And a thread that's been dormant for two months gets resurrected why?

And a thread that's been dormant for two months gets resurrected why?

 

oh, that's just CTownsFinest216 being CTownsFinest216.

because it gave me something to do and i still have an hour left at work

My comment wasn't directed at you, FE.

everyone loves cleveland

Butting in. Sorry!

 

I am an Akron/Clevelander living in Winston-Salem and the perception of Northeast Ohio (Akron and Cleveland) are surprisingly good down here. I do my small part to talk positively about the area as much as I can. I do think that this site has grown to a point where many people around the country are monitoring our conversations. For those of us who have a genuine love for Ohio; we should be careful with our words and tone and to share more positive stories. We should continue to voice our concerns, but let's remember how many people are developing opinions based on our words. I believe this site is, now, representing our state.

"For those of us who have a genuine love for Ohio; we should be careful with our words and tone and to share more positive stories. We should continue to voice our concerns, but let's remember how many people are developing opinions based on our words."

 

I have to respectfully disagree - there is one thing I that absolutely love about Cleveland (not so much Ohio because what I'm about to say doesn't apply statewide) - it's that the people that truly love this city, love it - warts and all. We'll b!tch about what's not right, but that doesn't change things deep down. What I would never ever want to see is some kind of pollyanna approach where "everything's just GREAT!" and anything remotely to the contrary gets frowned upon or completely ignored. That's not what makes Clevelanders who we are. We're not super-bubbly outgoing people who just LOVE everyone and our city is not just PERFECT and LOVELY - and I'm okay with that, as are most Clevelanders who share a love for this city.

 

If anything, Clevelanders are down-to-earth, we're approachable, we tell it like it is, and people outside of our region seem to take that as a breath of fresh air. Like anyone else, we LIKE it when we have positive stories to share but when we don't, it's another reason to grumble and have a beer or three. Sure, Clevelanders can be crass and low-brow but I would take that any day over a "pageant queen" approach of a perma-smile mentality. You're right, there are way too many people in the region "grumbling" and not enough focus is being given to the positive stories like you said, but censoring our personalities because of how we might be perceived? It's one thing to realistically focus on what's going right - which I think everyone in northeast Ohio could do better, but I don't think we need to delve into mindless boosterism for boosterism's sake.

Attention: MayDay

 

I agree with most everything you said. I don't mean that we should micromanage everyting we say and hide the truth. I'm pointing a finger at some of the people who just bash and bash and then bash some more. Never anything positive or constructive to say. I am in total agreement with honestly pointing out whats wrong, but in the spirit of comming together to point out possible solutions to problems. I've read posts where people say things like "Cleveland is already dead and anyone with good since would move". How can those of us who love Cleveland appreciate this comment, which is not true and ignorant. In the same breath, some of these people will say they love Cleveland. If a person is considering relocating their business to the area and they hear about this website. They may find the frankness of our people refreshing, but if they hear too many comments like these, they're going to reconsider their plans. If the people who live in a place don't have respect for it, why should anyone else.

 

Let's continue to be Midwestern and speak our mind. Let's continue to point out what's wrong and who is wrong. But as a long time Sales and Marketing Industry Person, I think that we should recognize that this site, in effect and probably unintentionally is a Marketing Tool. It is in effect; The Media. It is being viewed by the masses and public opinion is being affected by it. Rather we like it or not, the things we say and the the tone that we say them will and I mean

will affect The Ohio Economy to some degree, over time. Word of mouth can make or break anything, over time. I'm not saying this site, alone, will destroy Ohio. I'm just saying that we should make sure outsiders know where our heart is, at all times. Even when there is something that needs to be addressed. Let's kill the gloom and doom statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been posting responses to questions at answers.yahoo.com in the Cleveland travel forum for a long time. I have seen a drastic increase in positivty in those posting answers as well as questions. you should check it out. I really think this is indicative of changing perceptions on a macro level.

