Hit Send On Yourself, And Go To That Boat Show
Waiting for Jeff Bezos
According to The Atlantic Journal—and really, just simple observation—we’re living in an Anti-Social Century. With everything at our fingertips and the lasting effects of COVID lockdowns, staying home has become the default. It’s easier. But the side effects are real—and part of why clubs, organizations, and yes, even politics, are in decline.
Look, real people
Over 20 years ago, I worked on a campaign for Choice Hotels based on research that even fax machines were reducing human connection. One headline read:
“Face to Face is Better than Fax to Fax.”
Screenshot
That was before social media took over, and now we’re deep in it. Sitting in our chairs, clicking, commenting, and attending “events” online without ever engaging with real people.
Our campaign line was: “The Power of Being There. GO.”
It struck such a chord that after 9/11, we were one of the only brands still advertising—with a message that simply said, “Thanks for Traveling.” Even Secretary Norm Mineta adopted it across the national transportation infrastructure.
Above is from an old case study done back in the days right after 9/11 We had the creative done on 9/11 and printed and up by 9/13
I wear a shell to protect my ego
Here’s the truth:
We’re all a little socially awkward. And the more we isolate, the harder it becomes to connect. It creates a cycle and yes, that might be one reason younger generations are more comfortable online than in person.
So what do we do?
Hit that road
Get in the car. Hook up the boat. Go to the event. Shake hands. Make eye contact. Stop hiding behind screens.
Hit send—on yourself.
A classic Woody Boater ad , thanks Rabbit and Shaun Fenn
We enjoyed being social and boating in Algonac last week, even if we got a little wet in the process!
Great pic Greg! Love to see the CCABC banner.
Matt: That was the final part of the St Michael’s story that never got published. The true joy of these shows is the people.
The St. Michael’s gang is full of great hospitality!
Great Point Matt. I count 5 or 6 phones on the groups dinner table. Hard to get away from them.
Mr, D, yes there were a few phones scattered about but I can assure you no one was using them. What a great night of conversation and camaraderie with some wonderful people. I would love to have dinner like that every night. Thanks Alicia & Bob for taking care of all us! ❤️
Dock shot looks like Alton Bay show here in N.H Lake Winnipesauke.
Gary ,you are right ,that is the Alton nh boat show
I’m feeling guilty using my phone to comment on this story. But I AM getting out there. Rabbit’s next live event will be leading (along with a few other woodies on the lake) the Balsam Lake Fourth of July pontoon parade, which requires precise navigation around a few hundred pontoons (many filled with drunks) floating to observe the pontoon parade. It’s God’s work.
I am getting out there! Today, cooled off some, storms all around…breakfast with friends…the I am GOING BOATING! just do it…
John in VA
❤️