Ecospot Contest Winners 60 Seconds to Save the Earth
Welcome back!
Dave Schlafman was announced as the grand prize winner of Current’s Ecospot contest ‘60 Seconds to Save the Earth,’ conducted with the Alliance for Climate Protection for his controversial animated video ‘The Sky is Falling.’
Dave Schlafman
Viewers voted from more than 500 entries to dub Dave Schlafman the winner for which participants created 15, 30 or 60 second video messages to inspire people to get involved in finding solutions to the climate crisis by taking action or motivating change. 23 semi-finalists were selected by celebrity judges George Clooney, Cameron Diaz, Orlando Bloom and Rihanna, as well as Alex Bogusky of leading ad agency Crispin, Porter & Bogusky, legendary advertising director Joe Pytka and founding CEO of the Alliance for Climate Protection Cathy Zoi.
Rich Brickman was awarded 2nd place for ‘Are You Game?,’ Leah Lamb placed 3rd for ‘ I Did Noth’n,’ and Haydn Butler came in 4th for ‘The Bags.’ The winning Ecospots can be viewed online.
“The goal of the Current Ecospot contest was to challenge our active and engaged audience to create public service announcements that would impact young adults’ views on climate change,” said Joel Hyatt, Current chief executive officer. “The overwhelming response has proven to us that this is a hot button topic and we feel that these innovative, viewer-created spots will be an influence that triggers action on this important issue.”
In the spirit of the Ecospot, Schlafman of Boston, Massachusetts used recycled brown paper bags to produce the backgrounds for his animation and then reused the bags by framing them as gifts to friends. Possessing a passion for animation and creating new characters and fantastic worlds, Schlafman seeks a fine balance between humor, innocence, psychology and desire in his cartoons.
“The Ecospots communicate in a compelling way the urgent need to solve the climate crisis.” said Cathy Zoi, CEO of the Alliance for Climate Protection. “The good news is we can solve it, but we need to inspire people to take action quickly and the winning ecospot does just that.”
The grand prize and finalist Ecospots have been broadcast internationally on Current TV, showcased on MySpace’s Impact Channel, and featured in the Alliance for Climate Protection’s multimillion dollar national campaign. The grand prize winner received a hybrid Toyota Highlander. The three finalists were awarded Sony prize packages, with the runners-up receiving T-Mobile Sidekick phones.
But the contest was not without controversy. It was headed by Vice President Al Gore, and when the winner was announced, hundreds protested stating that the contest had been fixed. Claims have been made that Dave Schlafman copied the idea from a 9 year old Russian boy who won an Ecospot contest two years prior with the very same concept. It’s been reported that comments became so out of control that Al Gore had it censored due to the embarrassment.
Apparently Dave Schlafman was asked if he planned to share the winnings with the disabled Russian boy who originated the concept and he responded in a very rude manner. A private source has said that they are extremely embarrassed for not validating the Ecospot’s originality. All protests were censored and removed. However, reading the responses here in the winner’s remarks hints to political and negative remarks …
“I’m sorry your page got hijacked by a discussion about the contest …”
“Liked the pod pity about the politics in the post …”
A message from admin reads, “If you have questions or comments regarding the Ecospot results, please send us an email at ecospot_us@currentmedia.com. This thread is not the place for those debates, and any posts that violate our community standards will be removed.”
Grand Prize Winner: Sky is Falling — Dave Schlafman
Schlafman writes, “I made this PSA to make people think about how much crap we pump into the air. I wanted to use a creative, simple metaphor so everyone can understand how much harm we’re doing to the atmosphere and environment.
2nd Place Winner: Are You Game — Rich Brickman
A fast-paced, green-themed party game, in which 6 friends race
against time to discover common solutions to the climate crisis.
3rd Place Winner: I did Noth’N — Leah Lamb
Designed to encourage people to think about how doing nothing is a
powerful action that has influence, and to address the high pressures
placed upon NG people to ’save the world.’
4th Place Winner: The Bags — Haydn Butler
Butler writes, “In the UK 88% of household rubbish is disposed of in landfill, increasing the pressure on landfill sites and releasing dangerous gasses into the air. We all realize there is a growing problem but nobody likes to admit that their rubbish is contributing to the problem. We made this film using a style and genre that was different from the usual ‘message film.’ We think our film would appeal to the younger generation – encouraging them to open their eyes, see the impact their actions have on their immediate world and take action to change. Each rubbish bag that featured
in this ad was sorted and recycled after filming.
Dave Schlafman
After working at Soup 2 Nuts Animation Studio for more than a year, Dave Schlafman left to pursue new opportunities and venues for his artwork. He has worked professionally in the fields of design, animation, and illustration. Clients include: Hasbro Toys, Parker Brothers, Soup 2 Nuts Animation Studio, Johnny Cupcakes,
Hands on Toys, as well as Pileated Pictures.
This clip is a video artist statement about his work and characters.
You can view Schlafman’s website to learn more about the artist or contact him by email.
About the Alliance for Climate Protection
The Alliance for Climate Protection is a 501c3 organization founded in 2006 by Vice President Al Gore who is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Alliance is engaged in an effort to convince people from all walks of life about the urgency and the solvability of the climate crisis.
Building on the momentum of the Academy Award winning film, ‘An Inconvenient Truth,’ the Alliance objective was to inspire individuals to take action to quickly reduce their own greenhouse pollution to become ‘carbon neutral’ and to demand action from their political, business and community leaders to enact policies that would sharply reduce emissions.
