School-Sponsored ‘Collective’ Aims to Promote Respect
The Collective, a school-supported student group that aims to promote a message of respect, launched its campaign on Wednesday, March 24.
The Collective is scheduled to release the details of its message regarding respect during the Diversity Assembly on Friday, April 9. Community Hope and Sober Events (CHASE) founder Leslie Lodestro and students affiliated with The Collective declined to comment on the specific wording of the message.
The Collective is sponsored by CHASE, a local organization that has been working with the school since the end of last school year, Lodestro said.
CHASE paid for The Collective to implement the ACTUALITY program. The ACTUALITY program is run through TEAM Fort Collins, a nonprofit organization from Colorado that aims to combat teen drug abuse.
According to the TEAM Fort Collins website, ACTUALITY aims to influence teenage “social norms.”
“[ACTUALITY] seeks to improve health and safety by exploding commonly held myths about unhealthy behavior and [communicating] positive behavior instead,” the website said.
TEAM Fort Collins has worked with over 60 schools, Lodestro said, and campaign messages have varied in focus from heroin prevention to stopping drunk driving.
ACTUALITY helps each school assemble a “Street Team” of students, usually around 10 in number, to decide on a brand name and roll out a marketing campaign. The campaign is based on a “complete understanding of the unique characteristics of the target audience,” according to the ACTUALITY Core Team training manual. The ACTUALITY program also requires some teachers at the school to become “facilitators” of the program.
Members from TEAM Fort Collins came to the school in October 2009 to gauge teenage cultural norms through student focus groups. ACTUALITY also conducted surveys in November during Tutorial, asking about alcohol, drug use, GPA and stress.
Based on the results from the ACTUALITY focus groups and surveys, the Street Team at LAHS chose the name “The Collective.” The brand was designed by ACTUALITY Creative Director Ray Romero.
The Street Team then launched the brand on Wednesday, March 24 by posting “The Collective” stickers and sending five iPods to targeted students. These students came from specific target areas based on qualities such as participation in sports and school spirit, Lodestro said.
The Collective relies on a “ninja marketing” strategy, according to Street Team members junior Carolyn Yang and senior Karim Poonja. Ninja marketing aims to create suspense and pique student curiosity until the campaign officially reveals its message.
The Street Team tagged the school on Thursday, March 25 with window paint graffiti that said “The Collective” and distributed T-shirts with The Collective brand and gift certificates to randomly selected students.
“They pulled me out of my fourth period and gave it to me,” said senior Charlie Bergevin, who received a Collective T-shirt. “I was like, ‘Why are you giving this to me?’ and [administrative assistant LeeAnn Norkoski] didn’t say anything. … She didn’t answer any questions.”
On Friday, March 26 a large banner reading “The Collective” appeared in the student parking lot school entrance. After the school dance that day, students found The Collective lanyards placed on cars parked in the student parking lot.
On Friday, April 2 many yellow fliers were posted around school campus such as on the cafeteria windows, choir room building and hallways.
On Tuesday, April 6 yellow magnets reading “The Collective” were stuck to lockers and the vending machines.
On Wednesday, April 7 The Collective Street Team revealed itself as “The Unit” over the morning announcements.
On Thursday, April 8 many fifth period classes received bags full of small containers filled with jelly beans. The containers read “The Collective.”
On Friday, April 9 The Collective officially revealed its message during the Diversity Assembly.
ACTUALITY campaigns follow a six-phase method, according to the ACTUALITY Core Team training manual. The team must “build a foundation,” “gather relevant data,” do a “target audience assessment,” “develop [a] marketing plan,” have a “campaign rollout,” and then finally “evaluate” the process. The school is currently in the process of campaign rollout.
For more details about ACTUALITY campaigns, visit teamfortcollins.org.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Dear Readers,
The Editorial Board of The Talon voted to publish a news article on ACTUALITY and The Collective after months of deliberation. Although The Collective expressed worries that an article would ruin the “ninja marketing” strategy, The Talon believes that the student body has a right to know what is happening at the school.
When an outside group comes to the school to market a message to the student body, it is important that students are fully aware of what they are being sold. By providing this article before The Collective officially reveals its message, The Talon hopes students can decide for themselves if the message of The Collective is one with which they agree. The Talon Editorial Board believes that the success of the ACTUALITY campaign is not dependent solely on the marketing strategy but also on the message it contains.
For these reasons, The Talon Editorial Board has voted to publish this story online. We devoted a great deal of thoughtful discussion to the issue and feel we have made the right decision. We welcome your thoughts and comments.
Sincerely,
The Talon
KennyM | Sep 13, 2010 at 12:48 am
Also,
Don’t be so cynical. People have ideals. People can have ideals AND be academically motivated at the same time. People can have ideals AND be academically motivated AND be college-neurotic at the same time.
