In research it's always nice to hear that respondents 'liked' your idea. But so what? The problem is people like a lot of things, pictures of puppies, pretty colours, the way the model looks strong, the happy setting of a family on holiday because it reminds them of that time in Corfu. It doesn't really... Continue Reading →
Survey this.
Frankly, I have had enough of survey requests. Not the door to door type, just the incessant 'how was buying that door knob for you' type of survey. I don't want to be part of the big data I want to be small data, in my own house, leave me alone thank you very much.... Continue Reading →
Dear Mr Hammer, your problem isn’t a nail.
Aren't all branding ideas sort of advertising ideas and vice versa? Well, sometimes, I guess, but not always. In Pharmaland we can lean towards treating every problem as if it needs a good whack on the head. Give it a brand image that people will remember, plaster it all over the congress stand and the... Continue Reading →
How a brand can punch above its weight.
Back in the 90s I was fortunate to do a fair amount of international jet setting due to being the jammiest git alive and working on a car account. The ads were popular somewhat but never that great - which was always unsatisfactory, but the trips were the consolation prize. We used to go to... Continue Reading →
It’s how we do it, so it must be right.
Take GM crops. We all know they are bad for the future of the human race. The scary world of science is mutating our crops and causing us all to grow two heads and speak in squeaky voices. Or something. It’s what we call 'received wisdom'. Received wisdom can be a bit of a bugger... Continue Reading →
Haute couture on the Cotes d’azure
Arriving last weekend at Cannes Lions I was struck by the level of new technology and interactivity on show. In real time, you can interact with 3-dimensional people and experience what looks like an actual talker talking on a stage about social media, while you yourself can actually be on social media. #amazing! I know... Continue Reading →
Eggs in the airing cupboard
In consumer adland we often get the chance to experience the products we peddle. If we're lucky enough to work on a car account we get to do a driving day for a new model, if the latest beer is being launched we can down a few pints and really get a feel for the...ahem...taste.... Continue Reading →
Throwing poo at the visitors.
Despite the most recent unseemly poo-flinging at the Republican TV debate it does seem that Donald Trump is still looking set to be the run away candidate favourite. This much you know. So how is it that an ageing, racist, sexist, billionaire with a big mouth, a comb over and a never ending supply of... Continue Reading →