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Post by bradberad12 on Mar 21, 2011 15:32:58 GMT -8
DISCLAIMER ALERT I am being somewhat critical here, so please be mindful before reading and responding I have been kicking around this thread idea for a little while, and I haven't busted it out for a couple of reasons. Primarily, I didn't want to bring down the mood here on the board. Alas, I figured we could discuss it a little, because I know some of you share a similar feeling. I do not know Adam Zacks personally, but I have to be grateful for what he has given me in entertainment over the years. And justly, he might be thanking all of us for responding to his festival with our hard earned dollars. However, I believe he needs to be called out on something: These were interviews with Adam from May 2010. consequenceofsound.net/2010/04/interview-adam-zacks-founder-of-sasquatch-music-festival/ 2011 is the festival’s 10 year anniversary. We’ve been stockpiling a list of cool ideas with the intent of unleashing them next year. www.seattleweekly.com/2010-05-19/music/adam-zacks-on-jack-johnson-seattle-center-and-selling-out/There is a stockpile of ideas we've been saving for the festival's 10-year anniversary, so next year will be the time to implement those. It's pretty exciting to think about, but nothing I'm ready to share yet. We are not considering a venue change. Can anyone tell me what has happened to the stockpile of ideas? Does anyone think that they will come to fruition? I have so far only seen one major shake-up; adding Friday. That's not a new idea because Loud Friday has happened before. I also hear there is a larger dance tent, perhaps? Come on Adam, the initial line-up was a disappointment compared to both 2009 and 2010 (IMO), and the recent additions have been similarly lackluster. What else do you have in store to back up your claims from May 2010? Does anyone on this board think he still has stuff up his sleeve? I realize the line-up likely wont be altered significantly...what else can he do to make this 10th year memorable and exceptional from the rest? I have bought my tickets and I am going this coming May. I have always enjoyed the festival and I am likely to do so again this year. I am thankful that through the festival I have found this message board. Many of may come to Adam's defence saying my argument it moot because of these above reasons. However, I disagree. As it stands he is losing some faith and trust from one of his (somewhat loyal) customers. This should concern him if the issue is widespread. You may also play devil's advocate by arguing that the festival sold out in record time, and therefore Adam has done his job. Again, I disagree. I believe this year's festival sold out partly because of the reputation it has gained from stellar line-ups in the past. If he plans on resting on his laurels, then I imagine the festival may begin a downward spiral. So Adam, what else are you doing this year? It's the 10th year of our beloved festival!!! Show me something I haven't seen before!
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Post by Horned Gramma on Mar 21, 2011 15:55:09 GMT -8
I support everything you said 100%. This 'stockpile of ideas', as far as I can tell, consists of a list of administrative changes (wristbands, 'all in' ticketing, restricted campground, etc.) and an additional, unnecessary festival day with a heinously disappointing lineup.
What the 'stockpile' does NOT include are any of the BIG BIG BIG bands we've all been waiting for (this year's lineup has a very small percentage of bands that haven't played the festival before), the addition of In/Out privileges, or any apparent improvements to the festival's structure. I'm hoping, but not holding my breath, that we see some cool/interesting modifications to the festival grounds - perhaps some of the cool free-standing art installations you might find at some of the larger festivals, or some extra cash sunk into lighting and video. There certainly is nothing to crow about on the lineup, so I really hope that Zacks isn't talking out of his ass because you're right: if he were, some sort of statement or explanation would definitely be in order (as futile as that hope might be).
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Post by J. Walter Weatherman on Mar 21, 2011 16:00:11 GMT -8
Its unfortunate that he's decided to lean back on his laurels, and hopefully this won't hold true in the next years. I do feel like he may be counting on that squatch afterglow to dull any backlash that may occur, but I have a feeling that he's probably dead wrong there. Or who knows? We could all get blown the fuck away. Wouldn't it be funny if all these bands who we say are not headliners turn out to not actually be the headliners, and we're hit with three huge announcements in the days leading up to the fest?
I know we all know this isn't going to happen, but the festival is still 2+ months away, and really, who does know?
This is one hundred percent devils advocatry, by the way. I totally agree with you, bradberad.
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Post by interstateeight on Mar 21, 2011 16:19:19 GMT -8
I'm almost positive that Adam Zacks doesn't read this message board.
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Post by Horned Gramma on Mar 21, 2011 16:26:20 GMT -8
I'm almost positive it was rhetorical, Cool Ice.
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Post by interstateeight on Mar 21, 2011 16:30:27 GMT -8
But why go through this again? Weren't there like 20 pages of it in the lineup announcement thread?
EDIT: And I posted something last year (or the year before) that I think remains applicable:
Adam Zacks doesn't give a shit what you think. You know what he's doing while we're arguing this? Counting stacks of money and bookings bands he loves.
If you're disappointed, don't support it with your -- oh wait, you already bought tickets. Way to take a stand, dude.
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Post by Pea on Mar 21, 2011 16:43:14 GMT -8
I know I'm going to be sounding like a hypocrite here since I was the one that posted a multi-paragraph praise-a-thon a few days after the lineup came out, but my attitude toward this year's festival has changed drastically over the past month or so.
