Part 4: The reactions to these articles have been many and we believe the consequences are just beginning to surface. For Joe and Mary Moore, we openly wonder what happens now to their newly renamed Celebrate Santa Festival in 2010. For those debating all that has happened we marvel still at the bitterness and acrimony tossed about to, by, for and against those who post under their own names – or for those who remain anonymous. Some who paid for plaques got their money back but Cascade Engraving and Santa America still await answers. At AORBs, a crisis: an organization officer is under fire for his actions running contrary to the Oath. At FORBs, a test: could they resist gloating, attacking or opportunistically promoting their own event? (They have). And for us, a little website self-ordained with trying to uphold the image of Santa Claus, we’re feeling a little beat up, too. Sadly, it seems, nobody is happy. Here is what we think can be done about it.
When we post news on current Santa-related events we are writing for the general Christmas audience that favors the 30+ websites in our network. Those websites collectively gather millions of visitors each year and constitute, to our knowledge, one of the largest specialty niche web presences online. We’re not Google but in the world of Christmas online we stack up against anyone, if I do say so myself. For going on 19 years we’ve covered Christmas as thoroughly as we can.
Never have I had rude, mean, cruel and nasty commentary thrown my way as I have this week.
That is significant in my mind because over the years I’ve done battle with militant atheists, anti-Christian activists, pro-Christian extremists, indignant civic and school representatives, sue-happy retailers, self-righteous film and music producers, pushy journalists, and a wide variety of parents and parent groups that we have somehow offended in the publishing of our websites. It does not happen all the time – but it happens.
Who knew something as warm and fuzzy as Christmas could be so controversial?
Part of me wants to rail on those indignant individuals who have emailed me vicious messages (and a few threats) over the past week or so. I’m weary of the “How dare you!” rants and “Who do you think you are?” statements. It is as if some Santas out there had never heard of the first amendment – or parenting – or St. Nicholas, for that matter. It makes me feel like the Santa in Miracle on 34th Street – I want to give them a big lump on the head.
But that would make me no better than them.
Truth be told, as I have become more involved with the Santa Claus community, I’ve met a lot of really decent people this past week, too. More good than bad — kindred spirits, you could even say. And I’ve heard from dozens more whose hearts appear to be in the right place.
So it gets down to the few. It always does.
I’ve taken a little heat for calling it “the Santa Claus industry”. And true enough, the money in Santa Clausing likely can’t account for much when compared to cars, health care, or insurance (just to use examples of other “industries”). Even still, you folks out there who have the white beards – real or otherwise – and wear the red suit all have one single identity as a group. And like any other group, you alone are responsible for how the world sees you.
And that is ultimately what I’m talking about. Our little series of articles isn’t going to influence anyone when it comes to giving you a gig to play Santa – or a thumbs-up to how you do that job.
It is who YOU are and how YOU represent yourself that folks will judge you by.
And I gotta tell you – you’re doing a lousy job so far. Collectively, that is.
Now, this is coming from a friend. Put away the eggs, tomatoes and rotten fruit and get your finger off that “send” button on your email program. If I am provoking you to anything I would hope it would be more self-policing. If you take anything from this please let it be a long look at yourselves. And consider these lessons learned from your failures of, oh, the past ten years:
First: organize yourselves with an association. Include every organization and group out there – all should be invited. It should be democratic (most industries do this, it is quite the rage, trust me). Have a constitution with by-laws, Claus-clauses (ha!), or whatever you want to call them. Make your rules, set your limits – just get organized. And do it legally. Build in accountability for funding. Impose term limits. Hold elections and debates on big issues you can vote on together.
Second, don’t put on a convention that represents the thinking of the one or the few. And especially don’t let that one or the few have a financial stake in the proceedings.
That doesn’t mean Celebrate Santa the Company – or anything similar – can’t have a part and a big part to play in the event. They just shouldn’t call all the shots. They should be under contract – written by real lawyers who can or don’t have to believe in Santa. It’s a business, let’s be professional about it. The association then becomes the customer of Celebrate Santa. Any other way is – dare I say it? — well, fascist.
Put everyone involved in any way who does business with the Association (capitalized now) under contract. Even the lawyers should be contracted.
Third, control the outgoing media. Put out your own press releases. Highlight the accomplishments of your members. Promote the general good. Be your own advocate.
In fact, impose rules for those members who chose to go on their own with websites. Have some standards. Teach them what they are. Make sure everyone knows what is acceptable – and what is not. Make sure to get agreements (as in contracts, a condition of membership). Never allow one professional to get away with public humiliation of another professional. Come down hard on that stuff. Lots of industries do this, by the way. It is not a radical idea.
Fourth, interface with your customers.
Ah, but who is your customer? There would be two that come to mind right away: hiring managers and Christmas-lovers.
Invite experts from these groups to present at your conventions, teach in your workshops and write for your publications. These folks are just as interested in you as you should be interested in them. They want your services. It is simply good business to include them in your business.
Fifth, exploit the talents and expertise amongst you. One of the great things about many who take on the role of Santa Claus is that they come from other industries and have a world of talent — and connections. Some are historians and can teach respect for your craft. Some are business people well skilled in areas where some Santas need help. I would bet some of the lawyers you need are likely numbered amongst you. Some even have credentials that can help establish and promote things as lofty as ethics, morals and why you should never say nasty comments to a dude writing articles about your business.
Sixth, measure yourselves. Follow how much your Santas are paid and establish working standards that hiring managers out there should follow. I’m not saying to become a union — I’m saying promote what’s right for your working folks. Maybe, someday — who knows? – there might be a need to send a lobbyist or representative to Washington to fight for an issue that is important to the Association.
Seventh, learn and exercise accountability. Make a list and check it twice (you guys should know how to do this). Go after the naughty and revoke their certification, if necessary. Or, better yet, help solve their problems and bring them around.
Eighth, be as inclusive as possible. Christmas – and Santa Claus – belongs to everyone. It is an international holiday, not just a Christian holiday. By all means, respect the religious. But don’t leave out the faithless. It is a big world out there and you’ve got to understand that most probably are not going to see it exactly as you do.
Ninth, partner with your friends out there. Hello? That would be folks like me. Or, folks in the crazed world of Christmas decorating (there are legions). There are many, many potential happy partnerships with folks who think like you, like you and who just might want to give you money for odd reasons.
Tenth, count your blessings. Be grateful you have the time, talent, resources and clout to do what you do. You are loved everywhere you go. But don’t let it go to your head. Is it YOU they love…or is it the last guy in the suit they remember that they love so well? By all indications, “Santa” is a great brand – don’t screw it up.
And there you have it. I’ll now take leave of your glowing presence and resume my place here in the cheap seats, watching from afar. As before, I hope I have nothing but good news to share. But should a headline come up that in some way reflects poorly on Santa – you bet, I’m going to highlight it and be critical of it. That’s my job – to promote the honor, dignity and respect of Santa Claus. If you’re guilty of running counter to that I am duty bound to write about it.
You can shoot the messenger. Go ahead, make my day. Or you can get your act together – and live up to the image of the man you portray. I’ll remain a fan of his regardless. But I’d rather do it being a friend of yours, instead of a foe.
Parting Shot: I received an email tonight from Cindy Murdoch at Cascade Engraving. She says that she is hearing now from three of the Santas who have received their money back from Celebrate Santa. They are having to arrange to buy the plaques from Cascade, plus shipping charges. Cascade is mentioning they have the option as well to donate to Santa America. They have received a letter from Celebrate Santa indicating they will sue — but no mention is made of paying for the balance on the plaques already delivered.
I heard as well from W.R. Miller, who is very upset I used the content from an email authored by Mr. Miller that was sent to me by no less than 4 individuals and that was also posted on an Internet forum. Another happy customer.
Tonight I received an email from Nick Trolli who expressed disappointment at how I “trashed him” in the third installment of this series. I don’t recall doing that other than sharing the contents of what was clearly identified as an anonymous contribution. I shared that in the interest of fairness. As it was, the comments from that article that mentioned Mr. Trolli attacked me more than they did him. I have a bad feeling about what will come of this from AORBs.
I have likewise heard from many, many other Santas from out there who want to talk. I have received your messages and will get back to you as time allows, as a courtesy. But I’m not planning on writing any thing more about this event. We’ll see what else comes up, but this sad chapter is over for me.
You should know that for the duration of publishing this series I have been trying to broker in the background a peace between the warring parties in the Santa world.
I was ready to agree to take down all the negative things I’ve had to report here on DefendingSanta.com if they would agree to remove the negative things said about each other and start afresh. Some were quick to agree to that and most agreed a fresh start would be helpful to everyone. I sadly report that those efforts have failed and I will make no further overtures. I can only hope the differing folks in the world of Claus can somehow get it together to solve their problems and improve perceptions of them.
I can’t do it. I’m not Santa.