While we’re told that, “Your opinion matters,” when it comes to feedback, the TV show, The Simpsons reminded me that this is not always the case. I started to think about the weight of our opinions after I read that the new season of the animated TV show was going to feature a longtime character being killed.
When I heard about this, part of me was mourning the loss of a yet unnamed character. After all, The Simpsons is a television institution. But then I realized that my opinion really shouldn’t count.
Why? While I enjoy the program, love the characters, and admire the satirization of modern life, I haven’t watched The Simpsons in a long time. Many of the first few seasons were must-see TV. Perhaps, I’d even call them, the Golden Years.
Since then, I haven’t watched the program as much. Whole seasons have gone by without my taking notice.
Keep in mind that the show has been on the air since 1989. Whether it was changes to the writing staff, other programs that I wanted to watch more, or just my moving into a different phase of life, I haven’t been a regular viewer for a while.
I still like The Simpsons and I like the idea that the program still is on the air. But how much say should I have about its future?
After all, I don’t watch the program, support the advertisers who help pay for it, or buy the DVDs. Yes, I can have an opinion but should my feelings matter to the producers of the program?
In fact, it could be dangerous to their brand for them to pay any attention to my thoughts. I’m no longer their customer. Any advice I could give would be out of date and have no knowledge of the work that’s been done in recent seasons.
Why should you care about this? People tend to have no shortage of opinions. You will find lots of people who will tell you how to fix your business and they have no intention of being a customer.
Sometimes these people are consultants. If they are at the top of their game, in your field, then you should pay attention to them. But if you’re not paying them or they’re not paying you, then you should be very careful before you consider their feedback.
Giving feedback is easy. Truly helping someone is harder and requires a different level of commitment. Understand the difference.