I've tried to contain my Coachella related posts strictly to the Coachella thread because I know only 2 or 3 of us are attending this year and no one else gives a flying fuck about me bragging about how excited I am. I'm also aware that Coachella is a bigger festival with more people and more money....blah blah blah. I don't care, I'm about to make some comparisons regarding the two that have come up in the past months that have really begun to get under my skin.
We all had some pretty wild ideas about what AZ might have had up his sleeve for this year, and rightfully so, considering the hyping he was quoted stating in Brad's post. If he didn’t want to make a big deal out of the 10 year anniversary, then fine, that’s his choice because it’s his festival. He chose, however, to plaster that big “10 YEARS!!! ZOMG!1” tag all over the place while going on and on about these incredible ideas they’ve been stockpiling for the celebration. So after a year of talking up the big anniversary, what does he dump on us? An OK lineup with a god-awful list of headliners. To make matters worse, the much talked about Friday addition ends up being a cesspool of Warped Tour 2002 leftovers and Biffy Clyro. WHO THE FUCK IS BIFFY CLYRO!? I’ve been sitting by trying to convince myself that I still love the way the festival is looking, but each week as some new hack comic, some “Bollywood dance scene” style DJ, and a slew of embarrassing bands keep getting added, I can’t help but feel cheated. All the while I look at what I consider to be one of Coachella’s most diverse and exciting lineups they’ve ever released. As well as a new collaboration they have with a cutting edge art production company to completely revamp the entire visual and interactive aspect of the festival, with a brand new main stage and redesigned tent interiors. Many people weren’t impressed by the Coachella headliners this year, but I feel in every single other way they continue to try and outdo themselves and push the festival further and further. Back in our neck of the woods Adam Zacks has CLEARLY shown that he has ultimately taken this festival for granted this year by playing everything pathetically safe and easy.
The incredible people, beautiful location, and overall life-changing vibe of Sasquatch has won my heart over for life, and I will continue to love and attend the festival for those reason. I’m just seriously starting to resent Adam Zacks and crew for not showing the same appreciation to all of us as we have shown them year after year.
EDIT: I know that all sounds harsh and makes me look like a giant fucking whiner. It was just some bottled up annoyance that all spilled out at once. I'm still crawling-out-of-my-skin excited for Sasquatch and really do love a lot of artists in the lineup. I also can't wait to finally meet all of you fine people so don't think I'm being a total downer toward the entire thing!
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Post by interstateeight on Mar 21, 2011 16:46:44 GMT -8
I guess we'll have to wait for next year to see how much Adam Zacks has shot himself in the foot with this underwhelming, disappointing lineup, since this year sold the fuck out in record time.
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Post by Pea on Mar 21, 2011 16:55:23 GMT -8
Adam Zacks doesn't give a shit what you think. You know what he's doing while we're arguing this? Counting stacks of money and bookings bands he loves. Still my favorite post ever on this board.
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Post by bradberad12 on Mar 21, 2011 17:11:10 GMT -8
But why go through this again? Weren't there like 20 pages of it in the lineup announcement thread? EDIT: And I posted something last year (or the year before) that I think remains applicable: Adam Zacks doesn't give a shit what you think. You know what he's doing while we're arguing this? Counting stacks of money and bookings bands he loves. If you're disappointed, don't support it with your -- oh wait, you already bought tickets. Way to take a stand, dude. I8, sorry - I agree that I may be rehashing similar frustration brought up in the initial line-up thread. However, my arguments are different, in that it's not just based on the line up, but based on his hypocracy. He said there was a stockpile of ideas, and so far, I have not seen any spectacular ones. As for the last point, well that's just a terrible viewpoint. If you are a loyal customer of something, do you just drop them on their first mistake? You have never called your cell phone company to complain? you have never told your favorite restaurant that their sheppard's pie tasted too salty tonight? I am being critical because I believe it will benefit him and everyone here in the long run. I do doubt that Adam ever gets to this board, and no I do not ever think I will get an answer. However, it is feasible that someone on his staff does, and that he gets word. And yes, this time around my tickets and stacks of money would have gone to another customer. But I believe he does give a shit. It's music lovers like You, HG, Pea and myself that I imagine Adam wants to retain the most as customers. It's knowledgeable music lovers that not only avidly attend these festivals, but also actively promote the festival, and have probably been essential in getting so many other borderline fans to commit. Every year posty lineup annoucement I have sent out emails to my friends that aren't as willing as I to spend the dollars, getting them excited for the festival. This year I did not bother. I am hoping this is a more constructive way to take a stand then not going. So that Adam knows I am a loyal enough customer to come back through a down year, yet he knows he is skating on thinner ice.
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Post by interstateeight on Mar 21, 2011 17:22:31 GMT -8
1.) Hypocrisy.
2.) That's not what the word means, anyway.
3.) Yes, I think it may get back to him.
"Excuse me, Mr. Zacks?"
"What's up Jerry, I'm on my way out."