About Current
Current launched August 1, 2005 as a peer-to-peer (P2P) news and television information network, that helps users determine the news and information that is relevant to them. Current connects young adults with what’s going on in their world through its blend of citizen journalism and viewer participation, offering programming and content.
Current can be seen in the U.S. and U.K. through distribution partners Comcast (Channel 107 nationwide), Time Warner (nationwide), DirecTV (channel 366 nationwide), Dish Network (channel 196 nationwide), BSkyB (channel 193) and Virgin Media Cable (channel 155). For more information, you can visit the website: www.current.com.
Contacts include:
Bender/Helper Impact for Current
Melisa Rodriguez
310-473-4147
Melisa_rodriguez@bhimpact.com
Or
The Alliance for Climate Protection
Cathy Zoi
Brian Hardwick
650-566-9730
brian.hardwick@climateprotect.org
UPDATE:
I believe this to be the video in question that some have been discussing in the comments, as it appears in the comments under Dave Shlafman’s winning profile as one that is similar:
Face Your Elephant
And below is The Little Things Ecospot
Ecospot: The Little Things
Climate change isn’t a problem that’s too big. In fact, it’s the little things we each do every day that make a difference. Just a few simple decisions we each make in our daily lives add up quickly when we’re all doing them together. What starts as just one person making a difference can quickly turn into a global effort to help influence climate change.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by those in this article, their members, and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Life in the Fast Lane. Life in the Fast Lane is not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by ‘The Community.’
Tags:60 Seconds to Save the Earth Alliance for Climate Protection climate change contest Current Dave Schlafman P2P peer to peer social site videos
The ecospot contest was a complete farce! First the spot called The Little Things was sabotage. Janet 404 a friend of Dave openly confessed to committing voter fraud for her friend on the ecospots winner comments. When everyone protested Al Gore CENSORED all the comments having them all removed.
I think that this contest was operated in the wrong way. To change the rules at the last minute, and make two contetants ineligible was uncalled for. The two that were taken out were winning and were removed as they were not in the social group or had any pull. Also, if you want to write to Mr. Gore personally and express your opinion, you cannot do it as all commects go into the main mailbox of the company. We should be able to write to Mr. Gore as he is the head of the program.
Those are really great. I’m sending this around the office right now. Too bad about the naysayers in this comment thread.
I understand the frustration everyone is having. My comment was censored as well. All I said was the mechanism in place by Current TV failed because it was proven a fact that the 60 second spot winner stole the idea from a 9 year old disable boy in Russia. Dave did not even want to share the prize with the boy or even acknowledge him with any credit. Sorry Dave the spot was good there is no other way to put it, but was it yours??????????
Me and my friends followed the contest. The Little Things spot was leading by about 2400 hundred vote. All of a sudden they were removed from the winning spot along with another group that was catching up to The Sky is Falling. Was it a coincidence? I think not! The media is going to have a field day with this one. Good luck CURRENT TV! You are going to need it. As for Dave. One day maybe not today KARMA will catch up to you and then you will have to not concern yourself with The Sky is Falling. It will be your reputation falling.
My friend Dave did not know that Janet was committing voter fraud. He is a great guy and deserves to win.
After reading this, I went to the artists website…which then led me to his blog. I found this…
http://www.blog.schlafman.com
This has become a question of professional ethics. I read Dave letter on the site he posted. Thanks Tyler! It left a disingenuous taste in my mouth. It speaks of what appears to be cleverly place words to garner some most needed sympathy. If you were genuine you would have offered the boy who apparently is in such need part of the prize. Sorry guy you are busted. All your post cannot change that most malicious act! Take a hard moment and remember this-While you are driving your girl friend to dinner in your high dollar hybred car spending the money you win- That across the world there is a disable boy being pushed in his wheel chair to the hospital because they cannot afford to buy a car and you in fact have what he deserved! Please remember this while you sit and laugh about your act with your friends!
I have been in advertising for almost 20 years in Shy Town USA. What Dave did is reprehensible but I understand him. Sometimes we have trouble finding a really good original idea so we borrow someone else work. There is no one in advertising that has not done this at one point or another in their career! However imagine trying to win an addey award with someone else work. You would be chastise and black balled in advertising. Dave you did it to yourself. No one would touch you with a ten foot pole! I need creative people in our agency not people that would openly steal at the bargain price you did “FOR FREE”.
It is a hard world out there and it does not suffer fools. Do the right thing and offer that young disable part of your winnings. American is a cold country but a compassionate one when you tell the truth and own uo to your mistakes. America is the bible belt and would forgive you however you must look in the mirror each and every day knowing the person you are looking at committed fraud not only to American and the world , but most importantly to an innocent disable boy living in the other side of the world who cannot defend himself from plagiarise parasites like you.
This smear campaign is truly horrifying and out of control. I am not a ‘friend’ of Dave’s but a former teacher and supervisor of his when he was a student and dedicated his life outside the classroom to bringing his art to underserved children! I know this man and he is one of the most honest and committed people I have ever met (and one of the most creative, from my 25 years in higher education). Do those of you who are just putting comments out onto the internet maligning someone’s character without knowing him or knowing all the facts understand the harm you are perpetrating? I have no idea if someone committed fraud in the voting, or if in fact a disabled boy created a similarly themed piece. I do know, absolutely, that Dave had no knowledge of either of these. Upon hearing about the child’s piece, I searched all over the internet and could find nothing about this child’s work, so I’m not sure how someone would have seen it or if it exists. One of the unfortunate results of this age of media and technology is that people can voice comments with no basis of fact anonymously and the victim, in this case Dave, has no recourse. Please be responsible and do not attack an individual without having factual, first-hand information. Dave is a generous, kind person without a dishonest bone in his body and I can only imagine how this must be hurting him. Please think about what you’re doing before you attack someone. Thank you.
