The Musings Of An Opinionated Sod [Help Me Grow!]

I was happy before I watched those videos but now I am almost chripy. You’re right about baby Charlie being how I imagine Andy way back when, what a scary thought for his parents. (Charlie’s, not Andrew’s)

Nice idea Robert, I will have “words”.

You should put some on your blog Mr Dodds because whenever I check it out, I end up feeling very depressed 🙂

Did you read the post properly John?

I’m not saying Cadbury should create a ‘cheer-up-channel’ [though it would fit with Fallon’s bloody strat] … or Coke as part of their ‘Coke Side Of Life” campaign … I’m saying it might be a nice idea for any brand who say they are about protecting the health and welfare of society – be it Google or the Samaritans.

It’s only an idea … and given how the Samaritans or the health industry usually promote themselves, I think it’s a fair bit more positive, though I would say that wouldn’t I, ha!

And it’s not a fart gag – I don’t think newsreaders/presenters intend to do that sort of thing [unless they’re Dom Jolly or have a deathwish] – it’s about showing the humour in everyday life, the sort of things that can make people smile out of both absurdity and relief [that it didn’t happen to you]

The other way of looking at it is the ‘Jerry Springer’ effect … where once you’ve seen the guests he has, you realise you’re not in as bad a place as you might of originally thought.

Not that you would ever think you’re not good enoug Mr Dodds. 😉

You don’t pay us enough 😉

PS: He’s not in jail, but there’s still plenty of time.

I can see your point John but if the samaritans sponsored it wouldn’t its relevance be obvious given the theme Robert suggests it should adopt?

I’m in total agreement with you relating other brands possible association but for the samaritans I think it’s quite a sweet little idea.

As for Lovemarks, you only have yourself to blame which is probably why you’re so annoyed. In other circles what you just did is referred to as self harm. 🙂

can i play devil’s advocate and throw up a couple of counterpoints?

firstly the desire for instant fix/instant gratification compounds unhapiness. i know that watching funny stuff for a while isn’t always looking for instant “fix”, but perhaps you found them ‘light’, rob, because you’re actually a reasonably balanced person, with regular income, a wife, a home, sobriety and a sense of proportion.

secondly, i think that humour is often an easy way out for brands (and insecure people). if it’s funny, people react well and you’re sold – don’t have to delve any deeper, or think any harder. just look at all the TVCs – 8 out of 10 are trying to be quirky/hilarious/amusing.

however, having said all that, encouraging people to really have some perspective on life – in relation to their own problems – is fantastic and i’d prefer to see something like this used by the samaritans or public healthy agency, than google per se (considering you can already find funny random shit by checking out what people are watching on youtube already.)

You’re still grumpy, aren’t you?

i like the idea of bringing a bit of laughter into people s lives. isn t that what clowns do in hospitals for children and people suffering from dementia. i ve read that those programs work well… often, when you are ill or sick you are not in a hospital, you are at home. and you feel bad…
i ve experienced that you go to a doctor (germany and uk), have a chat for a couple of minutes… well, they ask you questions, give you a prescription, and there you go. get well soon… anyway, i cannot remember when i have not read up about an illness or medicine online… and at least in germany, it is forbidden for pharmaceutical companies to advertise for medicine that is only available on prescription. as the market is heavily regulated, companies are having a hard time to influence profits and often focus b-2-c activities on advertising over-the-counter products like tea, or medicine available without prescription like aspirin… i like the youtube channel idea for health brands, rob. it could play a great part in online activities…

i think the depression issue is neither accepted in western societies nor in asian ones. i guess it s about fear and shame. maybe for different reasons. in the west it might be more about selling yourself. if you are not feeling happy, there must be something wrong. and you are afraid that you are no longer seen as being able to be as successful and perfect as the ideal world demands you to be… i think in asia it s maybe more a matter of politeness. don t be extreme. don t bother people with (negative) emotions… it s like not unwrapping a present when you receive it, because your reaction when seeing it could offend the one who gave it to you… that s quite a long comment. no offense : )

Hello Emily, how the hell are you?

I take it you don’t subscribe to the supposed drug inflluence of that song – or maybe that’s why it does make you happy 🙂