Hi Peter! I mean Mr. Carlisle. How are you? I see that business at Octagon is humming along. That's nothing new. Like everybody else--and by else I'm talking about global Olympic-fans and individual Olympians--I've been wondering how you're handling Michael Phelps' career? I know you've been busy since Beijing, but has your work been inspiring? Or has it been stressful and overwhelming? I only ask because I recently read that you've been receiving up to 50 endorsement offers a day. And, of course, we all know you just signed Michael Phelps on as a spokesman for foot-long sandwiches at SUBWAY.
Subway... You caught some heat on that one. MEDIA BISTRO called Michael a spokeswhore, though they didn't consider your overall marketing plan... I got exceedingly angry and upset. I want Michael Phelps (and ALL OLYMPIC SWIMMERS) to make as much as they can. (It's a childish "want" in me, someone who identifies with the Olympic-movement, and desperately desires any kind of Olympic appreciation.) I get it. Subway is expanding throughout Europe, and with Michael posed to star again in 2012, in London, you must continue to build a glorious Michael marketing machine.
Michael Marketing..... I like the sound of that. I bet Harvard MBAs, in the near future, will be taking that class. I bet they'll study you, the "king-maker," the way they study Jack Welch (GE's former-star CEO, if you're not in the know, a sort of Godfather to corporate climbers salivating for golden parachutes).
I'd like to take the Michael Marketing class. I'd like to know the ins and outs of your endorsement vetting process. I'm not the best student, though. (I'd probably fail out.) My way of learning is too big and broad and backwards. I can't help but see subjects in their end result, when I should be paying attention to the baby-steps in the creation process.
With Michael, I only see the end; the masterpiece portrait, the legacy of his life, hopefully well lived. I know Michael has a foundation, and I appreciate his building a charitable institution, but let's look at the biggest picture of all, stage-earth. How are you casting him on that? Maybe you already have. If so, forgive my ignorance... But if you haven't, what's the purest element of existence Michael can merge with? Water of course... Will Michael be the clean water crusader? Will he fight for clean rivers and streams? Or will Michael fight for clean drinking water in Third World countries? The reason I ask is because I see Michael as royalty, literally an aquatic king, and no image is more powerful than a sovereign showing compassion, giving life where it was once lacking.
According columnist Ed Bagley, you estimate Michael's career value in the 100 million dollar range. That's a whole lot of beans. I'm excited for you. I want Michael to see every single penny. Michael's a good guy. He's warm and easy-going... More importantly to me, Michael, as an every day guy, is very funny. I think humor is the key to connecting with people. Combine that quality with compassion, and you got a transcendent personality. Michael has these gifts. I've seen them myself. He's become a pro at handling the media. He dealt with me once when I came at him from left field, in an interview back in February:
Peter, I believe in what you've done so far with Michael Phelps' career. I know your PR people and how protective they've been with his image. I know it was necessary. You deserve a huge amount of credit for that. You kicked-butt in Beijing. But what's your global, charitable, long-lasting vision now???
READERS, if you have a vision for MP's future, share it with me. Michael, however private he may be, is now our aquatic ambassador. I think he should consider all opinions, the wisdom of the crowd. Fans are pulling for him. We want the best for Mr. Swimming.
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I really hope that Michael or his management team don't feel that he is obligated to become an "aquatic ambassador," championing charitable causes. If there is a cause that he is already interested in or develops an interest in the future, and he becomes passionate and knowledgeable about it, then I think it would be great if he supports if publicly. But he shouldn't do anything because he feels he must to further his career or the sport of swimming. It'll just look like an insincere publicity ploy.
TBH, I think the MP Foundation is enough. Celebrities help social/charitable causes most effectively when it fits their personal narrative. Like Cullen and his diversity tour. The aim of MP's foundation, with its "Dream, Plan, Reach" tagline, is to inspire children to work towards big dreams and goals by telling Michael's story and supporting youth programs. I think that fits MP perfectly because he seems to love working with children and because the most admirable thing about him isn't his talent. It's the audacity it took to set his sights on so high a prize and then to work towards it so tirelessly.
