Some people, and I once numbered among them, don’t believe that anything as simple and trusting as the Kisses and Candlesticks idea can work. They assume that people’s natural inclination is to steal, cheat and exploit (I think these people have a political party.)
Understanding why that analysis is wrong requires a curious mix of faith in humanity and rank cynicism.
The cynicism is easy. Some people will exploit, cheat and steal. They’re doing it now and will continue to. Creating negative consequences for their actions won’t work (which is one reason why you’re more likely to go to prison if a relative has, if consequences changed behavior prison would work as a deterrent, it doesn’t) Assuming people are dishonest just inconveniences honest people. Look at a line of people being frisked before they get on a plane for evidence of perfectly polite people getting perfectly pissy in response to perfectly pragmatic precautions.
As for faith in humanity, as long as good people vastly outnumber the bad, kisses and candlesticks marketing should easily overwhelm the limited exploitation of a few bad apples, with the positive response of your average, everyday nice person. Showing people trust, respect and honesty generates positive feelings, engenders communication and allows you to lead by example (or as that book says ‘Do unto others…’) Trust works.
This has all been about us as the content providers kissing and candlesticking (now that sounds dirty) the customers, and with good reason. There is a flip side to all of this. It is when our readers/viewers/customers kiss us back. I know for myself — offering hot candlestick action to all — that when I get kissed by a reader it redoubles any commitment I have to my projects. When kissing goes both ways, the bond between both sides becomes greater.
Good point Jock. The rewards for behaving well are a closed feedback loop.
“Showing people trust, respect and honesty”
I’m begining to doubt you’ve ever worked in porn, or even in show business.
;D Tony. I think the silent minority’s the majority. It’s hard not to seem aggressive when there’s a tiger in the room but I think there’s a better way. Some may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one…