Let’s not be presumptuous.
“I will revoke this claim if someone could please provide a few names of the leading members who do not give a damn about their education and commit more to half their time to social unity.”
aka
“Guilty until proven innocent.”
COME ON DR. FLENDERSON YOU KNOW BETTER
“I doubt very many people would believe in a group lead by people whose personalities revolve around both a fervent conformity to rules that borders prostitution and worship to them and a desire to control the behaviors of others.”
I think a lot of people would believe such a group – because a lot of people conform diligently to that system.
KennyM | Sep 13, 2010 at 12:43 am
Hey Edbert,
For all we know, the Collective may mobilize and do something this year. We can’t say they’ve “failed” already, even if it may seem that they have.
Avalon | Sep 10, 2010 at 12:29 am
I’m not trying to beat the corpse of a dead issue but I’d like to get my 2 cents in before its forgotten.
What made the Collective fail, in my opinion, is simply the vigilante image trying to compromise with a conformity to the rules of the environment. A person or organization cannot be admired as a “bad-ass” if it decides to conform to limitations imposed upon it because that would simply undermine the idea/definition of vigilantism. Thus, you end up with a failed image that neither impresses the masses nor reaches out to them. With no influence from the image it was trying to project, the Collective had nothing to work off of. Next time you decide to be a “bad-ass”, break some rules and some property.
Secondly, I cannot wholly agree with the concept in general. I saw it nothing more as a way for people to boost their college potential. Although one might disagree based on who decided to participate such as Karim who at this time would have already known what college he was getting into, I seldom see such effort being put into campaigns like this without some kind of ulterior motive. It is the million dollar question: why does a student of all people participate in a group? Is it because of what they stand for? Just look at the participants who aren’t in college. These are the people who have lead the class for their entire student career in one way or another and coincidentally have a neurotic fixation on getting A’s. I will revoke this claim if someone could please provide a few names of the leading members who do not give a damn about their education and commit more to half their time to social unity.
I would just repeat what Kenny said except instead of stopping at “don’t use trickery,” I’d say “if you’re going to use trickery, be good at it.” But I doubt very many people would believe in a group lead by people whose personalities revolve around both a fervent conformity to rules that borders prostitution and worship to them and a desire to control the behaviors of others.
KennyM | Sep 9, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Haters gonna hate.
real senior | Apr 28, 2010 at 10:25 pm
so much for talon’s coat-tail ride on the collective’s efforts
the talon failed, period.
senior | Apr 27, 2010 at 6:37 pm
so much for the big surprise at the assembly
the collective failed in its goal to promote respect
Moran Fan | Apr 14, 2010 at 10:12 pm
damn they rly need 2 stop putting stickers on vending machines
Wow. | Apr 14, 2010 at 7:57 pm
This is so pathetic. Honestly pathetic. The means of the “Collective” are pathetic. Hiding in the shadows,trying to create intrigue and make themselves seem “cool”, and thus by being “cool” obviously all the students will follow the herd and join with what is “cool”. I could care less about its ends at this point, given its obvious consideration of high school students to be as independent as lemmings. Thanks “Collective” for some high-minded thought control. You’re “cool”. I would appreciate a T-shirt though, and that seems to be the extent of the collectives appeal in any manner. I am not going to change my life plans, sense of “community” or “respect” regarding the school because someone graffiti-ed a window under the administrations guiding and condoning hand. If anything drugs are more appealing to me now given that the “man” is actively trying to check my autonomy through subversive means.
Sam? | Apr 8, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Dude, this flame war is as much your fault as anyone’s. You were pretty much the first one to lose your cool, started throwing insults and swear words, and then promised physical violence. Tomorrow LAHS will know what the Collective is about, and I’m pretty sure it is NOT a message of bashing faces in.
SL | Apr 8, 2010 at 10:32 pm
@92 Look, I was forced to defend myself from outrageous claims from somebody who’s jealous they didn’t get an iPod. And I could really care less what people think about this campaign. It’s when people call me out that I get pissed off. I voiced my opinion, that this article ruined our entire marketing campaign and gave away our message early, and it turned into this gigantic flame war. I respect a fighter and a good argument, I do NOT respect a coward. I’m talking to anyone who is ashamed and afraid to show their name next to their own words. Including you, high and mighty “92”.
no affiliation with the talon/collective | Apr 8, 2010 at 3:27 pm
@ Sam
Hey, so I get why the collective would be upset that the talon published the article thus ruining their plans, but remember that you’re a representative for the collective- don’t loose your cool. Whether you choose to accept it or not, students may base their opinion of the collective (which they know so little about) based on you/your comments and after reading some of them, I really don’t think “how about you show your real name so I can come to your house and smash your little face through your computer screen” (88) advocates much respect.
just a thought.
