Letting marketing slip through

My highly esteemed colleague in Vienna, Christian Henner-Fehr, highlighted a subject in his blog lately an article, which appeared on the web exactly at a point, where I banged my head against the same issue here in Slovakia. The original author Bernd Röthlingshöfer in his blog "... und jeztz zur Werbung" - translated as "and now to advertisement" - gives an interesting insight in the post for whom social media apparently is not intended. 

Not so much, that there is a real restricted area, but the title is meant ironically. Were it not, that I deal with it almost daily, where I still need convincing clients to get out of their academically stuffy cultural cocoon and try to interface with the world, since a huge potential market is almost exclusively expecting you to be on the web, especially on social media.

Just in short, these are examples - according to the article - where social media is off limits:

1. when no clear goals are defined
2. missing long-term strategies
3. relying on an agent, since they have hardly a clue what it is all about
4. not having inhouse the necessary competency to make a decision
5. having no time
6. having no staff
7. not fully understanding how social media works
8. their reaction to developments within social media takes too long

Again, it may look a bit like mockery, yet these aforementioned clients do exist. Even those, who combine several of the above, if not all. Wonder why they are dangling on a rope and not understanding why business is so slow.

About time to catch up, else you really let your marketing slip through your fingers.

MS

Managerial challenges

Running a cultural entity, whether an orchestra, theatre or museum is a bit of a different type of job as running a regular commercial business. Your output is far less tangible as let's say selling books or computers.

Speaking of the latter, computers do play an increasingly important role in every day's society. Let's admit it, we do search for the best train connections, the latest discounts or the next concert with the help of the browser. The web-page is therefore not just a fancy window, but provides the first impression to keep the visitor interested - hopefully to make avail of your offer.

Recently, one institution, despite hiring me in as to help our with their marketing, decided without consulting me into a totally different approach, implementing inadequate parallel web-domains, showing not just disregard for portfolio's but most of all, inadequate understanding of marketing and web-applications as such.

What became more apparent, was the total lack of leadership, where suddenly every one became an expert for another person's portfolio. 

Sad to see a another unique and valuable ensemble in Slovakia - with much international potential - go down the drain. Despite all warnings and written reports on threats, they cut their last life line. Slovak culture is hardly viable, since not only corruptions from above is damaging, but also human prestige is blocking much instead of taking a professional approach to move a bit forward.

MS

Reaching for yet a higher C

The Slovak Opera has definitively a bad spell, claims the far from superstitious author. When following the developments, every next step surpasses the amazement of the previous one. One expects that when the summit of blunders or unhappy mishaps occurred, that the next one will be a careful one, but then the opposite happens.

The new General Manager of the SND State National Theatre, was surprisingly selected. Despite initial doubts about the candidate's proven background, I decided to give some time as a kind of a benefit of the doubt gesture. The appointment was - again - slightly controversial, but let the man prove himself. Perhaps, there would finally be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Hardly, a few months have passed, when news of a sudden sacking of all three department managers was flung into the media, just one day before an important premiere-night. Not the best of PR skills. What was a bit bizarre, that the usual reasons given remained vague or rather unlikely. One cannot but be amazed. Among the immediate replacements were ... one of the selection-committee members, who appointed our best man into the saddle.

It could be argued, that perhaps most candidates will have supporters as well as those who would oppose. But such a move is definitively not adding to much of a convincing and professional image. It took too much time for an alibi (apparently embezzlement... don't be surprised). 

The credibility, alas,  has fully gone. Unless there is indeed a vested interest to keep this Opera in a muddle of scandals, then there is no other explanation but a bad spell. A never-ending story of intrigues and mismanagement. he new government fortunately has ousted the communist elements from the government. Now let us see, if they can effectively restructure the whole cultural sector, so it will become a bit more prominent in society again, more representative and more decent.

