The Hirer - Came across it yet?

[stugster]

I'm sitting with the laptop and River City on in the background... don't worry, my trigger finger is poised!

 

[Former Member 1]

I'm sitting with the laptop and River City on in the background... don't worry, my trigger finger is poised!

Aww now Stu; your no gonny get me started on "River City" now are ye?

 

[TomB]

I'm sitting with the laptop and River City on in the background... don't worry, my trigger finger is poised!

Rivercity stu,

Oh dear all respect for you has just gone doon the drain

I'm telling ya she didnae do it.

I had to laugh whilst i was channel surfing i caught the line, "if you keep on behaving like this you'll lose your job"

I thought if you keep on acting like that she won't have a job!!

i do find it very suspicious that there has been so many people posting to defend it in such short notice.

Stu i have visions of you sitting just now with your finger on a big red button

 

[stugster]

 

[Power Lunch Club]

I too want to add my shock at the threatening phone calls Matt has received. it beggars belief that this should happen.

The whole thing/production looks tatty to say the least and does have the air of a jokey viral campaign.

I have been on the website again and surfed for more information about this whole thing. I still am no further forward in establishing what the job actually is; Miss McClumpha says it is the chance to work with her...it as I said earlier on in this post I believe just to find more sales reps for the Fake Bake products.

So GHL and Attitude Adjuster....come back and 'clarify' what the job actually is.

All the press I read (which was sloppy journalism in some cases),not one of them asked the question....what's in it for the candidate. What can they expect their position to be?

 

[Idea15]

Oioioioi! Don't knock River City! Best soap on TV at the moment (the rest are more boring than watching fake tan dry.) The River City set tour in Dumbarton is an absolutely brilliant day out. In particular, it is fun to visit the deli.

So as Zoe learned tonight, you'll know that the #1 rule of soapland is: the truth will out. No matter how you try to cover it up, make it complicated, pass on responsibility, bury it for a while, or attack others, the real story always comes out in the end, and everyone gets what's coming to them.

And I'll agree with : even if I had been interested and supportive of the show at the outset, the manipulative audacity shown by the show's paid representatives on this forum have taken away any respect the show can or should have.

 

[Former Member 1]

With regard to the phone calls; Having received a few emails and PMs on the subject I really need to say that I appreciate the support folks. Here on the SBF we have, from time to time, some frank and open discussions. Issues get flogged to death sometimes and that's absolutely the way it should be with no-one afraid to speak their mind or fear being gagged.

To be honest it's water off a duck's back up to a point. As well as producing corporate video I also do some broadcast work; some of which takes the form of investigative documentary. 'Hate mail' and petty threats go with the territory. Many unenlightened people imagine they can deflect adverse publicity with threats; it's a pretty common tactic.

I've logged the incidents with the police. The place is (necessarily) very secure and I've no real problems summoning help if it's needed.

The best way to deal with these nutters is not to let them intimidate you or shut you up. Obviously I've touched a raw nerve with someone somewhere along the way. and when one desperate tactic doesn't work they'll try another... hay ho....

Now; "River City" ....Actually I don't mind it at all! It's fairly lightweight on the old noodle, and it's good to see so many of our character actors working as actors rather than doing things like.... errr teaching in colleges or producing corporate videos Soap Opera's pretty 'grounded' up here and nobody really gets carried away with themselves. It's just a pity "High Road" has gone as it put decent shoes on a fair few bairn's feet.

 

[Scotsboy]

Having browsed on the sidelines of this topic I am now wondering if this site really is a business forum or a site for people to have personal attacks on individuals that they probally dont know.

Certainly the need to threaten people is out of order, however surely if individuals decide to spout rubbish and riddicule others then stupid things happen.

On that point the supposed person threatened has made a number of threats back, who is in the wrong?

As a Scottish business person I find that there are too many people quick to attack new ventures maybe a hint of jealousy somewhere.

Just a wee point on education, I left school with little qualifications however as a mature student I went back and studied various degrees, I certainly dont agree with Heather that we Scots focus on the poor part of our education.

As the world economy drops, I find it amusing that any sensible person would give the notion that Americans do it better " Fanny mae " springs to mind.

, I must commend you for such a poor job of " administrating " this site, I havent read so much tosh in ages its been rivetting.

 

[stugster]

Scotsboy,

Firstly, welcome to the forums. It's great that you've registered and made your first post! However, one wonders if it could be because you are also involved in this "Hirer" project?

is and has done absolutely nothing wrong. Having a forum where discussions like this can take place is essential, and as we're all adults, I don't really think needs to severely moderate every post (within reason).

This topic is just one of many on these forums, so I'm not quite sure just how you can jump to the confusion (sic) of whether or not this really is a business forum. These "personal" attacks are only to be attributed to the fact that not everyone is going to love the way this Hirer project is going about. Some will feel that she's looking for the limelight and that this is a cheap way to go about doing it. Some will feel that it's not original, and that it's been done before.

Either way, everyone is entitled to their opinions, and as far as I can see, an opinion that someone is too orange isn't anything over the top.