No one | Apr 8, 2010 at 1:57 pm
To be honest where I come from “Ierland” I think LAHS should take down the talon because the talon is just getting teens ready to be jerk offs to celeberties. they are pretty much a miniture poperatsie
No one | Apr 8, 2010 at 1:52 pm
This is one of the most retarded flame wars ever this just makes me want to punch a baby and makes me want to ride a donkey.
Danny | Apr 8, 2010 at 1:31 am
89, I suggest you study up on SLAPP law and I wish someone would shut this nonsense off.
Legal ramifications? | Apr 7, 2010 at 11:56 pm
I really hope you don’t represent the collective Sam.
Sam Lodestro | Apr 7, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Really #59? Rich white kids? Last time I checked Michael Aguilar isn’t white. And #75 how about you show your real name so I can come to your house and smash your little face through your computer screen? I swear to god I’ll (and Michael would gladly help me) kick your ass if I ever find out who you are. And you think I chose him because he’s my friend? He’s a freshman and he made the VARSITY lacrosse team. This was his first year of lacrosse. He had never picked up a stick in his life. Now tell me, is that not a major achievement? And #77, if you admire Zia in any way, you have a screw loose in your head. Her way of reporting is cornering known members of the Collective and questioning them to death. And by the way, we did extend a hand to the Talon to be on the inside of our group and campaign, and they declined. And let’s be honest, when was the last time anything POSITIVE about a group ever came out from a newpaper?
the reveal | Apr 7, 2010 at 1:06 pm
I agree.
Spencer T | Apr 6, 2010 at 6:30 pm
I could really care less…drugs unfortunately are a problem that is incredibly hard to combat and fight. It was assimilated long ago into the high school culture. No amount of drama or suspense will be able to fix this.
Sam Lodestro | Apr 6, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things is what I say.
George Carlin | Apr 6, 2010 at 3:18 pm
First off, I want to ask something. A few of you actually put your “name” as something woshipping Kenny Moran. A stoner who writes essays as comments for a stupid school newspaper article. By the way, seriously, this is probably one of the stupidest arguments i’ve ever read. This is worse than a flame war on youtube. This is worse than a PS3 vs Xbox fanboy fight. This is worse than pokemon vs yugioh. Anyway, my main point is, this is how i see this argument, fighting for peace and resolution is like screwing for virginity. Case closed
collective hater, kenny praiser | Apr 5, 2010 at 8:07 pm
THEYRE A BUNCH OF FEDERAL NARCOTICS AGENTS AND SOCIALISTS I TELL YOU!!!!!
talons cool | Apr 4, 2010 at 6:56 pm
to 70,
this is the only slightly exciting/mysterious/suspenseful thing to happen to lahs so yeah kinda wish it wudv remained a secret… and talon your super cool for knowing everything before the rest of us… thank you for letting us know how cool you are
81 | Apr 3, 2010 at 9:28 am
does this max out at 80 comments?
i concur | Apr 2, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Totally agree with comment 70…
lahs student | Apr 2, 2010 at 5:38 pm
🙂 why are people mad that the talon told everyone what the collective was? this really helped me…
I concur | Apr 2, 2010 at 5:06 pm
Totally agree with comment 70
Kenny Moran is a super thug | Apr 2, 2010 at 1:04 pm
I completely agree with Kenny, and thank you Talon for posting this article i think Zia did a great job.
@CoLlEcTiVe
why would you advise people to ever not think and go with the flow, that’s the stupidest thing i have ever heard.
EdmundX | Apr 2, 2010 at 11:33 am
Yes, “Anonymous”, this whole damn Collective thing was established for us “inconsiderate ignorant assholes”. Great idea – calling the student body as such when your whole campaign supposedly advocates respect. Hypocrisy at its finest.
ChrisBrownSmackdown | Apr 2, 2010 at 4:42 am
Sam Lodestro, I am very disappointed in you. Also, your choice to a certain student to receive an iPod led me to lose respect for your organization because, no offense to him, he would not be the first on the list for achievement, leadership, or academic character. He was obviously selected because someone *cough* Sam had a little bromance with him, not for his past achievements or future promise.
The job of a newspaper is to report what is happening; I am left to applaud their decision to post this article.
When Spiderman was doing his thing, he didn’t want to be published in the newspaper as a villain, but the head of the Daily Bugle insisted he was a scourge on society. He did not let this get to him.
If, in fact, the Collective is really about a wholesome message, then why would they hide it? This is like during Christmas when your parents tell you have a really awesome gift but then, after endless waiting and anticipation, the day comes around its just another useless toy.
Danny | Apr 2, 2010 at 12:54 am
Kenny, your mom says you need to go to bed now dude.
