Poll Shows Internet Thievery Disapproval but the thieving continues to Rise

Posted on February 28, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

An ongoing eWedNewz poll shows 90% of respondents so far saying they disapprove of internet theft. Yet thievery on the Internet continues to run wild. eWedNewz digs deeper to find what’s behind the disparity between how people are voting– and how they could be acting.

Discussions with wedding experts in the Wedding Water Cooler gave various reason about why the poll number against thievery is so high and how people justify their actions.

 

Whether Christine is thinking like a bride, a wedding marketer, a web developer, or a conscientious person, she’s always thinking.

“It’s people protecting their property and not thinking twice of lifting an image, a song, an idea, etc., from the next person,” says Christine Boulton.

According to Boulton internet thievery is a growing and unsolvable problem that will continue to get worse. Like driving 56 in a 55 MPH zone or taking office supplies from work the inability to enforce every single act of larceny comes down to feasibility.

 

There are laws and speed limits that could be enforced. But to the greatest degree on the Internet, every thing is legal– as long as you don’t get caught.

 

“Eventually there will be laws; to at least guide people as to what to do and what not to do. Speeding for example; everyone does it. People speed and break the law every day in this country. A huge percentage get away with it. The few that don’t have to really be going over the limit to get pulled over or just be really unlucky that day,” says Boulton.

Similar statements and expanded thoughts from other WWC members, including David Fuhrer said the following:

“Rigid organized enforcement. Thus far only the music & film industry have possessed the deep-pockets & fortitude to pursue pirated copyrighted material. The result to the pirate is harmful in so much as the music labels aren’t looking to settle, they seek a court judgement against the pirate. They have seceded to a degree and judgement against those that they have pursued are for like $100K. This serves as a deterrent.

In almost every other industry, no organized enforcement exists, placing–in the Wedding Industry–the onus of pursuing a remedy against anything pirated upon the person or company affected or stolen from. Atop of all this is a very vague ability to meet a “burden of proof”. Internet content is accessible & housed upon so many variables, that “burden of proof” is nearly impossible in regards to who is responsible.

If a photo of a tuxedo is pirated off a copyright protected website, who does the victim pursue? The person who lifted the image, the operating system upon the device they used to lift the image, the browser that took them to the page upon which the image was copyright displayed? Add to that the fact that so many browsers, operating systems, and platforms exist…and the FACT that all of them are unified in regards to the “Internet must be kept open and free..or it is a Constitutional Rights infringement—not a copyright infringement” and you have a mess, without over-site or a Government-State-Industry enforcement body that can enforce.

The mess is only going to gain momentum…unless rigid enforcement is achieved and the general population realizes that pirating results in huge fines and jail time….and that ain’t happening any time soon,” says Fuhrer.

In nearly all discussions with WWC members the lack of governing laws and guidelines are looked upon as a green light to steal, pilfer, plagiarise with no limits. Some feel the weak attempts made are nothing more than idle warnings to the real perpetrators and abusers.

Jim Duhe told eWedNewz, “The people and companies who are being victimized by internet thievery naturally agree that it’s a terrible business practice.  If you had polled the companies responsible for producing counterfeit merchandise, at least 90% probably would agree that the practice is acceptable.  The thievery continues because there is no practical means to put an end to it.  There is no prosecution and there are no penalties.  The offending companies in illegal web-copying of wedding dresses close and reopen the following day under a different name.  Because these companies are headquartered in China, it’s almost impossible to have a meaningful impact on their conduct under the current legal structure.

Consumers have had years to become accustomed to the high quality of counterfeit handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, and a variety of other products being produced in China.  However, the cost of producing these items is vastly different from the cost of producing bridal apparel.  Therefore, the quality of counterfeit bridal apparel is measurably inferior to the original.  Moreover, many counterfeiters pirate images of the original merchandise to sell their inferior quality knock-offs.  There is no way for consumers to know that these images are being used without the original designer’s permission.  They assume that the images accurately represent the merchandise they are purchasing. This creates a situation in which the consumer always loses.”

In interviews and discussions with small operators to Celebrity Brand personalities eWedNewz detects the frustration, even from people with the means to prosecute. Celebrity Brand Planner, Samantha Goldberg, told eWNz;

“I have been a victim of this for so long and I have learned that while it isn’t right and should not be tolerated, in speaking with lawyers etc..I do have have a patent on whats on my site. There is no reason to have one. If it was proven that I lost work due to someone taking my information I could press charges. If I cannot prove that it has destroyed my brand, taking business away etc…There is nothing that can be done with the exception of having the industry as my back-up to fight with specific situations.

