Ritual and Creativity

Sharpened pencils. A quit room. A still mind. That certain type of background music. Preparation is often the key to getting the most out of the time you set aside for creative work. And doing the same thing each time is one of the best ways to do that. I…

The truth about user generated content

I'm sure someone out there would argue that this blog is user generated content and thus proves that UGC is the wave of the future (actually I've been a professional writer for quite awhile). They may even go so far as to say UGC is all that people will be…

Ten things I never thought I’d learn as a copywriter

One of the great things about being an advertising creative is that you get to learn something new everyday. It's often something about a client's business that's far afield of one's normal interest. It could be something mundane like an arcane law that governs a business or a manufacturing process,…

Earned media hype. Or are you being sold a bill of goods?

Do you want a substantial social media audience? One that can move the needle and advocate for your brand? Then you're going to have to pay for it. The recent craze for earned media I believe is misleading. Sure, a great deal of work can yield some decent results. But…

Content creation is no longer a one screen process

Most single-media projects I've worked on in the last few years have included an afterthought. "Wouldn't it be great to use this ______." Fortunately I tend to over shoot things and have had the creative ability to find solutions for these afterthoughts. But the average commercial production these days usually…

Why your advertising sucks part 7. You forgot why you hired your agency.

Some people who get divorced from or break up with a lover often talk about how they forgot why they ever got involved with their special someone in the first place. Or they just wonder what happened to the love. As if it was a magical thing that came and…

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…

Social media policies and why you need one

Image by Getty Images via Daylife Just because you're not ready for social media marketing doesn't mean you can put off establishing a social media policy for your business. Your employees and customers are already active on social networks, sooner or later they'll engage. Article continues on the Kilgannon Says…