So I've decided to make a series of ads promoting buying and banking locally. I've been wanting to do this for years, really. Some of you know I have a sort of weird passion for local and state issues, at least at the macro level.
I think it's finally time to do this. Not only has there been a HUGE interest lately in buying and banking locally as a way to boost our local economies (and ultimately our national economy), but this is perhaps the ONE ISSUE that is supported by the left and the right, by liberals and conservatives, by city folk and country folk. Except for the 1%ers who really don't have to worry about local economics or employment or neighborhoods that turn into wastelands, most of the rest of us Americans (REAL Americans, I might add) keenly and instinctually understand that it's just better to buy a product or service from a small business owner with a shop in our community than to buy from the soul-crushing community-destroying box store down the street.
All we need is just a little push. And to really see the effect it can have.
That's what I'm setting out to do. And you can help if you'd like.
I'm going to produce a series of these ads. They will be TV ads and possibly I'll create some 15 second cuts for online pre-roll ads that can be tacked on to local business campaigns online. I will also make them available as radio ads. They will all be produced in such a way as to qualify as PSAs, so local municipalities are guaranteed to secure some airtime for them at no cost. (Of course, they can always buy more airtime from their the cable provider and/or radio stations, if they want).
My goal in doing these ads is to educate people (in an entertaining, emotional way) about the impact they can have in their own communities by simply choosing to buy from a local merchant as often as possible. I want encourage RETHINKING about where and how we spend our money. I want to encourage "CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION". Even when we buy online. Or, if you will, "STOP. RETHINK. BUY LOCAL". This is a non-commercial series of ads, so we will highlight "local business" without highlight specific businesses.
Anyway, here's where you come in. I'm developing these ideas but I'd love to hear yours. If you have a great idea or a story about a local buying experience; or if you run a local business share with me how much impact more local spending would have have for you and your business. I'd love to hear about all of it! And maybe I can find a way to incorporate some of these stories or experiences into one or more of the ads. All three ads will be very different, but will be produced in such a way as to be able to "fit" any town or city in America.
So if you have a story or an idea, let me know! I am SO SUPER EXCITED about doing this. I've been wanting to do this since 2009. I think the time is right, now.
And BTW, the ads will premier right here on DKOS. You'll be the first in the WORLD to see them. 'Cuz, sniff, I love you guys.
(P.S. I'm self-funding the production of these ads. In order to recoup my costs, when they're done, I'll be making them available - for a super teeny licensing fee - to any city, county, municipality or even state government, that wants to use them. Also they'll be available to non-profits in the "buy local" space, local chambers of commerce or any other non-commercial entity that would benefit from a community awareness campaign urging residents to buy local. The license will last two years so communities can track the effectiveness of the awareness campaign on their businesses individually and on their local economies).