Hi Mel, very nice of you to have defended Phelps from time to time when not so good news about him coming out. All the comments given on this post are so sincere and well written that I want to share my feelings on this.
I have been a Michael Phelps' fan in Hong Kong after 04 Olympics and has followed every piece of article and video that I can find on internet about him. When he does post race interviews, I think he always speaks well & to the point. In particular, I love all the interviews he did with you. The one you attached is one of the best when Phelps can respond well to your joke. The other great one is the one you did in Ohio Grand Prix when he teased with you about your shoulder hurting which may be an old age problem. But when he is in a marketing activity, I think most of the time he looks boring and just say everything he has to say without responding properly to questions. Tell him not to use "being able to do...." or "the biggest thing is .." too often. In one of the interviews with CNBC Sport Biz several months ago, he said "being able to" at least 10 times. That was the worst interview that I've ever seen. As he said in his book "Beneath the surface", he doesn't like interviews to go in directions he's not expecting. I'm not sure it is his problems or his media trainers' problem. He said (in the book) they trained him to incorporate talking points into his press conferences, such as mentions of sponsor names to acknowledge them whenever it fits with the questions. But sometimes it just gives people a feeling that he is too hard sell.
Give you an example. When he came to Hong Kong in 2005, he attended his MP3 sponsored event and swam a few laps. What I can remember from that event was that he wore a big Omega watch before jumping into the pool. Then out of the pool, he used a towel with the big word Speedo on that. When he did photo shooting with a HK magazine, the photographer asked him to remove his watch, he refused saying Omega is his sponsor. At least that was what the magazine reported. I think he doesn't need to always showing his sponsor products. If Phelps can be himself, I am sure he can handle the media better. I love the Baltimore Sun interviews he did while he was eating and seemed less guarded.
I must admit I am a bit disappointed with all the rumours about his girlfriends and parties. I don't think every rumour is true. Anyway that is his private life but just hope he knows what he is doing. Let's hope he can focus in his strength, ie swimming. After London Olympics, he will still be young for other activities like poker. Why so eager to get into it now which will be a distraction to his swimming?
Megan, I'm going to find that Baltimore Sun vid....if I can... I've been looking, but no luck...
Candace!!!! How are you??? Thanks for commenting, and for being so honest. (I expect nothing less from you.) I agree, MP's endorsements are overshadowing his charity... He's got to ramp that side of his image up, and soon..... Everything's in place... I expect big things.... Then again, we all can't forget that he gave ONE MILLION DOLLARS to charity already.... I know. Actions speak louder than words, or rather, big plastic checks...but that was a really, really, really, big check.....
Oh, I cannot say how much I've made fun of this Subway decision over the past couple of days.
The thing is, I think he needs to do something in the public eye that has something to do with, well, SWIMMING. He seems to be a spokesperson for lots of products that are mainstream - granted he's now a mainstream celebrity and it makes sense for him to do things that appeal to the general public - but it just seems cheap. Cullen Jones owns a piece of my heart for being a spokesperson for Make a Splash but because MP pretty much throws the hugest shadow in the universe so most people outside the swimming world don't know about this. The Foundation? I haven't heard much about it since he held one of those obnoxiously oversized checks on the today show. I just hope sometime in the near future Phelps uses his super human powers for good rather than hawking sandwiches (that I don't believe he eats) and video games (that he probably does actually play.)
Mel, I think I know the interviews you're referring to. They are so real and down to earth! It's just HIM. I can't really see how Octagon wouldn't approve of them...I can't remember any faux pas...
For this fan, it's by far my favorite taped interview. Hands down.
Jennie, i gotcha, and I agree.... Going back to the topic of Octagon controlling MP's image, I wonder if they have him on such a tight rope that he can't be more loose on camera... MP did some video interviews with a reporter from the Baltimore Sun, and you could tell MP was comfortable with him, very open and honest. (I heard through the grapevine that Octagon DID NOT LIKE the interviews at all.) MP was intense about his competitors on camera, in a causal way. It was as if you were MP's close friend, and he was giving you the straight stuff.... I'm going to look for those and post them here. I LOVED THOSE interviews......
Thanks for the response Mel. I wasn't commenting on Michael's love for women, rather on his handling of his on camera interviews.
