Interesting piece on Livestrong

[BroDeal]

Community Outreach breast cancer self exam clinic and demo. BFD

Sounds more like Community Reach-Around on the charity's dime.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

To be fair, Livestrong has helped raise awareness of what a cancer Lance Armstrong represents to the sport.

Plus, before Livestrong, nobody was really aware of what cancer really was and stuff. Or potential causes, like all the pollution and the ubiquitous plastic crap in food packaging, etc.

Thankfully, because my local grocery store sells cheap plates stamped with the Livestrong logo, now I am more aware.

 

[MacRoadie]

The outsourcing, the oversized marketing budget, legal & travel costs etc. and the fact that only 207 people have been through the help-line process which is also outsourced.

I believe the article states that "only" 207 families had been assisted by the on-site "navigation" team. There is no number given for the number of individuals or families helped by the outsourced services. Hopefully (and surely) it is more. The popularity of Armstrong and Livestrong and the loyalty shown to both suggests that number must be higher.

I'm going to give them a pass on that one (as a stand-alone) as the service seems to be a pretty good idea and they admit themselves to disappointment at the low walk-in figure. I don't have any problem with much of what Livestrong.org does (just how they sell it and all those blurred lines). There is some good mixed in there with all of the bad (or questionable).

What truly baffles me (and I'm being completely serious here), is how that walk-in number can be so low. I realize that there aren't going to be people expending funds in this tight economy making longer trips to Austin when a phone call or web click will result in the same information, but we're talking about the Livestrong HQ here. For some it would seem to be almost a pilgrimage. At the very least, Austin is smack-dab in the center of Texas and not a real long drive from San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas.

This is the center of the Armstrong universe. Yellow jerseys on the walls, Armstrong memorabilia everywhere, and only 207 families have walked in to experience personalized service ?

 

[Velodude]

I think we all need to ease up on Livestrong for a bit....after all they do post lots of helpful content. And I especially appreciate finding little traces of Lance's touch there....it really lets me know that he remains involved. Take this article, for example:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/14698-accepting-personal-responsibility/

Different Livestrong. For profit site sold in 2008 to Demand Media.

It is now a *content farm.

Armstrong was a shareholder in Demand Media prior to the sale and received share warrants in Demand Media as a result of the sale.

The law requires Armstrong as part of the decision making process of LAF to declare his interest in Demand Media. LAF financial statements make no reference to this conflict of interest or record in the statements that the sale of Livestrong.com and sub licensing to Demand Media occurred.

Demand Media shares currently trade at $7 after being as high as $27 on listing. The poetic justice is the exercise price of the warrants of $12 values these share warrants as currently worthless.


* “In the context of the World Wide Web, the term content farm is used to describe a company that employs large numbers of often freelance writers to generate large amounts of textual content which is specifically designed to satisfy algorithms for maximal retrieval by automated search engines”.

 

[fatandfast]

Problem now is everyone is getting caught up in the awareness v research debate. Gifford’s article was not suggesting that the theme of Livestrong is misguided. It was more presenting that whilst the platform of patient advocacy has merit the way its implemented at Livestrong is concerning. The outsourcing, the oversized marketing budget, legal & travel costs etc. and the fact that only 207 people have been through the help-line process which is also outsourced.

I too have experienced 3 family members with cancer and losing my mother also. I certainly can see where advocacy could fit into the process. It can be hard to find good information quickly at your time of need. Doctors have little time to explain the entire situation as they are overburdened with the sheer mass of patients. Nurses often become the carers and “friends” of the patients but more often than not they’re not in position to provide advice on treatment and key treatment decisions.

Hog maybe it would serve the public better for you and Outside Magazine to define exactly what Livestrong should be doing to stay on your message instead of their own. They have methods that many find beneficial. But if it's crystal clear what should be done,do tell.

The pages of what Armstrong/Livestrong should have done or should do are fun to talk about but hardly helpful to the business plan they have in place.

Yes there are people that can't be helped from the services they provide. I am sure they are as sorry as anybody. They probably explore increasing the offerings when a need of somebody who asks can't be met. They are in business and come to work on the merit of the people who are happy with the help they have provided.