It’s dirty,it’s wrong and those who take it, have not become more successful. However, it’s a violation of what I have accomplished. Luckily for me, my fish tank look most people know it was my idea as it was on TV and published a few times. Does it stop people? No.

Even with the fabulous support from you and some influential people etc..They do not listen. The situation with Koyle Wholesale a LARGE VERY VERY well known wholesale company has my work on their site is horrible.  Not only is this wrong but they snuck those photos..I have emailed and called asking them if stealing has caused them to have a better market share? How did they come up with such a grand idea? I asked for credit…I said I will allow you to use this, but you need to do what is right and give credit where it’s due…Nope.

They must have had someone working that event and took personally or they stole off the manufacturers site www.fancyfaces.com This is the worst form of stealing. Not only are they saying they are the ones who made it, but are using an idea I designed based on this company “fancy faces” and stating they can sell to the public which is not the practice of www.fancyfaces.com.  This design and tools for it are for PROFESSIONALS ONLY and rentals…or buying it to use…Heck they (Fancy) could be selling on the side,  don’t think FF would do that….

Bottom line, we could change a few ways so those cannot steal or copy a concept..It’s not going to end unless legally it’s shown that they have taken business away…If you could get numbers of how much business now we are talking..If you cannot, you lose.”

Blatant disrespect and scofflaw abounds on the Internet, according to victims. Some members of the WWC group say they’ve lost hundreds of thousands of dollars defending against thievery, only to win hollow victories.

“Not only have I been a victim of my work being used as their own, both my websites were copied with a slight misspelling in the word Caribbean. Hence if you entered the incorrect spelling all hits, visits etc would go to these thieving bastards.

Then there are those who blatantly steal in another way by flouting contractual deals when the revenues come in. I have seen it or been and still is a victim of these terrible people,” says Jacqueline Johnson of Marry Caribbean.

It’s been nearly a week since eWedNewz reached out to SnapKnot to find out what they have to say about allegations against them. So far they have not responded but neither has any photographers that may share culpability in borrowing images or creative ideas of competitors. According to members of the Water Cooler photographers are among the most dishonest when it comes to taking work from others.

“We’ve all seen dishonest people who hide their dishonesty by declaring the acts they themselves do all the time; as wrong. Just because someone says “I’m honest, stealing is wrong, people shouldn’t lie” it doesn’t mean they believe it. What they really mean is “they don’t want people to know they aren’t honest, it’s ok to steal as long as they are doing the stealing, and people shouldn’t lie to them; but they will definitely lie to everyone else”. Those people suck,” says Sandra Aaron.

 eWedNewz continues our investigation into this story and welcomes your thoughts.

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2012

Filed Under: eWedNewz, General News, Ongoing Story Investigation, Poll, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Single Word Sets Off Allegation of Antisemitism in Festivus Story

Posted on December 27, 2011 Written by 4 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

It’s no newZ that Samantha Goldberg continues her assault on directory listing wedding websites. What is newZ is the sudden flare up alleging an Officiant is Antisemitic by the use of a single word, first thought a spelling error. The word pogrom appeared on a message board in Wedding Wire over the weekend in response to a discussion initiated by Samantha Goldberg.

eWedNewz obtained the Wedding Wire thread showing questions posted by Goldberg and response that led to this story;

I’m working on a project for site+stats. I’ve some questions for any vendor. This is N/A for one site, it’s for all sites.

1. Are you a paying client with any of the following sites..Wed Wire, Xo/Knot, Respond, OneWed or? If so, do you have a system via your hosting company that shows the activity? Based on the name of your company, do you feel that after the letter C your not in the proper placement?

2. If you are not a paying client on any of the sites mentioned, when you have a review that is defamatory, not legit or questionable, do you dispute?
WW has a great system to review your post with regard to grammar and changing your response.

3. When you have a complaint that is not valid, one that you know you were ethically 100% correct how was it resolved? If you had an issue with this goal how did you come to an agreement to remove or change language of a disgruntled client? Have you ever had a vendor pose as a client who may be unhappy?

4. If you had the opp of creating a site that would rate via number system say 1-5..No words but just the ability for those who use your services to rate their opinion on your ethics, financial investment, responsiveness etc would that work for you? Or, would you rather the client share their issue good or bad? If you are allowed as many responses as possible (same client), but the listing from the client is not changed. Are you one who would feel this is fair? If not why?

a. Based on so many sites used for leads etc, do you find that your return on investment is great..OK, Fair or Bad. If so why? Why did you choose one site as oppossed to another? What types of support do you think is fair when you don’t pay to be listed but you are being reviewed?

b. In a perfect world, how should a rating system work whether you pay or not? Should it matter?

