The Trust Manifesto

For far too long, our economy and culture have been decayed by the cancer that is mass marketing. The marketing industry has over time lost respect for its role as the guardian of the relationship between a company and its customers. A practice once based in earning and protecting trust has eroded into the habit of obtaining the most promotion for the least amount of effort. Marketing no longer sees people but rather numbers and dollars. Simultaneously, just as marketing has dissociated the human element from its public, the industry has likewise stripped the lifeblood of creativity away from the artist. As this trend has continued unabated, innovation, inspiration and passion for the craft, once entrusted to the artist, have been sacrificed in the quest for easy gain. As we enter an age in which the methods of communication have been revolutionized, the old systems of mass marketing have been rendered ineffectual. In a marketplace founded by, built by and existing for the people, trust is the only fundamental currency. Therefore, the following maxims are hereby set forth as necessary elements to earning and keeping trust in the marketplace:

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• 1.

  All must be rooted in building trust. Any and all resources dedicated to the promotion of business must directly or indirectly be founded in trust. There are no shortcuts to developing an authentic relationship between company and customer.

• 2.

  Earned trust is the result of a personal investment. Customers must be seen as people, not statistics.

• 3.

  Passion for the work comes first. For marketers, the quality of work supersedes all measure of profit. The task of building trust demands time, money and sacrifice.

• 4.

  Creativity is not a fixed commodity. Creative ideas are the foundation of good marketing. As such, an ongoing investment must be made in cultivating an environment that breeds creativity.

• 5.

  The artist must be respected. Artists are the architects and guardians of trust. Marketing must respect its designers, writers, illustrators, photographers, engineers and all that create the element of trust.

• 6.

  Nothing must come between the artist and the client. Companies must have direct access to the artists that are charged with forging trust. Likewise artists must be able to engage in clear and open communication.

• 7.

  Only one owns the spirit of the work. While there may be many involved in the process, one person must assume ownership of the task. Creativity by committee will always fail.

• 8.

  The marketing firm that adheres to the principles of building trust must always defend and protect its own industry from practices that remove the human element from the marketplace. All entities in the business of earning trust are obligated to illuminate what is wrong and fight for what is right.

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Client Spotlight: Golden Star USA

A community of heroes

If there is a guiding principle behind everything we do at Fame Foundry, it’s challenging the status quo with innovative ideas and connecting people around those ideas.

With Golden Star USA, we set out to do just that.

Like any social media site, Golden Star USA offers a virtual space where people of like interests can gather. What makes Golden Star unique is its focus.

Golden Star USA is home to family and friends of service personnel representing all five branches of the military – the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard – including active duty, veterans and fallen heroes. The site provides its members with a place where they can come to honor their loved ones, connect with others, share a story and recognize the sacrifices of all who answer the call to serve.

As a living, breathing community, Golden Star USA is a lasting tribute to those who are fighting for freedom at home and abroad as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. Unlike any statue or monument, it will continue to evolve and grow, bringing people together in real and meaningful ways.

The Patriot Page

Registered users can create a Patriot Page in honor or memory of any member of the U.S. Armed Forces, past or present. This page provides a showcase for the honoree’s record of service and commendations as well as a forum where friends and family can share their memories and stories by posting comments.

The Patriot Hall

Collectively, all of the Patriot Pages comprise the Patriot Hall, a living monument to those who have served in conflicts over the past century. Visitors to the site can search the Patriot Hall to find a member of the Golden Star registry by name and unit, salute them with a personal tribute on their Patriot Page and read posts contributed by other members of the community.

Autumn’s blog

As founder and CEO of Golden Star USA, Autumn Letendre is driven to help others as a result of her own personal tragedy. Her husband, USMC Captain Brian S. Letendre, was killed in 2006 during his second tour of duty in Iraq, after he had voluntarily returned to the front lines as part of a special team training Iraqi army recruits.

On her blog, Autumn will chronicle her experiences as she travels across the country promoting the Golden Star USA Foundation and its mission to serve military families who are struggling with the same challenges she and Brian experienced during his deployments.

The music video

Written and performed by Autumn Letendre in memory of her husband, "Raise Your Flag" offers a message of inspiration to hold the flag, our national symbol of freedom, proud and high, with respect and honor for those who did not waiver in making the ultimate sacrifice.

Funding the mission

Visitors to the site can make a donation to The Golden Star USA Foundation. Contributions support the nonprofit organization in its mission to provide marriage retreats and family counseling services for active duty and honorably discharged troops.

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