I am sure Austin as a city would be mad at being a cancer hotbed. But if true,I am sure the stricken citizens are happy with an elephant sized organization right there in town.
Help them please. Outline what they should do rather than how ego Armstrong is steering the ship on to the rocks. Help before it's to late. Stop messing around. You see the proper way, help them correct the current misguided path

 

[Polish]

What truly baffles me (and I'm being completely serious here), is how that walk-in number can be so low. I realize that there aren't going to be people expending funds in this tight economy making longer trips to Austin when a phone call or web click will result in the same information, but we're talking about the Livestrong HQ here. For some it would seem to be almost a pilgrimage. At the very least, Austin is smack-dab in the center of Texas and not a real long drive from San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas.

This is the center of the Armstrong universe. Yellow jerseys on the walls, Armstrong memorabilia everywhere, and only 207 families have walked in to experience personalized service ?

How low is too low?
207 families walking into the Austin facility too low?
How long has the facility been open?

If they had a clinic in my town - and me or a family member were diagnosed - I would check it out. And not as a groupie pilgrimage please. That is not what the walk-in facility is about.

Are there plans to expand into more cities?
New York? San Franscico? Chicago?
I hope so.

 

[Velodude]

Some advice, if you go to the Yellow Rose don't use the corporate card. Those darn receipts never go away

Did anyone not the significance of the yellow roses on Armstrong's pic in the Outside Magazine article?

BTW, Lance does not like his photos being photoshopped!

Did his political PR advisers recommend the wearing of the crucifix as an indication he is prepared to abandon his atheism for electoral gain?

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

BTW, Lance does not like his photos being photoshopped!

Ironic, considering Lance's career is one big Photoshop.

 

[doolols]

Hog maybe it would serve the public better for you and Outside Magazine to define exactly what Livestrong should be doing to stay on your message instead of their own. They have methods that many find beneficial. But if it's crystal clear what should be done,do tell.

And then The Hog can put himself on the payroll at $250,000 to start? They'll hardly notice the impact on the salary bill

Even after diagnosis Livestrong is only a US affair and mainly can only be utilized in Austin. Global awareness and collection of donations does nothing for cancer sufferers around the world. There is little they do outside of the US.

As a Brit, this bugs me too. It's very Austin-centric. What was the point of the huge shindig in Dublin a little while ago? Oh yeah, I know - to raise awareness.

 

[thehog]

Hog maybe it would serve the public better for you and Outside Magazine to define exactly what Livestrong should be doing to stay on your message instead of their own. They have methods that many find beneficial. But if it's crystal clear what should be done,do tell.

The pages of what Armstrong/Livestrong should have done or should do are fun to talk about but hardly helpful to the business plan they have in place.

Yes there are people that can't be helped from the services they provide. I am sure they are as sorry as anybody. They probably explore increasing the offerings when a need of somebody who asks can't be met. They are in business and come to work on the merit of the people who are happy with the help they have provided.

I am sure Austin as a city would be mad at being a cancer hotbed. But if true,I am sure the stricken citizens are happy with an elephant sized organization right there in town.
Help them please. Outline what they should do rather than how ego Armstrong is steering the ship on to the rocks. Help before it's to late. Stop messing around. You see the proper way, help them correct the current misguided path

You missed might point. I think the Livestrong message is excellent. My problem is the execution along with the blurriness of the .com relationship.

If Livestrong was similar to say Macmillan in the UK and provided patient care in the homes and counseling services I would be believe in the aims a little more. If they actually provided details on how people can check themselves for cancers and promote prevention then I would be less skeptical. If for example at a “Ride for Hope” events there was free demonstrations on how men and women can “check” themselves then I would be much more enamored. But what I see is a grotesque amount of money being spent on Livestrong marketing material with no relationship with actual programs that help patients directly – it’s all too fuzzy. I’ve seen and worked with other cancer groups in what they do and they really make a difference. The provision and assisting with choosing a wig is really makes a massive difference to women and groups do provide this service. I’ve seen it in action. The cost of wigs also goes into the hundreds so thank-god for donations that pay for these services.