5. What do you feel about the words valid info vs opinion?

6. Have you ever been given a bad review (from a VALID client) that was not valid if no, defamatory in nature or irrelevant to you specifically?

7. How did you handle it? If most sites today offer you a rebuttal to a complaint do you think the “new” client will ignore the information, ask others in forums about you, or just choose not to use you?

8. Have you noticed a decline in your business due to one negative review which you believe should be eliminated or at least worded in a way that will not allow for this to take business away?
Please send your responses to: info@samanthagoldberg.com

Goldberg’s post was met with criticism by forum members that included Jennifer Reitmeyer of MyDeeJay who wrote,

“Samantha, it sure looks like you’re using the WW boards to try to build a case against WW. Unless you really, coincidentally have a “project” due on the topic of online reviews and defamation the weekPaul Pannoneposted about your plight on ewednewz. (We already read and discussed that here.)”

 

Celia Milton agreed to talk to eWedNewz about her choice of words but later declined.

 

But the fireworks really started when Celia Milton gave her opinion that coincided with others in the group who also felt Goldberg’s questions were not appropriate in the forum.

“Samantha is involved in a well publicized pogrom against wedding wire and it’s review system. Whether deserved or not, it’ simply bad taste to post this here, especially without disclosing your real purpose, which is easily found by googling you. This ugly matter has been all over the wedding boards.

This is an overflowing basket of dirty laundry that should not be sorted into piles here.”

The use of the word incensed Sandra Aaron who felt the use of the word is evil, diabolical and indeed antisemitic.

According to Aaron,” NOBODY uses that word unless they have an ulterior motive and it has been very carefully chosen. She basically just accused Samantha of being no better then a Nazi. In fact a Nazi would have been more of a compliment since at least the Nazi’s were organized about their mass killings. ”

The debacle escalated and spread to the comments section of a lighthearted story involving Festivus but ended in failure.

Wedding Water Cooler sources familiar with Celia Milton feel she is a strong-willed woman and at times is overbearing, outspoken and abrasive. Several email exchanges with Milton involving how eWedNewz moderates reader comments alerted the New Jersey Officiant her word and opinions are not Gospel.

At first Milton agreed to talk to eWedNewz but later declined saying,”  I don’t think that’s necessary, honestly.  I can’t imagine that I’ll say anything relevant to the situation, and it’s probably best for us to amicably part and work on our projects at hand.  As I said, best of luck with this endeavor and your other work.  I hope the new year brings you all you hope for  in every area you’re exploring.”

What eWedNewz is exploring are the basic rights of all Americans; freedom of opinion, speech and expression. While we don’t agree with the actions taken by either Milton or Aaron, we defend their right to say whatever they wish. However, with those rights come responsibility; to respectfully agree to disagree and move on.

 

As agreed, we tried calling Celia Milton to discuss her choice of the word pogrom and other subject matter involving the story. We left a message and are waiting for her to call back.

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: General News, Officiants, Ongoing Story Investigation, wedding industry, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Virtual Only goes so far in Wedding Planning

Posted on November 18, 2011 Written by 5 Comments

By Paul Pannone

When the Knot (XO Group) announced they were the first to go virtual with bridal shows the move was quickly shot down by wedding experts including Bill Heaton of Great Bridal Expo. Heaton and others argued the move to use technology to replace face to face contact in the wedding would not work, citing the emotions attached to nearly all facets of wedding planning leading up to the actual event.

Bill Heaton and Alan Berg are strong advocates of wedding marketing and have made a great living in the wedding business.

 

But with the lingering effects of the recession attempts to streamline parts of the  wedding business with technology could be seeing an uptick.

According to Web Event Planner, “Virtual trade show provides a grassroots search engines creation for community and industry professionals”, say Louis Godin Virtual Event Planner for AreaTradeShows.com and http://www.WebEventPlanner.com, “who better to organize a search engine then a community or industry professional. Someone that knows the local area or industry and can recommend professional within the community or profession.”

People like Bill Heaton market the use of very elaborate shows and insist the core of success is face to face interaction between vendors and brides. But with companies like the XO Group and others pushing the envelope, won’t bridal shows and planning eventually migrate entirely to the Internet?