I actually am quite keen to see how the Hirer project works out, but I'm on the fence as to the quality of it in the long run.

You may well be right about the jealousy thing... perhaps people are annoyed they didn't come up with the idea first.

It is however a huge shame that after a slight amount of criticism about the Hirer, those involved feel the need to invade a forum members' privacy and try and intimidate them. What does that really say for the Hirer project as a whole?

I contemplated moving this thread until decided what to do with it, but I really don't believe there has been anything posted that is out of order. If anyone has a problem with this thread, please feel free to Private Message either myself or who will take your views and issues into consideration.

 

[stugster]

Certainly the need to threaten people is out of order, however surely if individuals decide to spout rubbish and riddicule others then stupid things happen.

On that point the supposed person threatened has made a number of threats back, who is in the wrong?

Out of interest, where about does he make a number of threats back? It's certainly not on these forums!

 

[Idea15]

I'm very curious about which school of thought of public relations the show's principals are following here. I have never in my life seen any instance where the people behind a project were hellbent on causing severe damage to their own brand (Greta Hill-Lyons) as well as the client's brand (Fake Bake) in order to promote a project. Really, what have we really learned about the production company and the product in the past 24 hours? That this show will "succeed" by any means necessary, even if it means anonymous telephone threats to critics, snide comments from multi-login merchants, and trite pseudo-patriotism?

The people behind this campaign need to get off whatever drugs they're smoking and take a long hard look at what they're doing to their brands.

 

[Power Lunch Club]

I'm very curious about which school of thought of public relations the show's principals are following here. I have never in my life seen any instance where the people behind a project were hellbent on causing severe damage to their own brand (Greta Hill-Lyons) as well as the client's brand (Fake Bake) in order to promote a project. Really, what have we really learned about the production company and the product in the past 24 hours? That this show will "succeed" by any means necessary, even if it means anonymous telephone threats to critics, snide comments from multi-login merchants, and trite pseudo-patriotism?

The people behind this campaign need to get off whatever drugs they're smoking and take a long hard look at what they're doing to their brands.

Oddly enough Heather, what came to my mind the more I read about this Fake Bake stuff, was this...

Clearly Miss McClumpha has built up a great business and to have it selling around the world is fantastic. Even I now notice it on hairdressors salon notice boards outside their establishments. (Probably because I only heard about it from here).

But there is nothing in this "TV Spoof" The Apprentice Copy Cat...(Even the press have picked up on that one...so we ain't saying anything controvertial here)...that tells us what the role will be. At least on The Apprentice, you know what the prize is. Oh wait, it did say on one of the press releases, A 5 figure salary and lots of benefits.....is that for sales rep, office manager, cleaner,....there is nothing in this gimmick that is good. And GHL must take responsibility for that too.

It makes me wonder if Miss McClumpha and GHL are friends....oh be very careful Miss M if that is the case, your brand may suffer. Because if we on the forum are seeing the issues with this TV Spoof, others in the wider business community will see through it too. There are lots of unanswered questions here.

 

[edpersonaltraining]

Hi tirfuir

you highlighted some good points in your post, but they were unfortunatley out done with the negative aspects in your post.

you have to realise that when someone puts themselve 'out there' and submits themselves to that amount of exposure, you have to be prepared for people making comments which they feel necessary to make. it is like being a celebrity who want all the exposure to make the big bucks but dont like having their picture taken 'too much'

We live in a great country where we can speak freely, and this is a forum.

i liked some of the comments you made and the inspirational people you have had contact with.

stay positive

edd

 

[Former Member 1]

Certainly the need to threaten people is out of order, however surely if individuals decide to spout rubbish and riddicule others then stupid things happen.

I didn't "spout rubbish". I'm a legitimate television programme producer with almost 30 years experience. I've been producing (among other things) corporates for 20 of those. Some years ago one of Scotland's leading media colleges asked me to join their teaching team. Last year I sat on one of the Scottish Qualifications Authority's Qualifications Design Teams..... Not ten feet away from me are the award trophies from high profile media festivals and organisations that I've received over the years....

SO I know my trade...

The camerawork in that video is appalling as is the lighting. Notice (for instance) that the tripod isn't even level for the closing shots. Not a 'Dutch Angle' or some other artistic effect, just 'squinty'. Which is about as incompetent as you get. There are other problems throughout the video with framing etc...

A high profile beauty industry video like this DEMANDS input from competent stylists and make-up artists. And you''d think this was something McClumpha and co would be only too aware of if they were what they claim to be.

Instead we have a combination of incompetent lighting (back to the camera operator/ director again) and a make-up effect, presumably from the product they're trying to sell, that is far from natural or healthy looking. On screen the woman looks ORANGE; and thus appears as a SPECTACULAR example of the comedy-stereotype fake tan user.

On style and styling (again remember this is a beauty product) the man who appeared in the video wasn't even wearing a pair of trousers that fitted him properly! Just to put the tin hat on it the camera operator and director chose to shoot him from a low angle, emphasising this sartorial gaffe and leaving us to watch the hysterically funny spectacle of him waddling through the warehouse looking like Foghorn Leghorn trying to suck in the belly that would normally overhang the too-small trousers....

