 | How Will Local Governments Respond to Large Increases in Energy Bills? | The Oil Drum: Local | Peak Oil 101: Why Isn't This Class Available Yet in My College? |  |
Putting a New Face on Selling Peak Oil: Kris Can
Posted by Glenn on June 1, 2008 - 8:45am in The Oil Drum: Local
Topic: Sociology/Psychology
Tags: kris can, marketing, sales, vlog [list all tags]
I think it might be safe to say that the peak oil movement has long had a mostly older male and perhaps somewhat, erm, geeky set of spokespeople - from James Howard Kunstler to Richard Heinberg to Matthew Simmons--in that they've all tried to convince people through logic, facts & figures and long speeches at conferences that we should be worried about PO. And even our own staff here at the Oil Drum--aside from Gail and Leanan--are middle age to older men. (Though it should be noted that we are making some changes soon to add a little more diversity and different types of media to TOD...but more on that later!)
So how else can we generate Peak Oil awareness? Kriscan - a young woman with a video blog that's making her PO pitch using all sorts of innovative marketing techniques - asking people on the street, making a song about peak oil, and yes even resorting to the types of suggestive body language more typical of an MTV music video (think Christina Aguilera) than college professor lecture.
And a public service announcement that you will not be seeing on network Television:
Now watch it again and try to concentrate on the words. Believe me, it starts to sink in after the fifth or sixth viewing. JH Kunstler has even commented about her and she has a video response to him.
What innovative ideas have you seen out there to educate people about peak oil in your area?
Well, that got my attention.
Seems like a good strategy to me! At least it's proven. Media and low-down advertising uses it all the time. Though, I would not know how much seriousness it adds/detracts: the fact that she is completely involved and willing to do this type of advertising, or that it appeals to the lowest human senses. Though its great that people are taking action!
Some days ago I saw a guy at the university with his car covered with "peak oils" and a big fixture on the back reading: "Peak Oil!" That's as much as I've seen. But we're getting there...
I agree that more populistic means are required than this website does. But for sod's sake don't try to change TOD in any way - it serves a specific role and is about as great as is likely to get. The proportion of low-quality contributions is remarkably low (and honestly I am trying to get it even lower ;~).
Perhaps it would make sense to have some other more populist site which can link to TOD. Meanwhile there is the 80 minute video "A Crude Awakening" which is very competent if rather emotionic in presentation (as characterises most videos) and presents the grim problem without having space to also give any positive-constructive follow-up.
"What innovative ideas have you seen out their to educate people about peak oil in your area?"
Editorial note for the above... their/there
******
But seriously guys and gals, what kind of audience are you trying to attract here? And if you turn Peak Oil into a fad, how long will it last? What's the life expectancy of a fad these days? Six months or less?
OK, maybe I'm being too harsh. But what about trying to get a Peak Oil guru on Saturday Night Live or somesuch? It would probably be worth a bit more mileage than soft porn.
One last point, if you do the marketing, it will look like, well, marketing. At this point, it looks like you're selling something as opposed to presenting an intellectually honest concern.
OK -- the one with the cat is my favorite. My wife, especially, loved it.
Just makes you want to go out on the street and randomly ask people what they know about Peak Oil.
thanks!
Hi Kris,
I am serious when I suggest you and Oily Cassandra put something together. You could do the entire thing via e-mail/internet if you are not near each other.
You could take it any direction: serious, like Oily, sexy, like both have done, or all academic-like. Any of the above would work. Maybe Luis would be interested given his video work previously?
Cheers
I couldn't agree more. Who could take these types of videos seriously? I mean sure they appeal to the basic lust section of the brain, but how much sinks in? Who has the time to watch these 6 or 7 times to get a message? I suspect that they are being watched that often for other reasons.