Not so fast says David Fuhrer; not in the case of trade show consolidation anyway.  ”Micro-Targeting an SE for a specific industry is solid concept that has existed for several years. Actually executing upon the promise is an impossibility. The algorithm to parse through all of the content and make search more efficient is what Google is burning the candle at both ends to achieve– and they have made search more efficient.

Making search targeted is literally impossible at this moment in technical time. I know of Corporations who have dedicated enormous sums of time & energy to target search in the Medical Industry; the result has been failure,” says Fuhrer.

What about on the consumer side? Wedding planning tools and checklists online are plentiful and with brides planning their own wedding the shift should be easy to read. Once again, not so fast.

An eloquent account of why a real, human wedding planner should be hired is given by Leila Khalil that favors the face to face, human aspect of weddings. Khalil gives specific reasons to why a professional planner is an essential part of a successful event.  In her story she takes her swipes at just about everyone, including the caterer saying;

“A venue coordinator/catering manager is NOT a wedding planner. Stay tuned in the next few weeks to find out why.”

 Khalil’s story drew praise from most members of the Wedding Water Cooler including Chris Jaeger that submitted the piece for review.

“It’s nice to see something well written, positive towards the industry, and helpful for brides and grooms,” according to Jaeger.

The discussions all but nullify the idea that wedding planning can be taken virtual. Sandra Aaron puts the pros and con of “everyone” using a wedding planner into perspective; 

“It’s a good article and coming from Leila it makes sense. She’s a publicist for wedding planners. So writing something like this is her job.

Where I have a problem is all the thousands of articles and/or blog posts I see written by wedding planners about why people should hire wedding planners. It’s desperate. It reeks of trying to create an industry out of something that’s not there. Someone who wants to hire a wedding planner doesn’t need to be convinced to hire a wedding planner. I firmly believe that not everyone needs or should have a wedding planner. Yes, it’s helpful; but not everyone can afford one and many people have a good enough support system made up of family and friends that they will have people they trust available to handle any problems. It’s about comfort and trust. Let’s all remember that before the first wedding planner put up his or her shingle there were many happy brides who somehow managed to have perfectly lovely weddings planned by their mothers.

As Leila says you get what you pay for. If your budget can’t allow you to hire a reputable wedding planner then I believe people are better off having someone they trust looking out for them on the day as opposed to hiring a wannabe wedding planner for a dollar store price. I’m certainly not directly this towards Leila; because she not only has a stellar reputation; but as I say promoting wedding planners is her job. I am pointing this mini-rant towards wedding planners who are so desperate to create a market for themselves they don’t care if someone needs or can afford a planner.

Alan Berg said something that resonated with me when he spoke to ISES Toronto in October. He was talking specifically about web sites; but it’s the same issue. He said it’s not your job to sell your industry. That’s the job of your industry association. It’s only your job to sell your product/service. It’s absolutely the same with wedding planners It’s not a wedding planners job to convince someone to hire a wedding planner. It’s the wedding planners job to convince someone to hire themselves specifically.
That’s my take on the subject and yes I know I’m a wedding planner so am probably more likely to ruffle feathers by saying not everyone really needs one; but it’s true. The industry will grow with time; but we can’t force it.”

Discussions with other Wedding Water Cooler members said each wedding is unique and planning should be approached with that in mind. All agree the balanced use of technology and traditional methods of planning should work together– not against a common goal.

Only one member of the group told eWedNewz they’re not a fan of Leila Khalil and all she proposes.

 

What do you think? Post your views or contact Paul@ewednewz.com – 516-312-0090.

 

 

 

 eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: bridal, Celebrity, DIY, Economic news, General News, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Venue, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Couples Sorry for Wedding Spending in Tough Times

Posted on November 8, 2011 Written by 3 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

From the moment she’s born dreams for daddy’s little girl and the short walk down the long aisle of matrimony reside in the mind of a father that now has to figure out how to fund the event. Sometimes a lifetime of savings is wiped away for single day’s focus and to save face among friends and relatives that critique from the freshness of the shrimp to the lace on the bride’s dress. But times have changed and so is the pressure involved in throwing such an event.

In the past parents could tap into the equity they’d accumulated in their home and let the rising value pay for the event. But since the 2008 recession and its lingering effects on the economy property value declines have forced more couples to pay for their own events. But even that’s taken a beating as higher unemployment among college graduates that find it difficult to find suitable employment, pay off debt and spend for the big day becomes increasing difficult. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a flattening rate of unemployed college graduates from a year ago but the numbers remain higher than wanted.

