I know this is hard to believe – well, actually, very hard to believe – but honestly, in my own mind’s eye, I don’t see myself as a grumpy old man. Man definitely, old arguably but grumpy not really at all. On the contrary. I see myself as a bright-eyed, warmly-encouraging enthusiast, always looking for the best in everything I experience.
Must admit, though, that this might not be exactly how it seems to someone who knows me only from the last few weeks of this blog. Lately, I can’t deny, it does seem to have turned into a bit of a slagoffathon, where you could be forgiven for thinking that I can’t be bothered to Enter Password and Log In unless I have a target that I want to give a good kicking – the Cadbury’s film, Neptune ads, copy written in a tone of voice I don’t approve of, the advertising philosophy of M. Jean-Marie Dru, whatever.
This morning, I’ve Entered Password and Logged On determined to praise something. I can think of plenty of praiseworthy things that have nothing to do with financial services, marketing or advertising – Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance against Roma last night, the Barolo I had with dinner, a piece about the Stones in the latest Mojo, the new Elbow album, etc, etc, etc, etc. But something good that I can praise just now in financial services, marketing or advertising? I need your help with this.
cheer
a luggage trolley at Stansted with the following copy driven ad from National Express cheered me up no end (we flew Ryanair):
If you want a cheaper way to London, start pushing.
Lucian, I am reading your blog retrospectively and find myself recognising common thread; where are the examples of visionary and entertaining advertising? Where is the demonstration of values that the industry is so fond of extolling? Your request for something illuminating in financial services advertising can surely be met by the stand the Co-operative movement has made in response to the obvious ramifications of the credit crunch. Its advertising is difficult to watch with some of the scenes graphically illustrating the results a lack of ethics and morals can lead to in business; sweat shops all too easily swept under the carpet and innocent dolphins as collateral damage in the pursuit of tuna. There are values in life that corporates need to recognise we all care deeply about, even if we are inadvertently guilty of sustaining the wrongs this Ad depicts. Where branded and expensive apparel equates to exploitation, capitalism can only be questioned and where would advertising be without economics? When it comes to showing an acceptable face of commerce, I think Co-op deserve praise, regardless of what you think of the execution. Geoff
Lucian, I, too, am reading your blog retrospectively so apologies if you receive random comments as I catch up.
But I will agree that the new Elbow album is indeed spectacularly good. As for financial services? Hmm, drawing a bit of a blank there, I’m afraid.