As someone that shares this web-site with her sons, one of whom is 13 I am very, very disappointed. To say that younger people do not know, or care is kind of bigoted in itself. My sons are very informed and tend to inform their friends. Imagine my surprise when I saw this video posted. It's not something I want my 13 year old seeing. I do not want my sons to think that women have to resort to this kind of tactic to get their point across. When I showed it to my older sons, and then asked them what the video message was, their answer was.."Ummm, sex?" So younger males aren't picking up any message other than she is selling sex. Some woman and I am one of them, prefer intelligent discussions and informative adds that speak to all sexes. I find this kind of add to be simplistic and cultish. Here today/gone tomorrow (except of course for those males that need to be stimulated in this way.)
So maybe she could downplay the sex kitten act and get serious? Anyone can do a peek tease for reaction, give us something with some meat and meaning. Something most of us will want to share with family and friends.
Boys club or not, woman play a big roll in this world, time to face that. These kind of videos just cause us to laugh and think.."Wow Bimbo." then we search for someone that has something meaning full to contribute. If she is smart she will stick to getting her message across with her cloth's on..that is if she can.
I haven't viewed her other videos, but if the one posted is any indication of the rest, why would I waste my time?
Oh, and thanks guys, now I have to screen this site before I let my 13 year old on it to read, hats off to you all. I mean way to reach the younger people. Your setting a fine example for young men everywhere.(not)
I think we will switch to tree hugger for our meaningful information and lack of need for adult screening. this used to be a great site for information, and insight now it's just the good old boys pandering sex videos.
If you watch them all, you'll find that two or three appeal to the lust part, but that the other six or seven, and good parts of the other two or three, appeal to the humour and common sense parts.
"I read the blurb, what else do I need to know about this book? I don't need to read any of it to judge it!"
It's that sort of reasoning that means many people don't believe in peak fossil fuels, global warming, that smoking can give you lung cancer, and so on.
Both the boys here and the girls need to get past the sexy bits and look at the humorous and intelligent bits - which are the majority of what she's put up.
Also, if you think that Kris Can's stuff is "sex videos" then you have some shocks waiting for you online, indeed even on daytime television.
"I read the blurb, what else do I need to know about this book? I don't need to read any of it to judge it!"
I can't believe you would compare a book to a video. Please. Everyone knows books have to be read in order to be judged. Videos on the other hand speak loud and clear. One viewing is all that is needed. With this one, less than a viewing. No I stand by what I said. this type of video does Nothing to promote awareness. It screams Bimbo, wanting attention. Give me a video with an intelligent woman giving facts and making her case intelligently and you got my attention.
As for the daytime T.V. comment. I don't watch T.V. Except for news. find that most programs are geared for sex and or making parents look stupid.
As for shocks awaiting me online. No, nothing much shocks me. disappoints me. Like the lack of common sense used to post that video on here. Many of us use this site to educate our children on PO.
That video might be considered cute by some, but it falls far short of getting any point across. I am offended that a female in todays day and age would feel that she needs to resort to that kind of behavior in order to get her point across. If we females ever want to be taken seriously, that kind of behavior needs to stop. What did one of you good old boys write? Something about a Harem?
"Both the boys here and the girls need to get past the sexy bits and look at the humorous and intelligent bits - which are the majority of what she's put up."
Isn't the point the message, so if you have to wade through the sex to get to the humorous and intelligent parts how does that work? I'm sorry I looked her up on youtube after reading your post, I am open minded enough to do that. I found most of it to be the same as what was posted. Yes, men will watch because men are visual creatures. Woman on the other hand are not visual creatures, meaning seeing something like that doesn't turn us on, but does the opposite. If she wants to reach more than just men, then she needs a new tactic. Kodos for her trying and all of that, but That type of video will not get it with women.
Now here look at this video. It's long but the young woman on it, is getting her message across in an intelligent and informative way. She is taking action and has been for years. Now this is something that I would watch and pay attention to, as well as share with family and friends. The URL is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7i6roVB5MI
I can't not say the same for the videos of Kriscan posted here. I will however take the time to view more of Kriscans work, to be fair. Perhaps the ones posted here were picked by one of the good old boys who needs to learn what harumscarum means. (reckless and irresponsible)Perhaps, whoever posted that video should have posted one of Kriscans more intelligent and humorous videos instead?
