Jobs around will help solve that problem, but at this rate an entire generation will pass turning more to Myspace and Facbook for entertainment, as opposed to Disney.

[rutgers1]

Club Penguin is in the ballpark of the type of experience you would expect from Disney. They own it now, but they had to buy it.... for 350 MILLION, according to wikipedia.com. That is a sick amount of money. In fact, when I log off from here, I am going to research that a bit more, since if that is true, I am surprised that some of the Disney critics here don't point to that purchase when talking about the outlandish expenditures made in recent years.

I would love to get a job working with Disney on projects for kids. As a teacher and someone who has built successful community-driven sites in the past, I think I could add a lot to a project.

[Another Voice]

Disney sells experiences, and I think they are wandering the wilderness aimlessly trying to sell them in the virtual world.
No - Disney tells stories.

Sometimes you sit and watch them, sometimes you become a part of them - but story is at the core of the best of Disney.

I read the article, and frankly it's just another in a long of line of business riffs from people that just don't get it. There are plenty of media companies out there - if you want "experience" than go play World of Warcraft.

But Disney has always been about something different, something more personal, something more timeless. Fairy and folk tales are older than recorded human history. There is a deep-seated human need for it; we learn how to become human through stories. Disney is best when taps into that need. The medium used to tell the story isn't important, the story is all.

That's the problem "new media" has. It assumes that the Internet is what's important when it's really only a transmission device.

[gymnastgirlflips]

No - Disney tells stories.

Sometimes you sit and watch them, sometimes you become a part of them - but story is at the core of the best of Disney.

I read the article, and frankly it's just another in a long of line of business riffs from people that just don't get it. There are plenty of media companies out there - if you want "experience" than go play World of Warcraft.

But Disney has always been about something different, something more personal, something more timeless. Fairy and folk tales are older than recorded human history. There is a deep-seated human need for it; we learn how to become human through stories. Disney is best when taps into that need. The medium used to tell the story isn't important, the story is all.

That's the problem "new media" has. It assumes that the Internet is what's important when it's really only a transmission device.


I agree. And in that book, did it say something about making many short films a week? Thousands a year? Well, Disney is not so good at that because they prefer quality over quantity... yeah it could be done, but why bother when people would rather watch good videos/movies?

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . No - Disney tells stories . . .

1) Huh?
2) From what source did you get this.
3) Disney attractions each tell a story.
4) Disney Annual Stockholder Report tells stories.
5) But, what stories are being told by
. . . ESPN
. . . ABC
. . . airplane leasing
6) Ogre (I mean Iger) wants to wring as much profit from all segments.
7) Unfortunately, I don't think he cares about people or guests.
8) Just the profit.

NOTE: I was a major critic of Eisner. However, aster seeing Ogre, I (forgive me) want Eisner back. Sure, he was autocratic, but I think he had a real concern and care for guests.