 

http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/index;_ylt=Aq7GRXLZMhufGzQhhCmbrdHsy6IX;_ylv=3?sid=396545572

 

Someone even asked recently if Cleveland was "urban or rural"

 

Welcome to the forum FromTHALand!

 

I personally feel that when you get out of NEO, you get a better perception of Cleveland.  Those old stereotypes will always be prevelent, but for the most part, many outsiders seem to have a positive view of the city.  It's the natives that have such a negative view of Cleveland.  I'm a life long resident of NEO (born and raised in Akron) and Cleveland was always seen as "bad" when I was growing up.  My wife (a proud Cleveland native) and I recently moved up from Akron to the Heights area and when people heard we were moving to the Cleveland area, the outpouring of concern and fear for the lives of us and our children began. 

 

I think lopsidedfrock hit it right on the nail.  So many people have fled the city for whatever reason over the past several decades that the general thought within the region is that the city is dying and the only ones who currently live in Cleveland proper are those that don't have the means to get out.  Then you have the local media which consistantly pumps up negative stories about the city and region as means of "creating awareness"; most of us are aware of Cleveland's ills.  Instead of focusing on all the negativity, we should collectively focus on the positives and ways the build upon and enhance Cleveland's already impressive foundation.  But we all now that in Cleveland, if you talk too much about the positives, you'll be accused of trying to blanket and cover up the negatives.  Sigh.... the cycle never ends :roll:

 

 

Still not sure how to use the Quote button. I wish someone would give me some instructions!

 

Anyway; The above comments hit the nail on the head. I manage Salesmen and Marketers for a living. Sales and Marketing is one of the most emotionally challenging fields. After 20 plus years managing in this industry, one thing that is definitely true is: Negativity is like cancer. The more you speak it, the more it spreads. It eats up everything in it's path until something dies. Negativity is eating Cleveland and Northeast Ohio alive. You turn on the TV and it's gloom. You ride the bus and there's doom. And now you can go on line and there's gloom and doom. Take it from a person who has been around; There are much worse places. The Sports, Arts, Entertainment, Park Systems, Trails, Amusement Parks, Colleges, Lakes, and Canals, Fishing, Skiing, Hall of Fames, Museums, History, etc. Even the lopsided amount of Northeast Ohio Festivals, compared to other areas of the country. The concentration of all of these things in one compact area without having to deal with the traffic and congestion, etc., that other metropolitan areas that offer this much do, is awesome. This is a viable area. We have an outstanding Highway System, a huge Trucking Industry, Rails, Ports and Air Transportation. We have world class Medical Institutions and Research and Development. So we are having some tough times. I say things have been getting better, not worse. How about a little pride and positive attitude to lift our spirits! There is no reason in the world why Northeast Ohio can't make a comeback and be greater than ever. We just need to believe in ourselves and change the way we perceive this great region.

 

 

^ Click on "Quote" on the left of the post. Make sure you are clicking the quote button on the post you are directly responding to.

 

Scroll down in the quick reply section and type your reply after the last

.

 

I don't think it's as simple as "people hate Cleveland," whether it's people from elsewhere or here.

 

Generally what I find is people from other states either know nothing of Cleveland and have zero opinion of it or mention the one thing they are familiar with, which can really vary depending on the person; it could be LeBron or it could be the Orchestra or it could be Kucinich.  There are definitely opinionated people who say very negative things about Cleveland but I've found that mostly in the very big cities (NY & LA) where they badmouth EVERY other city, including parts of their own metropolitan area, with disdain. ("Oh, you must live in JERSEY/THE

VALLEY.")

 

People who live here complain a lot about things but I really believe that is because they want things to change for the better.  I also find that while Clevelanders complain about cleveland to other people, they frequently and heartily defend it to others who are not from here, whether they are visiting here or if the clevelander is visiting somewhere else.

