There’s been a lot of writing lately about the valuable role that a firm’s customers (and others) can play in generating innovations. Chevrolet tried this recently, and found out what happens when you ignore a large part of your (potential) customers and then, finally, give them a voice in your innovation process. Autoblog just posted a very interesting set of videos created by “users” for GM:
As part of a creative new ad campaign for the new Tahoe, General Motors has teamed up with Donald Trump’s ‘The Apprentice’ franchise to create a website that allows prospectives to make their own commercials online. The website allows readers to select backgrounds, video shots, and input text in an attempt to win prizes ranging from a Jackson Hole Getaway to a trip to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
Some of the videos created can be seen here…for as long as GM doesn’t notice them. At which point, we’ll see where they turn up on the web. one two three
Andrew Hargadon 
Man, inventions is one thing but getting them off the ground is another altogether if you dont know what steps to take.
Lets take my father for example who has a whole file full of inventions that are all worked out to the tea! He has been inventing since 1974 and not one of his inventions are out yet or close too.
Can you believe that my father, George Webber, came out with the harrier jet engine in 1975 and he offered it to certain country’s. Unfortunately no one wanted to pay my dad before sending over the plans, it was a dicy move so he held on to the plans instead.
The harrier jet engine was then created by the asians if im not mistaken a couple of years later…