ThoughtSpurs

I am lost for words.

This paperback cover is a classic expression of the value of wit in communications. There is a time when everything should be literally spelled out and then there is something to be said for engaging the viewer in such a way as to make them a part of of the communication process. The greater the level of engagement, the higher the liklihood that the person reading the message will adopt it as their own. After all, they had to work to decode it. The risk is that some folks won't be able to crack the code, but you can't please everybody - and the same risk is true for even the most blank, expressionless communications.

There is a line in the Wild One when Marlon Brando's character is asked "What are you rebelling against Johnny?" With a dismissive curl of his lip Brando/Johnny sneers: "Waddya got?" That's the famous line. The one I prefer is when one of the rebel biker gang asks a local in the bar: "What do you hicks do around here for kicks?" "Oh,…The roses grow. People get married. Crazy as anyplace else." Crazy as anyplace else. Now there's the rub. Often I meet with clients who agree with everything I say about being authentic; being The One & Only™. They nod and agree. "Yup, that's what we're all about. We're The One & Only™ alright. That's us…yessiree Bob" Then they tell me what they are doing to promote themselves to make the most of their distinctive qualities. "Well, we kind of match our competition because that's how things are done in this category." Lockstep. It is then I realise that our p...

I advocate interestingness in advertising - that people don't want advertising, they want things that are interesting and, sometimes, that is an ad. The commercial about tests the theory to breaking point. In it hundreds of topless Aryan women take to the Air - to the sounds of The Ride of the Valkyrie. While it is not the first commercial ever to use the idea of formation sky-diving or the Wagnerian sound track, or female nudity - I will wager it is the first to combine all of the above. The result is comically bad. Admittedly I am not familiar with the product being promoted - and I don't speak Danish but I wonder is their is a sly insider joke that I am not privy to. So, is it interesting? I am inclined to say it is more curious than interesting. But it serves to underscore the point that advertising can be as interesting as all get out, but if it is irrelevant then it will likely enough pass unnoticed and change no behaviour. Likewise I am baffled by this commercial by BBH ...

A dear friend shared a poem with me. Try I as I might, I didn't get it. And I did try. I wrote a poem in reply. Not intended to insult (though it did). I'm sorry for that. But am grateful for the revelation that poetry offers. I recommend opening up your intellectual channels, rationalism and realism by connecting your thoughts outside the constructs of prose. Here is my reply to my friend. If you can figure it out let me know. Blimey. Bucolic Beowulfian Epic endymion Hippolytic Haiku Iambic I said Pentametric parabolas 'neath perfect parasoles Pirouetting piously Promulgating petrification Sensationalising stupefaction Serenely cerebral Suddenly sodden Nakedly nude Smirking prude The silent ryhming mime says make mine a double and make it snappy for I can but shed crocodile tears Boatshed dreams of tarninshed beams lampen lumpen lampoons of chronic Harpoons Call me Ishamael But call me Light and day egging on in the porcelein pavlovas of all our Tomorrows

Interesting analogy. Meme Huffer again.

Once again, if it didn't ring so true, this clip would be frightening, or maybe it is scary because it is true. Via Meme Huffer