? | Apr 2, 2010 at 12:25 am
what a conspiracy. They should write an article about it
? | Apr 2, 2010 at 12:21 am
What a conspiracy. They should write an article about it.
fyi | Apr 2, 2010 at 12:18 am
they just did some crazy flipping around and deleting and random stuff while I was sitting here haha…it was like musical chairs…with the comments.
? | Apr 2, 2010 at 12:16 am
it’s still 69
fyi | Apr 2, 2010 at 12:13 am
Kenny’s #69 post used to be at 69 but it just got moved…SO UNCOOL. Why must we manipulate…
The concerned | Apr 2, 2010 at 12:11 am
What I feel is the most frustrating part of all this is the amount of debate and commenting such a trivial matter created. Yeah, the whole Collective thing is mysterious, exciting and suspenseful—to most students it came out of nowhere, with free shirts, iPods and stickers. But will it really affect us in some dramatic way? So what if they’re using shady marketing techniques that will clearly detract from whatever their message is, when they make their big announcement, aren’t we all intelligent enough to realize that they have treated virtues as commodities that need to be marketed? Why does this need such discussion? In a month or two, it will become a conversation topic like the streakers from previous years: when rarely mentioned it is then again forgotten.
Other matters, however, do deserve much more discussion. The district budget cut proposal for example, definitely not as exciting, but infinitely more important. A lot of the programs that we have taken for granted, even if we have not taken them ourselves, are no longer going to be around next year. How many comments? Zero.
Maybe that’s not the most pertinent thing to some of us students. But so many of us complain about the parking lot situation. Why does nobody talk about that? The situation is only going to get worse.
Well, I guess all I did was add another comment to the never ending list of comments on the Collective. Boy, this was counterproductive. I’m not the first to point out that it’s not important, but I believe I’m the first to say that we should actually respond to more critical issues in our community, no matter how unimportant and suburban it may seem to be.
KennyM | Apr 2, 2010 at 12:09 am
This article needs one more comment to have 69.
Amen, @The Love.
The Love | Apr 2, 2010 at 12:06 am
And when you hate then you’re bound to get irate, yeah
Madness is what you demonstrate
And that’s exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y’all, y’all
SimonZ | Apr 2, 2010 at 12:04 am
The talon made the right decision in showing this article. All the annoying crap and spraypaint on mirrors and screensavers were kind of annoying. honestly I think that most people don’t care about the message behind the collective, they probably just think its some random mystery thing like I did. The only interesting part about the collective thing to me was the fact that people didn’t know what the hell it was. the whole ninja strategy doesn’t advance the message, it seems more like a cry for attention which is completely unrelated to the message.
Where is the Love | Apr 2, 2010 at 12:01 am
And when you hate then you’re bound to get irate, yeah
Madness is what you demonstrate
And that’s exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y’all, y’all
Patrick Sheehan | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Ben wins.
KennyM | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Best April Fools’ ever.
@62 | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:34 pm
hear hear
BenS | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:33 pm
After reading a rather ridiculous amount of highly entertaining commentary, I’ve come to a conclusion that makes all this hostility seem silly.
All of this – the Collective, all of it’s activities, Talon’s exposé, everything – is all just spectacle. Frankly, the past couple weeks have been exceedingly entertaining for me. I extend honest gratitude towards both the Collective and Talon for making the nightmare that is junior year a little more interesting.
Can’t we all just take a step back and appreciate the entertainment value of this controversy? It has all the pretenses of a real world scandal, yet contained in the microcosm of a public high school. This I find tantamount to hilarious.
However, this conclusion does cast a shadow on the Collective in particular and lends credibility to Kenny’s argument. I am hooked on the drama and mystery, not any serious advocacy that the Collective will render.
YoDawg | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:32 pm
A few things the Collective person said in post 44
“How do you know only the richest were targeted “eh”? Are you on this committee? I think not!”
i think that was talked about enough, cars, ipods etc ectc i wont waste space.
“Stop being fools and for once just go with the flow.”
definition of a fool-One who is deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding.
Let’s stop being people who can’t make judgements and just go with the flow. yup yup. cuz only when we go along with everything THEN we won’t be fools anymore.
Ignoring the personal attacks on Kenny….. we see
“Don’t nitpick if you don’t know what’s going on”
“What do you know about this process?”
and things of that manner.
So basically, the response to all the claims that Kenny made are “don’t talk if you dont know what’s going on” when the entire campaign was based off of leaving people in the dark… yea. makes sense to me.
We should NOT ask questions towards a campaign thats based off of generating mystery because if we ask questions we’ll be ruining the entire thing. and, apparently, be personally attacked several times on the Talon Website.
Definition of Collective | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:28 pm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective
This is the precedent?
Generic LAHS Student | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:22 pm
@59: I completely agree.
