DisneyMatt10 Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 Quick question for you all. . . I was thinking about "advertising" in my show, and was wondering what you all thought of the idea, or if anyone has ever done something similar. Basically I was just going to put 4 small banners down my the road, in a way that wasn't overly distracting from the show, but they would still be noticeable. They were going to say something along the lines of... "Light Show Sponsored By: Matt Stout - Realtor ® --- Looking to buy our sell a home? Call Matt today!" Obviously with the company logo and my cell phone number on it as well. However, I was just wondering what everyone's thoughts were on this?? Good idea? Bad idea? I mean, even if it only generates one or two listings from it, then it would be worth it... But at the same time I don't want it to be a big eyesore during the show, or distract from the show... HELP!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.Y.R.G. Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 I've seen a tractor or heavy equipment dealer put on a light show by decorating their vehicles. Can't say I've ever seen a residential house promoting anything (Fred Loya maybe) but hey, IT IS America right? I say go for it! A nice size matrix would do wonders for advertising too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dibblejr Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 1 hour ago, DisneyMatt10 said: Quick question for you all. . . I was thinking about "advertising" in my show, and was wondering what you all thought of the idea, or if anyone has ever done something similar. Basically I was just going to put 4 small banners down my the road, in a way that wasn't overly distracting from the show, but they would still be noticeable. They were going to say something along the lines of... "Light Show Sponsored By: Matt Stout - Realtor ® --- Looking to buy our sell a home? Call Matt today!" Obviously with the company logo and my cell phone number on it as well. However, I was just wondering what everyone's thoughts were on this?? Good idea? Bad idea? I mean, even if it only generates one or two listings from it, then it would be worth it... But at the same time I don't want it to be a big eyesore during the show, or distract from the show... HELP!!!!! Not sure if you planned on lighting it but you can get some strip rgb's I use to place in headlight and get a small battery pack or solar device and light it up. There are a lot of companies that use matrix panels in our area so I 2nd the motion,,, go for it. Its creativity at its best. Just remember you may need a permit or if in an HOA, approval. JR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougP Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 You will open up a can of worms as you will be a commercial display and will have to get BMI/ASCAP licences. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.Y.R.G. Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 36 minutes ago, DougP said: You will open up a can of worms as you will be a commercial display and will have to get BMI/ASCAP licences. He could use all royalty free music. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dibblejr Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 No music mentioned in his post. JR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caniac Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 34 minutes ago, B.Y.R.G. said: He could use all royalty free music. still might be considered a "commercial" display and subject to building permits, being up to code (electrical), etc. Potential to add thousands to the cost of your show, now if a vendor will pay that then problem solved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DisneyMatt10 Posted August 11, 2017 Author Share Posted August 11, 2017 I looked further into it, and contacted some local offices. Since the display is still done on my personal property, it's not considered a "public performance" or a commercial display so I don't need any BMI/ASCAP licences. Now obviously if it became an issue or anyone said anything, I would get the necessary licences! If I were to move the display off of my property then things would change, but as long as I live there, and as long as it all remains on my property I'm covered!! I was just afraid of how "tacky" it might look having the banners out. . . However, I really like B.Y.R.G.'s "matrix" idea!! Sounds like I know what else I need to add to the show for next year! Thanks for the feedback everyone! Again, I was more-so concerned about the tackiness of the banners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caniac Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 5 minutes ago, DisneyMatt10 said: I looked further into it, and contacted some local offices. Since the display is still done on my personal property, it's not considered a "public performance" or a commercial display so I don't need any BMI/ASCAP licences. Now obviously if it became an issue or anyone said anything, I would get the necessary licences! If I were to move the display off of my property then things would change, but as long as I live there, and as long as it all remains on my property I'm covered!! I was just afraid of how "tacky" it might look having the banners out. . . However, I really like B.Y.R.G.'s "matrix" idea!! Sounds like I know what else I need to add to the show for next year! Thanks for the feedback everyone! Again, I was more-so concerned about the tackiness of the banners. I am thinking more electrical/building permits, can't speak for your display but parts of mine don't meet electrical code nor did I pull permits for my props. The rules change when you start advertising/charging for advertising. You could end up with a cease and desist in the middle of Christmas season. I don't get along well with others especially judges, lawyers, city engineers, et al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DisneyMatt10 Posted August 11, 2017 Author Share Posted August 11, 2017 1 minute ago, caniac said: I am thinking more electrical/building permits, can't speak for your display but parts of mine don't meet electrical code nor did I pull permits for my props. The rules change when you start advertising/charging for advertising. You could end up with a cease and desist in the middle of Christmas season. I don't get along well with others especially judges, lawyers, city engineers, et al. Hmmmm, sounds like I need to make some more calls! I was just hoping that since it was kind of just my name, and my house it wouldn't be a problem. . . But I could be wrong. I'll keep researching it and I'll keep everyone posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caniac Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 6 minutes ago, DisneyMatt10 said: Hmmmm, sounds like I need to make some more calls! I was just hoping that since it was kind of just my name, and my house it wouldn't be a problem. . . But I could be wrong. I'll keep researching it and I'll keep everyone posted. Given that what we do is seasonal and personal most jurisdictions give us a lot of leeway but the minute we do something commercial everyone has their hand out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebuechner Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 I probably wouldn't do it for two reasons 1. Someone will notice it and try to figure out a way to get their hands into your pockets. 