Artforchange it is funny how you speak of hiding all the while you do not give your name. My folks always say let your speech be better then silence or simply remain silent. I as well believe in giving someone the benefit of the doubt , however one of his friends openly admitted to voter fraud and while I truly believe Dave had nothing to do with it, the fact remains that there was something very shady about the contest. Dave won a contest under a shadow of great doubt! This is something one cannot do in America or the world if one wants adulations for his/her work. At the very least Dave could have told Current TV to clear the controversy up before declaring a winner under the shadow of public scrutiny. Beyond this point there shall always remain suspicion about his so called victory. I am sure that young boy shall end up on TV some where in some country and for sure Dave will have to face {The Sky is Falling}, In our society there shall always remain justice for the disable and youth whom cannot protect themselves. To Dave I say what ever your part in this vexing problem for Current TV and the world, The next time you enter a contest PLEASE,PLEASE make sure a child is not the benefactor of your controversy.
where is this russian boy’s video? does anyone have a link? no video, didn’t happen. if anything sounds made up, its that a sick russian boy made a video about climate change. was it with his last dying breath too? a little too dramatic to believe.
Check out the real winner here… voter fraud… it was in the lead from the beginning. No questions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyAOuINjmgI
I cannot speak for Dave because that is something he must come out and do and do so very soon! What I would like to express is my regret for that very talented group that put together that clever spot called The Little Things. They were removed from the contest because 40% of their votes could not be verified. My husband and I voted for The Little Things however we went on vacation shortly after. When we got home we found out our vote did not count because we did not write back within 24 hours. I understand from reading countless post online that this is what disqualified that spot. Well if you take the 40% that didn’t respond back from the 4875 votes they had then they were still leading by almost 1700 votes. Was this a fair deal dealt them I ask. Rendering judgement based on a rule that was put in place at the last minute creating bias. Everyone know it is much simpler to verify a few hundred even a thousand or so rather then 4875 votes in 24 hours or so! Subsequently declaring a winner with out the benefit of all the voters being counted has become common place with Current TV , however not with America. We have had to deal with a President with the lowest ratings in the history of the White House because of those that do not count votes. Must we endure this once again because a group of people choose to not count votes and give us what they wish to serve and we must eat it with out a word! Many have served our great nation at a dear price to give us these rights some take for granted. Thanksgiving was an OK holiday however veterans day is our family holiday because we get to thank all those that serve for us and gave the ultimate sacrifice so we may stay at home safe and vote for what we believe. Let us not take this cherish gift so lightly and blow off something when we know it to be unjust! It does not matter who wins so long as a democracy exist in the process.
Skeptical! Where do you get off wishing death to a child? That in my opinion is lower then what they are accusing Dave of doing! I voted for Dave and would defend his honor but not with fools like you standing up for the cause. Sit your butt down so others can make the case for Dave without bringing in personal attacks on kids.
To Gina Mora and others: I gladly give my name. It is Mindy Nierenberg. If you have factual, yes factual, evidence of anything at all that Dave has actually done, please share it because so far no one has. Can you provide this so called young boy’s video? So far, no one I know has been able to find it, myself included. Additionally, even if found, you would then need to show that Dave had seen it. Secondly, there is absolutely no evidence of voter fraud by Dave or any of his friends. One person posted a clearly bogus comment on current saying she was a friend of Dave’s and voted 25 times but there is no such ‘friend of Dave’s’. Whether this was another smear tactic by someone is anyone’s guess. Why in the world are people attacking Dave and not curent if you think something went wrong? All he did is create this spot (before the contest, for an animation festival), enter it, and talk to a lot of people about his work and art as a tool for effecting change, such as global warming. He is a hard working, HONEST, dedicated artist with no connections to anyone in power. Those involved in this awful, unsubstantiated smear campaign are attacking another artist, one of your peers and colleagues, for no reason at all. I am only responding on this because my sense of justice is outraged by you who are doing this with absolutelely no proof. I am an academic, an artist, and an activist and I am writing because I am saddened by this attack on a good person. Please think before you write.
As a person watching this troubling quest for truth I must say in all fairness Artforchange. When I went to the Current TV winners spot there were many people censored. The one that struck me was the one posted in Russian. I am sorry I could not read Russian. There was a link posted to it. My god I wish I would have snatched it before Current TV removed it. That may have been the spot others speak of. I agree with you though. How could anyone know outside of Dave himself if he view that work. It is my inclination not knowing Dave to give him the benefit of the doubt. I believe Current TV should be held accountable for this out come and very emotional roar of the people. If you are reading this Al Gore shame on you for not being more zealous. Current TV failed all the talented artist. Dave keep your chin up.
ATTENTION EVERYONE! ONE OF THE TWO VIDEOS DAVE COPIED HIS IDEA FROM ONE WAS FOUND ON YOUTUBE. GO TO YOUTUBE AND PUT Face the elephant. It is very similar. Someone has also been tracking Dave computer and it shows he has viewed it more then 22 times. Now we will also find the Russian piece and the truth will finally come out!!!!!!!!!!
SORRY that was Face Your Elephant!!!!!!!!!!
The little things -My response – Eric Vaz
After having The Thanksgiving Holiday I decided to send this as I can’t just remain silent
I have to give my two cents to what Current TV calls improprieties This was to be a great event all. I would think given the history of voting Issues in our country – NO stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of justice by Current TV and The Alliance for Climate Protection. After all it’s your name and integrity.