I've found that mostly in the very big cities (NY & LA) where they badmouth EVERY other city, including parts of their own metropolitan area, with disdain. ("Oh, you must live in JERSEY/THE

VALLEY.")

 

With good reason.. Jersey is the worst ever..

I've found that mostly in the very big cities (NY & LA) where they badmouth EVERY other city, including parts of their own metropolitan area, with disdain. ("Oh, you must live in JERSEY/THE

VALLEY.")

 

With good reason.. Jersey is the worst ever..

 

You've been in NYC, what, a day-and-a-half and you're already putting down the B & T crowd.  Have you been to Jersey yet?  If not, atleast go there, better yet, just ride in the ferry over, don't actually get off and touch soil, God only knows whats in it - then discuss! :-D 

 

In the meantime, I have one word for you - "Solon"! :evil:

I've found that mostly in the very big cities (NY & LA) where they badmouth EVERY other city, including parts of their own metropolitan area, with disdain. ("Oh, you must live in JERSEY/THE

VALLEY.")

 

With good reason.. Jersey is the worst ever..

 

Kids, I told you to stop blowing out other's candles.

 

If you want to discuss perceptions of the Metro, great. If you want to criticize others, this thread will go away.

[Great article in the PD today. I especially love what the kids with the video games are doing .. the city needs more stuff like this.]

 

10,000 Little (micro) Ideas to Keep You Believing in Cleveland draws hundreds

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Jesse Tinsley

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

A clean, green and crime-free Cleveland dotted with wind turbines and bustling with economic growth can become reality in the eyes of those who believe in the city.

 

These visions emerged during the second annual meeting of a grassroots group called 10,000 Little (micro) Ideas to Keep You Believing in Cleveland, which drew nearly 500 people downtown Tuesday to share ideas about how to make Cleveland a better city.

 

Among the crowd, which was about 150 more than expected, was longtime Shaker Heights resident Leslie Kleinman. She echoed the notion that Cleveland must believe in itself.

 

"This thing about not believing in ourselves is ridiculous," Kleinman said. "We have an amazing city with amazing talent. But if you don't believe in yourselves, no one else will."

 

The gathering at Sammy's Metropolitan Ballroom in the Huntington National Bank building came up with a six-point plan to help to restore Cleveland.

 

They include improving lighting, increasing funding for nonprofits, creating technical assistance for budding entrepreneurs, and encouraging wind and other alternative energy.

 

Guest speaker Jose Feliciano, an attorney and president of the local Hispanic Roundtable, said the city could be improved by creating greater involvement from the Hispanic community.

 

University Circle Inc. President Chris Ronayne encouraged people to not only think outside the box, but to also "destroy the box" to help return Cleveland to its glory days.

 

"I think there is a great deal of pent-up demand to see great ideas get implemented in this town," Ronayne said. "An army of true believers showed up en masse to fight for Cleveland."

 

Another believer was Alonzo Buchanan Jr., president of the Cleveland-based Trans-Media Production, who said true change can only evolve through unity and the sharing of resources.

 

Cleveland is an economically and culturally divided city, despite the long-held notion that it is a melting pot, Buchanan said.

 

"We still don't interact or know what one another's needs are," Buchanan said. "It's not a racial thing, but a matter of understanding what the total needs of the city are."

 

Ideas for change also came from teenagers such as Alex Kruger-Dobrota, 18, and Jiazhou Yang, 16, of University School.

 

Kruger-Dobrota and Yang, founders of Verboden Play, a nonprofit video-game competition organization, are discouraging street violence by luring teens to video-game contests.

 

"Instead of trying to stop teen crime, we are trying to reroute all the energy and focus to something else," Yang said, adding that contestants can win prize money and interact with others.

 

Yang, who is from Wuhan, capital of Hubei province in central China, and Kruger-Dobrota of Toronto, believe that despite their youth, they know the possibilities open to a lakeside city.

 

"We think Cleveland is a great place, and we want to restore the glory that was once here," Yang said.