You mentioned the role of humor as being the "key to connecting" with people. I agree, and my point is that he doesn't use that tool very often. I think that the interviews with you stand out for that reason, and he seems quite approachable. But too often he relies on scripted answers (usually involving a specific product he's supposed to be pitching) and he comes off stiff, uncooperative, or like he's not engaged in the conversation. I just think that his time as an effective or lucrative spokesperson will be limited unless he learns to be more fluid in his interview responses. He's obviously got an engaging personality - he just shouldn't be afraid to let it out.
Jennie, I think he's done well, extremely well, all things considered.... HOWEVER, (and I think this address CALI's point as well), MP is very much a guy. That's not a secret. He likes woman! Unfortunately (and I have not seen the media about the waitress yet) every time he even comes close to interacting with a female, the story's blown out of proportion....
When my wife and I were with him in VEGAS (in Sept), women were literally crawling over couches into his lap. One woman was on the floor crawling through the crowd to get to him. And that was in a very swanky bar, with lots of security... Later, MP took us up to his suite. It was mostly swimmers with him at that point, and guess what? It was totally chill. MP was justing hanging out. No weird stuff. It's almost like the world beyond swimming or swim-fans who know the sport, just want a piece of his fame. It's ugly...
Since Beijing, everything has been so surreal. I don't buy most of the stories in the media. Gossip pubs create stories to ads..... Don't get me wrong, I know MP's partied and celebrated like a champ, but I don't think he'll make any damaging choices. He's got a GREAT mom and GREAT sisters. They'll keep him grounded. He also has a very tight group of guys from childhood that keep in him check........
1. That video is AMAZING. Only one other, very special video rivals it for top sport in my swim-loving heart. Although I think I like you better than Phelps in it, to be honest. But we'll talk about taboo crushes another time. ;)
2. I think that while Octagon has been instrumental in the endorsement deals flooding in, and have gotten the requisite pictures of him with children and him with heavyweights and execs, it's going to take a lot more to do what's most important--clean up his image. While I'm sure so many people are still so proud of his achievements (most of us, of course), there is a growing number of people who are pissed off with Michael showing off his seedier side. He can play coy on the girlfriend rumours till the cows come home (it's his life), but he's not exactly adding cred to his account by hanging out with dancers and fueling so much gossip. Whether he's bringing them home to Momma is to me a distasteful question to ask in the public, as most gossip-mongers have already done triumphantly--but perhaps someone should tell him to tone it down? Or at least do that kind of thing without the paps everywhere. Granted he's recognised constantly and I'm sure the sleazier elements of the paparazzi will be there with bells on, but this is really not a good thing.
I think that for Michael to really 'elevate' swimming more than he's done so with his magnificent achievements, would be to clean up his own backyard first. I'm sure he's a great guy and everything, but if he could sort of regulate the sordid activities a little--they're really giving him a bad name. I personally do not care what he does outside of the pool--apart from the good things like clinics with children and the like (which he should do more of)--but they're just not helping him out with others. I know as young people we make mistakes constantly, but I just think that if Michael really wants to achieve his greater goals, then perhaps conducting his activities away from prying eyes would be best.
I hope this doesn't sound too accusatory, because it's not--like everyone else I'm a drooling Phelps fan. But this spilling over of things he does isn't helping his image at all. And I'm just some stupid person off the street--I can see this already.
1. That video is AMAZING. Only one other, very special video rivals it for top sport in my swim-loving heart. Although I think I like you better than Phelps in it, to be honest. But we'll talk about taboo crushes another time. ;)
2. I think that while Octagon has been instrumental in the endorsement deals flooding in, and have gotten the requisite pictures of him with children and him with heavyweights and execs, it's going to take a lot more to do what's most important--clean up his image. While I'm sure so many people are still so proud of his achievements (most of us, of course), there is a growing number of people who are pissed off with Michael showing off his seedier side. He can play coy on the girlfriend rumours till the cows come home (it's his life), but he's not exactly adding cred to his account by hanging out with dancers and fueling so much gossip. Whether he's bringing them home to Momma is to me a distasteful question to ask in the public, as most gossip-mongers have already done triumphantly--but perhaps someone should tell him to tone it down? Or at least do that kind of thing without the paps everywhere. Granted he's recognised constantly and I'm sure the sleazier elements of the paparazzi will be there with bells on, but this is really not a good thing.