How did we achieve the votes to win the contest was simple.
What caused the improprieties or out right sabotage
Remember it was not about what spot was technically or creatively the best it was all about “self promotion”. And we put together a campaign to do exactly that
So here the break down of what we did
First we used a lot of people in our spot knowing this would allow us to reach a far wider audience the just a few
The Music–CARLOS BERTONATTI epic recording artist provided the music he posted on his web site and emails went out to his 22,000 fans
I’ve been involved in community service and disaster work for 15 yeas so I have several mailing list reaching 700+ and pulled in votes this includes Several Chapter of the American red cross chapters, Office of Emergency Management, Water and Sewer Dept and countless vendors (including newspapers) I’ve worked with over the years of leading disaster operations – On the Advertising front of with I worked in for 25 years I sent to every vendor/ publication I could if we release materials to a publication they got a request to pass at their company to help us
The request for votes was also sent to several Departments at 2 Universities and hospitals
Participating Members of the Cast/Crew – remember how I said we used a lot of people– Well a lot of them are co-workers in the design, advertising, and production fields there is a number if years of working relationships within the community with vendors along with clients etc they continued the massive effort on all their part as it was their spot too. – Emails went out and out to them they also sent so they sent it to families and additional business (one a large construction developer that the got behind us an forwarded to all at his company (hundreds)
In short through a massive self promotion the request to vote for The Little things was sent to thousands and thousands of people some of which some forwarded it on, and on
Additional promotion
On Monday Nov 5th Treehugger.com featured our spot as the leader in the contest thus generating 692 votes that day alone
Personally I thought with all the emailing we’d have even more then the lead votes of 2964 votes to the second place 1487 close of public viewing of scores
What caused the improprieties as or out right sabotage
Only a few had to gain by having an outcome to the contest changed
Just before the winner was announced (apex 10 minutes) I received an email from Current TV sating 45 % of the were unable to be authenticated it was stated the this was not due to a lack of response to an email sent out to authenticate vote in witch recipients had 24 hours to respond but what they called bounce back to the email addresses
Not even with 45% less it would still make the winner “the Little Things”
Due to privacy statement I’m not privileged to see or review the process used to understand what improprieties that may done to change the outcome of the contest winner, or the possibility have the winner be better suited the audience viewers I do not believe without verification that 45% of the cast votes were not real votes I dispute the outcome
It was also stated by current TV “Quote we acknowledge the possibility a sizable number of unverifiable votes cast for your submission may attribute to third party action”
This means someone could intenually sabotage the contest. And it was sated so by current TV legal council. No attempts were made to check IP address for improprieties
There should have been safeguards to prevent this like immediate verification before vote was posted – this would have prevented improprieties or out right sabotage
Inclusion and for the record
The Little things had the most votes cast for it to be the winner
— let me repeat this—
The Little things had the most votes cast for it to be the winner
The failure to certify the spot the winner is the vast problem we face in this country with ethics in our election process and having every vote count.
As some might read this say this is ill-gotten attempts at a disgruntled loser just venting. I choose it to be my integrity and as such chose to clear my name
I used due diligence in the ecospot contest and followed all rules to the fullest extent-. I was disqualified from this contest without due process and beyond this participants control.
I Put this writing and for the record allow me and all who put their had work and those who voted the respect they deserve and ability to have a clear concessions
To the Sky is falling I extend my congratulations to your spot and hope it provides the impact intended to all that view it- Good luck
To current TV and all involved in the co-opt contest the only thing that matters is that Spots and the message be herd and put into practice
We need to embark on a a Corse of action to bring about swift change the damage to our environment and protect it for future generations
hopefully we can start with “the little things”
Thank you………………………………..
Eric Vaz
Eric Vaz you speak from the heart and I feel you man! It is disheartening to put a team together and give it your all only to come up short simply by virtue of sabotage. This is a really strange world we live in where parasites with a morbid sense of honor take up space with the good. In the really real world Current TV would grown a spine and put in place mechanisms from the inception of a great idea to protect those who simply want to contribute their creativity to make Earth Mother a better place for our kids. When I followed the contest I was as excited as a child to know that a grand multitude of creative people have come together for simply the betterment of humanity. Nothing worth as much as this cause comes without casualties. Your most creatively caring and talented group have become in my humble opinion the true spot to rally behind because despite adversity you never forgot the message and held your heads up high! Every cause needs something to believe in and you have facilitated this through your pride and dignity. Although I did not vote for your spot I wish I had…..
People seem to really believe in The little Things. I took a look at that in youtube and really got into it. There is no doubt why you are defending your people work. The Sky is Falling is a really good piece however now it has been proven beyond doubt that it was an idea already employed before the contest. Although I do not believe for a moment that Dave knowingly copied the concept because there is such a thing as coincidence but I understand the great out cry because I did not have anything to lose as others had! This contest must serve as a lesson to us all. Do not put much stock in anything simply because it has a brand name ie Al Gore. To Current TV I simply want to say shame,shame,shame. You at the very least need to make a public statement about human era before others take the initiative and spin this with the media so many ways you may forget your name is Al Gore and Current TV is your baby. It is time to spank the baby!!!!!!!!!!
when did i wish death on a child Anthony? You’re a moron.
The argument before was that Dave’s idea was stolen from some sick russian boy, which no one has the video of. What i said was that scenario sounded made up.
But now the argument has changed to Dave stealing ideas from a PSA originating in the UK. It sounds like, if anything, maybe a few people from different continents could have come up with a similar idea at the same time.
@ Skeptical – Please, let’s not have any name calling here. This may be a heated issue for some, but let’s try to remain civil to one another in the mix of emotion.
