Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi,

Just wanted let everyone know at once that I have been working diligently to obtain both logo artwork AND permission to use the artwork on the guitar. The problem is that St Judes is being a typical corporation in that they are doing what I feared, namely passing the buck around to get a descision on the use of their logo.

Their network of fundraising is HUGE as it turns out and I have to work with the region closest to me, Great Lakes , located in Madison Hts., MI. I would have turned this over to Lance or Brock if I thought it would do any good but they are both in the same region as me and while their respective reps would be different, all the reps have the same boss.

My initial contact with St Judes was very positive and I was told that I would have the artwork within a few days. That was now almost 2 weeks ago. I called two days ago to inquire and was told it had been kicked upstairs due to some "new rules" regarding the use of logos. I patiently explained exactly what I had been told and the rep said she would get back to me.

I'm not panicing or anything but I know that at least 2 individuals are awaiting the artwork for inlays and label but at this point I would request that the logo not be taken from their website as they own it and do have the right to control its use, even in such a nobel cause.

So, this is where things stand. If they refuse us the use of the logo, a descision has to be made regarding St. Judes and whether or not we want to involve ourselves with them. On the other hand, I may be over analyzing but I just want all the cards on the table.

Merry Christmas to all,

Steve Brown, Toledo, Ohio

I have two words for you "advertising agency"

My guess is not only are the corporate types involved (always bad....) but their ad agency types have caught wind of this and don't like the prospect of a "creative" project being outside of their sphere of influence.

.. certainly I don't know this.... but I have been around stuff like this long enough to spot these trends.

At this point you might want to consider doing something more symbolic rather than literal. That can help you get around the logo / trademarked property etc.

_________________
Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

The following is the text of a message just recieved from St. Judes:

Steve,
I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to get in touch with you. I just got off the phone with our communications department and unfortunately, they will not allow me to send you our logo. However, they suggested putting on the guitar that the proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital without using the logo.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,

Julie Petersen
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
_____________________________________________________

Unfortunately, I think it speaks for itself. I'm glad that I suggested to someone that we not "steal" the logo from their website.

The question now is do we want to proceed with St Judes as the recipient? I leave that decision to others.

Regards, Steve Brown

Ok... I am going to sound off here. I realize this will likely draw fire... but that is ok. We're all friends, right?....

I say that St. Judes should be dumped as the beneficary of this project. I realize that they do "good work" but so do a lot of other worthy institutions. OLF members are willing to spend their money, time and talent to produce something of value. As much as this is a nice guitar this is an ego piece for them. My guess is that there is a strong likelyhood if this is marketed properly a hospital executive or doc could easily purchase this for a sum that is much greater than the "instrument value" of the guitar.

I think it is insulting (but not particularly surprising) that this is their attitude.

I think they need a great big -- "Gee... I am sorry to hear that. I would have thought your communications department would have understood the opportunity we are presenting to them. I suppose at this point our best option is to seek out another pediatric hospital that is willing to work with us as a partner on this project." That might get them to at least hesistate for a second or two before they p**s on the next group offering to help them.

(and as a kicker.. you should tell them that we were going to have _________________ (insert the name of your favorite celebrity guitarist to present the guitar in person.)


Then.....


So this mistake does not get made again, I would grab hold of a key physican group next time. Hospitals always give the docs what they want... Just get a high profile doc to make this is pet project and it will go very smoothly.

Brock Poling38715.8833564815

_________________
Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com