Okay, so my blood is kind of boiling a little bit right now.
Newcap Radio has gone a bit coo-coo for cocoa puffs and has started a big campaign all about my hometown, Flint, Michigan.
The lovely people of Newcap Radio have created a website, https://www.ThisAintFlint.ca and a little video that compares Ottawa, Canada and Flint, Michigan.
The video makes some references to a little film by the name of Roger & Me that came out 20 years ago… You might have heard of it, or the guy who made it… Michael Moore?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I live here. I KNOW we have suffered a huge economic crisis, that we have the highest unemployment rate in the nation and we are statistically one of the most dangerous cities in the nation. I get it.
But who in the hell are these Newcap Radio people to shove our noses in it and kick us when we’re down?
It appears they want to promote how awesome Ottawa, Canada is.
Now, it just so happens that I know a thing or two about marketing. So let me break some things down for you, Newcap. Let me tell you how to make your campaign better:
– Brighten It Up. That ugly looking doll on your website really helps brand your city as awesome! NOT. If you want to showcase your city, show it. Not some stupid broken doll.
– Quit Being Two-Faced. In your video, you talk about “negative people” and how they bring you down. Your campaign is pretty negative. All you do is talk smack about my town.
– Get Your Facts Straight. It seems that most of your “info” was gathered from a movie made 20 years ago. Let’s talk about the fact that Flint’s crime rate DROPPED last year. Or that we just may become home to the “green industry” with the possibilities of a bio-fuel plant as well as being picked to build The Chevy Volt (yeah, no GM jokes, please.)
– Develop A Clear Message. What exactly is your message? Who are you targeting the message to? Do you want Canadians from other towns / provinces to move to Ottawa? Do you want the people of Flint, Michigan to move to Ottawa? What exactly are you saying?
I have nothing against Canada. I’ve spent a lot of time in Canada, driving back and forth between Michigan and Alaska (when I lived in Alaska). I’ve been to almost every province, and I’ve been to the capital city of each province I’ve been to. I’ve probably seen more of Canada than most Canadians. So listen, Ottawa, I have nothing against your city.
But when it comes to Newcap, I’m a bit pissed.
They offer this statement on their website “to the good people of Flint, Michigan – we bear no malice and offer condolences in these hard times.”
Yeah? Well, SCREW YOU, NEWCAP!!!
If you’re reading this, will you please do me a favor and write these Newcap Radio people a brief email and tell them that their marketing campaign sucks? Their email is thisaintflint@magma.ca
If you do that, thanks for being a pal : )
You have every right to be angry Crissy. Some background.. Ottawa is the capital of Canada as such they get a little thin skinned from being unfavorably compared to many things. From falling short to a city that’s not the capital of Canada but acts like it is, Toronto (my city) to being lumped in with an economy that does not reflect their own (the U.S. auto industry melt down).
While my Canadian city is affected by the auto industry layoffs, Ottawa I gather isn’t feeling the direct impact of that crisis (yet) since the city’s main employers are the government and technology firms – neither of which are hurting too badly. I think Washington D.C. is in a similar situation.
So I see the video as a reflection of Newcap’s frustration with Canadians (in their region) watching too much U.S. TV and not paying enough attention to the facts in their own city. Not excusing them, but I don’t think they recognize how hurtful this video is to folks from Flint. Making the case for your city on the back of another is pretty lame.
I wrote them a short and sweet little email about what I thought of that video. As a Michigan resident, and as a human, it made me want to vomit.
Sharon: Thanks for your thoughts & the background info. It’s nice to hear what a Canadian has to say on all of this. I really have nothing against Canada or Ottawa itself. I just think the people behind this idea need to get their heads checked. And by the way – I LOVE Toronto! It’s one of my favorite places to visit.
Sara: Thanks for sending Newcap a note. You R-O-C-K!
I can see why you’re “fired up” and right on-target that all Michiganders should be upset. I’m originally from suburban Detroit and am completely aware of the demise of Flint and how General Motors disseminated a once productive city.
For a Canadian city to say “this ain’t Flint” is just plain awful and any criticism you/we can throw their way is well deserved.
Save Michigan…
thanks for getting this straight. We’re actually contemplating a major career move to Michigan, and this video doesn’t help. I actually love Ottawa, but Newcap serves no one to blast a person, or a place.
I can’t even add to this. But, if I don’t leave a comment, how will anyone else know I support Crissy?
I think this is a great example of what *not* to do when promoting *anything.* Textbook.
Hey sista……….I spoke my mind to those weird Ottawa people from Canada…….Little do they know……Good job!!!!
It’s unfortunate that this company took the low road. However, check out this video produced by Flint Club and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint showing how bright and talented young people in Flint see their hometown. With young people like them I believe our future is brighter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03Kd6Rq7xJM