I am not the comments police, however, should anyone use profanity, your comment will be edited. Each of us are entitled to our own opinions, but abuse to other readers will not be tolerated here. Thanks every one
I could not agree more! Skeptical it seems if someone is basically on your side you should practice decorum. The fact is Russia and the United Kingdom should be at issue because they both thought of that concept first. I am sure that issue will be place on the table along proof positive. That is something Dave is surely lacking in a very big way. For what ever reason Dave is denying having knowledge of the previous videos it is not holding water with the public. It was posted on Current tv that a hacker place a tracker on Dave computer and it showed he view the other two videos many times in the past before the contest. That is compelling evidence. many have been convicted with much less evidence. What Dave needs to do is come clean because more and more evidence is surfacing everyday. I loved all the videos. They all brought home the message. Maybe all the answers will never be found however reputations are surely taking hits and that will make many wonder was it worth entering a contest that if everyone would have known previous about the ending and the poor vices in place, maybe no one would have entered.
I went to CURRENT TV and there is some kind of debate going on. For sure the CURRENT TV POLICE will step in and CENSOR everyone who does not agree with Dave. It must be great having such power behind you Dave however every where else you have no juice! The only thing that comes to mind-YOUR BUSTED-YOUR BUSTED-YOUR BUSTED!!!!!
What is needed is an official statement from Current tv. Not the statement they made in a few words which was not clear or definite. It was a great legal tap dance. I believe from the bottom of my soul if they went on the record that the lawsuits would begin and we will all know what was covered up! it is my experience when the public is in such an uproar something is definitely wrong. This has nothing to do with Dave. That is another issue between Dave and the officials in the contest. The folks in Current tv say let things be! Sorry this country was founded on people that didn’t just let things be! Current tv has arbitrarily violated the right of due process with the group that put together the spot The Little Things. When one is not allowed the god given rights our troops are fighting for then there is no DEMOCRACY in the system in place. I have read all the positions everyone have taken in this room and they all seem to bring valid concerns to the table with surprisingly great decorum. This is a testament to the countless years of education in this room. Diplomacy is a great tool that has garner strong results in the history of Peace! Let us not stray to far from this! One would really need the wisdom of Solomon to understand the many different twist and turns the ecospot contest took. This is what happens when a system is put in place that suppresses the right of the public to know the truth. I have not forgotten that the contest was about protecting the eco system as I have not forgotten to conserve the rights of each and every being that resides on earth. May we never forget that we all have the right to live just as we all have the right to have our voices echo in freedoms ear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deborah – what happened to this being the free speech forum? Or are you allowed to only slander the winner of the contest here? I see how it is. Everyone’s crying censorship from the other forum, but sounds like you practice the same thing here…how unsurprisingly hypocritical.
And Sandy, because someone says a “hacker” did something, does not make it “evidence”. In fact, if a hacker did trace someone’s computer, that is ILLEGAL. So if anyone should be “convicted” of anything it should be him. But “he” doesn’t exist so it doesn’t matter. Wise up. No one hacked anything.
It has become painfully obvious that Dave and skeptical are one in the same. What I am reading are opinions. That is the only way I am taking the information. You should do the same. The only one out of control is you and your emotions.
No, I am not Dave, just someone that doesn’t think the way everyone is ganging up on him is fair. I understand people being upset with loosing the contest. What i don’t understand are the unrelenting attacks on the winner’s as if they had anything to do with Current Tv’s decision. And no, the only thing out of control here is the bandwagon of people bashing the winner. That and making up stuff – i.e. hacker’s tracing people’s computers. But that’s just my opinion Randy.
Skeptical you can buy a tag program at any spy shop in the mall these days. It is a tool used by vendors selling good to track the spending habits of prospective buyers. I agree that it is wrong to tag someone. There are people out there that use the program to go into other computers. That is totally wrong and should not be allowed. But it is like anything else. It is up to the owner to use it wisely and responsible. No disrespect but you accused Deborah of not allowing free speech. You are wrong guy. She has not censor anyone on all sides. It is unlike current tv a freedom of speech place where all views are welcome. Maybe others should step in for Dave cause. I looked at current tv a moment ago and it seems he is in some controversy possibly not to his doing , nonetheless the fact remains. This is something he will have to deal with. His spot is really good. I wish I knew the answer to his dilemma. Dave hang in there!
Dave is a good guy and like the others should be given the benefit of doubt. In the end the truth will come to the surface.
Seems like a lot of huppa! Who cares if Dave cheated. Everyone cheats at one point or another in their life. Give the boy a break. He will eventually grow up. I love the the artforchange guy pretending to be a female. This site is so cool.
This is the last post I will make. The comment from Darthy’s comment shows the complete recklessness and stupidity of this. I am a 51 year old female. What in the world would make someone think I am male, and pretending to be female??!! Hopefully people will just stay away from this website. In defending Dave from these relentless attacks I became engaged in this thread, but will now leave it to others.
Mindy
I Took a good while to read all the comments not only in this room but 10 other as well. There is with out a doubt grounds for an investigation as to the legitimacy of both the contest and the winner.
Dave may have his issues but cheating is not one of them. I know and understand that folks may not agree with the decision in the eco-contest. Maybe there were many things that could have been done better. The Little Things deserve the benefit of the doubt because the votes did not have enough time to confirm. Who can tell maybe there could have been a tied but we will never know. In the interest of peace and to better understand one another maybe we should have a dialog where respectable folks like Mindy do not have to suffer the indignity of insults. Surely that is a reasonable request!
