“Not just LA but California is the most optimistic place on earth. The side-effects of this can confuse outsiders. When you say, “Will you come to my event?” or, “Want to help with this project?” – they will almost always say yes, full of enthusiasm, and actually 100% sincere, fully intending to be there, to help, whatever.
They honestly and optimistically think that they will be there and do it. They have the best of intentions. But when it actually comes to that time, and they’ve optimistically said “yes!” to a dozen other things too, or perhaps they’re just nestled in the comfort of their California home, then… well… they reluctantly “flake” – and won’t follow through. Don’t get bitter and write them off as fake, or backstabbers. Just understand that it’s a side-effect of sincere optimism, and adjust your expectations accordingly.”
If you’re planning any event on Facebook, think about it the same way. Because it’s pretty much the same thing. Having planned countless shows when I was running a sketch comedy troupe – and near the tail end of our run using Facebook as a means to spread the word – I can attest to that.
And I know I’m not alone.
Photo credit: waltarrrr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