MS

How to loot your culture

Culture is a many faceted aspect of one's society. Especially nowadays Europe seems to struggle once every few months with a question about its identity. In such a situation, one would expect that governments would somewhat treasure their cultural heritage.In other words, rediscovering its value. This logic, however, is somewhat far fetched from normal day's reality. To which absurdities and contradictory policies a government could go, can be demonstrated in the case of Slovakia. 

While there is absolutely no visionary policy on art, furthermore any kind of quality artistic contribution to society is either underpaid or in most cases completely ignored. The reason should not be looked for in our present day crisis, for it has existed long before. On the one hand, bureaucratic systems keep cultural activities on the lowest possible level - either by funding poor quality (as long as your friend's friend is in charge, their financial support is secured) - but funding as a general remains sometimes uncertain even till after a performance. Risks that can hardly be carried on the shoulders of those who make a humble living from it.

As the Expo Shanghai is approaching, a bizarre anecdote came to my attention. When communicating about possibilities to be present in Shanghai for the Slovak Republic, the bottom line of the whole matter was that; "Yes you can be part of our country's representation. No, of course we will not pay you; it is obviously for the honour that you will do it to represent your country".

How arrogant can a country treat its culture is clearly demonstrated. We reached a level, where it is already expected that musicians will work for free. But even an international representation - a kind of calling-card for your own country - is worth nothing. Obviously, the managers wouldn't want to forego their juicy fees. Slovakia's culture is basically on death-row.

MS

An Odd Surprise to save the Opera?

The final verdict for the appointment to become the General Manager of the Bratislava State National Theatre (SND) has fallen. A postition which has by now gathered enough controversies, that would need supernatural attributes of the candidate, as well as a firm grip of a generalissimo, but foremost being a skilled manager - a treat which demonstratively is a rare given around the SND. One could say, some level of masochism would be required. 

In the end, what was most surprising, a candidate, who didn't want to become the GM at all - only to have his say and then keep his peace - in the end got the job: Ondrej Šoth. In these circles, life in Slovakia is far from dull and surprises are around the corner everywhere. Were it only that they would be more helpful instead of damaging. 

Interesting was one of the headlines in the economical daily Hospodárske noviny which screamed that 'scandalous foreigners want to manage the SND". When only seeing the past 3 years at the SND, I would find the label 'scandalous' rather befitting to those Slovaks, who were in charge, and ruined the whole place. Moreover, one of the Slovak candidates (and thus not or less scandalous to the newspaper author I assume), was one of the very same initiators of the decomposition of the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra. Need I go on?

In the end, while others are described having had a good preparation, the winner went only to give an emotional plea. Seems that romantic ideas and emotions count more than realistic visions to face managerial responsibilities.

I hardly do not dare to pronounce my feelings, where I already see this scenario to repeat itself within a relatively short time. I don't want to draw a sign on the wall. But I am afraid, that somehow something is continuously nagging in my mind, that this circus has definitively not ended yet.

MS

Da Capo for the Slovak National Theatre... al Fine?

Certain things in life have a cyclic recurrence. As we enjoy the slow yet steady return of spring as a revival of nature, it seems that even the Slovak National Theatre has awaken from hibernation. Despite years of a mismanagement-circus, costing valuable millions while at the same time the directors where coming and going like migrating birds, resulting in further soap opera-like (how striking) floating without any direction. A tragic fate for a institution, which wants to be a figure head of Slovak culture.

The Minister of Culture Marek Maďarič has showed that other matters were clearly of higher priority, as was the dubious Language Act, which was given far too much energy for a law that remains questionable [sic.]. Given the minister's background, I would have expected a bit more concern in the matter. But be it so, the gods of Slovak culture seem not to be too favourable. However, a monstrous institution without any managerial vision is a deadly combination.

Since the little coup d'état last summer, where after three directors within a few months' time, the last Opera director together with the chef-conductor as well as Drama boss demonstratively resigned and finally the General Director Ms Hroncová arrived at the only possible conclusion to finally hand in her resignation, it was somewhat quiet at the frontline.