 

Added Kruger-Dobrota, "I don't understand how Cleveland was such a big power and then all of a sudden it dropped the ball. Toronto and Chicago are cities on the lake and they are doing really well."

I actually went to this for work, couldn't stay for the whole thing though.  Great ideas but really needed some help in the planning department. As a meeting planner, this had a lot of problems including a lot of exhausted women in heels with nowhere to sit down, speeches that went on way too long, lack of a solid agenda with times and directions, and a major lack of food.  Expecting people to attend something from 4pm - after 8pm with nothing but a few passed apps is just not enough IMO.  But I do support the ideas behind what they're trying to do, for sure, and was glad to see people out on a rotten winter night attending this.

^Obviously they didn't ask one of "my people" to handle the food.

That stinks, rockandroller. It sounds like a positive thing, regardless.

It is a positive thing and I know the organizers mean well.  They just need someone like me, and/or someone like MayDay who know how important these little elements are in making people perceive an event as successful and one to which they'll want to return. :)

^Obviously they didn't ask one of "my people" to handle the food.

I'll one up that.  One of our people obviously was not the event coordinator!

It's the same thing that happened at the cleveland365.com event - your event coordinator needs to be an absolute b@llbuster who leaves nothing to chance. Otherwise, there's not enough seating, crowds are talking during presentations, "appetizers" consist of a bag of Gardettos and baby carrots, self-important people drone on over their allotted time, etc.

 

Like rockandroller said - it's not just that specific event, it's getting people to go to future events instead of saying "ugh, that was awful, like I'd subject myself to that again!".

It's the same thing that happened at the cleveland365.com event - your event coordinator needs to be an absolute b@llbuster who leaves nothing to chance. Otherwise, there's not enough seating, crowds are talking during presentations, "appetizers" consist of a bag of Gardettos and baby carrots, self-important people drone on over their allotted time, etc.

 

Like rockandroller said - it's not just that specific event, it's getting people to go to future events instead of saying "ugh, that was awful, like I'd subject myself to that again!".

 

I would love to offer my services to places like this. As a professional event planner, I understand they probably need to work within a very tight budget but things need to happen to make it a good event for the attendees or they won't come back.  Clearly nobody tested the sound at this event I went to even, because the mike kept cutting in and out at the podium.  And there were major problems with the temperature.  Ladies in the bathroom were complaining about how it was way too hot when they got there and then too cold, now too hot again.  Plus the staff meal of big boxes of pizza was in a visible room with windows that everyone walked back and forth past as they went from the main room to the breakouts.  When you've only had a couple of mushroom mini tarts and one rumaki for dinner, it doesn't make you happy to walk by and see a bunch of workers shoveling in pizza.

 

And come on, a drink ticket for pop?  Can't we even give people free pop for coming to this? 

 

To me the most egregious was the lack of places to sit.  Instead of highboys with no chairs, they should have done rounds, maybe with two businesses at each round.  The businesses could talk to each other and there would be room for people to sit down and learn about 2 companies at once.  They key word being SIT DOWN.  Most of the people working the highboys were women and we were all shifting and groaning and talking about how much our feet were killing us.  But when I left to go to the bathroom before the main session/speaker finally quit talking, it looked really bad.  People were leaning on the walls, tired, milling about confused, sound going in and out, and it was way, way hot in there.  I'm amazed anyone stayed.  I had originally thought I would as well once our table duties were over but I couldn't wait to get out of there so I could sit down.

One thing I learned from working at an upscale restaurant with a large party room--Event planners are insanely anal. One even went over the entire menu asserting that we should get rid of some stuff and add this or that. As if we cared, being a restaurant with 250-300 reservations on weekends. They would always worry about seating but whenever they said 60 people were coming, no more than 40 ever showed up.

David - I would recommend you walk in their shoes for a week, just as I would recommend they walk in yours.

Well on both sides the same issue exists: it's hard as hell to please people!