The marrying-age segment of the population have been hit especially hard by the recession.

 

Random online polls that ask Do brides spend too much money on weddings give anecdotal accounts and personal feelings on the topic. One best answers chosen by voters in a Yahoo poll says,

“It’s true weddings are a top money-making event. Many people spend WAY too much money! When the amount of money you spend on a wedding could equal a down payment on a house, then yes it is too much! And I’m sorry, I cannot believe the amount of money that wedding dresses cost. Have you seen “Say Yes to the Dress?” I would never spend $5000 on a dress that I wear for 1 DAY!On the other hand, a wedding does only happen once (or it should anyway) and spending some money to make it the best day ever is ok. That doesn’t mean $50,000 is acceptable though.It does depend on the people though. If a couple can afford to go extravagant than whatever I guess! Who cares? If they are going into debt to make it happen, then they should downsize the guest list,” according to Stacke. 

 

Data to support the thoughts online includes a survey conducted for eBay Canada by Leger Marketing conducted between August 8th and August 10th, 2011 using a national random sample of 1,503 respondents. According to the survey, nearly one-in-four young Canadian couples believe they overspent on their wedding and many are looking for ways to get out of wedding debt. In fact, 13 per cent of married Canadians aged 18 to 34 plan to sell their wedding items to recoup some of the money they spent.

In response members of the Wedding Water Cooler say they’re not surprised with the findings.

Sandra Aaron told eWedNewz, “I’ve received emails from mortgage brokers asking for referrals and telling me that they recommend couples apply for a larger mortgage then they need so they can use the extra money to pay for their weddings. The idea of borrowing money to pay for a wedding sickens me. Weddings are merely one aspect in life where people seem to want more than they can afford. How can the economy be fixed if people don’t see reality and are taking on debts to pay for non-essentials? Have people forgotten what one of the major causes of 2008′s recession was already?”

In 2010 eWedNewz discovered the US and Canadian wedding markets to be very similar. With a +/-  2.5% factor for the survey the findings could be insight to American couples feeling the same way. eWedNewz discussed the topic with members of  the Wedding Water Cooler. The most poignant replies came from media sources that couldn’t deny surveys serve a purpose– to sell advertising. If they do not accomplish selling advertising survey findings are discarded.

An insider look between 2009 and 2010 at data collection and how it is analyzed proves the findings are only as qualified as the person or persons conducting the study. The only real conclusion we’ve drawn is data, surveys and analysis reflect the intelligence and views of the data source and should only be used as a measure or guide. Final decisions should take into account local area variables. No business should ever take any singular source of information as gospel truth.

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, Bridal Shops, Bridal Shows, Current Events, Data, Economic news, facts and figures, General News, wedding industry, Wedding planners Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Websites, Email Blasts, Phone Apps; Where Do We Stand?

Posted on July 20, 2011 Written by 6 Comments

By Paul Pannone

In honor of David Fuhrer  joining the Wedding Water Cooler, questions involving technology dominated discussions upon his arrival. WWC members asked serious questions about where the business stands at this moment and received unbiased, honest answers.

Sandra Aaron, owner of Mindless Sophistication wanted to know where we stand. ”OK, so here’s a question. We talk about the world changing. The market changing. Google+ is now giving it a go to see if it can replace Facebook. Myspace died a pretty quick death after the Ivey League kids allowed the public to join their FB world.For the last couple of years I’ve seen people like Phyllis Hong Cheung of My Wedding Concierge, or whoever is in charge of iBride, and other people pushing the idea that mobile apps are the next big things in weddings. People don’t have the time to turn on their computers anymore so instead they will subtly plan their entire wedding while in a meeting on their iPhone or iPad. I have a lot of respect for Phyllis. If anyone can get people planning weddings on their iPhone it’s her; but realistically is any next big thing really a good marketing move? Does making things easier actually make things harder from a marketing/advertising rate of return stand point? How do people feel about mobile app marketing and what do they think will come next?

I look at any marketing/advertising/sponsorship as brand awareness only so that when someone is given me as a referral or they see a quote somewhere they recognize the name which gives my service legitimacy.”

 

We were there behind the scenes when My Wedding Concierge launched in late 2009. In 2011, we’re still here watching.

 

For nearly two years eWN has kept a watch on the impact of mobile marketing. Sources feel the medium was hotter when we began keeping track than today. In that time the market still lacks a clear-cut leader, probably because of the financial difficulties that plagued the country.