YoDawg | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Ninja Marketing could be one of the most pretentious and ineffective ways of advertising a topic that has ever been thought up of.
in this case, its goal was to create suspense and mystery in an otherwise completely disinterested and skeptical High School campus with high school kids.
For the maybe 1-4 percent of students who were actually intrigued and interested in this campaign, they were more interested with the free stuff part of it and not the actual message.
For the other 95 ish percent of the student body who couldn’t care less, it was just an annoying part of their everyday lives.
Its not unreasonable to say that by the time whoever is in charge of this reveals their big message or secret or whatever it is they are campaigning, people will be so disinterested or annoyed that this whole ninja campaigning style will actually have worked against spreading the message itself, regardless of what it actually is.
This entire campaign has overlooked the fact that they are advertising to cynical, skeptical, disinterested high schoolers who, in their minds, have things way more important to worry/think about. If this campaign was used against 1st graders, yea it could’ve worked well. But since it isn’t, it just pisses people off.
Honestly, in my opinion <- note my opinion.
this whole thing was a waste of time, effort, and money.
I also thought it was funny that the ipods were given to rich white kids who DEFINITELY needed it and DEFINITELY didn't have one already. just putting it out there.
Patrick Sheehan | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:16 pm
You have your right to your own opinion, but I still hold that the rich were not the targets of the campaign. That was one of several give-aways. I would hypothesize that the Sadies giveaway was intended to target drivers.
Simply because driving a car to Sadies can be correlated with higher economic classes does not mean that the correlation was the cause of the collective’s actions.
eh | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Who actually parks in the parking lots? (in reference to the Sadies giveaway) People who are naturally “richer” and can afford cars. and @44, maybe I’m seeing this from a different side. You might be on the social committee that’s doing this, but that doesn’t mean you’re aware of the countereffects that ninja-marketing makes on most students.
And honestly, I don’t think that this is the right method for a “social evolution”
Patrick Sheehan | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Well that’s disappointing as well.
I guess the Talon would be more concerned with the truth.
@55 | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:04 pm
When the newspaper exhorts values, it’s called propaganda.
the collective | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:03 pm
We invited Talon to join us at the beginning. They declined.
Patrick Sheehan | Apr 1, 2010 at 11:00 pm
But the point is that the negative energy is being reflected by the members themselves. I agree, Kenny went too far, but he represents no one but himself.
If a social movement wants to have success, it can’t attack the very people it seeks to reach.
I’m surprised the collective didn’t include the Talon in its marketing scheme and that it would take a chance for extra publicity as a plot against the “greater good”.
It seems like this whole issue is being treated more as a game than a branch-point for social evolution.
LahsStudent | Apr 1, 2010 at 10:58 pm
The worst word kenny has said is “vomit”. Please re-read the comments you made, Sam.
everyone | Apr 1, 2010 at 10:57 pm
@patrick, its not…hahahahaha
Sam Lodestro | Apr 1, 2010 at 10:52 pm
alright, my last comment went a little to far. but kenny your not the only one being singled out. and why isnt kenny being picked on for using language. furthermore, kenny, dont think you can go anywhere with that comment i made. i have just a good a case against you. anyway, i’m done with this stupid argument. the universe is a bigger place.
student 3 | Apr 1, 2010 at 10:52 pm
i think all these comments show EXACTLY the negative energy at this school that the collective is setting out to change. anything that the administration tries to do or anyway they try to change the school constantly seems to be mocked. this campaign has the ability to work and you guys should let it play out. what do you have to loose?
Patrick Sheehan | Apr 1, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Haha sounds like Ian.
I don’t see how the collective could instigate this type of campaign without knowing someone would see it in a negative light.
everyone | Apr 1, 2010 at 10:50 pm
you guys are blowing this out of porpotion…if you are mad that the talon exposed “the collective” then stop talking about it and let it flow there is only one week left and then everyone is going to know wassup….Brain washin? ummm yes once again taking things up the ass…let the school have something different to talk about and have fun…wether the message is good or bad people are going to keep thinking whatever they want..and if anyone is scared to get brain washed than that tells alot about your character..”DONT HAVE ONE” if something like this would change your views!!!……
student2 | Apr 1, 2010 at 10:46 pm
I am sincerely appalled at Sam Lodestro’s comment (#33)and even more appalled that he would shamelessly put his name next to it.
So much for a positive organization…
ps: @sophia — regarding your facebook status… “The Collective” is only fun for those on the inside who know what’s happening. It isn’t all that grand for the rest of us.
Patrick Sheehan | Apr 1, 2010 at 10:34 pm
@eh:
Just as a point of information, a great number of the items that were given away were left by themselves for anyone to find, not awarded to specific people based on parental economic status.
I myself found a t-shirt with a sign labeled “take me” on one of the benches.
