I am very glad that this subject was brought up. I truly hope more hobbyists read about this because this is a VERY important opportunity for our beloved hobby that many readers/viewers may not even realize.
As a promoter in the industry, I can tell you that my profession forces me to see things from a different perspective and/or higher vantage point; and by that I do NOT mean any reference to any position of superiority or advanced knowledge (I am a mediocre hobbyist at best) but rather to the many clients in this industry that we are responsible for. Thus certain advantages emanate merely due to our central position in the industry. In any given show, (currently our eighth) we have to consider the welfare and professional interests of over 200 exhibitors on average, all with different needs, requirements, and vested interests. If not bound by a common goal, our expos would be little more than loosely-organized flea markets of Booths, Banners, and Billy-Come-Latelys, each trying to sell you the latest and greatest smorgasbord of foreign-made products.
But fortunately it’s more than that. We saltwater hobbyists are a different breed of cat; each of us passionate and/or downright “tenacious” in the quest of maintaining life in the context of a glass box in the middle of our living rooms. Such is the root of all evil whenever something new comes down the pike. Inherent Mother Hens that we are, we question, scrutinize, and sometimes even attack those that we perceive as a threat to our precious commodity we refer to as the reef aquarium hobby. Worse yet are those anonymous individuals wanting to show off (innocently enough) their newfound knowledge of reef husbandry to the virtual masses. Therein lies the most significant problem.
First let me just say this: in my humble yet professional opinion, “Tanked” has the potential to do more good for the saltwater hobby than any of our MAX shows (or any other show for that matter) could accomplish in a hundred years! If this show takes off, and is syndicated throughout the United States, it will reach more viewers and create more awareness than any other event in the history of this hobby. The only other event to come even close is Disney’s “Finding Nemo” and even that had its limitations. Finding Nemo was positioned as a children's movie, therefore the aura of mystery still surrounded the saltwater industry since Nemo did little to introduce a true representation of saltwater aquariums. "Tanked", on the other hand, is practically a documentary compared to Nemo in terms of knowledge and representation. Yes, "Tanked" has its limitations too, but when/where on earth are we ever going to have the subject of saltwater aquariums brought home to "Joe Smith TV Viewer" ever again? This is our one and only chance to be in the spot light (so to speak) and surely you realize there is power in numbers. This is our one fighting chance of fending off the numerous environmentalists, preservationists, and host of other radicals wanting to takeaway your rights for this month’s new “feel-good” movement. And given the current political trends, we need every bit of help that we can get.
Now, before passing judgment and complaining about how "Tanked" doesn’t meet your quality standards, have you thought about the consequences of those actions? Do viewers really need to know how long acclimation procedures should be, or how many fish should live in a given aquarium...in the context of a 30-minute program? Don’t you think hobbyists (or potential hobbyists) will find this out for themselves once they become involved and educate themselves? Wherein have we ever burdened Hollywood with the responsibility of educating television viewers with every detail possible? If this were the case, I’d expect "Tanked" producers to throw up their arms and abandon the controversy altogether.
PLEASE try to send some praise for what these people are doing instead of chastising them for what ends up on the cutting room floor. Considering the newness and uncertainty of this show's future, the cast and crew of "Tanked" need our support more than ever. Please give them a chance for the mutual benefit of everyone involved. If "Tanked" gets canceled, then everybody loses!
Respectfully Yours,
Kevin T. Adams, President and CEO
Sunset Promotional Services, Inc.
Marine Aquarium Expo (MAX)
Aquarium & Pond Expo (APEX)
Seattle Marine Aquarium Expo (SEA-MAX)