I try to be open minded, but when you have a teenage son who is 13, and very interested in PO the kind of video that was posted, well, it's not really a good thing for a site like this, I mean maybe putting the link up and letting people look at it off site might have been more responsible? Or maybe I'm wrong and the good old boys care nothing about the serious issue of PO? Or reaching young people, and the younger you reach them the better off everyone will be.
Anyway, my opinion. As everyone has one. I usually stay silent, but this one bothered me, for obvious reasons.
Hi evilelf,
I'm glad I came back this late - though probably no one else is reading by now.
Thanks for your comments. It's so tempting (apparently) to promote "humans as objects", and it's kind of a subtle point to be made, in the sense that people also naturally want to have fun and laugh. Sometimes the line is fine, and sometimes not.
I like your description of how aware and thoughtful your sons are.
I've had a little bit similar experiences with this site, in that I found myself unfortunately not recommending it for a long time - (or, recommending with caveats) - as the talk turned to "locker room" fairly often. Thankfully, this isn't the case so much any more. Normal in one culture, appalling in another.
I wanted to add just a tiny point to your comment:
"Your setting a fine example for young men everywhere.(not)."
It's not just young men who pick up the message: "This is the only way I count - as someone who can be manipulated with images."
It's about young (and not so young) women, as well. A physically beautiful girl, an attractive young woman...would she be human?
Or... object?
Look at the statistics of child abuse, so-called "acquaintance rape", sexual assault. Then, look a little further - or maybe not so far, to find trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation. Look a little further, to find routine rape as illegal immigrants attempt entrance to the US. Look anywhere, and you'll see violence that underlies the "image".
Who am I?
Who are we?
I like how only one of the Americans had any clue while all three Europeans knew what PO. Here is Kriscan spoofing "Hot for Words".
Well, finally Leanan has presented herself in a form other than just print. Now we all know your true identity, Leanan!
Cheers, Dom
Europeans are more aware of environmental issues in general, including peak oil. There are at least three elements to this:
(1) We didn't have the same degree of suburban development and middle-class flight to the suburbs. In most European countries, the decision-makers (business, political, and media) still live and work in old city centres where the environmental impact of private cars was most visible. The needs of public transport frequently clashed with the needs of drivers, and often the public transport won.
(2) Europe didn't have an "oil rush" like in Texas or Oklahoma. We've always been aware that it's a foreign import, with the small and relatively recent exception of North Sea oil.
(3) Our state-run television channels, free from the pressures of advertisers, tend to discuss environmental issues more than on US tv. Environmental actions are portrayed as normal behaviour and not just the preserve of radical eco-hippies.
edit
"a mostly older male and perhaps somewhat, erm, geeky set of spokespeople"
Well I'm only 28, but my friends say I was born 40. Definitely geeky too! (and male)
edit 2
If young people aren't interested in Peak Oil, it's because we have bigger things to worry about. Finding a job, a career, a partner, settling down, paying off the mortgage on a tiny apartment or townhouse, getting the kids into a good school, paying the bills. Until all that is sorted, we can't even consider doing the whole survivalist thing with a small farm etc. Peak Oil to us means just buying the smallest car possible or taking public transport instead. High fuel taxes and high parking costs (in Europe) already push us in the right direction.
Drewster, congratulations for being one of the young people who are already up to speed and thinking about solutions! People like you are continuing inspiration for me--I'm in my 40s and I'm counting on your gen to step up!
As for this:
That is the normal thing to do, but when it comes to peak oil, it might be a bit backwards. By orienting your choices of career, mate, and location toward what a post-peak scenario now, you will save yourself a lot of grief and be ahead of the game at the same time.
If you've tried to explain Peak Oil stuff to people you must have noticed that it ain't always easy. First of all it's a scary message. Secondly it asks listeners to take some really nasty medicine.
We need a spoonful of sugar to help it all go down, and you gotta admit that Kris Can.