I think that for Michael to really 'elevate' swimming more than he's done so with his magnificent achievements, would be to clean up his own backyard first. I'm sure he's a great guy and everything, but if he could sort of regulate the sordid activities a little--they're really giving him a bad name. I personally do not care what he does outside of the pool--apart from the good things like clinics with children and the like (which he should do more of)--but they're just not helping him out with others. I know as young people we make mistakes constantly, but I just think that if Michael really wants to achieve his greater goals, then perhaps conducting his activities away from prying eyes would be best.
I hope this doesn't sound too accusatory, because it's not--like everyone else I'm a drooling Phelps fan. But this spilling over of things he does isn't helping his image at all. And I'm just some stupid person off the street--I can see this already.
Uh, Mel. There's problems. Have you been on the internet today? Seen
any gossip web sites (People, Just Jared, TMZ?) You might want to
check them out and read the comments. Mr. Phelps is "allegedly" in a
relationship with a "cocktail waitress" from Vegas and there's pictures of
her and she's not All American Boy Girlfriend Material. This type of
impulsive behavior has been documented since the Olympics over and over again. His public persona is in serious trouble with the general public. We, as swim geeks, worship the guy, but the average person does not admire him to the extent that we do. Mr. Carlisle and Co. need to do some damage control or, depending on moral clauses in his endorsement contracts, the guy is swimming in very shallow water (you know what I mean.) I agree they have done a brilliant job acquiring endorsement deals for him but Octagon needs to get in contact with their client and get him in some Boys and Girls Clubs or YMCAs too contraindicate the photos of him at poker tables and strip clubs.
This video is my favorite of every MP interview ever, because you managed to get him to display an actual personality. I think that Peter Carlisle, and his Octagon staff, need to work with Michael to improve his media skills. He's fine on script, but mostly struggles when presented with questions or situations that are unscripted (see the September Dan LeBatard radio interview as an example). I think to maximize his media and commercial potential he will need to be able to respond more spontaneously without losing focus on his brand objectives.
Getting him involved in something global would be so amazing. Has any other Olympian done something like that?? This is a whole new ballgame in the marketability of Phelps...
I don't think I've said it yet, but Peter Carlisle is a freaking genius. The Phelps-Carlisle duo is unstoppable.
BTW, that video is definitely one of my all time favorites...for multiple reasons... ;)
Crystal, that was sincerely me going nuts to get the interview, my first one with Mr. Swimming..... However, I was obviously kidding and he rolled with it exceedingly well....
i seriously love that video. was that a genuine reaction to finding out you were getting to interview mp? and is it pretty much that way before you interview everyone, or is mp just special... to you :)))
you said you can't help but see the end result - that's kind of the way i think/feel. i don't know how it's going to happen, i just know that it will. same for mp. he's been very smart - and thank goodness he has Peter - with choosing what he wants his name and image plastered on.
Michael's been setting goals for a very long time. he's wanted to change the sport since he first got into it. i think by 2012 things are going to be so different with swimming. honestly, did anyone think the buzz would last THIS long? here it is, the end of november and people are keeping it alive. and not only are they talking about it, but they're getting involved.
one day they'll be showing meets on tv like it's sunday night football. right?
as far as mp's future, i agree with Megan. i'd like to see him participate in more water safety promotions and swim clinics. i know he's a busy man but whatever he can do to give back - to the kids especially - would be huge.
Me too! Can't wait... I think MP's in good hands... I would like to see a global campaign though, something compassionate and STRONG ("The fight to End XYZ"), something that would capture the imagination of the world...
Amen Mel! There isn't a lot of marketing opportunities for Olympic athletes other than the few short months following the games. Michael is definitely an exception to that and I definitely see him being in the public eye consistently for the next four years. I mean that's crazy, right? Has any Olympic athlete had this much attention, been offered hundreds of endorsement deals and captured the attention of the world like Michael has? And he's a swimmer! Not a well loved sport in this country as you know. And to see that changing is so phenomenal.
