John, suffice it to say that marketing is not an exact science.
I do believe very firmly, as a marketing professional, that when you mention your competition as part of a marketing strategy you shift the focus of your audience from you to them. I have always directed my marketing campaigns, and those of my clients, away from this. It hasn't always worked great, but well enough.
I also think this strategy is doubly dangerous when you choose to mention the clear "Biggest Dog" in the pack.
Although Glen Dean Cecil may be a great guy and he may build killer mandolins, I'll end by pointing out that
a Google search of his name mentioned on the Cafe results in only "about 14 hits".
It's probably safe to say that the extend to which a mandolin producer is mentioned here is a viable, measurable indication of the effectiveness of their marketing efforts.
Others may disagree. Marketing is not an exact science.
I wish Mr. Cecil all the best with his "The Bluegrass" mandolins.
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