I think if you look at my past record of business projects outside of ELI, I take my credibility and reputation very seriously. That means, by extension, I won't be doing anything that will damage the credibility built thus far on ELI. I don't think I am speaking out of turn that Oscar has had MANY conversations with me over the last 3.5 years. And while we may disagree on specifics, I think he can vouch for me that I deeply care about professional reputation and credibility. I think he has seen some of my "off-the-wall" ideas morph into unexpectedly positive results. I like to think that is why he continues to want to work with me when really he could (god forbid) disassociate himself from me at anytime.
Having said that, it doesn't mean I can't or won't screw things up along the way.
However, let me assure you, anything that might be implemented will NOT change the ongoing information, commentary, and analysis. That is the core of the community.
I do not claim to have "the answer". If I did, I would not have released a poll which I almost never do in making decisions. I generally think about it, consult with a few people, and then make my own decision. I would like to think I have made more right decisions than wrong decisions thus far because we are so much larger and influential than in the past.
What I do know is that:
1. We are fighting an issue that most people don't care about UNTIL they get "the letter".
2. We are fighting about some very abstract (albeit important) issues.
3. ELI has had to take some calculated risks in "taking it to the next level".
4. Leaving things at the status quo leads to stagnation. Entities must either grow or wither.
5. Symbols and imagery are seriously lacking on ELI. (Keep in mind they can be powerful tools and they can be deeply serious. (Flags, crests, insignia, logos, mascots, are all samples of symbols that stand for something greater.)
What I truly appreciate is that all of you care so much about ELI and what we do that you are willing to challenge and disagree with me. That says something to me. So thanks to all of you for your opinions. I am taking it all in. Keep the comments coming. But don't be afraid to throw out some suggestions also.
IMO, this is a very serious business and consequently requires utmost professionalism. It'll take much more than a catchy name to get mainstream media attention, especially since so much of the mainstream media is owned by companies run by people like those at Getty.
I think we should concentrate on doing what's already being done so well here on the form: stick to our guns with facts and thoughtful ideas and commentary and occasional high-level sarcasm.
Topic: Name for Members of the ELI Defense Team (Read 9709 times)