Michael is golden in every sense of the word. As you said:
"Michael's a good guy. He's warm and easy-going... More importantly to me, Michael, as an every day guy, is very funny. I think humor is the key to connecting with people. Combine that quality with compassion, and you got a transcendent personality. Michael has these gifts. I've seen them myself. He's become a pro at handling the media".
That's what resonates with me. Professionally he's practically superhuman, but he's incredibly relatable at the same time! I'm hoping that he can get involved in something environmental, as you suggested...reaching out globally and giving back. That would be amazing to see. I'd love to also see some more water safety promotions and swim clinics he might put on in the future. Promote the sport even more.
I think there are simply endless possibilities for Peter and Michael. I'm sooo excited to see what comes of his fame and how the sport will grow even more from it.
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I really hope that Michael or his management team don't feel that he is obligated to become an "aquatic ambassador," championing charitable causes. If there is a cause that he is already interested in or develops an interest in the future, and he becomes passionate and knowledgeable about it, then I think it would be great if he supports if publicly. But he shouldn't do anything because he feels he must to further his career or the sport of swimming. It'll just look like an insincere publicity ploy.
TBH, I think the MP Foundation is enough. Celebrities help social/charitable causes most effectively when it fits their personal narrative. Like Cullen and his diversity tour. The aim of MP's foundation, with its "Dream, Plan, Reach" tagline, is to inspire children to work towards big dreams and goals by telling Michael's story and supporting youth programs. I think that fits MP perfectly because he seems to love working with children and because the most admirable thing about him isn't his talent. It's the audacity it took to set his sights on so high a prize and then to work towards it so tirelessly.
Posted by: Kate | November 29, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Hi Mel, very nice of you to have defended Phelps from time to time when not so good news about him coming out. All the comments given on this post are so sincere and well written that I want to share my feelings on this.
I have been a Michael Phelps' fan in Hong Kong after 04 Olympics and has followed every piece of article and video that I can find on internet about him. When he does post race interviews, I think he always speaks well & to the point. In particular, I love all the interviews he did with you. The one you attached is one of the best when Phelps can respond well to your joke. The other great one is the one you did in Ohio Grand Prix when he teased with you about your shoulder hurting which may be an old age problem. But when he is in a marketing activity, I think most of the time he looks boring and just say everything he has to say without responding properly to questions. Tell him not to use "being able to do...." or "the biggest thing is .." too often. In one of the interviews with CNBC Sport Biz several months ago, he said "being able to" at least 10 times. That was the worst interview that I've ever seen. As he said in his book "Beneath the surface", he doesn't like interviews to go in directions he's not expecting. I'm not sure it is his problems or his media trainers' problem. He said (in the book) they trained him to incorporate talking points into his press conferences, such as mentions of sponsor names to acknowledge them whenever it fits with the questions. But sometimes it just gives people a feeling that he is too hard sell.
Give you an example. When he came to Hong Kong in 2005, he attended his MP3 sponsored event and swam a few laps. What I can remember from that event was that he wore a big Omega watch before jumping into the pool. Then out of the pool, he used a towel with the big word Speedo on that. When he did photo shooting with a HK magazine, the photographer asked him to remove his watch, he refused saying Omega is his sponsor. At least that was what the magazine reported. I think he doesn't need to always showing his sponsor products. If Phelps can be himself, I am sure he can handle the media better. I love the Baltimore Sun interviews he did while he was eating and seemed less guarded.
I must admit I am a bit disappointed with all the rumours about his girlfriends and parties. I don't think every rumour is true. Anyway that is his private life but just hope he knows what he is doing. Let's hope he can focus in his strength, ie swimming. After London Olympics, he will still be young for other activities like poker. Why so eager to get into it now which will be a distraction to his swimming?
Posted by: MP Fan | November 29, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Yeah, Jennie...I found them too but they won't embed in a comment. A link to the video will have to do...
http://www.baltimoresun.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=2365653
Posted by: Megan | November 29, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Mel - I sent you the links to the Baltimore Sun videos via FB message. I couldn't get html to work here in the comments box.