The long awaited outcome of the hiring process in December last year, brought nothing more than surprise. None of the candidates have made it, while the current ad interim director at the last minute withdrew from the selection procedure. The reason given was agonisingly quite unconvincing.

Even the more as yesterday's news announced, that seven candidates applied for the job of General Manager. Immediately after the December's failure, it had transpired that Mr Maďarič had approached singer - and current boss of the Košice Opera - Peter Dvorský for the job. Was it pre-meditated? As these signals hurled some unpleasant discussions behind the scenes, perhaps the minister wisely changed his mind after all; hibernation period started.

The fact, that suddenly a renewed attempt is detected - at least something is happening again - made me wonder, whether I was not accidentally reading about months-old news. As among the candidates was again Pavol Smolík, who - to remind you - withdrew his candidacy at the last minute. Indeed, it was the latest news, yet it looked as if the carousel was turning again round and round, never to advance into any direction. When thinking of the wasted millions while good quality musicians hardly stand a chance to find support for their performances, it is making me far from optimistic.

One would honestly slowly start thinking, that this monstrum - the building of it took over 18 years, yet it looks inside and outside like a concept-less bunker, where even the auditorium, specifically erected for opera, has an acoustic value of a third rate sports hall - has not only a poor design but even an eerie spell. No manager appears to be able to cast that spell away. A sad prospect.

MS

Certain things in life have a cyclic recurrence. As we enjoy the slow yet steady return of spring as a revival of nature, it seems that even the Slovak National Theatre has awaken from hibernation. Despite years of a mismanagement-circus, costing valuable millions while at the same time the directors where coming and going like migrating birds, resulting in further soap opera-like (how striking) floating without any direction. A tragic fate for a institution, which wants to be a figure head of Slovak culture. The Minister of Culture Marek Maďarič has showed that other matters were clearly of higher priority, as was the dubious Language Act, which was given far too much energy for a law that remains questionable [sic.]. Given the minister's background, I would have expected a bit more concern in the matter. But be it so, the gods of Slovak culture seem not to be too favourable. However, a monstrous institution without any managerial vision is a deadly combination. Since the little coup d'état last summer, where after three directors within a few months' time, the last Opera director together with the chef-conductor as well as Drama boss demonstratively resigned and finally the General Director Ms Hroncová arrived at the only possible conclusion to finally hand in her resignation, it was somewhat quiet at the frontline. The long awaited outcome of the hiring process in December last year, brought nothing more than surprise. None of the candidates have made it, while the current ad interim director at the last minute withdrew from the selection procedure. The reason given was quite unconvincing. Even the more as yesterday's news announced, that seven candidates applied for the job of General Manager. Immediately after the December's failure, it had transpired that Mr Maďarič had approached singer - and current boss of the Kosice Opera - Peter Dvorský for the job. Was it pre-meditated? As these signals hurled some unpleasant discussions behind the scenes, perhaps the minister wisely changed his mind after all; hibernation period started. The fact, that a re-newed attempt is detected - at least something is happening - it made me wonder, whether I was not accidentally reading about months-old news. As among the candidates was again Pavol Smolík, who - to remind you - withdrew his candidacy at the last minute. Indeed, it was the latest news, yet it looked as if the carousel was turning again round and round, never to advance into any direction. One would honestly slowly start thinking, that this monstrum - the building of it took over 18 years, yet it looks inside and outside like a concept-less bunker, where even the auditorium, specifically erected for opera, has an acoustic value of a third rate sports hall - has not only a poor design but even an eerie spell. No manager appears to be able to cast that spell away. A sad prospect. MS

Certain things in life have a cyclic recurrence. As we enjoy the slow yet steady return of spring as a revival of nature, it seems that even the Slovak National Theatre has awaken from hibernation. Despite years of a mismanagement-circus, costing valuable millions while at the same time the directors where coming and going like migrating birds, resulting in further soap opera-like (how striking) floating without any direction. A tragic fate for a institution, which wants to be a figure head of Slovak culture. The Minister of Culture Marek Maďarič has showed that other matters were clearly of higher priority, as was the dubious Language Act, which was given far too much energy for a law that remains questionable [sic.]. Given the minister's background, I would have expected a bit more concern in the matter. But be it so, the gods of Slovak culture seem not to be too favourable. However, a monstrous institution without any managerial vision is a deadly combination. Since the little coup d'état last summer, where after three directors within a few months' time, the last Opera director together with the chef-conductor as well as Drama boss demonstratively resigned and finally the General Director Ms Hroncová arrived at the only possible conclusion to finally hand in her resignation, it was somewhat quiet at the frontline. The long awaited outcome of the hiring process in December last year, brought nothing more than surprise. None of the candidates have made it, while the current ad interim director at the last minute withdrew from the selection procedure. The reason given was quite unconvincing. Even the more as yesterday's news announced, that seven candidates applied for the job of General Manager. Immediately after the December's failure, it had transpired that Mr Maďarič had approached singer - and current boss of the Kosice Opera - Peter Dvorský for the job. Was it pre-meditated? As these signals hurled some unpleasant discussions behind the scenes, perhaps the minister wisely changed his mind after all; hibernation period started. The fact, that a re-newed attempt is detected - at least something is happening - it made me wonder, whether I was not accidentally reading about months-old news. As among the candidates was again Pavol Smolík, who - to remind you - withdrew his candidacy at the last minute. Indeed, it was the latest news, yet it looked as if the carousel was turning again round and round, never to advance into any direction. One would honestly slowly start thinking, that this monstrum - the building of it took over 18 years, yet it looks inside and outside like a concept-less bunker, where even the auditorium, specifically erected for opera, has an acoustic value of a third rate sports hall - has not only a poor design but even an eerie spell. No manager appears to be able to cast that spell away. A sad prospect. MS

Certain things in life have a cyclic recurrence. As we enjoy the slow yet steady return of spring as a revival of nature, it seems that even the Slovak National Theatre has awaken from hibernation. Despite years of a mismanagement-circus, costing valuable millions while at the same time the directors where coming and going like migrating birds, resulting in further soap opera-like (how striking) floating without any direction. A tragic fate for a institution, which wants to be a figure head of Slovak culture. The Minister of Culture Marek Maďarič has showed that other matters were clearly of higher priority, as was the dubious Language Act, which was given far too much energy for a law that remains questionable [sic.]. Given the minister's background, I would have expected a bit more concern in the matter. But be it so, the gods of Slovak culture seem not to be too favourable. However, a monstrous institution without any managerial vision is a deadly combination. Since the little coup d'état last summer, where after three directors within a few months' time, the last Opera director together with the chef-conductor as well as Drama boss demonstratively resigned and finally the General Director Ms Hroncová arrived at the only possible conclusion to finally hand in her resignation, it was somewhat quiet at the frontline. The long awaited outcome of the hiring process in December last year, brought nothing more than surprise. None of the candidates have made it, while the current ad interim director at the last minute withdrew from the selection procedure. The reason given was agonisingly quite unconvincing. Even the more as yesterday's news announced, that seven candidates applied for the job of General Manager. Immediately after the December's failure, it had transpired that Mr Maďarič had approached singer - and current boss of the Košice Opera - Peter Dvorský for the job. Was it pre-meditated? As these signals hurled some unpleasant discussions behind the scenes, perhaps the minister wisely changed his mind after all; hibernation period started. The fact, that suddenly a renewed attempt is detected - at least something is happening again - made me wonder, whether I was not accidentally reading about months-old news. As among the candidates was again Pavol Smolík, who - to remind you - withdrew his candidacy at the last minute. Indeed, it was the latest news, yet it looked as if the carousel was turning again round and round, never to advance into any direction. One would honestly slowly start thinking, that this monstrum - the building of it took over 18 years, yet it looks inside and outside like a concept-less bunker, where even the auditorium, specifically erected for opera, has an acoustic value of a third rate sports hall - has not only a poor design but even an eerie spell. No manager appears to be able to cast that spell away. A sad prospect. MS Certain things in life have a cyclic recurrence. As we enjoy the slow yet steady return of spring as a revival of nature, it seems that even the Slovak National Theatre has awaken from hibernation. Despite years of a mismanagement-circus, costing valuable millions while at the same time the directors where coming and going like migrating birds, resulting in further soap opera-like (how striking) floating without any direction. A tragic fate for a institution, which wants to be a figure head of Slovak culture. The Minister of Culture Marek Maďarič has showed that other matters were clearly of higher priority, as was the dubious Language Act, which was given far too much energy for a law that remains questionable [sic.]. Given the minister's background, I would have expected a bit more concern in the matter. But be it so, the gods of Slovak culture seem not to be too favourable. However, a monstrous institution without any managerial vision is a deadly combination. Since the little coup d'état last summer, where after three directors within a few months' time, the last Opera director together with the chef-conductor as well as Drama boss demonstratively resigned and finally the General Director Ms Hroncová arrived at the only possible conclusion to finally hand in her resignation, it was somewhat quiet at the frontline. The long awaited outcome of the hiring process in December last year, brought nothing more than surprise. None of the candidates have made it, while the current ad interim director at the last minute withdrew from the selection procedure. The reason given was quite unconvincing. Even the more as yesterday's news announced, that seven candidates applied for the job of General Manager. Immediately after the December's failure, it had transpired that Mr Maďarič had approached singer - and current boss of the Kosice Opera - Peter Dvorský for the job. Was it pre-meditated? As these signals hurled some unpleasant discussions behind the scenes, perhaps the minister wisely changed his mind after all; hibernation ...

Translation was truncated because of the limit at 5000 characters set by Google API.

Certain things in life have a cyclic recurrence. As we enjoy the slow yet steady return of spring as a revival of nature, it seems that even the Slovak National Theatre has awaken from hibernation. Despite years of a mismanagement-circus, costing valuable millions while at the same time the directors where coming and going like migrating birds, resulting in further soap opera-like (how striking) floating without any direction. A tragic fate for a institution, which wants to be a figure head of Slovak culture. The Minister of Culture Marek Maďarič has showed that other matters were clearly of higher priority, as was the dubious Language Act, which was given far too much energy for a law that remains questionable [sic.]. Given the minister's background, I would have expected a bit more concern in the matter. But be it so, the gods of Slovak culture seem not to be too favourable. However, a monstrous institution without any managerial vision is a deadly combination. Since the little coup d'état last summer, where after three directors within a few months' time, the last Opera director together with the chef-conductor as well as Drama boss demonstratively resigned and finally the General Director Ms Hroncová arrived at the only possible conclusion to finally hand in her resignation, it was somewhat quiet at the frontline. The long awaited outcome of the hiring process in December last year, brought nothing more than surprise. None of the candidates have made it, while the current ad interim director at the last minute withdrew from the selection procedure. The reason given was agonisingly quite unconvincing. Even the more as yesterday's news announced, that seven candidates applied for the job of General Manager. Immediately after the December's failure, it had transpired that Mr Maďarič had approached singer - and current boss of the Košice Opera - Peter Dvorský for the job. Was it pre-meditated? As these signals hurled some unpleasant discussions behind the scenes, perhaps the minister wisely changed his mind after all; hibernation period started. The fact, that suddenly a renewed attempt is detected - at least something is happening again - made me wonder, whether I was not accidentally reading about months-old news. As among the candidates was again Pavol Smolík, who - to remind you - withdrew his candidacy at the last minute. Indeed, it was the latest news, yet it looked as if the carousel was turning again round and round, never to advance into any direction. One would honestly slowly start thinking, that this monstrum - the building of it took over 18 years, yet it looks inside and outside like a concept-less bunker, where even the auditorium, specifically erected for opera, has an acoustic value of a third rate sports hall - has not only a poor design but even an eerie spell. No manager appears to be able to cast that spell away. A sad prospect. MS Certain things in life have a cyclic recurrence. As we enjoy the slow yet steady return of spring as a revival of nature, it seems that even the Slovak National Theatre has awaken from hibernation. Despite years of a mismanagement-circus, costing valuable millions while at the same time the directors where coming and going like migrating birds, resulting in further soap opera-like (how striking) floating without any direction. A tragic fate for a institution, which wants to be a figure head of Slovak culture. The Minister of Culture Marek Maďarič has showed that other matters were clearly of higher priority, as was the dubious Language Act, which was given far too much energy for a law that remains questionable [sic.]. Given the minister's background, I would have expected a bit more concern in the matter. But be it so, the gods of Slovak culture seem not to be too favourable. However, a monstrous institution without any managerial vision is a deadly combination. Since the little coup d'état last summer, where after three directors within a few months' time, the last Opera director together with the chef-conductor as well as Drama boss demonstratively resigned and finally the General Director Ms Hroncová arrived at the only possible conclusion to finally hand in her resignation, it was somewhat quiet at the frontline. The long awaited outcome of the hiring process in December last year, brought nothing more than surprise. None of the candidates have made it, while the current ad interim director at the last minute withdrew from the selection procedure. The reason given was quite unconvincing. Even the more as yesterday's news announced, that seven candidates applied for the job of General Manager. Immediately after the December's failure, it had transpired that Mr Maďarič had approached singer - and current boss of the Kosice Opera - Peter Dvorský for the job. Was it pre-meditated? As these signals hurled some unpleasant discussions behind the scenes, perhaps the minister wisely changed his mind after all; hibernation ...

Slovak Philharmonic's blues

A trend in Slovakia's music world is that incompetent managers do everything they can to destroy it. A manager is not to have any vision, responsibility for his product is completely unheard of, and it seems the only objective is to make sure your own salary is as optimal as it can be.

Slovakia's Philharmony, one would gather it to be a prestigious cultural institution to carefully nourish and use as a promotion abroad. Yet, it is a petty club of drifting musicians, victims of anything bad that Mr Murphy has put into his law. Season 2009/2010 has started quite a while ago, and only in February 2010, its newly appointed chief conductor Emmanuel Villaume finally came to town to present himself and 'his' orchestra. And till the end of the season only one more concert to follow. How about that?

True is, that it is becoming a general trend, where chief conductors spend much time abroad. But the quality of an - let's say - Amsterdam's Concertgebouw Orchestra  or a Berlin Phil is a bit more steady to absorb such shifts. While the Slovak Philharmonic has fell prey to management struggles, where one conductor after another walked out, this tactic (for hardly can it be considered a strategic choice) proves to be devastating. But in all honesty - merely 2 concerts for this season and having a status of chief conductor? What's the point? Having two heavy weight cultural centres around the corner - Vienna as well as Budapest, the burden is simply too massive to be ignored.

This so-called opening concert announced a Brahms symphony. Nr. 4. Whichever Brahms you take, any self-respecting philharmonic band needs to have this in its repertoire, and almost be able to play it by heart, no matter who is swaying the baton. Perhaps the bride and groom were so nervous during their first appearance (although it was not the very first co-operation between the orchestra and the conductor). But when even a minimal professionalism of playing together, following the maestro, among others, is not there, then the state of the orchestra is at a dramatic low. Unless it would have been a last-minute stand-in to replace a suddenly fallen ill conductor, it could be excused. This is an embarrassment. A better job could be outdone by an average amateur orchestra from Germany.

My conclusion is, despite a Mahler symphony ahead (and my acquaintances know my appetite for Mahler), the Slovak Philharmonic is no longer on my visit-list. Unfortunately.

MS