Just as "Life Elevated" is intended to conjure up some sort of elitist "vision" of the state, the Utah Symphony, in their infinite wisdom, decided many years ago that essentially every concert HAD to have a modern, contemporary classical piece included in the selections. They seem to feel it's their responsibility to FORCE the populace to "eat their spinach." If you're to be a proper snob, you MUST learn to love the unfathomable and discordant modern classics. As I've tried many times to explain to various people at the symphony, this is essentially the same as someone that "loves" their favorite "easy listening" radio station, and listens to it faithfully, to wake up one morning and find that the program director, "in their wisdom," has programmed in an "acid rock" piece for every (let's say) fourth play. Just as I discontinued several years as a symphony yearly subscriber, I would also quickly find another station.

Bottom line is, both the Utah Symphony and the state of Utah have a product to sell! They're in competition with a wealth of other choices that people can spend their money and their time on, and if they're going to be successful, they had better learn, as every successful businessman does, that they HAVE to decide on both the right items for sale, AND the most effective way to advertise their products.

DO NOT succumb to the "elitists" that KNOW WHAT'S best for everyone else . . . Find a slogan or motto that's understandable by the "average Joe," and that carries a message that Utah is simply a great state, with great people, scenery, opportunities, work ethics, (changing) climate, and every conceivable outdoor opportunity and sport.

I realize I've gone way overboard from the input you were looking for, but I'm a fairly intelligent and articulate individual, and I think the governor has exactly the WRONG kind of people trying to "sell" our state. I've seen the same thing happen to the symphony, and I feel it's dropped way back in its reputation, status, and quality . . . I don't want the same thing to happen to our state tourism, business opportunities, etc. I personally would love to see a variation of the longtime motto "Industry" . . . Something along the line of "Land of Limitless Opportunity" or "A State of Opportunity," etc.

Ronald L. Erickson, Bountiful

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I'm not disappointed or thrilled with the new state branding. As far as the brand, I don't believe it will affect tourism in and of itself, and even if it were an amazingly good brand, I don't believe it would have much of an effect. As far as $20 million for marketing and advertising, that will definitely have a positive effect that could only be detrimental if the advertising were absolutely botched, which would almost be difficult to do.

Joshua J. Steimle, Draper

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Having been in advertising myself for nearly 20 years, I understand the politics, creative subjectivity, and "too-many-cooks" landmines along the path to a good ad campaign. Since you invited the public to play "ad critic," I predict many will find fault with the new Utah campaign. It's human nature when asked for one's opinion to try and find something wrong.