They are, however, available on their web site by scrolling through all their videos of MP.
Posted by: Jennie | November 29, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Megan, I'm going to find that Baltimore Sun vid....if I can... I've been looking, but no luck...
Candace!!!! How are you??? Thanks for commenting, and for being so honest. (I expect nothing less from you.) I agree, MP's endorsements are overshadowing his charity... He's got to ramp that side of his image up, and soon..... Everything's in place... I expect big things.... Then again, we all can't forget that he gave ONE MILLION DOLLARS to charity already.... I know. Actions speak louder than words, or rather, big plastic checks...but that was a really, really, really, big check.....
Posted by: goldmedalmel | November 29, 2008 at 06:49 AM
Oh, I cannot say how much I've made fun of this Subway decision over the past couple of days.
The thing is, I think he needs to do something in the public eye that has something to do with, well, SWIMMING. He seems to be a spokesperson for lots of products that are mainstream - granted he's now a mainstream celebrity and it makes sense for him to do things that appeal to the general public - but it just seems cheap. Cullen Jones owns a piece of my heart for being a spokesperson for Make a Splash but because MP pretty much throws the hugest shadow in the universe so most people outside the swimming world don't know about this. The Foundation? I haven't heard much about it since he held one of those obnoxiously oversized checks on the today show. I just hope sometime in the near future Phelps uses his super human powers for good rather than hawking sandwiches (that I don't believe he eats) and video games (that he probably does actually play.)
Posted by: Candace | November 28, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Mel, I think I know the interviews you're referring to. They are so real and down to earth! It's just HIM. I can't really see how Octagon wouldn't approve of them...I can't remember any faux pas...
For this fan, it's by far my favorite taped interview. Hands down.
Posted by: Megan | November 28, 2008 at 06:51 PM
There was a good radio interview with Mike & Mike, a bit more relaxed.
Posted by: Aicha | November 28, 2008 at 06:50 PM
Jennie, i gotcha, and I agree.... Going back to the topic of Octagon controlling MP's image, I wonder if they have him on such a tight rope that he can't be more loose on camera... MP did some video interviews with a reporter from the Baltimore Sun, and you could tell MP was comfortable with him, very open and honest. (I heard through the grapevine that Octagon DID NOT LIKE the interviews at all.) MP was intense about his competitors on camera, in a causal way. It was as if you were MP's close friend, and he was giving you the straight stuff.... I'm going to look for those and post them here. I LOVED THOSE interviews......
Posted by: goldmedalmel | November 28, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Thanks for the response Mel. I wasn't commenting on Michael's love for women, rather on his handling of his on camera interviews.
You mentioned the role of humor as being the "key to connecting" with people. I agree, and my point is that he doesn't use that tool very often. I think that the interviews with you stand out for that reason, and he seems quite approachable. But too often he relies on scripted answers (usually involving a specific product he's supposed to be pitching) and he comes off stiff, uncooperative, or like he's not engaged in the conversation. I just think that his time as an effective or lucrative spokesperson will be limited unless he learns to be more fluid in his interview responses. He's obviously got an engaging personality - he just shouldn't be afraid to let it out.
Posted by: Jennie | November 28, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Jennie, I think he's done well, extremely well, all things considered.... HOWEVER, (and I think this address CALI's point as well), MP is very much a guy. That's not a secret. He likes woman! Unfortunately (and I have not seen the media about the waitress yet) every time he even comes close to interacting with a female, the story's blown out of proportion....
When my wife and I were with him in VEGAS (in Sept), women were literally crawling over couches into his lap. One woman was on the floor crawling through the crowd to get to him. And that was in a very swanky bar, with lots of security... Later, MP took us up to his suite. It was mostly swimmers with him at that point, and guess what? It was totally chill. MP was justing hanging out. No weird stuff. It's almost like the world beyond swimming or swim-fans who know the sport, just want a piece of his fame. It's ugly...
Since Beijing, everything has been so surreal. I don't buy most of the stories in the media. Gossip pubs create stories to ads..... Don't get me wrong, I know MP's partied and celebrated like a champ, but I don't think he'll make any damaging choices. He's got a GREAT mom and GREAT sisters. They'll keep him grounded. He also has a very tight group of guys from childhood that keep in him check........