Now; if the guy was selling tractor parts I'd have paid no attention to what he was wearing (although I'd never have shot him from that angle!). But he's not; he's selling a beauty product. It's all about style for Pete's sake! These people have set themselves up on a Global level; they took that stage. And having taken that stage they have provided the world with a comedic spectacle. And it's that spectacle that has been ridiculed...

Making the video properly would have cost between £2000-£6000 depending who you got to do it. Instead they've (apparently) either got some wedding videographer who doesn't know what they're doing or roped in some member of their own staff.... Either way it's lame.

This 'corner-shop-mentality' where childishly and incompetently 'aping' the techniques used by professionals instead of engaging with them is at best delusional. Certainly it exposes those who commission and promote material like this as just chancers...

On that point the supposed person threatened has made a number of threats back, who is in the wrong?

Kindly substantiate that (actionable; see the Defamation Act) remark or withdraw it. I did no such thing.

I merely pointed out that should any attempt be made to carry out the threats made against me the people involved would a) be recorded on CCTV b) be arrested by the police and c) I was quite happy to testify in court against anyone carrying out such actions.

I will leave the membership to consider the mindset of those who consider being arrested for engaging in criminal behaviour a threat rather than a consequence.

As those making the threats against me claimed 'connections' with some "very nasty people" and suggested that I "dinnae know who" I was "dealing with" I merely pointed out that I too have relatives who exist on the darker side of Glasgow society. I don't condone their lifestyle and merely pointed out that they are both beyond my control and quite territorial.

That is not a threat; merely a statement of circumstance.

 

[Former Member 1]

As for threats however....

I have recently learned that I am not the only one who was receiving 'disturbing' phone calls and emails. And my advice to anyone who receives such a call or email is to contact the police in the first instance and then make the administrators of this forum aware of the problem. In that way information can be shared and co-ordinated between the various police officers who are investigating the various complaints that have been lodged with respect to these matters.

The (frankly pathetically poor) video was one thing. And of course, in terms of a direct connection to the project, we make no assumptions nor allegations with respect to the disturbing and threatening phone calls, the multiple log-ins and emails etc. But it speaks volumes about the product, the project and those who would defend it when these are the reactions that legitimate criticism (or any criticism) provokes.

In PR and marketing terms you have to wonder at a brand, the proponents of which, have no difficulty in sinking to this level. I'd question the mentality and integrity of anyone who phones another person up threatens them. However I'd add that phoning up a member of the press to threaten them is a particularly 'not-very-bright' thing to do... Although it makes for useful copy!

The SBF will, I feel, remain the robust and open forum it has been to date. We won't be gagged by petty criminals. And won't be invaded or intimidated by them. Far from being criticised for poor moderation of the forum is to be congratulated for his robust and competent stewardship and thanked for providing a platform that is a huge asset to the Scottish business community.

 

[Idea15]

It makes me wonder if Miss McClumpha and GHL are friends

Greta Hill-Lyons has made no secret of the fact that she and Ms McClumpha have been close friends for years and that The Hirer was designed specifically as a vehicle for Ms McClumpha.

Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser | News | Tanning boss is revealed as 'The Hirer'

Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser | News | You're hired!

The Hirer with the golden touch - Times Online

I believe this is why a wise philosopher - was it Judge Judy? - said you should never go into business with your friends. The lines of authority and responsibility can become blurred.

In a normal situation, we would say that Greta Hill-Lyons has been hired by Sandra McClumpha to promote the show (or is it the other way around?) and that the actions they take reflect on the other individual. The fact remains that one of these individuals - or someone claiming to be her - has come on this forum under the false pretense of multiple login names to support both their own project and the other individual by agreeing with their own statements while creating arguments against others.

In a normal contractual situation we would have to say that whatever Greta Hill-Lyons is doing to promote this show has the knowledge and approval of Ms McClumpha. If that is true, what happened on this thread is truly a dark and sad reflection on Scottish business.

If it is not the case, we should offer every opportunity to these two principals to explain themselves. Frankly it's no longer forum members and participants who should be explaining and apologising; time to hear the other side of the story.

 

[Former Member 1]

One other point....

Did I read somewhere there was a "five figure salary" at stake here?

Given the rest of the flim flam surrounding this I'd be tempted to speculate along the lines of....

£10,920 = £5.25 an hour for a 40-hour week over a year; assuming paid holidays...

VERY attractive!

 

[Gordon N]

This one was all over the 'Your Job' supplement in the 'Press & Journal' newspaper today.

It is also mentioned on their website...

'Candidates put it on the line'

Regards,

Gordon

 

[stugster]

"But unlike that other TV job show, The Apprentice, the candidates will not be fired along the way. "

So the entertainment and shock-value is now lost...

 

[Power Lunch Club]

"But unlike that other TV job show, The Apprentice, the candidates will not be fired along the way. "

So the entertainment and shock-value is now lost...

I think there has been more enterainment and shock-value on this post about the subject...