It seems likely something went wrong with the contest and many are being targeted possibly unjustly.
I notice the censorship hammer slammed on 28 people in Current tv. The funny thing is they made their statements very well without insults. Al Gore has some click in that Current group. They really seem to enjoy violating the freedom of speech. I wonder what would happen if someone told Al Gore to shut up. You cannot speak to Americans. I bet he would give birth to a cow. That contest needs to be banned because it seems fixed.
I checked out all the videos including The Little things. All the artist should get a standing ovation. You all did the ecospot contest justice.
Has anyone been told about an official statement?
I looked and could not find Dave new statement.
@ Skeptical – This is not a forum, this is my blog. I have not commented on anything, other than requesting you to not do any name calling. All that has been posted in this article were things that were available to me on the net, and I have not published anything with any bias whatsoever. Everyone here is entitled to their free speech, just as you have been. I have not censored anyone here, and all comments that have been submitted are here.
I will say again in attempt to make this clear, some of the few things that will not be tolerated are abuse to others here or profanity. This is my site which can be graded by profane language by search engines and other sites. Comments with profanity will not be deleted, however, profane words themselves will be edited.
I am not saying that anyone has here yet, but when I realized that this was a heated issue and some are very passionate in their comments, I stated this to nip anything in the bud. It’s very easy to say things in the heat of emotion that some may regret afterwards. Once on the net it’s out there for the entire world to see, and some have written statements on this site and elsewhere that have affected their lives and livelihood.
Since the inception of this site, I have deleted less than a handful of comments which were either pure hatred and abuse towards others commenting, or nothing but sheer profanity, other than a few comments which some have emailed me asking me to delete their comments, as they regreted making their statements in hindsight.
But I would like to commend those here for the high level of decorum that has been demonstrated.
There is doubt after reading all the post and many others on so many sites that the ecospot contest failed the artist that participated and the rest of the world that looked on expecting an honest result. This is not a slam in any form for Dave. In fact I feel for Dave because he is getting the after effect of the really bad decision made by Al Gore and all the others who took part in these actions that violated the rights of some of the artist. To the producer of the spot called The Little Things I read the statement express by your rep. He showed so much decorum and dignity. It was a true testament. You and the team are a class act. This has become the flag ship contest for Al Gore. What a way to send out your first ship,with sabotage! The next time you invite good people from around the world on one of your cruise PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE warn them that it is the TITANIC!!!!!
I agree with everyone. This smells very bad. Al Gore needs to buy some air freshener for his office if he agreed with the results of the eco-contest.
As an artist I would feel really hurt and insulted if I were not given the right to know why my work was disqualify. It is wrong to disentitle anyone who has worked so very hard for their creative expression. Eric Vaz I send out a hug to you and the creative people that put that spot together. The little Things should be seen by the world. Your sacrifice will not go unnoticed! Maybe the ecospot contest should have been hosted by another country that does not have a history of tainted elections. God Bless…
Eric Vaz I admire the way you defend the position of The Little Things. It is important when something is unjust to speak out. Deborah I respect your position. You are managing an incredibly Hot Topic with outstanding control and dignity. You Go Girl!!!
“FACE YOUR ELEPHANT” That is one of the two videos Dave borrowed the eco-spot winning idea from. Goggle that spot. You will have no doubt if you look at it closely. Dude face the music! You are busted! Face The Elephant , should get equal play here Deborah. It is only fare that people have a chance to see and make up their own mind.
Alicia: Thank you
Anthony: Thanks for validating the name of the video.
To all: I have updated this post. You will find The Little Things video, along with Face Your Elephant towards the bottom as an update.
Thank you very much on behalf of justice and the general public.
You’re more than welcome Anthony
If anyone has the link or name to the Russian boy’s video I will post that as well.
It is high time the truth came out and took a deep breath. We have allowed this cheeky fellow Dave to make his claim of victory in the international arena. Now it is time for the truth to take her place to the highest order. The United Kingdom has her claim to this as well.
The Little Things! I finally see your spot. You guys have great music and your message is clear. Two thumbs up.
really good sound track for The Little things.
Really good sound track for The little things.
Eric Vaz your people rock!!! At the end of the day it’s “The Little Things” that help bring [[[[[AWARENESS]]]]]]
What in the world was Alex Bogusky thinking by getting involve in this ECOSPOT mess? Was he using the ecospot contest to fish for new talent? Well he found it! Now you can hire the greatest person to plagiarise a child. That would go far with his clients. Rumor has it he is pissing flames behind close doors. You know what Alex remove the AL from your name so you can forget about this Al Gore {{{{{fiasco}}}}}} Tune in next time for OnTheDownLow where we will find out which one of the Al’s will grow a spine and make an official statement explaining {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ECO-SCAM}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Very well put! The eco contest should have been held in Canada.
How funny Current TV took down their ratings board for Dave because with over 4800 views only 30% liked it and 60% did not like it. I guess they took it down because all the comments have been censored so they cannot explain how he has only good comments and is so far in the ratings! Once again it smells COVER UP!!! Gosh he was catching up to Bush in the ratings!!!
They must be monitoring lifeinthefastlane because a while later they put the ratings board back up. How funny is that! Ms Deborah you rock! Your site has the JUICE!
I cannot imagine how Dave finds a balance in his current predicament. If he is anything like me he will retreat to his art. When I am creating I shut out everything. Dave remember to shut it all out and create…
This is a great forum for freedom of speech. The ecospot contest was poorly run. What do you expect from a bias group…
Haha, thanks Margie
There is something wrong in the current tv room for Dave. It is obvious something is being covered up. I didn’t know about the contest so I never had a chance to vote. Maybe it is a good thing because to many people are passionate about their convictions in this room and many others. Something is definitely wrong.