Posted by: goldmedalmel | November 28, 2008 at 03:58 PM
I definitely agree on more than one count:
1. That video is AMAZING. Only one other, very special video rivals it for top sport in my swim-loving heart. Although I think I like you better than Phelps in it, to be honest. But we'll talk about taboo crushes another time. ;)
2. I think that while Octagon has been instrumental in the endorsement deals flooding in, and have gotten the requisite pictures of him with children and him with heavyweights and execs, it's going to take a lot more to do what's most important--clean up his image. While I'm sure so many people are still so proud of his achievements (most of us, of course), there is a growing number of people who are pissed off with Michael showing off his seedier side. He can play coy on the girlfriend rumours till the cows come home (it's his life), but he's not exactly adding cred to his account by hanging out with dancers and fueling so much gossip. Whether he's bringing them home to Momma is to me a distasteful question to ask in the public, as most gossip-mongers have already done triumphantly--but perhaps someone should tell him to tone it down? Or at least do that kind of thing without the paps everywhere. Granted he's recognised constantly and I'm sure the sleazier elements of the paparazzi will be there with bells on, but this is really not a good thing.
I think that for Michael to really 'elevate' swimming more than he's done so with his magnificent achievements, would be to clean up his own backyard first. I'm sure he's a great guy and everything, but if he could sort of regulate the sordid activities a little--they're really giving him a bad name. I personally do not care what he does outside of the pool--apart from the good things like clinics with children and the like (which he should do more of)--but they're just not helping him out with others. I know as young people we make mistakes constantly, but I just think that if Michael really wants to achieve his greater goals, then perhaps conducting his activities away from prying eyes would be best.
I hope this doesn't sound too accusatory, because it's not--like everyone else I'm a drooling Phelps fan. But this spilling over of things he does isn't helping his image at all. And I'm just some stupid person off the street--I can see this already.
Love the blog, Mel! :)
Posted by: Aicha | November 28, 2008 at 03:51 PM
I definitely agree on more than one count:
1. That video is AMAZING. Only one other, very special video rivals it for top sport in my swim-loving heart. Although I think I like you better than Phelps in it, to be honest. But we'll talk about taboo crushes another time. ;)
2. I think that while Octagon has been instrumental in the endorsement deals flooding in, and have gotten the requisite pictures of him with children and him with heavyweights and execs, it's going to take a lot more to do what's most important--clean up his image. While I'm sure so many people are still so proud of his achievements (most of us, of course), there is a growing number of people who are pissed off with Michael showing off his seedier side. He can play coy on the girlfriend rumours till the cows come home (it's his life), but he's not exactly adding cred to his account by hanging out with dancers and fueling so much gossip. Whether he's bringing them home to Momma is to me a distasteful question to ask in the public, as most gossip-mongers have already done triumphantly--but perhaps someone should tell him to tone it down? Or at least do that kind of thing without the paps everywhere. Granted he's recognised constantly and I'm sure the sleazier elements of the paparazzi will be there with bells on, but this is really not a good thing.
I think that for Michael to really 'elevate' swimming more than he's done so with his magnificent achievements, would be to clean up his own backyard first. I'm sure he's a great guy and everything, but if he could sort of regulate the sordid activities a little--they're really giving him a bad name. I personally do not care what he does outside of the pool--apart from the good things like clinics with children and the like (which he should do more of)--but they're just not helping him out with others. I know as young people we make mistakes constantly, but I just think that if Michael really wants to achieve his greater goals, then perhaps conducting his activities away from prying eyes would be best.
I hope this doesn't sound too accusatory, because it's not--like everyone else I'm a drooling Phelps fan. But this spilling over of things he does isn't helping his image at all. And I'm just some stupid person off the street--I can see this already.