I’ve listened to several of Lance Armstrong’s speeches and in particular his one at the Global Cancer Summit in Dublin – it’s on YouTube. Each and every time I hear him I have absolutely no idea what he is saying. He’s not championing the mission because he doesn’t really know what to champion or even what the mission is. Have a listen to it – he’s nervous, unprepared and has very little to say in human terms of the impacts of cancer. It’s all very strange. There was also some little girl who gave a presentation for 30 seconds to introduce Lance but she kept saying “live-strong” as in “alive” rather than “live” – she was obviously a paid actor which diminishes the authenticity of the event. It’s also on YouTube.

I think in summary that Armstrong had a real opportunity with his life. I do like the man in some respects but the issue I always come back to is he just a liar. He can’t tell a truth in regards to anything. I know, I know everyone was doping and it was Pro Cycling at the time. But have a think. If he was such a strong person, such an inspiration, couldn’t he stand against the doping and fight it on his own like Bassons did? Armstrong is a strong character – so imagine if he stood up and said “I will fight this disease and against doping in pro sports” – Imagine that! Then he’d be the true inspiration that he claims to be. He may not have won as much as he did but he’d have a hell of lot more respect as person than he does today. It was always going to catch up to him.

 

[LarryBudMelman]

Sounds more like Community Reach-Around on the charity's dime.

Genius! Everyone likes a happy ending!

 

[doolols]

If Livestrong was similar to say Macmillan in the UK and provided patient care in the homes and counseling services I would be believe in the aims a little more ... (etc)

Absolutely.

If he was such a strong person, such an inspiration, couldn’t he stand against the doping and fight it on his own like Bassons did? Armstrong is a strong character – so imagine if he stood up and said “I will fight this disease and against doping in pro sports” – Imagine that! Then he’d be the true inspiration that he claims to be. He may not have won as much as he did but he’d have a hell of lot more respect as person than he does today. It was always going to catch up to him.

I was thinking this just the other day. Imagine, a clean Armstrong. A strong, dedicated, altruistic force for good. Exposing the endemic doping. Really getting out there, as head of a charity where at least 90% of the income goes straight out to cancer sufferers and to specific research.

An opportunity missed in favour of the dollar in the pocket.

 

[Velodude]

On the cancer speaking circuit an agency lists 76 speakers.

Most charge $5,000 - $20,000. 4 eminent persons charge $50,000 +.

No speakers charge $100,000 +.

Only Lance Armstrong charges $200,000 + per engagement.

If he does not donate those fees to Livestrong then he is profiting out of his cancer awareness promotion.

PS: I note Chris Carmichael (LA's "coach") and Linda Armstrong Kelly (LA's mother) are on the list as cancer speakers.

 

[Aleajactaest]

On the cancer speaking circuit an agency lists 76 speakers.

Most charge $5,000 - $20,000. 4 eminent persons charge $50,000 +.

No speakers charge $100,000 +.

Only Lance Armstrong charges $200,000 + per engagement.

If he does not donate those fees to Livestrong then he is profiting out of his cancer awareness promotion.

PS: I note Chris Carmichael (LA's "coach") and Linda Armstrong Kelly (LA's mother) are on the list as cancer speakers.

Well, reading the list, he certainly has the most name recognition of anyone on the list. And, I suspect most of the people on that list keep the money. If you didn't, they would list their fee as free, no? Regardless, I don't believe he is obligated to so all of what he does for free. FWIW, he clearly does much of what he does for free. e.g. All his personal appearances under the Livestrong.org cancer outreach are free.

 

[Velodude]

Well, reading the list, he certainly has the most name recognition of anyone on the list. And, I suspect most of the people on that list keep the money. If you didn't, they would list their fee as free, no? Regardless, I don't believe he is obligated to so all of what he does for free. FWIW, he clearly does much of what he does for free. e.g. All his personal appearances under the Livestrong.org cancer outreach are free.

Can you point out any person on that list who presides over a foundation in their name and has claimed he/she is renouncing rights to income in the name of cancer promotion - re Comeback 2.0.

No person involved in the administration of LAF can receive monetary compensation that is considered excessive. Ergo, Armstrong cannot claim fees for personal appearances if he has renounced any claim to be paid as a board member. He gets paid for being a board member or gets zilch. Executives don't collect fees for personal appearances.

