Rich, Famous, or Happy. Boy it would be nice to have all 3. Rarely is it the case. Too often we settle. We pick something that makes us rich and happy, but not famous. Or, something that makes us happy, but leaves us with less money. In the advertising agency business, we make these choices all the time, especially when it comes to new business. There’s a lens used by agencies that tries to figure out if the prospective client will make the agency rich, famous, or happy. Again, rarely do you get all 3.
This same challenge applies to life decisions; like where we work. Sometimes you pick a job for the money, knowing you’ll be miserable. Or, better yet, you pick a career that makes you happy, knowing you’ll be lucky to have a pot to piss in. We make these sorts of trade-offs all the time.
But, why? Is it really that difficult to find all 3? I’ve rarely come across a client, piece of business, job, etc. that offers all 3. Is it that hard? Is it really that challenging? You tell me. Have you found a way to find a way to have all 3?
Every year I look for a better photo to post. An every year I end up posting the same photo. I took this years ago with my Nikon F5 and Fuji Velvia 50. While I’ve enjoyed shooting digital, I have to admit, when I see photos like this it makes me long for the warmth and contrast of slide film.
Happy 4th of July. I hope you all are enjoying some great food and drinks with friends and family.
I’ve had this thought in my mind for a while now. While I don’t believe the iPhone will replace computers, I do believe it is more computer than phone. Here’s 9 reasons why:
- It runs on an operating system.
- It often freezes and requires a restart.
- You can add software.
- It costs as much as a laptop; well the no-contract cost does.
- It has wireless internet access capabilities.
- Every year there’s a newer, faster, better version.
- You can check your email.
- You can access the web via a browser.
- Often it’s cheaper to replace it than it is to repair it.
Despite all of those features and similarities, I just don’t see it ever replacing my laptop or desktop. That said, I have been able to get by for a couple of days on just my iPhone and no laptop. This of course begs the question what upgrades would the iPhone need to become a true replacement for the computer?
For starters it needs a MUCH longer battery life. With hard core usage, my iPhone lasts maybe 6 hours before needing to be recharged. Additionally, you need to be able to author content, not just read content. For example a Word Document or Powerpoint Presentation. With those two additions the iPhone makes a quantum leap toward becoming a viable computer replacement.
What do you think?
You hear it everywhere: we’re operating in a world of transparency. Agencies have really glommed onto this concept and are spouting it to clients every chance they get. Recently it dawned on me how hypocritical we are as an industry. With one hand we preach the need to be honest and transparent. With the other we rarely give credit to the partners and people doing the actual work.
This is a practice that’s been going on since the beginning of time. But, recently, it’s gotten ridiculous. Last year things really came to a head, but when BBDO captured a Gold Lion for “their” HBO Voyeur campaign. The word “their” was in quotes, because in truth, it was Big Spaceship’s work that won for BBDO. In short, BBDO “partnered” with Big Spaceship to execute the work. Regardless of how small or large the partnership was, Big Spaceship was never given any credit for their contribution by BBDO or the judges.
Fast forward a year later and we’re seeing more of this type of behavior. Several agencies captured awards or took credit for “their” recently launched initiatives without actually crediting the partners who were involved. Doesn’t that seem a tiny bit backwards and out of sync with all this talk about “transparency.”
It’s time for our industry to walk the walk and talk the talk. If we’re going to preach transparency, then we need to actually be transparent. Does your agency have the stones and the integrity to do it?