Comments on: Ed Young on Creative Change http://philcooke.com/get_into_meetings/ Change Revolution Tue, 22 May 2012 02:39:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: BrethrenEntertainment http://philcooke.com/get_into_meetings/#comment-218 BrethrenEntertainment Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 http://philcooke.vintom.com/get_into_meetings#comment-218 <p>What drives us crazy are critics that think they are experts, but in reality know very little about what they're talking about.  We had one person who thrashed not only our products, but also accused us of not having good spiritual walks based on a press release about a product that they didn't even try.  Wow talk about thin! <br /> </p><p>We're ok with it though because it's expected.   If anyone wants to change the way society thinks, their attempts will be met with fierce resistance.  But I honestly believe that if they have the wear-with-all to perservere the harsh scrutiny, than their efforts can have a lasting impact on culture. And I think this is what many of us want to do with our films, TV or other forms of faith -based or -influenced entertainment.<br /> <br /> Clearly, we're engaging in a battle for the hearts and minds of people. And I'm positive that Satan isn't going to let us play around in his backyard without giving us a hard time.  So the smart thing to do is be prepared for his distractions and not get "punk'd" by not being ready.<br /> </p><p>Creating something original and good is very hard, however. It's easy find problems, but very few find solutions. To be truly innovative you'll have to find the solutions, but just realize that it may not always be appreciated right away because so few people get it, and some who claim to get it, don't.  So there's lots of PR work to get the idea to survive long enough to make that impact.  But certainly critics surely motivate us to work harder.</p><p> ------------------------------------</p><p>On another subject, while we're on the topic of creativity, I'm curious about what everyone thinks of the "me too" stuff that you see all over christian entertainment media?  For example, the subject was raised about a reality christian TV show at an NRB session today. (Let's  just hope that they'd never be foolish enough air a reality show called The Benny Hinn Show...sorry, couldn't help myself) and there are numerous examples of other material that seems like carbon copies of secular material with christian content or just verses draped over them.<br /> </p> What drives us crazy are critics that think they are experts, but in reality know very little about what they’re talking about.  We had one person who thrashed not only our products, but also accused us of not having good spiritual walks based on a press release about a product that they didn’t even try.  Wow talk about thin!

We’re ok with it though because it’s expected.   If anyone wants to change the way society thinks, their attempts will be met with fierce resistance.  But I honestly believe that if they have the wear-with-all to perservere the harsh scrutiny, than their efforts can have a lasting impact on culture. And I think this is what many of us want to do with our films, TV or other forms of faith -based or -influenced entertainment.

Clearly, we’re engaging in a battle for the hearts and minds of people. And I’m positive that Satan isn’t going to let us play around in his backyard without giving us a hard time.  So the smart thing to do is be prepared for his distractions and not get "punk’d" by not being ready.

Creating something original and good is very hard, however. It’s easy find problems, but very few find solutions. To be truly innovative you’ll have to find the solutions, but just realize that it may not always be appreciated right away because so few people get it, and some who claim to get it, don’t.  So there’s lots of PR work to get the idea to survive long enough to make that impact.  But certainly critics surely motivate us to work harder.

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On another subject, while we’re on the topic of creativity, I’m curious about what everyone thinks of the "me too" stuff that you see all over christian entertainment media?  For example, the subject was raised about a reality christian TV show at an NRB session today. (Let’s  just hope that they’d never be foolish enough air a reality show called The Benny Hinn Show…sorry, couldn’t help myself) and there are numerous examples of other material that seems like carbon copies of secular material with christian content or just verses draped over them.

]]> By: Phil http://philcooke.com/get_into_meetings/#comment-219 Phil Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 http://philcooke.vintom.com/get_into_meetings#comment-219 Remember - real change agents take a lot of heat.  Often for real change to happen, you have to swing the pendulum a little too far, and then let it settle.  It shakes things up, and in the process you'll have critics, but change happens.  I'm also reminded how few critics have actually been in the trenches where you have and understand what you're going through.  So #1 - learn from the criticism if you can, because we all need correction from time to time.  And #2 - if it's really off base, just remember that the dogs may bark, but the train keeps on rolling...<br /> Remember – real change agents take a lot of heat.  Often for real change to happen, you have to swing the pendulum a little too far, and then let it settle.  It shakes things up, and in the process you’ll have critics, but change happens.  I’m also reminded how few critics have actually been in the trenches where you have and understand what you’re going through.  So #1 – learn from the criticism if you can, because we all need correction from time to time.  And #2 – if it’s really off base, just remember that the dogs may bark, but the train keeps on rolling…

]]> By: BrethrenEntertainment http://philcooke.com/get_into_meetings/#comment-220 BrethrenEntertainment Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 http://philcooke.vintom.com/get_into_meetings#comment-220 <p>I agree, good criticism is more important and in fact helped us far more than praise. It's just sad that the way off ones often come from the Christian community.  It's hard enough to break into the mainstream without "our own" cutting us down before we start.  We're gradually getting bolder as we push our more strident ideas out there and we're glad that there are people such as yourself are telling us to "Go for broke and don't worry about what other people say."  It's the kick in the pants that we've needed for some time.  We have some terrific content targeted to the unchurched, but have been gun shy about green-lighting these really innovative projects in fear of evangelical backlash.  <br /> </p><p>Honestly, this is the most encouraging (and freeing) advice that we've ever heard from anyone in Christian entertainment.  Thanks so much!  Keep saying what you're saying and inspiring others with your advice and experience as you did at the REach and NRB conferences.  There are many that we know who need to hear this stuff.   I just wish we had heard it years ago!<br /> </p> I agree, good criticism is more important and in fact helped us far more than praise. It’s just sad that the way off ones often come from the Christian community.  It’s hard enough to break into the mainstream without "our own" cutting us down before we start.  We’re gradually getting bolder as we push our more strident ideas out there and we’re glad that there are people such as yourself are telling us to "Go for broke and don’t worry about what other people say."  It’s the kick in the pants that we’ve needed for some time.  We have some terrific content targeted to the unchurched, but have been gun shy about green-lighting these really innovative projects in fear of evangelical backlash. 

Honestly, this is the most encouraging (and freeing) advice that we’ve ever heard from anyone in Christian entertainment.  Thanks so much!  Keep saying what you’re saying and inspiring others with your advice and experience as you did at the REach and NRB conferences.  There are many that we know who need to hear this stuff.   I just wish we had heard it years ago!

]]> By: Mark http://philcooke.com/get_into_meetings/#comment-221 Mark Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 http://philcooke.vintom.com/get_into_meetings#comment-221 Very true and in my best southern way "Dog's don't bark at parked cars." Very true and in my best southern way “Dog’s don’t bark at parked cars.”

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