The contest was a complete joke. The poor artist that took part believe they were entering a fair contest.
Artforchange comes across as someone speaking from both sides of her lip. Your Daves teacher but your not his friend however you know him well enough to say he is honest. How about your crazy and have trouble making judgement calls because you have a vested interest. Stop playing the innocent teacher. Play yourself! A self promoting person who needs to get her moment of fame by hanging on the coat tails of a student.
You go Francesca! Artforchange I would love for you to use that 25 years of higher education and explain why Dave’s video The Sky is Falling looks so much like Face Your Elephant. Let me help you- You have to prove my innocent Dave seen the video “RIGHT”. How about this> “Face Your Elephant” Dave Because “The Sky Is Fall” on you!!!!!!!!!!
I agree Francesca. It seems Artforchange is looking for a new career managing Dave. Loved all the videos on this site. Great reporting Deborah!
Wow I wish I had this much turn out in our last ball game.lol That must of been one crazy contest.
Nothing comes easy and when you take someone else idea everything gets complicated. I suspect if Dave had to do this all over again he would have never attempted to pass off someone else work as his own. Current tv at this point has to stand by his side otherwise they have to admit they made a huge error. It seems that this is something Al Gore and Alex Bogusky will have to go rounds about behind close doors. One thing is for sure both of them have egg on their face. Who knows maybe their ego will take a vacation and transform into something humanity defines as humility! So I have this question to ask both of them= Was the going up worth the coming down??????????
This would never happen in Canada. We would not allow a tainted contest. That gives everyone a bad name.
The traffic is heavy and dangerous here. Glad I didn’t enter that bias contest. Does current tv expect everyone to believe Dave didn’t see the other videos. That would be the biggest joke here!
What a great shame that the intention of the contest and the messages in the videos have been overshadowed by the controversy.
I only hope that the extra publicity resulting means the videos will be viewed by more people – without diluting the important messages contained in them.
My theory is Alex Bogusky planned this. Think about it , what a clever way to get free commercials for current tv for the season. He sells the idea to Al Gore who is still wondering who won the election! Alex Bogusky has a reputation for using interns and throwing them away. He pays his elephants peanuts and milks their creativity. The interns create great ideas and he sells them as his. Who better to create such a brilliant scam. The >>
This ad was paid by the people for a better “CONTEST” LOL
Sublimely-The message is wonderful. We must all do our part to protect the eco-system , just as the other message is clear. We should do our best to make sure that everyone on the planet has the god given right to shout to the sky when their rights to do process have been violated.
Such an extraordinarily bad thing to happen in a contest with a good cause held in the balance. Dave for his part in no small measure should be held accountable. Too many things have come to light this week. How long will Current TV cover up the truth?
It’s a sad day for artist when we are place in a position where we have no control. Politics has no place in contest.
As an African American I feel the message was lost in Dave video. Most of the other videos used people of color to represent a universal appeal. The Little Things used a wide version of culture as did others. I didn’t get white people being crushed unless he meant white people were responsible for the shape the world is in. Deborah I am making my point with all due respect to everyone. The Sky is falling lacked an effective cultural appeal. This translates to a miscommunication culturally and a lack of sensitivity for the African American culture as well as others…
Dave ecospot is too gloomy. It needs to show a more positive message. The message I am getting is white people being crushed. As an African American I feel Dave did not reach our culture unless he is saying white folks made the world the way it is! With all due respect to everyone in the room and Deborah, what is needed is a more rounded message that reaches all ethnic groups. the little things and many of the others cast people of color which is a step in the right direction.
Thanks Gosh
Sue, as one of my regular readers, it’s great to hear your input as someone outside of the background on this competition. This is very true, first and foremost are the messages and artwork put forth by all who participated, along with the winning spots. Freedom of speech is also an important issue, and it’s sad that something like this has come to affect such a wonderful incentive.
Deborah in Europe we have felt the sting of bad politics in the past. Although the message is strong for the eco. The message is equally strong for freedom from the influence of politics. If what happen is proven. It may detract from the message but I feel the world can separate the two effectively.
Good point Maarit.
Maarit you are on point! I cannot agree with you more about politics. For God,Queen and country we must always stand tall and take the battle to the suppressors. We have to also remember we are on this planet for a borrowed moment. Our children shall be the benefactors of our era. We have to become much more proactive in saving the world for our children.
Speaking your mind is a great thing. Expressing yourself with your art is wonderful as well. Saving the ecosystem is a noble cause and defending the rights of freedom of speech is beyond exhilarating. If you can do all these at the same time then you are truly blessed.
The videos are all great. To bad about the politics over shadowing the message.
We need to all do our part to save the earth. The contest seem like it was a step in the right direction. The politics should not have happen. Hopefully the contest sponsors learn not to back such a political group. Mike I agree the contest should have been held in Canada.
We love our Canada and if she held the eco contest there would not be this problem……….
It is important something is learned from this in reder that it never happen again.
AL GORE AL GORE AL GORE AL GORE Say no more.
Of course it was a rigged contest. It’s Al Gore. He earlier tried and failed to count only specific Democrat counties in Florida in order to steal a Presidency.Why should this be any different? He(successfully)lobbied heavily with gifts, trips and money to gain the Nobel Peace Prize.
And while he fly’s around the world on private jets and his home in Tennessee burns $35,000 USD. in energy bills a year,
he continues the charade of the (manmade)Global warming hoax, to sucker more investors in his carbon credit schemes. He’s clearly an admirer of P.T.Barnum who coined the phrase “A sucker born every minute”.
