In certain quarters, there’s a lot of talk about the death of advertising. Frankly, I find it hard to take seriously. I’m willing to grant that the industry has a head cold. And I’m willing to grant that blogs and other new media delivery systems can make it better, when properly administered. As far as death goes, I think not.
Here’s my pitch to students and others interested in a career in advertising:
To really make it in advertising you will need to turn advertising on its head. It becomes an all-consuming way of life. You will no longer passively receive ads. You may very well begin to talk back to billboards and radio spots and TV spots. You may even burst out with,
Well predictions are fun up to a point but I don’t believe in getting too attached to them. I’m just paddling my own canoe here and just hope for continuing good company for the journey.
David, you talk about “certain quarters” I guess you mean Hugh at Gapingvoid but maybe you could clarify…
Yes, I mean Hugh at Gaping Void. But he’s certainly not alone in making such outlandish pronouncements.
For the record, I’m very open to criticism of the ad biz. I’m one of the more outspoken critics myself. I love reading Naomi Klein and others who add value to the discussion. But sometimes people take things too far. Adbusters is an example to me of this. They risk becoming a joke, when they cross over that always indeterminate fine line.
It’s only advertising.
Well said, Clyde. For persepctive is key. And many in the biz have lost it. As have members of the blogerati and various resistance movements.