chuckd 0 Posted December 16, 2010 Report Share Posted December 16, 2010 One of our display features is what we call an LED matrix display. A lot of people have these now, and as you probably know you can put words up on it, or scroll phrases across it. We use this a lot in our sequences, and it gets some viewers to come up with creative requests. On more than one occasion, we've been asked to put up marriage proposals (at some time during the night, pop up a 'would you marry me' message). So far I've always said no, but it makes me feel kind of guilty as I'd normally like to help out with this kind of stuff. Also, we've been asked to advertise as well. This one doesn't sit well with me, and I politely turn them down. The display raises money for a local charity, so I've thought about maybe doing marriage proposals for certain size donations. However, I'd hate for it to start a flood of requests. Anyone else there run into this? What did you do, and how do 'other' viewers react to it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BaldEagleChristmas 24 Posted July 20, 2011 Report Share Posted July 20, 2011 One of our display features is what we call an LED matrix display. A lot of people have these now, and as you probably know you can put words up on it, or scroll phrases across it. We use this a lot in our sequences, and it gets some viewers to come up with creative requests. On more than one occasion, we've been asked to put up marriage proposals (at some time during the night, pop up a 'would you marry me' message). So far I've always said no, but it makes me feel kind of guilty as I'd normally like to help out with this kind of stuff. Also, we've been asked to advertise as well. This one doesn't sit well with me, and I politely turn them down. The display raises money for a local charity, so I've thought about maybe doing marriage proposals for certain size donations. However, I'd hate for it to start a flood of requests. Anyone else there run into this? What did you do, and how do 'other' viewers react to it? I just saw this thread and can't believe that no one responded to it. I don't have a matrix, but I think it is great that you get requests like marriage proposals. Your programming time is worth something and getting a donation for your charity seems reasonable to me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Apache Lights 10 Posted July 20, 2011 Report Share Posted July 20, 2011 I realize this kind of thing is beyond my level, but I would do things like proposals for an appropriate donation. Personally I would stay away from the advertising. As it sits I keep hearing about Christmas being too commercial, and people seem to think my lights are making it worse. Advertising in a display would just be asking for problems. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Darlene Pino 13 Posted July 21, 2011 Report Share Posted July 21, 2011 Maybe a simple voice over ad like "This song brought to you by:_______" would not be offensive as being too commercial, yet still help out a charity. I don't have a problem at all with the Will You Marry Me." I think Love is what Christmas is about and a wonderful way to announce it. Everyone will get teary-eyed over a proposal. Older married couples will start holding hands and looking into each other's eyes remembering their own proposals. Also a great thing for the media for them to be there, too. It will bring attention to the fund raiser. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BaldEagleChristmas 24 Posted July 22, 2011 Report Share Posted July 22, 2011 Proposals, anniveraries, birthdays, etc. might all also increase traffic as their friends stop by to see it. And their friends may all have cash in their pockets for your charity. Just sayin' Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RichardG 79 Posted August 9, 2011 Report Share Posted August 9, 2011 (edited) I would say go ahead and do it if it's a marriage proposal. Edited August 9, 2011 by RichardG Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hilliard Lights 0 Posted August 9, 2011 Report Share Posted August 9, 2011 Just to throw a question out here into the mix: Wouldn't any sort of financial renumeration- even if it is for charity- be a flag for the music license question. I know that charities have to be very careful about taking financial donations in exchange for services- I have had many tax experts tell me that the donation is no longer a 'donation.' Wouldn't taking renumeration (even for your charity) be coupled with your display going 'commercial'? And therefore require commercial music licensing. No answers here, only questions to look at... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jstorms 15 Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 I'll do just about anything for my neighbors, because I really don't want to be shut down by the HOA Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Christmas In Abilene 0 Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 I think they may be right about requiring money would cross the line to payment... but I think the way to side step that is "requested donation". I have heard of many charities doing this. The down side is that someone could give less. Kent W Vosburg Christmas In Abilene Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Apache Lights 10 Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 Just to throw a question out here into the mix: Wouldn't any sort of financial renumeration- even if it is for charity- be a flag for the music license question. I know that charities have to be very careful about taking financial donations in exchange for services- I have had many tax experts tell me that the donation is no longer a 'donation.' Wouldn't taking renumeration (even for your charity) be coupled with your display going 'commercial'? And therefore require commercial music licensing. No answers here, only questions to look at... Hmmm... That hadn't occurred to me... good question. I of course have no answer, but I would like one from a more knowledgeable person. Anyone? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BaldEagleChristmas 24 Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 I'll do just about anything for my neighbors, because I really don't want to be shut down by the HOA I had to chuckle a little at that. Until I joined PC, I had never heard of an HOA! Yes, I live in the country. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PanelDeland 0 Posted December 24, 2011 Report Share Posted December 24, 2011 Charity car washes do it all the time.Car wash Min Donation $5.00 I don't see any difference. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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