Talk:Todd Kessler

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Kessler's background in Sesame Street gave him a traditional background in children's TV, contrary to Tracy's reference. Also, Tracy's book has been questioned as an objective reference. According to its Publisher's Weekly review, which is also mentioned in the first footnote of the Blue's Clues's entry: "While catchy tips (have a "strong vision" and a "net for each other") and relentless optimism may be appropriate in, say, one of the show's recruitment brochures, Tracy's tone may be less then optimal for discerning executive readers."

This is not something can only be left to a footnote.--Pln9mg (talk) 18:22, 19 July 2012 (UTC)

Do you mean that this shouldn't be in a footnote in either article, this one or Blue's Clues? If so, how you suggest that it be handled? I put the information about the Tracy book in the footnote because I didn't think it fit in the prose of either article. My plan is to put the BC article up for FA, since I think it's now both comprehensive enough and the prose level is high enough. I wonder, then, what the reviewers at FAC would think about it, and if the Tracy book, which is one of the things that made it more comprehensive, would pass the muster as a reliable source. I suggest that we submit it and find out, but not now because I have other irons in the fire currently. If you could find me a source that states the opposite--that Kessler actually had traditional background in children's TV, that would be helpful, and if it's more reliable than Tracy, we could correct it. Personally, I think it's just as reliable as The Tipping Point, another business book that's just as complimentary towards BC. Christine (Figureskatingfan) (talk) 18:07, 20 July 2012 (UTC)

I believe the NY Time article I used as a source also talks about Kessler's prior work at Sesame Street. I'll check and reference that into to the article. Also, I believe that the DIane Tracy book's problems can't just be dealt with with a footnote, as I've said. I don't think it should be used as a source at all. She openly admits that she was a paid consultant on Blue's Clues and Publisher's Weekly (in the review I cited above) even points out how the book is more a PR piece than a substantial piece of journalism ("No one featured either inside or outside the company has anything critical to say, however, and the narrative tone is weakened by sidebars containing viewer fan letters and testimonials from the show's staff (employee Alice Wilder says working there "is a dream come true"). While catchy tips (have a "strong vision" and a "net for each other") and relentless optimism may be appropriate in, say, one of the show's recruitment brochures, Tracy's tone may be less then optimal for discerning executive readers.") If she admits that she's been a paid consultant for Nickelodeon, and her book is basically a promotional tool for the show, then her bias and it follows that the book's usefulness as a source is tainted. --Pln9mg (talk) 18:07, 24 July 2012 (UTC)

You make some good points. I'm not sure that I agree though; the origin of the book doesn't necessarily mean that her content is bad. Notice that in both this article and Blue's Clues, I didn't include the more glowing weasel-wordy stuff. I mean, the Sesame Workshop basically hired Louise A. Gikow to write her book for Sesame Street's 40th anniversary, and it's balanced, although it does praise that show. Of course, it doesn't pose as a business book like Tracy's does; it states what it is very clearly. I agree that if another source contradicts Tracy, we should go with the more reliable source, but I disagree that we should throw it out completely. As I've said, it's my intention to submit the BC article for FAC soon, and I'd like hear what they say over there about it. So much of that article's comprehensiveness is due to Tracy, so if they reject it as a reliable source, it won't be eligible for FA, and unless other sources come out, it probably will never be FA-worthy. Christine (Figureskatingfan) (talk) 21:00, 24 July 2012 (UTC)

Undid the changes done by Gregxtano on 10 Sept 2012 ("Kessler was the first creator involved with the show." Removed as this is undeniably incorrect. Ref used was simply Kessler's own falsified quote to a reporter. Backup Ref: p13-14 http://www.scribd.com/doc/53728306/Blue-s-Clues Pln9mg (talk) 21:02, 27 October 2012 (UTC)). Gregxtano characterization of Kessler's quote as falsified is incorrect. He also freely admits, on his talk page, to being married to Angela Santomero, the person who is mentioned in this quote. Pln9mg (talk) 21:02, 27 October 2012 (UTC)

Undid changes by Figureskatingfan. Discussed the legitimacy and validity of her sources. Believed she understood and agreed with the problems with the Tracy book, but she reverted her changes.Pln9mg (talk) 21:07, 27 October 2012 (UTC)

contacting Mr. Todd Kessler

I would like to send Mr. Kessler an idea for a children's program.

Dawn Taylor Marzella School Psychologist M.S. ABSNP — Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.224.199.19 (talk) 17:09, 19 February 2013 (UTC)