Stop Look Listen

It's not very often that a podcast is a must listen event. But the meeting of the Kaiser and George Parker (of AdScam fame) is something of which advertising legends are potentially made.

Both pull no punches, so might make uneasy listening for people who don't like swearing or who enjoy making bland ads!

I haven't heard it yet (no speakers right now) but if it's half as good as it could be it is absolutely essential.

Kaiser and George Parker on Werbeblogger

Guilty!

Dan from Innocent posted recently about a piece of direct mail he received from a company selling marketing services. It is bad for so many reasons, perhaps chiefly for being completely contrasting to how you would expect to have to be if you were trying to sell to Innocent...

Bad Direct Marketing

Awards Time

I am looking into running a blosophere ad awards for over the coming couple of weeks.
The idea being that each award is 'sponsored' by another blog, which then promotes the voting page in return.

Just an idea I am working on, but if anyone is interested please let me know.

Clear to See

After criticising their recent TV ad, I am glad to say that the current radio ads for Specsavers are much better. Nothing specifically amazing, but they are funny and well written.

They talk about competitor sales, how they exclude pretty much everything. A choice quote "I'll have these." 'Sorry, those aren't in the sale' "What about these?" 'Sorry' "These?" 'No.' "These?!" 'No..'

Much better.

Was Ist Das?

Been enjoying a debate with my favourite AngloDeutsche head of state over his interesting ideas on the future of content and how traditional ad agencies might not be able to cope.

I think its well worth joining in on:

The Kaiser

What in the World??

After discussing the brilliance of M+C Saatchis latter BA ads (see bottom video) on Facebook, I was reminded of how any brand can have good ads if the agency and company tries hard enough. How any agency can make good ads.

It saddens me then, that these awful PC World ads are still appearing. Ads that not only are horrible and cringeworthy to watch, but fail to get across a positive message about the brand other than "good value" (which they aren't, usually).

I wonder, what could be done with the brand if the agency or company (or both) were to realize there is so much more they could say and do. (Hell, even a better ad with the same strategy would be alright..) We know from the BA ads that M+C can do better; so why is it they aren't?

Knock it Off Nigel

Piracy funds drug dealers and Al Qaeda!

That's been the typical anti-piracy ad in the UK over the last 20 years. So it make a change to see something else that while not perfect certainly seems to be part of a better strategy.

Knock off Nigel.

See, the problem with telling everyone piracy funds criminals is that most people get them off their mate Terry at the market. They don't see Terry as having any connection whatsoever to organised crime.

The "pirate dvd's have rubbish picture quality" ads in cinema's are useful as they remind you what you could be missing out on.

However, despite some flaws (It could be funnier, wittier, and make more out of the song) the idea of Knock off Nigel is by far the best anti piracy ad I can remember.

Making people who buy copied DVD's out to be cheap scroungers is a bold step really considering how many people do it. But its done just well enough to get people talking; that if your mate buys copied DVD's you might just be tempted to call him a Knock off Nigel for a laugh. It slowly gets the message out there and could actually make some difference in an area that is extremely hard to crack.

This is also a chance to show the excellent parody of the old style piracy ads from The IT Crowd:

Its a good week...

For people I know in the blogosphere.

Just found that not only am I in Campaign's best of the blogs again this week for my comments on the new Carling ad, but Chimp and Scamp are in there too.

While one of the best ads Rob C has ever been involved in (see below) is listed in Campaign's top ten bravest ads of all time.

You Say Potato I Say ...er... Fries.

In addition to my interview tomorrow I am now meeting the planning director of a (mostly) digital agency as well about a possible job. I love those kinds of emails, out of the blue when you are waiting agonisingly for graduate responses!!

In investigating their site I found out they are behind this perky piece of potato presentation. A great example of how simple ideas can get people talking. It also nicely matches the brand's image. And no, I am not going to use the V word...

Potato Parade

Hurrah!!!

Another interview :)

Still waiting on several though, it's a remarkably frustrating process sometimes... but it will be worth it in the end!

Wish me luck! (You don't actually have to post every time I get an interview! I know you wish me well!)