And poor Deborah who’s wonderful site has turned into a nasty and heated exchange for the inevitable hatred of far left liberals. But, what else can you expect from the far left.
I remember in the 1970’s when the liberals used children and advertizements to scare us that a new Ice age was upon us. They said by 2005 that New York city would be buried by glaciers and the Great Lakes would be frozen solid. (I bought new ski boots)
I remember when actor Ted Danson flew around the world in the late 70s, saying the oceans would be dead in ten years. That all life would cease when the oceans died. He said it was URGENT. (I must stop from laughing right now because I’m chewing a tunafish sandwich.) ….cough…..cough
It’s all a self serving money grab folks. We happen to be in an 11 year solar cycle that has seen the largest sunbursts in recorded history. Mars is heating up too. In fact all the planets in our solar system are showing signs of heating. Is my SUV responsible for sweaty Martian microbes? Kinda doubt it.
In honor of Al Gore’s success of scaring the sheeople and lining his pockets in such grand fashion, I’m going outside to light a huge pile of coal on fire. Just for the fun of it. I’m inviting PETA members for the campfire because I’ll be cooking up some tasty MEAT too.
Perhaps those sweaty Martians microbes might break out some marshmallows and join me. We’ll all sing Kum-ba-ya in 3 part harmony.
Any time someone holds a contest with a self serving motive and make a bundle of money to boot. There shall alway exist a hidden bias that will not serve the ecosystem. I know maybe Al Gore and Alex Bogusky should stop eating beans. This way they will stop passing gas in the atmosphere and prevent globle warming….LOL
I have been accused of many things everywhere. For the record I did not copy another person work. Maybe I viewed face your elephant months ago. I did not intentionally copy their work. It was a coincidence they have similarities. Other people say I am not culture sensitive. This PSA was not made to serve race. I put this piece together for the express reason of saving the world through creating awareness and not concerning myself with color. The contest could have been run more professionally but that is not my concern. This will be my final statement on the subject.
Dave with all do respect for you and your art. Wouldn’t your position be better served with silence. Please do not take this the wrong way! Your statement seems to play into the accusations being made about you.
Forgive me for saying so Dave. You are creating reasonable doubt. I agree with Carmen. There is nothing you can say that will change the way others feel. Ride it out guy! After reading your statement I began to feel you cheated. Shut up dude…
We need to save the earth. It is very important that the message get out. Maybe this controversy is a good thing because people will get down to the root of the matter and the message of saving the ecosystem resides in that very place.
This is all very interesting. I hope everyone doesn’t forget the ecosystem.
Only in America something like this would happen. God bless Canada.
It is very sad when something like that happens in a contest. Sometimes we have to suffer the politics of the day in order to become stronger for the next day so we can shout out the wrong done to us. My heart goes out to all of you who have been wrong by that contest.
For what ever reason things went wrong I hope the only thing that went right was the message to save the earth!!!
I thought we had problems with politics in Nigeria. America by far is more corrupt! They cannot even get a contest right. Do not label us a 3rd for you have given us an indication of the statue of your worth.
Nothing comes easy. As I read on in this case politics adds a bad taste in peoples mouths. there is no place for bad politics in contest , otherwise do not have it!!!!!
With all the bad things going on in the world we should be able to put this contest thing behind and move forward with a positive message of hope for Earth.
It is so sad that a simple contest can become so corrupt. Shame on you Dave for the example you are setting for the youth of the world!!!
After giving the ecospot contest much thought I have decided not to accept the prizes. My thinking is they did not run the contest correctly and left to much controversy by not following a fare game plan. That is all I am going to say on that subject. On another note face your elephants may have had some influence on my work but most was original. This is the last thing I have to say.
You know Dave I sat on the fence about your work however I really respect the decision you made. It took allot of courage for you to come out and make that statement. I am sure many will get behind your decision and support you. The best of luck to you Dave and I will be praying for you.
Sorry Dave that may be the last thing you have to say however there is much many have to say as well. I do not know how to take your confession/denial both at the same instance. All I have to say is there are many doctors out there that would love to help you, and even ministers because confession is good for the soul,that is if you have one!!!
Your a funny lad Dave. You seem to want to confess and deny at the same time. In my 56 years on earth I have never come across someone as strange as you. This could be a good thing because movies are made of strange people often. Maybe you should take some time and do some soul searching, and in the process contact the producer of Face Your Elephant and have a dialog with them along with the producer of The Little Things. They both deserve at the very least to hear from you. Start the healing process to a spot of tea…
Sometimes the powers that be cannot get it right the first time. This is when they must have the courage and be forthright with the public, by stepping forward and admit they got it wrong. I suspect this is why out of 35,000plus votes Dave has a 54% disliked votes, whereby all the other ecospots have a 100%. This is a clear message from humanity that speaks powerfully about how they will not tolerate corruption. Your admission of sort is a step in the right direction Dave, and giving back the prizes. In order for change to occur truth must come forward and take the stage. Have a wonderful Holiday everyone.
I can see there was a lot of controversy around the Ecospot contest but it was good to see a lot of creativity for a good cause. “In the spirit of the Ecospot, Schlafman of Boston, Massachusetts used recycled brown paper bags to produce the backgrounds for his animation and then reused the bags by framing them as gifts to friends.” Dave Schlafman sounds like a really great person and I hope more young people get involved in changing the environment.
With all the bad things going on in the world we should be able to put this contest thing behind and move forward with a positive message of hope for Earth.