I’m so sorry – but this particular contest got out of hand. The technique works fabulously well when you run through it on your own, on the telephone, or in a closed group. I hadn’t invited people to do this in public before, and, well… I’m afraid I led just a few people to say some insulting and upsetting things for overweight people, which, in the absence of the in-person moderation which brings these to positive conclusions, is the opposite of how I want to take care of the world.
It’s entirely my fault.
My sincere apologies.
G 
PS – There WERE quite a few creative entires, and I will post a winner from those previously entered on Friday, as promised. But please don’t post anymore (and I’ve deleted the 72 entries previously made).
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Oops, you closed it while I was typing my entry…! Oh well. Interesting technique.
Great learning experience… I think you’ve handled this very well.
Glenn,
I am glad you stop this. This is the dark side of social media. Unfortunately most blogs, news postings are plague by this type of behavior. This is not
exclusive to your endeavor…even some moderated blog can leave a real bad taste…
It’s cool Glenn. It seems really difficult to do as you say without having personal coaching right there to steer us in the right direction.
For my part I apologize if I offended anyone.
As an afterthought… What if you did this contest with some product or issue that doesn’t hit quite so close to home for some? Adwords Coaching? Office Chair Ads? Computer Virus Software?
Josh
Hmmm, methinks that you’re right to presume that your sample ad did set the tone for ridiculous negativity (aka “humor”). But fortunately not all submissions were unsavory (no pun intended).
Plus, for the limited amount of time that it was up, it was interesting to see how many tried to stay within the AdWords format and how many that did not. Is staying within the format part of the decision process?
I hope that you got what you wanted from the exercise. By the way, exactly what did you want? New leads? New receipients for email marketing? A customer that will upgrade the “prize” to a paid service? New ideas for your “overeating” website ads? An overdose of cynisism?
Glenn,
That says a lot about your character and it also speaks to the character of those who posted insulting things. The very fact that you have pulled it and explained why should be a warning to those who made the ugly posts…. Warning: “From the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” and “even a fool seems wise if he keeps silent”…
Everything is an opportunity to learn something.
Glenn,
That says a lot about your character and it also speaks to the character of those who posted insulting things. The very fact that you have pulled it and explained why should be a warning to those who made the ugly posts…. Warning: \"From the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks\" and \"even a fool seems wise if he keeps silent\"…
Everything is an opportunity to learn something.
I have to chuckle. Not that someone’s feeling may have been hurt by a stranger’s comments on a Blog, but by just how precisely the universe works!
Ask for the “worst” out of people…and that’s EXACTLY what you’ll get.
You have treated this issue with dignity, particularly in consideration for those who have serious weight issues. If anything good can come of this, we can all appreciate how volatile the issue of weight has become. The sad irony is that in more cases than we can document, it is not a matter of \\"overeating\\", but outside forces out of our control. In my work as a healer, I help people with weight issues. I do not suggest diets, but I help people change body chemistry, including thyroid function, adrenals and hormonal production. Let\\\’s use this opportunity for an open discussion on this pervasive affliction in our society. As Kevin writes: \\"Everything is an opportunity to learn something.\\" Thanks again!
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
Hi Glenn,
You mentioned that you would post a winner two Fridays ago from those who had a chance to post. Is that still happening? I’d like to see what you thought was the best of the (appropriate) bunch.
Thanks!