Patrick Sheehan | Apr 1, 2010 at 10:31 pm
@SamLodestro
I am an LAHS Student and I read this.
Self-created and unsupported generalities do not prove a point.
Furthermore, have you ever considered the means by which most newspapers obtain their information?
Harassment is almost part of the contract, and nothing to become vile about.
Please take your anger out on a punching bag, not through vulgar and offensive remarks towards a group of people who’s first priority is to inform.
KennyM | Apr 1, 2010 at 10:09 pm
I would like to personally request that any libelous information or personal attacks directed specifically at me NOT be deleted. Thank you.
Anonymous | Apr 1, 2010 at 9:58 pm
@Sam Lodestro:
You’re making yourself, as well as The Collective/CHASE/what have you, look very bad with your repeated use of vulgarity. Well done, sir. Well done indeed.
Moran Fan | Apr 1, 2010 at 9:56 pm
when i look in a mirror i dont wanna see green spray paint
thetruthisunfolding | Apr 1, 2010 at 9:46 pm
BAZINGA!
We’ve been had.
Dear Sam Lodestro | Apr 1, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Why are you discrediting the Collective, your own mother’s work, by pushing baseless arguments through ad hominem?
KennyM | Apr 1, 2010 at 9:28 pm
truth,
in the context of a High School newspaper, do you *really* think this doesn’t qualify as news? “Private organization secretly runs a massive ninja-marketing campaign to teach students about ____” is really LESS newsworthy than “The Talon explores lying at LAHS” or “There was a fight in the quad today”? Are you serious?
The Talon did not “make” this news story. This isn’t sensationalism and this isn’t trivial (in high school, at least). The Collective made this story when they launched an extremely ambitious endeavor to reach the whole school with whatever message they’re trying to spread.
The Talon does not have an agenda (Don’t patronize us.) in this matter and Zia and Shefali have addressed the topic in an admirably unbiased manner.
The Talon has not “approved of” or “rejected” The Collective’s activities, they have merely reported them.
eh | Apr 1, 2010 at 9:27 pm
I don’t understand what the issue with Talon reporting about this matter is; if anyone, this article was absolutely crucial to write about. Over half the school is left behind wondering what The Collective is. It might just be me, but the only people that I see getting Collective attire seems to be the richer kids in our school. Half of the school is still being left behind; a comment above mentioned how they’re seeking to promote “community”. How does one promote community by giving using ninja-marketing and only targeting the richest of the rich?
The Collective is almost like a new elitist cult. You have teachers who are saying things like “yup, I know exactly what this is about. but oh sorry, I can’t tell you anything.” The idealogies and motives of The Collective may be “good”, but the methods they’re using to penetrate the student “market” are questionable.
Thanks Talon; you guys did the right thing posting this article.
Anonymous | Apr 1, 2010 at 9:17 pm
There is really no point in arguing with Kenny
that is unless you like taking a shower of fecal matter
KennyM | Apr 1, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Dear everyone,
Let’s do the world a service and not acknowledge all of the illiterates. If they would like to learn enough grammar to make a reasonably coherent point, everyone’s happy to debate them. Until then, don’t even try to decrypt the piles of word-vomit they call comments.
Thank you.
KennyM | Apr 1, 2010 at 9:08 pm
It wasn’t about drugs. I know I spread that all around, but I was just jumping to conclusions, albeit intentionally.
It wasn’t publicly funded.
Can’t you idiots read?
@25 | Apr 1, 2010 at 9:05 pm
That made no sense whatsoever. Is “what the hell” a reaction the Collective wants? And no, the Talon didn’t reveal the message. All that was said was “respect”; the actual message is still all yours. Please, calm down. By disrespecting the Talon, you are only hurting the Collective’s cause.
@lahsstudent | Apr 1, 2010 at 9:00 pm
@lahsstudent they gave away the date of when they reveal the message, they revealed the message, and pretty much dissassembled their whole campaign. i hope dawson cuts their funding. and if PETA came in here and showed a slow motion video of animals for 10 minutes would you care? you would say “aww cute” and then return to what you were doing. but if they came in with fliers with a puppy on it saying “LOVE” you would be like “what the hell?”
KeepitClean | Apr 1, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Dear Anonymous #21,
Profanity doesn’t get any message across. At all.
Lahsstudent | Apr 1, 2010 at 8:41 pm
A newspaper’s job is to inform its audience; the Talon did that in an unbiased manner. What exactly did they ruin? Before this article, the collective’s “ninja marketing” looked like just that- marketing. If the collective is marketing a product, be it a message of respect or otherwise, the students have every right to know who’s selling. I would like to thank the Talon for doing their job, and thank the Collective for wanting to improve our school.
student | Apr 1, 2010 at 8:38 pm
I agree 100% with Kenny. The Collective isn’t selling a positive idea, it’s selling suspense. Why should they even have to “sell” an idea to us. This whole thing just makes me bitter about the campaign and less willing to cooperate with whatever they throw at us next.
