In this new episode of Ad Chatter, we hear from a special guest, David Blain. David is president of Saxton Horne in Salt Lake City and a mentor to me. I got my start in the agency business in 1997 at David’s agency, Blain Olsen White Gurr, which was a high-tech B2B agency in Salt Lake City. David was the account guy and partner who helped me to learn about the power of strategic thinking (something that has helped me …
Rolling With The Changes
I don't doubt that Renny Gleeson, Global Director of Digital Strategies at W+K, knows how to sell cutting edge digital solutions to the world's leading brands. But do the world's leading brands know how to buy cutting edge digital solutions? And does an agency that made its name in print and on TV know how to generate and deliver cutting edge digital solutions? Let's look at one man's view of the struggle: Our …
Ad Chatter: Special Edition with Steve Harrison
I recently reviewed Steve Harrison's new book here on Adpulp.com, Can’t Sell Won’t Sell: Advertising, politics and culture wars. Why adland has stopped selling and started saving the world. In this special edition of Ad Chatter, I talked with Steve a little more about his book. We covered a wide variety of topics, including: Groupthink in the ad industry The difference between the “somewheres” and …
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The Rob Schwartz Interview (A Preview)
Rob Schwartz of TBWA\Chiat\Day NY is one of my favorite people in the ad business today. To qualify for this kind of praise, you have to be smart and kind. Rob is both, and like all of my favorite people, he doesn't bullshit. He's down to earth and he makes time for people—qualities not always found in the CEO of a New York City ad agency. Rob is also a long time reader of Adpulp.com and one of our most generous …
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Can’t Sell Won’t Sell Will Piss Off Many Ad People If They Read It
In a year filled with chaos and uncertainty, it’s increasingly clear that the future of the advertising industry hinges on economic, social, and political forces constantly in flux. And in the midst of the fog of 2020 comes a firecracker of a new book. British Creative Director Steve Harrison holds the advertising industry’s feet to the fire in Can’t Sell Won’t Sell: Advertising, politics and culture wars. Why …
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I’ll Take ‘Creative Wizardry’ for $800, Alex
Diminish a once-powerful industry and lose all respect inside and outside the agency. What is influencer marketing? What is programmatic? What is artificial intelligence? There is a virulent strain of stupid on the loose in the business world today. The disease leads those infected to strip the soul of creativity from the marketing communications industry. Whether it's a content marketing disciple …
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New Job Openings, Infinite Career Possibilities
Furloughs, layoffs, downsizing, early retirement, contract buyouts...the marketing communications industry is struggling to survive the pandemic, along with media companies, and client companies in retail, events, hospitality, travel, commercial real estate, et al. At the same time, there are lots of companies that are currently hiring. What follows is a list of 'Jay oh Bees' that our readers may want to …
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Adland Podcast Number 9: From Ad Industry Woes To New and Improved Pathways
Two advertising professionals and OG ad critics enter a podcast recording booth... Tune in now to find out what was said. This ep of the adland podcast I chat with @davidburn of @adpulp about trademarks (like adland) paying people for their work, digital debris and much more. Namechecked the @adcontrarian more than once. :) https://t.co/h06dmkJLPN — Åsk Dabitch (@dabitch) August 14, 2020 We discuss the …
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Poets Are Particularly Adept At “Packaging” Big Ideas for Brands
Do copywriters write well in other forms? Does it matter? Yes and yes. For professional writers, there is the literary market, the entertainment market, the journalism market, and the advertising market. When you work in advertising, all of the sister industries are part of the big picture. When you go to bat for a brand, you rely on the same narrative structures that novelists use, you write dialogue like a …
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Not Compassionate: Medical Marijuana Patients Face Pointless Barriers in Texas
The Texas Compassionate Use Program was first established in 2015, allowing the use of high-CBD, low-THC cannabis oil only for Texans diagnosed with intractable epilepsy. Though legal, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule 1 drug and is not covered by insurance. As a result, the cost for treatment can range from $250 to $1,000 per month depending on the patient and the severity of the condition. “Medical …