2. I wouldn't want to bring an ad into my personal display for a holiday that's being overrun with commercialism ( I'd be afraid of turning people off) Let them back you and then they can boast about it in their ads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 On 8/11/2017 at 10:43 AM, DisneyMatt10 said: Quick question for you all. . . I was thinking about "advertising" in my show, and was wondering what you all thought of the idea, or if anyone has ever done something similar. BMI / ASCAP will indeed be interested in ANY for-profit use of music. Doesn't matter that it's on your property. Sounds like you got some incorrect advice on that part. The FCC is another potential problem. Accepting paid advertising (they'll consider advertising yourself as paid advertising if the ad portrays/benefits a for-profit entity) requires that your radio station be licensed. Best to completely avoid any visible/obvious tie-ins. Doesn't take much litigation to wipe out any potential gain from securing a listing. Advertisements, such as election-type lawn signs placed on your neighbor's properties will allow you to skate by as long as there is NO tie-in with the light show or the radio broadcast. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeysNole Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Interesting that you are a realtor and considering doing this. Look up Hyatt Extreme Christmas. Plenty of articles out there. Looooooooong story short: In the early years of their display, Kathy had a banner for her real estate business. This gave the city the avenue to call it a commercial display. This started the snowball that became lawsuits and national coverage. It's been insane the last few years. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DisneyMatt10 Posted August 20, 2017 Author Share Posted August 20, 2017 So, I gave our city attorney a call, and he said that it's fine. He said that if anyone has an issue with it in the future he will deal with them at that point, but he doesn't have an issue with it, and doesn't foresee there being an issue. . . That being said, I'm still hesitant given the things you all have brought to my attention... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted August 20, 2017 Share Posted August 20, 2017 18 minutes ago, DisneyMatt10 said: So, I gave our city attorney a call, and he said that it's fine. He said that if anyone has an issue with it in the future he will deal with them at that point, but he doesn't have an issue with it, and doesn't foresee there being an issue. . . That being said, I'm still hesitant given the things you all have brought to my attention... I'm happy to hear that you live someplace where the people are reasonable and sane. But it's not just the city that you need to be concerned about. In fact, they're likely to be the least of your worries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ItsMeBobO Posted August 20, 2017 Share Posted August 20, 2017 On 8/13/2017 at 10:11 PM, KeysNole said: Interesting that you are a realtor and considering doing this. Look up Hyatt Extreme Christmas. Plenty of articles out there. Looooooooong story short: In the early years of their display, Kathy had a banner for her real estate business. This gave the city the avenue to call it a commercial display. This started the snowball that became lawsuits and national coverage. It's been insane the last few years. googling this did result in many articles. The prominent ones were about unhappy neighbors, GCLF and the city going after them for being a carnival like nuisance due to crowds. After considerable expense to both sides, the city lost its case allowing the show to go on. No one would want to go through what they did. I also would advise against the advertising sign. But it seems from my quick read the Hyatt display lawsuit was about size more than affiliation with business or signs or commercial music. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeysNole Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 15 hours ago, ItsMeBobO said: googling this did result in many articles. The prominent ones were about unhappy neighbors, GCLF and the city going after them for being a carnival like nuisance due to crowds. After considerable expense to both sides, the city lost its case allowing the show to go on. No one would want to go through what they did. I also would advise against the advertising sign. But it seems from my quick read the Hyatt display lawsuit was about size more than affiliation with business or signs or commercial music. The city always wanted to shut them down, but the real estate banner was the first step that "allowed" them to call it a commercial display. Then the city nit picked their way to every thing possible. There are only 7-8 houses on the street...one or two neighbors made a stink. It really is a VERY well run spectacle. Gated property with MULTIPLE volunteers as crowd control. I do give Mark Hyatt credit...he ran for city council and won. Now that nasty major gets to see him eye to eye every week. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lightingnewb Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 On 8/19/2017 at 6:57 PM, DisneyMatt10 said: So, I gave our city attorney a call, and he said that it's fine. He said that if anyone has an issue with it in the future he will deal with them at that point, but he doesn't have an issue with it, and doesn't foresee there being an issue. . . That being said, I'm still hesitant given the things you all have brought to my attention... You might want to get it in writing that he's okay with it. While he may say that now, he may change his mind later on. So if you can get it in writing that he's backing you, that'd be a big step. While I do agree with everyone that the potential headaches could become overwhelming, my old boss told me something I use to this day:You don't know what you don't know. So it might be worth a try, if you're willing to possibly deal with anyone. Come up with an action plan for if someone does make a complaint, et cetera. Cover all bases and be prepared just in case anything could go awry. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now