Livestrong is a personality cult platform for the promotion and satisfaction of LA's ambitions.

In an interview with Vanity Fairin September 2008 Armstrong sent this signal

“What about the rumors,” I asked him, “that you’ll run for governor?”

He answered slyly, “Down the road, something like that might be possible. Probably in 2014.”

Then along came Floyd Landis in 2010.

 

[Race Radio]

You'd have to imagine that his first wife will come clean at some stage when her children have full understanding of it all and she doesn't want to live with it on her conscious for the rest of her life, á la Stephen Swart.

Armstrong is damaging so much in his life on a daily basis that it is very easy to see him arriving at a situation something similar to Mickey Rourke.

Don't think you will need to image this. It has likely already happened.

 

[Granville57]

Then along came Floyd Landis in 2010.

Now you've presented me with a dilemma: T-shirt...or bumper sticker?

 

[BotanyBay]

On the cancer speaking circuit an agency lists 76 speakers.

Most charge $5,000 - $20,000. 4 eminent persons charge $50,000 +.

No speakers charge $100,000 +.

Only Lance Armstrong charges $200,000 + per engagement.

If he does not donate those fees to Livestrong then he is profiting out of his cancer awareness promotion.

PS: I note Chris Carmichael (LA's "coach") and Linda Armstrong Kelly (LA's mother) are on the list as cancer speakers.

I finally figured you out. You're a cancer-lover, aren't you?

 

[BotanyBay]

Don't think you will need to image this. It has likely already happened.

Nah, she got up on that stand and LivedStrong. LivedStrong to kill Cancer, baby.

If cancer-killers be for us, then who would be against us?

 

[BotanyBay]

On the cancer speaking circuit an agency lists 76 speakers.

Most charge $5,000 - $20,000. 4 eminent persons charge $50,000 +.

No speakers charge $100,000 +.

Only Lance Armstrong charges $200,000 + per engagement.

If he does not donate those fees to Livestrong then he is profiting out of his cancer awareness promotion.

PS: I note Chris Carmichael (LA's "coach") and Linda Armstrong Kelly (LA's mother) are on the list as cancer speakers.

Wow, and Carmichael charges more than most... just to talk about his "friend" who had cancer. Amazing. No wonder everyone wants to be the guy's friend.

 

[Granville57]

On the cancer speaking circuit an agency lists 76 speakers.

PS: I note Chris Carmichael (LA's "coach") and Linda Armstrong Kelly (LA's mother) are on the list as cancer speakers.

Wow, and Carmichael charges more than most... just to talk about his "friend" who had cancer. Amazing. No wonder everyone wants to be the guy's friend.

Jeezus! Carmichael is in the same $$ range as Don Shula and Joe Torre? Are you kidding me? Those guys coached entire teams and their decisions along the way had an irrefutable affect on the success of those teams. CC "coached" one guy (in a sport that Americans don't even follow), and Floyd has confirmed that any illusion of that process contributing to LA's success is just that — an illusion.

 

[doolols]

Wow! I can get 4 Olivia Newton-Johns for one LA. Sounds a good deal to me.

 

[MacRoadie]

Wow! I can get 4 Olivia Newton-Johns for one LA. Sounds a good deal to me.

I'd trade Christina Applegate for Armstrong, straight up.


In a heartbeat.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd trade Christina Applegate for Armstrong, straight up.


In a heartbeat.

Beautiful girl, no doubt. She may look a little too much like LA's mum for me to make that deal tho...

Maybe Kate Jackson? Always loved Charlie's Angels...

 

[Polish]

On the cancer speaking circuit an agency lists 76 speakers.

Most charge $5,000 - $20,000. 4 eminent persons charge $50,000 +.

No speakers charge $100,000 +.

Only Lance Armstrong charges $200,000 + per engagement.

If he does not donate those fees to Livestrong then he is profiting out of his cancer awareness promotion.

PS: I note Chris Carmichael (LA's "coach") and Linda Armstrong Kelly (LA's mother) are on the list as cancer speakers.

Lance donated $700,000 to Livestrong in 2011 alone.
What other cyclists donated more to ANY charities last year?
And over the years Lance has donated many millions and millions of dollars to Livestrong.