Keeping students in the dark is not the most effective way of starting an anti-substance abuse campaign, especially when shady brands like “The Collective” are being used. What is that even supposed to mean? Is it just supposed to be cool?
One of my friends expressed concern to Satterwhite asking her in person at brunch what the Collective was. Satterwhite simply stated that she didn’t know. WHAT?!? Of course she knew! When there is graffiti around school (albeit clearly intentional) and kids are getting ipods don’t we the students have a right to know immediately? (especially when $$ is involved… how were we supposed to know the magical ipod fund didn’t come from the district or something?)
I strongly oppose this project. For those of you who say we need suspense, I say there is a fine line between fun suspenseful activities and full-blown campaigns.
I think this whole thing is really ridiculous and that CHASE’s “ninja marketing” approach was misguided and ineffective. Just pass out the “Say No to Drugs” lollipops and get on with it.
Kudos to the Talon – thank you for informing us.
thetruthisunfolding | Apr 1, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Bottom line: responsible and credible journalism is about reporting news, not creating it. This story was merely an attempt to make it seem as if The Talon is here to help inform us, the entire student body at LAHS, when in reality they’re just promoting their own agenda by trying to make something out of nothing at this point. And since when does The Talon have to approve or give its blessing to ANYTHING that happens here on campus anyway?
RESPECT.
Tasha | Apr 1, 2010 at 8:12 pm
i like when you wrote about lying, stereotypes, and other interesting things. This article ruins all that the collective has tried to plan so well to make this school betterr.. i think its just unnecessary! just let curiosity get the best of us at los altos, we need some suspense in our lives.
KennyM | Apr 1, 2010 at 8:08 pm
And please, truth, I am anything but anonymous.
KennyM | Apr 1, 2010 at 8:01 pm
In Defense of Talon:
The point of the ninja marketing campaign is to build student interest completely independent of the issue to be addressed, thus encouraging more student support of the cause when all is revealed.
I’m not going to say that “respect” is a bad message to be preaching, but the methods and approaches used to achieve even a wholesome value can sometimes be arguable and sometimes be downright bullshit. Regardless of how it looks, the mission of CHASE might turn out to simply be promoting an opinion, and it’s possible that their message is an immoral one. I don’t know enough to condemn or praise The Collective’s actual intentions, but I would not rule out either possibility.
The Collective is selling their campaign on the mystery, not on the actual virtues they’re selling. They’re taking advantage of the student body and they’re playing “vigilante” while the school backs them. The washable graffiti, the “desktop vandalism,” and the silence and inaction of the administration were all expected by the administration; they accepted the pseudo-vigilantism and proceeded to clean up their messes with a smile on their faces. It’s plain, simple, deception. That was how it was intended and that was how it worked.
“Brainwashing” may sound hyperbolic, but really – The Collective’s rather transparent campaign is selling a mystery, not a message. Whatever values they impart can be considered a Trojan Horse if all goes according to plan. If they wanted to get students genuinely interested in the *issues* they were addressing, they could have included a slogan that let people know what they were about. (i.e. something along the lines of “Art is Power” or “Resist Indoctrination.” True Guerrilla marketing campaigns make their motives obvious and their identity secret.)
And please, ladies and gentlemen, let’s be reasonable. CHASE was the driving force behind the plan. Students may have done most of the work, and I’m sure certain members are pretty interested in the message they’re imparting, but this campaign did not originate from the student body. It is an effort to impart values to students by CHASE. Call it education or call it brainwashing, but it is most certainly not the will of the students. Remember, too, that many of the students participating may very well have been hooked by the mystery, not the message – I know that’s what would have interested me.
Students should fully understand the origins and intentions of The Collective before they get to make up their minds next week (or whenever the Assembly is). I think this article was responsibly written and well-researched. Exposing The Collective was the right thing to do for the student body. If the message is genuinely wholesome, let it be heard without any trickery or deception. To be honest, the surprise would have been more groan-inducing than gasp-inducing. We are in high school, not 3rd Grade. The student body is largely disillusioned or indifferent with respect to The Collective. Exposing them now can only help their cause.
Bravo on making the right choice.
P.S. If Talon hadn’t have done it, someone else would have. With much less class.
anonymous2 | Apr 1, 2010 at 7:33 pm
thetruth – You’re kind of anonymous too…
As Lauren pointed out, the public hasn’t been informed of the part of the campaign that will apparently have the most impact…so this article hasn’t ruined anything. The newspaper’s purpose is to share news with its target audience…and its target audience, namely the LAHS student body, was obviously very curious about what is happening on their campus. The campaign is still in tact; the idea of secrecy is still in place. What’s to say that now students aren’t more excited because they’ve gotten a tantalizingly small bit of information about what more is to come to LAHS?