Love the blog, Mel! :)
Posted by: Aicha | November 28, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Uh, Mel. There's problems. Have you been on the internet today? Seen
any gossip web sites (People, Just Jared, TMZ?) You might want to
check them out and read the comments. Mr. Phelps is "allegedly" in a
relationship with a "cocktail waitress" from Vegas and there's pictures of
her and she's not All American Boy Girlfriend Material. This type of
impulsive behavior has been documented since the Olympics over and over again. His public persona is in serious trouble with the general public. We, as swim geeks, worship the guy, but the average person does not admire him to the extent that we do. Mr. Carlisle and Co. need to do some damage control or, depending on moral clauses in his endorsement contracts, the guy is swimming in very shallow water (you know what I mean.) I agree they have done a brilliant job acquiring endorsement deals for him but Octagon needs to get in contact with their client and get him in some Boys and Girls Clubs or YMCAs too contraindicate the photos of him at poker tables and strip clubs.
Posted by: cali | November 28, 2008 at 03:00 PM
This video is my favorite of every MP interview ever, because you managed to get him to display an actual personality. I think that Peter Carlisle, and his Octagon staff, need to work with Michael to improve his media skills. He's fine on script, but mostly struggles when presented with questions or situations that are unscripted (see the September Dan LeBatard radio interview as an example). I think to maximize his media and commercial potential he will need to be able to respond more spontaneously without losing focus on his brand objectives.
Posted by: Jennie | November 28, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Getting him involved in something global would be so amazing. Has any other Olympian done something like that?? This is a whole new ballgame in the marketability of Phelps...
I don't think I've said it yet, but Peter Carlisle is a freaking genius. The Phelps-Carlisle duo is unstoppable.
BTW, that video is definitely one of my all time favorites...for multiple reasons... ;)
Posted by: Megan | November 28, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Crystal, that was sincerely me going nuts to get the interview, my first one with Mr. Swimming..... However, I was obviously kidding and he rolled with it exceedingly well....
Posted by: Mel Stewart | November 28, 2008 at 12:27 PM
i seriously love that video. was that a genuine reaction to finding out you were getting to interview mp? and is it pretty much that way before you interview everyone, or is mp just special... to you :)))
you said you can't help but see the end result - that's kind of the way i think/feel. i don't know how it's going to happen, i just know that it will. same for mp. he's been very smart - and thank goodness he has Peter - with choosing what he wants his name and image plastered on.
Michael's been setting goals for a very long time. he's wanted to change the sport since he first got into it. i think by 2012 things are going to be so different with swimming. honestly, did anyone think the buzz would last THIS long? here it is, the end of november and people are keeping it alive. and not only are they talking about it, but they're getting involved.
one day they'll be showing meets on tv like it's sunday night football. right?
as far as mp's future, i agree with Megan. i'd like to see him participate in more water safety promotions and swim clinics. i know he's a busy man but whatever he can do to give back - to the kids especially - would be huge.
Posted by: Crystal | November 28, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Me too! Can't wait... I think MP's in good hands... I would like to see a global campaign though, something compassionate and STRONG ("The fight to End XYZ"), something that would capture the imagination of the world...
Posted by: Mel Stewart | November 28, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Amen Mel! There isn't a lot of marketing opportunities for Olympic athletes other than the few short months following the games. Michael is definitely an exception to that and I definitely see him being in the public eye consistently for the next four years. I mean that's crazy, right? Has any Olympic athlete had this much attention, been offered hundreds of endorsement deals and captured the attention of the world like Michael has? And he's a swimmer! Not a well loved sport in this country as you know. And to see that changing is so phenomenal.
Michael is golden in every sense of the word. As you said:
"Michael's a good guy. He's warm and easy-going... More importantly to me, Michael, as an every day guy, is very funny. I think humor is the key to connecting with people. Combine that quality with compassion, and you got a transcendent personality. Michael has these gifts. I've seen them myself. He's become a pro at handling the media".
That's what resonates with me. Professionally he's practically superhuman, but he's incredibly relatable at the same time! I'm hoping that he can get involved in something environmental, as you suggested...reaching out globally and giving back. That would be amazing to see. I'd love to also see some more water safety promotions and swim clinics he might put on in the future. Promote the sport even more.
I think there are simply endless possibilities for Peter and Michael. I'm sooo excited to see what comes of his fame and how the sport will grow even more from it.
Posted by: Megan | November 28, 2008 at 11:17 AM