Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Don't Grumble, Give a Whistle!

Look on the bright side of life with the Optimist.

(Via Love)

Web 6.0? Oh no....

"Ever feel like the online world is leaving you behind?"

No quite frankly, but I am sure a lot of people do. Which is why I severely dislike the new radio ads for government backed training schemes.

The ads are basic and reasonable enough, but using those annoying alienation tactics I loathe so much. "Mum who is jealous that her daughter gets online tips from her friends mum" and "Grandad who feels silly not being able to get in touch with his family" are among two ideas that just sound patronising when they should be inspiring.

Win back your kids love by knowing some good URLs! No. A better understanding of what your kid enjoys and gets up to? Yes.

Yes, tell over 50's that they can keep in better touch with their families using the internet; but don't insult their intelligence whilst doing it.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Bricks and Mortimer

Moving to Manchester soon.
I have a planning job, hurrah!!

Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive to me, and Andy. (Joke)

Friday, January 25, 2008

Are Friends Electric?

After loads of bad publicity for energy companies pushing big price increases (and then advertising "fix prices now!") the instant their costs go up; I was worried to get a letter from my energy supplier, Atlantic (part of Scottish and Southern).

What I got was just great. A direct mail booklet, but one full of info on their green targets, and featuring nice messages about contacting them if you are concerned for an elderly person who cannot afford to pay for heating.

Normally this wouldn't be that impressive, but at a time when every other energy company is looking battered this puts them in such a positive light.

Image from www.moonraker.com.au

Monday, January 21, 2008

Wooo!

Ahem. Wooooo!
Just got my first planning job offer!

I won't go into details just yet, I still have a second interview at another place this week; and it would be silly to make a decision without seeing both.

But i'm very happy at the news!

What the Fivehundred?

Just seen the new Fiat tagline on their ads for the 500.

"You are, We car"

I am struggling to decide if this is brilliant or rubbish... any thoughts?

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

300!

No not a cry for battle, but a realisation that I have now reached 300 posts!

On that note, some questions for this week:

Are there any Halifax employees left that are yet to 'star' in their ads?
Is the cameo appearance of Howard Brown in his contract?
Is it ironic that my keyring from a well loved design agency broke three days before I had an interview there?
Where was Sacrum??

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Busy Start...

Quiet blogging so far in 2008, my apologies, I have two interviews next week and other family stuff to sort out!

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

My Year

Well, 2007 sure was crazy.

  • Attended the Future Marketing Summit as the only official blogger
  • Got to the final 8 in recruitment for a great ad agency
  • Presented at Interesting 07
  • Published in Creative Review
  • Appeared in Campaign three times
  • Appeared in the D+ad annual
  • Interviewed for BBC News Online ad review of the year
  • Met plenty of intelligent people, almost all of whom were good company!
2008: This year I shall be in the industry. It would be insulting of the brilliant people who say I deserve it were I not to...

Review of the Year - Part 4

Last part of the ad year from me, to be followed only by my personal account of 2007...


Best International Ads

If you'll excuse the metaphor, it was a breath of fresh air.




At last, something that captures our human relationship with technology.

Review of the Year - Part 3

2007 has been a good year for traditional advertising. The anticipated collapse never happened, digital advertising appeared to be suffering from a mild hangover, and despite a flurry of brands with 'big ads', and too many 'chain reaction' ads; it wasn't half bad.

But, there is always rubbish:

Disappointment of the Year

After a decent build up campaign, and a huge huge budget, I was expecting something more than a giant domino themed version of Cog. It's a decent watch, but lacks the Guiness charm, and feels like a weak attempt at aping W+K; rather ironically, the creatives moved to W+K almost immediately after this ad launched...



The "What Were They Thinking" Award for Bandwagon Jumping

Oh. Dear. Someone read about UGC and appeared to miss the bit about quality control.

[sourcing ad... ]


Worst Ads of 2007

Still badly written. Still badly acted. Still failing to get a good message about the company across. Had a great discussion about this campaign with Graham at Cheetham Bell JWT ; might talk about that soon.



Yes, we can see what they were going for, but they just got it very wrong. We do not like, empathise or positively associate with Mickey at all.



Oh the stereotyping, woe the lacklustre use of a decent tag.