How To Fix Advertising

Although not the most enlightened speech, I find JWT's Sean Boyle's lecture on "How To Fix Advertising" rather informative on perhaps where many traditional ad agencies have stumbled. Overwhelmed by concerns to appease nervous clients and anticipate consumption behavior, many firms have allowed themselves to transform from bold, idea-driven shops into risk-averse, cautious, and therefore mundane places of employment, ultimately impacting the work.

The basic tenants of his argument:

1: Start Telling The Truth
2: Stop The Politics
3: Start Having Fun Again
4: Stop Overthinking Things
5: Start Doing Something
6: Stop The Incessant Research
7: Start Doing Good
8: Stop Banging On About Digital
9: Start Ups Again Please
10: Stop Using Animals In Commercials

It is a cautionary tale that too many agencies have ignored, so check it out:

The Clash and Kate Simon

The Clash

I am sitting here, enjoying a bowl of killer soup, and listening to the Clash’s “Straight to Hell” and “The Call Up.” It is in moments like these that make me feel like I am tapped into the world, that I have a purpose. I can’t say there are many bands out there making music that makes you want to shake your shit while concurrently forcing you to acknowledge – and act – upon global injustice. Both songs are fervent anti-war ballads, but could easily be misinterpreted as club hits (at least back in the 70’s and 80’s). I suppose M.I.A achieves this level of success with “Paper Planes,” but I take away frustration and anger from that adaptation of “Straight to Hell” instead of a sense of purpose.

On a related note, I just want to share a photo or two from my good friend Kate Simon, one of the closest photographers of the Clash. She has shot everyone – Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop, William Burroughs, etc., etc. – and her work speaks for itself. If you haven’t explored her world, I highly recommend it. Word on the street is that she will be publishing a memoir in the next year or so, highlighting her extensive career.

Bob Marley and Kate Simon

Robert Plant, 1975

Joe Strummer, 1977