KrisCan is not the only one to come up with this idea, check out this ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAPf9V3_li0
http://oilrelease.com/
Yup. Oily Cassandra was first, and more informative, but I like KrisCan, too.
If I could think of a way to blame my fat, lard arse on PO and convince people this will happen to them, too, if they don't start conserving, localizing, etc., we could scare the PO into them! Anywho...
Perhaps we could get them to do a collaboration... There's a nice musical collaboration on YouTube two guys did living on different continents.
They'd get my vote.
Cheers
oilyCassandra and KrisCan collaborating, that has got to turn some heads for sure.
They'd get my vote to, I'm not sure what were voting for though
I thought they might be the same person. Does either one of them have an ID here at TOD? It would be interesting to ask them some questions.
Duh.
http://www.theoildrum.com/user/kriscan
I don't think Oily Cassandra has an ID here...
Oh ya...right. Could of checked users on TOD. Didn't think she'd use her same name. So Kriscan, congrats on getting some PO message out there. Do you have some journalism experience? You seem pretty natural with your interviews. What's next in marketing PO to the populace?
My favorite one is Kriscan out on the frozen lake talking to a guy about how to conserve energy at home ("so, I have to vacuum my refrigerator?"). Then the ice on the lake begins to crack. Little dance on the ice...cute...and then Kris interviews a passing bicyclist on the snow (chance meeting...me thinks not). Another dance ensues. I actually appreciate that and the city-folk interviews more because Kris' personality comes out which is quite different than you might think looking at the lusty oil messages. I like her much better as a "beat on the street" reporter of PO.
I will volunteer to direct:-)
SoD you beat me to it. Just saw that video a week ago on video sift.
Whatever gets people's attention. Remember those "I'd rather wear nothing than wear fur" ads?
I notice that Oily Cassandra has 111,000 views compared to Luis' Olduvai 2008 pt1 with 3,500 views.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqj4wN2BR7Q
I don't understand, what's the correlation...?
Are you serious? Olduvai is deadly serious educational - but is not reaching the wider audience hoped for. The simple sexy message here is getting much wider exposure.
At some point we need to dumb down this message a lot - UK red tops have tits on p3 and footie on the back - and not much in between.
I know Euan, just being sarcastic, It's a bit disturbing that we've come to a time where we can't discuss stuff like this and it doesn't hold peoples attention. It's especially frustrating in America, where everything is a joke. I attribute it to the lose of community and social isolation brought about by technology and changes in culture. Also We have a failed education system which is more about memorizing things for 2 weeks, than about learning anything.
Agreed, it's a brilliant strategy--I sent her my accolades!
But it's mainly directed at men, who are already altogether too dominant in peak oil awareness. A subject for a future post I've been considering: how to interest more women in contending with peak oil!
ChrisN - Iron Man
Good luck with this idea. I was reading the comments with the YouTube video link provided above. Not encouraging and along the lines of what I expected.
PO IS analytic and requires a bit of classroom time to explain. A video may help, I am not knocking it, but it does not turn on the analytic part of the brain which needs to be turned on for this to be understood.
Watching TV and reading local rags I am starting to get the feeling that PO will slowly seep into the brains. Indirectly. There is still resistance to use that word often. But one day the majority will have the "BINGO" moment but it will be too late.
Most of the people that I have tried to explain PO to at least 3-4 years ago gave the same standard answer, "Yehh, but they will come up with something to take care of the problem IF it is true. They always do. They are always working on something"
It is a tough nut to crack. :-)
At least the girls with some brains at that age have understood it and want to get the message out. I bet their IQs are high and they are enviro-freaks or something and willing to make a change. Lots of guys are just fixated on career and possessions to get status to get some dumb babe in bed so they reject PO. The smart gals might understand PO then my peddly bike will be sexier to tehm and I can get laid easier(I'm married and 43 but a younger guy like Matt Savinar could see it this way).