"Well, someone on an internet message board doesn't think you did enough this year."
"Huh?"
"There's this guy, sir, who is disappointed with the lineup."
"Well, then he shouldn't buy tickets."
"He already did, sir."
"Thanks Jerry, I'm going home now to resume living my life."
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Post by Pea on Mar 21, 2011 17:24:55 GMT -8
Jerry is good people.
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Post by bradberad12 on Mar 21, 2011 17:27:17 GMT -8
I know I'm going to be sounding like a hypocrite here since I was the one that posted a multi-paragraph praise-a-thon a few days after the lineup came out, but my attitude toward this year's festival has changed drastically over the past month or so... Thanks for posting this Pea. I think it's really positive criticism. I know it's a bit of an elephant in the room here, because we all want to believe we are going to have an awesome time at the festival (and of course we will!!!). We keep a positive vibe here about the festival and repel dissenters, so I am okay taking flack for my posts in this thread, hopefully you are too
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Post by know ID yuh on Mar 21, 2011 17:36:45 GMT -8
The goal of a music festival is to make money. One way to increase revenue is to minimize cost. If they can reduce costs without risking a hit in revenue, they will and should do it. It's business.
With that said, this is the first time we've had a four day festival, so that's a huge deal. We will actually have room to camp this year, so that is a huge deal. The dance tent should be larger, so that is a big deal. The festival also hasn't occurred yet, so we don't know what other minor changes we will find out about when we get there. Wanting more than what we are getting is being a bit picky.
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Post by Pea on Mar 21, 2011 17:40:04 GMT -8
Have there been any credible sources mentioning a larger dance tent or is it just a bit of an assumption?
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Post by bradberad12 on Mar 21, 2011 17:42:37 GMT -8
1.) Hypocrisy. 2.) That's not what the word means, anyway. 3.) Yes, I think it may get back to him. "Excuse me, Mr. Zacks?" "What's up Jerry, I'm on my way out." "Well, someone on an internet message board doesn't think you did enough this year." "Huh?" "There's this guy, sir, who is disappointed with the lineup." "Well, then he shouldn't buy tickets." "He already did, sir." "Thanks Jerry, I'm going home now to resume living my life." 1) & 2) Fine. Fowlse advertiezing. Deseptive marquetting. Says one thing and does another. Call it what you want, it does not sit well with me. 3) I'd love to see you run a business. Jerry, Customer Service Representative: Sir, I received word that a customer who's used our products is unhappy with our service. Mr. Cool Ice, CEO: Who gives a fuck. There's an unlimited supply of them.
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Post by know ID yuh on Mar 21, 2011 18:24:17 GMT -8
Have there been any credible sources mentioning a larger dance tent or is it just a bit of an assumption? Depends on how you define credible. My assumption is the answer to your question is no.
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Post by bradberad12 on Mar 21, 2011 18:28:53 GMT -8
The goal of a music festival is to make money. One way to increase revenue is to minimize cost. If they can reduce costs without risking a hit in revenue, they will and should do it. It's business. With that said, this is the first time we've had a four day festival, so that's a huge deal. We will actually have room to camp this year, so that is a huge deal. The dance tent should be larger, so that is a big deal. The festival also hasn't occurred yet, so we don't know what other minor changes we will find out about when we get there. Wanting more than what we are getting is being a bit picky. Know, good, reasoned response that avoids my typos as arguments. I completely get the financial aspect. This year they are going to make a good profit, and that is perfectly fine by me. It's obvious they could have even raised their price point and sold out. However, I also believe TicketsNow (Ticketmaster-owned reseller) still has ~500-1000 tickets available. Tickets that were never made available to the public. Also, as Weak Shit Superfan says, it may take until next year, or a couple of years to see whether this years Sasquatch will be a hindrance to its longevity. I agree, a fourth day is big. But for me it's not a huge attraction. I am already toast after three days, and it also means taking another day off (for a total of three days for Canadians if you really want to experience the whole thing). That isn't always easy. However, that is my personal opinion, and if it generally goes well, then kudos to him for the idea. Maybe I am being picky; but we all pay a lot of money for this festival and I think that gives us the belief we can be more critical of things we dont like about it. But I'll certainly take your comments into account and try to temper my attitude.
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Post by stamper on Mar 22, 2011 4:31:47 GMT -8
"Excuse me, Mr. Zacks?" "What's up Jerry, I'm on my way out." "Well, someone on an internet message board doesn't think you did enough this year." "Huh?" "There's this guy, sir, who is disappointed with the lineup." "Well, then he shouldn't buy tickets." "He already did, sir." "Thanks Jerry, I'm going home now to resume living my life." Jerry, Customer Service Representative: Sir, I received word that a customer who's used our products is unhappy with our service. Mr. Cool Ice, CEO: Who gives a fuck. There's an unlimited supply of them. Jerry's having a really bad day at work.
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Post by J. Walter Weatherman on Mar 22, 2011 5:21:55 GMT -8
I can't help but feel that this is Jerry Grgich that we're talking about here. Which is totally appropriate.
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