Announcement. Fluid Films. Branded Content for Broadcast, the Web, and the Future.

A year ago I began a journey that started at my former employer. My job transitioned from being simply a writer to a video content creator. Not only did I love this new role, I discovered I had a real passion for it. I also believed in what I was…

From the agency blog: Nine reasons the media revolution is really an evolution.

A recent article I wrote for my former employer's blog: Studios are reporting the biggest Memorial Day weekend ever.  Why is this important? The advertising industry is consumed these days with articles about the “changing” media landscape, detailing why it will never be the same. While it’s important that we…

The General Specific. An ode to generalists everywhere.

It used to be an agency professional was expected to be a generalist in the specifics of marketing and advertising. It was understood that it’s impossible for a creative, AE or media planner to know everything about everything. Sure, you better know media buying, strategy and creative but no one…

The end of the creative industrial complex

When Arcade Fire took home record of the year Sunday, a lot of people made note that an indie upstart, not associated with a big label was able to write, perform and produce, all by themselves, the best album of the year. Unlike the "Lady," they didn't need the big…

2010 predictions. A look back.

Last year I went out on a limb and made some predictions about the year to come. It has now passed. Well, what do I have to say for myself? Some of the predictions were wrong, some were right, and some were easy. Let's start with the easy. "The kids…

Turning the tables at the agency with social media

Probably the most fun thing about the agency embracing social media has been the internal learning around the agency's blog. Along with Jonathan, I play a central role in editing and administrating it. Being a copywriter, you may think I'm going "yeah, it's funny to see an AE struggle with…

Why your advertising sucks part 6. You’re scared you might offend someone.

Ever met someone who never takes sides. Never makes a clear decision. Always wants the group to decide so he doesn't run the risk of making anyone upset. You probably called this person wishy washy, indecisive or maybe even weak. And never a leader. Now imagine this person is your…

Top 10 signs you’re a waiter and not ad professional

Image by jm3 via Flickr There's a kind of deviant you can find in lurking in most ad agencies. Sometimes they've made it to the top, sometimes they're just bottom dwellers but they rarely have a passion for what an agency actually produces – creative solutions to business problem. But…

Why your advertising sucks part 3: You think people are stupid.

Image by byzantin3 via Flickr David Ogilvy said 40 years ago "the consumer is not a moron, she's your wife." It seems not everyone listened because the industry continues to insult her. Ogilvy's quip may be one of the most quoted phrases in marketing and advertising but marketers often don't…

Why your advertising sucks. Part one: Trust.

Image by thorinside via Flickr You probably agree that most advertising isn't creatively great or even good. From the outside, one might think it's a business filled with dumb, untalented people serving marketing departments filled with bean counters who couldn't care less if their dollars are producing a fetid mess.…