You’re wrong, Jeff Goodby

(Image from Campaign Brief Asia)

Sorry, Mr. Jeff Goodby, co-chairman and creative director of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, but you’re wrong.

In a recent  article in Advertising Age, you condemned the awards culture in advertising. You said that it “rewards work that is increasingly unknown to anyone outside the business.”

You labeled people who subscribe to the awards culture as connoisseurs of esoterica.

And in the process, you said, we’re becoming more about us, and less about changing the world.

Hate to break it to ya, Jeff, but scam ads aside, you’re wrong.

Because, if you’re labeling the awards culture the fringe, then you’re also admitting that it is part of the long tail.

Today’s culture accommodates esoterica. And the Internet is its curator.

If there is an audience for anything on the Internet, then there is an audience for award-winning work, outside of advertising. And you can find them at places like Twitter, YouTube and of course, FFFFOUND!

You’ll find people who appreciate clever advertising anywhere. In music forums, on typography blogs and even good old fashion MSN. In fact, the probability of finding award-winning ads on the Internet is now more than ever since our industry discovered the wonderful world of viral marketing.

(And of course, there’s Google)

So, with all due respect, sir, you’re totally missing the point: Awards are not killing the industry. Scam work, probably.

But not awards, because now is the time for really creative work to not only shine but also, to be found.

We Love You Michael

(Image from tipoyok’s Flickr)

My uncle Halim asked me yesterday what my feelings were on Michael Jackson’s death.

I said, “Uncle, you’d be hard-pressed to find a child of the Eighties who didn’t, at one point or another, try to do the Moonwalk.”

We love you, Micheal. Rest in peace.

Thank You for Reading

(Image from TODO.TO.IT‘)

Hello strangers.

Just want to say thanks for dropping by. Even though I haven’t been posting much these days. It’s pretty encouraging that there are people still stumbling across my posts through search engines and, gasp, RSS readers.

So, what the hell are you guys reading?

An old review of Happy.com.my.

My poking fun at ad agency websites.

A casual observation of Blog Bumper Stickers.

The Rebel Scum ‘Bak Datang’ video.

My post on insights into judging at the Kancil Awards.

A rant about a pair of adidas sneakers.

Notice how I didn’t make any promises of updating more often?

Aha!

Smart, aren’t I?

Thanks for visiting. I do intend to start posting more, actually. But all in good time, okay?

Peace.