More power to her and best of luck. I don't think it gets attention for peak oil so much as it gets her a shot at 15 minutes of fame within a subculture and possibly some exposure on TV if the winds are blowing just right. I will wait to see where it leads before agreeing that it will raise the awareness level. Nonetheless, kudos to her. I need to go duplicate some Youtube videos now ;)
when does the gay version come out? (as it were)
About two minutes after you upload it:)
with normal (heterosexual) impulses, ...
you can quickly see with video #3 (Kriscan posing behind the oil cans) how one part of your brain (the sex chasing part) quickly over takes and muffles out the neo-cortical rational part.
The question is whether the subliminal Peak Oil message ever gets through?
Will non-aware males learn to mutter the words "Peak Oil" simply by watching Kris Can's dance over and over again? Will they be motivated to research Peak Oil? Or will they be merely mesmerized by her seductively exposed navel?
On the one hand we can all laugh at the concept of the Neanderthal male brain. On the other hand, it's all too real and sad how the primitive part overpowers the rational lumps that sparsely dot the outer periphery of our gray organism.
_______________________
Would you buy a used oil can from "that woman"?
If you look at her website, you'll see that the one they've posted here is the "sexiest" one. As in an advertisement, first they grab your attention with something bright and shiny, next they give you the information, and follow it up with some humour to leave you feeling receptive to more information later.
The editors chose to link mostly to the sauciest bits.
So this isn't about what Kris Can chooses to focus on, but what the editors of TOD and its readers choose to focus on. As always, a fuller reading gives a deeper understanding.
Or you could be like that bigot Kunstler, saying, "nice rack" and asking her out on a date, which is pretty lame.
Would you please provide some links or quotes to support the "bigot" lable?
I have read Kunstler extensively and have not noticed anything like that. Biased, impatient opinionated and imperfect for sure, perhaps chauvenist and full of other human and gender weaknesses but I would not apply unthinking intolerance to him.
On September 12th, 2001, in response to the September 11 attacks - and at the stage when nobody knew who was responsible for the attacks, he wrote that the US should utterly destroy Kabul, Baghdad, Damascus and Tripoli; the people were to be warned to leave before their cities got destroyed (just as the Germans warned the people of Leningrad and Stalingrad). The people of Gaza were to be deported en masse and at gunpoint to Egypt, and those of the West Bank to Jordan.
The deliberate destruction of entire cities and the permanent deportation of millions of people at gunpoint is called "genocide" and "ethnic cleansing."
Now, lots of people were angry on the 12th of September 2001 after spending the 11th in shock, and lots of people said things they didn't really mean. But Kunstler has never retracted, qualified, or revisited his comments of that day. They're also in accord with his other expressed ideas and attitudes, which are violently bigoted.
Then you can read World Made by Hand, in which the women exist only to cook, bathe wounds and have sex with middle-aged white men, and have no personalities or ideas of their own worth speaking of.
And so in sum we see that Kunstler is violently bigoted.
Or as the other bloke said, you could just listen to his podcasts.
They're also in accord with his other expressed ideas and attitudes, which are violently bigoted.
His podcasts don't contain any of this so perhaps you could cite some more violent bigotry.
The sept 12,2001 statements are reprehensible and something I would have expected to see on the Fox network. I don't know if JHK is an actively religeous person but that statement and some others in later blogs certainly reflect the zionist mentality. Citing 3000 year old oral tribal tradition as legal justification for displacing the more current residents of Palestine is certainly untenable. It is also unacceptable to relate the terror tactics of one side without also including the corresponding terror tactics of the other. Aside from any other political reasons for the attack on Iraq, the main benficiary, at least in the short term, is Israel. Sadam was the only leader in the region crazy enough to be a physical threat to Isreal and so his destruction was of direct benefit. This is a debate that should be carried on in a different forum. Returning to Kunstler, is there anything in the public record calling him on these statements? The one obvious flaw that I have seen with him is his tendancy to ignore or gloss over his mistakes, especially his mis-predictions. As for his latest novel I will certainly read it once it becomes available in our library system. I have yet to find a reviewer who had a problem with his treatment of women but his comments concerning Kris were certainly chauvenistic. I will look for that aspect when I am reading it.