WWC discussions agree wedding websites, as a business, are unsustainable. Email blasts have cooled considerably because of the associated stigma attached, including laws, rules and regulations governing them. 

Reaction to Fuhrer’s statements and assertions in 2010 are proven by moves made by major wedding websites like the Knot. Tied into the trek down the south side of the mountain are email blasts and static websites that number in the millions in general categories that create too much supply for a dispersed demand.

Fuhrer addressed many of the questions including the (supposed) up and coming mobile issue saying, “On your MOBILE app/ipad/tablet question— The universal infrastructure that these wireless devices require is about 10 years behind the existing technology. So, the translation of that is “stability” and “connectivity” and “speed”. The theory that they will somehow trump laptops or desktops touching the “cloud” is a clever “perception thesis”; real world application given the cellular cloud (i.e. footprint) that feeds iphone/ipad devices isn’t (currently) sufficient, considering the throughput capacity of the cellular network.Translation; speed-conectivity-”stability” is not dependable to the level of a static LAN at the office or home.

So, in my opinion its the writer or blogger generating unique content more than the content actually being relevant or true. What I just relayed is predicated upon your use of the word ‘mobile’,” according to Fuhrer.

Fuhrer was hit with various question and how he felt about different formats. He did his best to discuss all the questions in his first 24 hours in the Water Cooler environment.

“The next “big thing”? Maybe back to the “printing press:-) That is too “crystal ball-ish” to intelligently respond.

You mentioned Google; they are a smart company and this is conservatively their fifth attempt at social. So even they don’t know the next big thing,” said Fuhrer.

Fuhrer’s statements suggest the state of the art in technology– at least in wedding market– remains undetermined at this time.

eWedNewz continues to probe assertions demanding to know where the wedding industry stands on technology. What do you say?

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: eWedNewz, General News, Social Media, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , ,

Despite Bad Reports Experts Have Faith in the Wedding Business

Posted on June 6, 2011 Written by 4 Comments

By Paul Pannone

It’s long been thought the wedding business was recession-proof but the last three-years shows its health is directly tied to the economy. The sale of engagement rings tracked by eWedNewz in 2008 helped forecast the sudden drop in weddings through 2009, 2010 and partial rebound in 2011. But new information points to another dip ahead for the economy and more probable difficulties for the wedding business.

eWNz asked wedding experts in the Wedding Water Cooler discussion group how they felt about the news. Most agree the negative news will not bode well with most wedding vendors but nearly all said reporting should show a proper balance of information and reality.

Celebrity Planner Samantha Goldberg told eWNz, “I think you share the good, you share the bad.  Too much bad (reporting) can make the average contributor fall deeper with the thoughts of this business tanking– which it is not,” according to Goldberg.  Samantha shares her thoughts with other planners and experts in the grip, keeping an upbeat point of view.

Planner Sandra Aaron adds, ” I agree, you need to share both the good and the bad. To much negativity can contribute to making things worse because of the types of thoughts Samantha mentions; but on the opposite end, too much false encouragement can give people a rosy fairytale outlook that is a bit beyond reality regardless of how good things are. The fact is that when we’re dealing with business, so we need to think like business people. That  means looking at the facts and drawing our conclusions based on level-headed decision making, not pie in the sky or down in the dumps thinking.”

 

Planner Diana Freeland says, “I do agree with everyone; both sides of the coin needs to be shared. The wedding industry is just that — an industry — so there will be peak periods and low periods.  No matter what happens, the industry will continue to be a multi-billion dollar one.  That is evident by everyone wanting to cash in on it.”

 

Wedding analyst, Christine Boulton, continues to encourage reform, warning wedding vendors to make the necessary changes and adjust to the market. “ For some, it will help tremendously to know they are not alone. What is needed is some serious tools to deal with the changing landscape of bridal. I don’t just mean social media. I mean how to sell to an ever changing market. How to redesign not only your business but your approach,” says Boulton.

Experts in the Wedding Water Cooler discussion group share their thoughts and views on everything associated with the wedding business.

Part of the undertaking of the Wedding Water Cooler discussion group currently focuses on the changing role of the groom. Collective projects say the male portion of wedding plans represent an untapped market. Discussion members say even though the current economic news isn’t encouraging, identifying and leveraging new and untapped markets could boost sales and make up any shortfalls in the months and years ahead.

To be considered as a member in the group, contact me at 516-312-0090 or Paul@ewednewz.com

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: bridal, Economic news, eWedNewz, General News, Uncategorized, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , ,