What DM could learn from DRTV

I was feeling a little under the weather this past weekend, and so I spent some time on the couch watching TV. If you have turned on the television recently on a Saturday or Sunday you know there is an endless number of DRTV programs available to you. Having come from the DRTV world, I was happy to have the opportunity to see what new shows were on the air, and what existing shows were still running (and hopefully indicates are still working). As I watched a few different shows it struck me that there is one thing that DRTV does REALLY well, and that is tell stories.

Every week I receive DM pieces from various non-profits throughout North America, and the vast majority are short letters, telling me how wonderful they are, and usually containing a very organizationally focused ask. Rarely do charities tell me a story about an individual who needs my help...the real reason that I would choose to give to that organization.

I know TV has the benefit of being able to show pretty pictures and really give the viewer a look at that persons life, but the stories they tell can almost always translate onto paper.

When you write your next DM appeal, PLEASE tell a story, because at the end of the day, people give to people. Its not about you - its about the lives you are impacting.

MSF's new video

This new :60 spot from Medecins sans Frontiers is getting a lot of attention right now and is stirring up a great deal of controversy in the fundraising world. The piece is actually a cinema advertisement and began airing in August in theatres across the UK. According to their website, MSF is trying to do something different in non-profit marketing, and I think its safe to say that they have. The spot is jarring, unsettling and difficult to watch. Even if you've never heard of MSF before, you'll understand quite quickly the type of work that they are involved in, and my guess is, you won't forget what you've seen.

Its difficult to argue that this is not a powerful piece, but questions are being raised as to whether or not they have gone too far. What do you think? Do you love it? Hate it? Do you find it offensive? Does it leave you feeling depressed and hopeless or are you inspired to do something to help?

And as fundraisers, do you think they have hit the mark? There is no call to action, no information on how you can help, just the bleak reality of what life is like for many children around the world.

Whats your view...

Powerful TV spot from UNICEF

With a background in DRTV, it shouldn't suprise you that I get excited when I see a powerful TV spot. I can't say enough about the spot below done by UNICEF as part of their Tap Project.