Lauren | Apr 1, 2010 at 7:22 pm
To anonymous:
I am a member of this campaign and I didn’t feel forced into it at all. We were free to leave if we chose to. I wanted to do something beneficial for my school and I believe this campaign will have some positive effects for the student body. LAHS is a good school, but to me there has always been something missing: the feeling of community. I truly believe that what we have planned (which Talon and the rest of the student body does not yet know about) are things that can bring this sense of unity back to our campus. I resent the fact that you are calling us “CHASE’s puppets”. The students are in charge of this campaign and we believe in the message that we are sending.
thetruthisunfolding | Apr 1, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Some further things to consider:
– Why are all comments in support of this piece choosing to do so anonymously?
– Sam is right, most students do not bother wasting their time reading this.
– Doc, journalism that tries to absolve itself prior to or in conjunction with release of an article immediately disqualifies itself from being regarded as such
anonymous3 | Apr 1, 2010 at 7:08 pm
sophia said I dont see you doing something cool for people like they were, why couldnt you just let them do it? But no you decided to ruin it for every one by letting an article run, that isnt 100% true.
but where isnt it true? i dont think it will ruin it…my friends and i already thought it was stupid and by satterwhite cuz people got called out of class.
thetruthisunfolding talked bout how it was dissing the group but they are trying to inform us so they cant brainwash us!
sam if you say no one reads this then why are you reading it? HAHAHAHAHAHA
Doc | Apr 1, 2010 at 6:32 pm
the truth is unfolding –
Its obvious why the Talon would have devoted a great deal of discussion to releasing this article. Its not the message, I believe regardless of the message they would have felt the need to inform the student body. Rather, the discussion would focus on the effort and money that has gone into the campaign, for this article negates a key component towards its effectiveness, the “ninja marketing” aspect. I’m sure this was the reason for the “great deal of thoughtful discussion.”
The “disclaimer comment” simply state reasons that would have needed to be answered later anyway. There is nothing in it that critizes the campaign, it is unbiased, and doesn’t prove that they were reckless and had no care for the subject.
anonymous2 | Apr 1, 2010 at 6:27 pm
I mean, posting links on FB will definitely get a lot of people checking it out. I’m personally glad Talon decided to post…I’m still completely clueless about whatever this Collective thing is. To be honest, not knowing was starting to creep me out. Computer screen savers with a cryptic logo? Freaky.
Sam Lodestro | Apr 1, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Hey, I just hope you know….. nobody reads this. Sure they glance at the newspaper but NO STUDENTS READ THIS. Your drive to get information borders on harrassment by the way. Thanks a whole bunch for pretty much ruining the launch date and reveal! Hope you feel good about yourselves!
anonymous | Apr 1, 2010 at 6:11 pm
brainwashing is cool now?
Sophia Carballo | Apr 1, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I dont see you doing something cool for people like they were, why couldnt you just let them do it? But no you decided to ruin it for every one by letting an article run, that isnt 100% true.
anonymous | Apr 1, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Dear Alicia,
It seems to me that students are being prompted by outside forces (parents and ACTUALITY) to push out this campaign. Don’t you think the initial desire to start such a manipulative campaign should come out of the students themselves? It seems to me like they are just CHASE’s puppets.
Alicia Crank | Apr 1, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Dear Talon Staff,
While most of your article is accurate, your references to who is really leading the campaign is incorrect.
CHASE (Community Hope and Sober Events) is the local, non-profit organization that is helping to spearhead the campaign. ACTUALITY are the consultants that CHASE reached out to and selected for this endeavor. While ACTUALITY has presented many ideas to our organization, it is the students involved that created and is pushing out the campaign.
As Program Director for CHASE, I work closely with Leslie Lodestro, CHASE’s founder. Leslie is the parent of three sons, all who are part of the Los Altos School system.
In “actuality”, there isn’t an outside group coming in to market a message to the student body, but a neighborhood parent and members of the same student body who are driving a positive message.
Best Regards,
Alicia Crank
Program Director
Community Hope and Sober Events
thetruthisunfolding | Apr 1, 2010 at 4:53 pm
i would be interested in knowing why there was such a “great deal of thoughtful discussion” when it comes to writing a story based on a campaign promoting respect? If anything it seems as if staff of The Talon didn’t really feel influenced by the very subject they chose to deliberate and report on, as is evidenced by the “disclaimer comment” that is posted as a follow up to this story. Did you infringe or violate someone’s trust in writing this? Seems like you all should have deliberated on whom or what you might be (or have been) disrespecting in the process instead.
KennyM | Apr 1, 2010 at 4:20 pm
You did the right thing. Thank you.