Douglas Castle Responds To Robert Fay's Valid Criticism

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Note: A special musical treat follows at the bottom of this post!

Douglas Castle Responds To Robert Fay's Valid Criticism.

Here is an excerpt from Robert Fay's letter to me regarding some claptrap which I had written (I write claptrap frequently):

Dear Douglas,

I want the thing in plain language word-pictures, not economist, accountant, businessman lingo. "They", you all, know that stuff... it means nothing to me. I get concepts. They sell better... they move into the minds of those looking for them much better... they work for a 'seminar' presentation or elevator pitch or phone call. They work for a 'workshop' presentation.

If i can teach E = M(C-squared) to a logger in the woods, as a concept, then i can sell. If i can't make it accessible to the everyman, then it is all horse-pucky except for the financiers...

Respectfully yours,

Robert Fay

Here is an excerpt from my response to Robert Fay, who, incidentally is a well-intended, insightful and wise person:

Robert -

In terms of making the presentation of the concept simple and efficient, I will leave that to all of the other sales and marketing experts on our team. I also don't have much of an appetite (nor the patience, nor the inclination, nor the appropriate dumbing-down gifts) to make the information accessible to plumbers, woodsmen, Yetti or any of these other important people who are not effete, elitist, "economists or financial types," whom you do not feel need play a role in the success of this Program.

I leave it to those with superior communications skills (vis-a-vis my limited, technical and vertical skill set) to make this a howling success.

I wholeheartedly agree with the tone of your correspondence, Robert -- I know that I would be more successful and far happier, in general if I could accommodate the audience you are describing.

I have changed my mind about campaigning for executive office - I just don't have the ability to simplify to the extent needed to reach the general populace. This is a true weakness on my part, and I am not ashamed to confess it to my colleagues, my friends, and even strangers in the restrooms at air terminals and train stations, provided that they are conscious and not in need of medical assistance.

In the words of that great Italian philosopher, Pinocchio, "I wish that I could be a real boy."

In the words of that snobbish, elitist and inaccessible playwright of little influence and note (but with an occasional word of wisdom, likely by divine coincidence or dumb luck), whose name nobody remembers [he's not famous, like, for example Lady Gaga, or Robert Flay], "If ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise."

And lastly, in the words of that obscure but once popular actor and rock star whose name no one should remember (for all I know, it could have been Rick Nelson or some other irrelevent person from a profession not known for its abundance of brilliance, but known for its vices, losses and attraction for those who wish fame and risk great humiliation), "You can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself."

Thank you for your input, and I'll look forward to speaking with you later.

Sincerely,

Douglas Castle*

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*Destined to die in obscurity and poverty, or worse (if this is possible), but hopeful that a handful of persons (likely creditors or tolerant family) will carry forward some rememberance of me and smile at those odd moments.

Note: Here is the musical treat referenced at the beginning of this post. I remember when I was very young, one of my greatest aspirations was to have my very own family...to be a father...to be an indispensible part of a special group of people who would not only accept me, but whom I would love, and who would love me, too...people I could protect, live for -- perhaps even die for. This was my greatest dream.

Someone put my unspoken thoughts to words and music and said it in a better way than I ever possibly could have. Click on the link below to enjoy this miniature, understated work of art.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=075cR3YIbE8