JFL42 so far

Since Friday September 21st, Toronto has been inviting pass holders to come and enjoy comedy shows. Acts like Reggies Watts, Neal Brennan, Moshe Kasher, Big Jay Oakerson, Ari Shaffir, Amy Schumer and many more have flooded the city with their talent. I have been checking out shows since Sunday night. Toronto Blogger Gabriel Katsnelson has been on ground zero since day one. So far, so good.

But not everyone is having a good time with the festival. Problems checking-in, credits not being giving back…. Having a great idea is just the beginning. I love the idea of checking in with your phone and having the event be all digital. However, when executing it in real time and dealing with new technology holders, that’s where things can get a little tricky. And they did.

By doing so, you have to realize that you are automatically shutting out a big part of your customers. Not everyone has a phone, let alone a smart one. Having said that, JFL42 are looking for the hype people who are connected to their phones at the hip, the ones who are social media junkies like myself. Why? When you check-in places or hashtag pictures, you’re helping them promote and share the word along the internet highway. It’s the new, easy and honest way to market your product. If hundreds of people are Tweeting about their night out it’s because someone is doing something right along the way.

Even though whispers and complaints flow through the line-ups before shows, folks come out more than satisfied from a packed show. I haven’t gone to one show and have it not packed. So despite all the complaints and fuck up you may of had at the beginning of the 8 day laugh-a-thon, are long gone once you get familiar with the format. Like anything new, it takes getting used to and the folks at JFL42 know what they’re doing and what needs to be fixed. Pick a show, show your barcode at door, check-in and do it all over again! What a great format!

I’ll be going around taking some video and asking questions to pass holders about their experience throughout the festival. This year seems to be a great success, I can’t wait until the next one. I have to say, Toronto has been a fantastic host for JFL42. Comedians are loving the vibe.