Yesterday, somebody called me a naysayer on this blog. My critic said we need administrators to promote Hamilton Street. Yesterday at Symphony Hall, Mayor Pawlowski presented our new slogan and marketing plan to the bureaucrats who earn a living implementing such promotions. Everybody there in attendance earns their living, directly or indirectly, keeping the hot air in the inflatable woman. Years ago such machinations were not necessary. We really were designated the All American City, and it took not one bureaucrat to achieve that, much less a hall full.
The reputation and economic engine of our city was provided by entrepreneurs and conscientious citizens. City Hall administered the public services; police, fire, street and parks. We were known as the city of Mack Truck and Hess Brothers.
Promoting ourselves with paid slogans I believe will have little return on investment. Years ago the advertisement said the public wanted tuna that tasted good, not dressed well.
Will the public buy a slogan when a different reality stares them in the face? I suppose that's why I'm a naysayer.
Photogallery: The Morning Call/Harry Fisher
Does the lack of limits include our City credit line? We may need it.
ReplyDeleteto be fair, I didn't call you a naysayer, I just said you're viewed that way by city officials.
ReplyDeleteanon 6:56, yes, i took some license. i used to react defensively about that label, but compared to the meaningless baloney sandwich served yesterday at symphony hall, i think "naysayer" may be a badge of honor
ReplyDeleteI like that the slogan is so original - not...
ReplyDeleteTwo Cities that already were...
http://www.cityofowasso.com
http://www.valdostacity.com
I think the Starkist rip-off at the bottom is the slogan fits Allentown to perfection nowadays.
ReplyDeleteTruth hurts sometimes, that is the real problem with the 'naysayer' deal.
You can make certain people look awful stupid, seemingly at will.
That is another problem...
When I was a kid, I thought those All-American city signs were so cool.
ReplyDeleteWhen I got to college, I thought it was really cool to look at the team roster and see "William Allen HS, Allentown, PA" after my name.
(Me and the coach were the only two guys from PA - some say that is the only reason I got let in!)
I doubt I would feel the same sense of pride anymore if I was back in that situation.
Sorry people, that's just how I feel.
No way I am alone.
No freakin' way...
Okay, I feel all better now.
ReplyDeleteLet's bulldoze a park or something...
Yeah, MM, I was at the logo meeting and was amazed that ALLENTOWN went to a BETHLEHEM media firm to obtain a logo.
ReplyDelete(To be fair, the owner does reside in A-town, so I can understand why)
I was, also, upset that my yearly community event, UPWARD BOUND, ALLENTOWN (which has been in existence just as long as the BLUES, BREWS, and BBQ's event) was not even mentioned, but I figured it was because it is a privately run event that I and my associates do for the City residents.
I was truly "salty" about the whole situation but I have ALWAYS known that I can't be in this for the glory or fame becaue it WILL never come from the "powers that be". I REFUSE to play "the game" and THAT may be the problem. So, I will keep it moving forward. See you at
UPWARD BOUND, ALLENTOWWN III in July!
Alfonso Todd
www.lehighvalleyflavor.piczo.com
It is also a feature film title:
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_The_City_Without_Limits
comments 11:10 am and 7:07pm were received by me as hyperlinks, but do not show as such on the published comments. i apologize for this, it is a shortcoming between my safari program and blogspot.
ReplyDeleteI think that the new logo is great. It is certainly better than the "Rediscover Allentown" that seemed like it was geared to getting the cul-de-sac folks who deserted the city years ago to come back. The reality is that there are actually tax paying citizens who are moving to, investing in, and enjoying Allentown every day. And, not everyone at Allentown Symphony Hall was on the dole. Allentown Ahead, the citizen group that helped on this campaign, is made up of volunteers. You should make sure your facts are correct.
ReplyDeleteat the end of his speech, pawlowski asks for cheerleaders, you have complied
ReplyDeleteThe new logo looks like a "U-Turn" sign, which - thanks to Ed Pawlowski - is what most people think of when they think of entering Allentown.
ReplyDeleteIt's a poorly-designed, poorly-thought-out logo.
Da Mayor keeps ignoring the gangs, the crime, the safety and the declining civilization of HIS city. Nobody can feel safe walking the streets.
ReplyDeleteWhen will we ever have a leader instead of a political hack?