Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Flying, Football, Gaming, Nottingham Forest, Singapore, Technology
A few weeks ago I was in Singapore waiting for a connecting flight to Vietnam.
I was lucky enough to get into the lounge so hung out there for a while.
I got myself some food.
I got a big glass of Coke Zero.
Found a seat and started to watch the football.
It was Manchester United versus Arsenal … and while I don’t support either of those team, the fact Nottingham Forest were currently 3rd in the Premiership – just behind Arsenal – I was paying extra close attention to what was going on in the match.
Now I acknowledge it was late.
I also acknowledge I was tired.
And we cannot forget I am currently dealing with an eye issue so my vision isn’t too hot right now … but even with all that, I must admit to being blown away with the athleticism and precision of the Arsenal players.
It was amazing. The intricate passing and speed of turn.
In fact, I was so mesmerized by it, that it took me 15 minutes to realise I WAS WATCHING A VIDEO GAME VERSION OF THE MATCH!
What the actual fuck?!
Why would this be on the Singapore Airlines Lounge TV?
Was it a mistake?
Were the people who chose to broadcast this also fooled?
Or was this simply some Singapore Airlines staff taking the piss out of the people who sit in their lounge and eat their food?
Whatever the reason, the fact I was the only one who seemingly realized – and it took me 15 minutes to work it out – means this may be the best ad for Playstation since the literally best ad for Playstation.
Nice work computer nerd people.
And the mischievous bastards at Singapore Airlines, Changi Airport.
Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Bird, Bonnie, Cats, Comment, Family, Happiness, Home, Jill, Love, Loyalty, Mum, Mum & Dad, My Childhood, Otis, Rosie, Sky
I’m back.
But I barely survived.
Part of that is because my trip was full-on.
The other part is having a puppy is even more full-on.
Seriously, it’s like having a baby all over again. Fortunately, we loved that period of our life so it’s not too bad … but bloody hell, it’s also pretty demanding.
A few months ago, I wrote about how people in agencies should be taught ‘the art of conflict management‘ … but now I think the other skill we should all be taught is puppy training.
If that doesn’t teach you how to be patient and calm when facing a barrage of noise and needs, nothing will.
That, or go work in China, hahaha.
That said, it is lovely having a pet in the house again. As I wrote before, while Rosie was a small cat, she filled the house with her presence and personality – and while we still have had Otis’, Sky, over these months, it hasn’t been quite the same.
But now, with Bonnie, the house has a new energy in it.
Sure, it’s slightly manic and lacking any degree of peace … but that’s a small price to pay to have life bubbling again. No wonder my Mum loved it when I came home to visit her. Not just because she was very happy to see me, but because my friends would come around and suddenly the place was a bustle of noise and laughter … a rewind to what daily life was like when Dad and I were around.
I get it. I just wish I could tell her that I do.
What’s interesting is we didn’t meet our dog until we picked her up … so we were totally reliant on the breeder being smart with her recommendation. Not because we were being picky about its looks … but because in addition to being a family pet, she has to be a trained support dog for Otis, hence temperament is key.
Thanks to the training she’s received from the breeder – and us – so far, it’s been good, but like Rosie it will definitely take some time until we find our own unique rhythm.
Finding the rhythm is a magical thing.
Some of it comes from ritual. Some from the environment. But most of it comes from the interactions you have and keep having together.
But when you find it, it’s special because it evolves into a sort-of invisible bridge where you can come together in the middle … with the knowledge to understand the unsaid. To interpret different sounds and signs.
It’s why that quote at the top of the page made such an impact on me when I read it.
A reminder that one of the most powerful ways to know how much someone has impacted you, is to look for those traits in others. Not so they become who someone was, but because they show you the best you can be.
So welcome Bonnie. Thank you for what you’ve given us already.
Filed under: Audi, Birkenhead, Cars, Comment, Communication Strategy, New Zealand
There’s been a bunch of relatively heavy posts on here this week – at least by my standards – so I’m going to round things off on a more light-hearted note.
Of course, given no one reads this blog anymore, no one will even notice let alone care … however, as [1] we get our puppy, Bonnie, this weekend and [2] I immediately head overseas for all of the following week for work – I feel a more humorous post may help offset the dark cloud that will hang over my home when my wife realizes she has to look after the dog all by herself while her husband is out having nice dinners, even though I will be working very, very hard. Honest.
Anyway, this also explains why there will be no blog posts next week because I’ll be spending whatever free time I do have apologizing to my family or something.
So back to the post …
A long time ago, I was asked in an interview with an ad mag, ‘what would your personalized say?’ My response was something along the lines of, “if I had a personalized number plate, it would say I was a dick”.
I still stand by that, but I have to say I’ve seen a few in NZ that has made me almost consider changing my view.
Not because they’re smart.
Not because they’re cool.
But because they’re blatantly assholey.
Back in 2023, there was the Slayer plate … on a Suzuki Swift … which was an act of either pure fandom, or total delusion.
Then, just down the road from where I live, there’s this …
TOPGUN!!!
Let’s be honest, if it was on a supercar it would still be tragic, but on an Audi, it’s criminal.
I’ve never actually seen the owner drive it, but I hope to God they wear Aviator sunglasses when they do.
But maybe there’s something about Audi drivers – not to mention people who live in Birkenhead, where I live – because I recently also saw this …
While I give them extra marks for writing D3VL in red – is there anything actually devilish about an Audi beyond the standard of driving that their owners typically demonstrate on the roads?
But all those are – let’s face it – still pretty tame, which is why I saved the best for last.
A car whose owner doesn’t give a fuck.
About anyone.
Who proudly announces to anyone in front or behind them, they are being judged.
Negatively.
Who could probably start a road rage incident in an empty car park.
No doubt an empty car park located in Birkenhead because – you guessed it – that’s where I also saw this.
Ladies and gentlemen. Boys and girls. Let me introduce you to the winner of the best assholey personalized number plate of the year …
Offensive.
Aggressive.
Judgmental.
Memorable.
It’s absolutely brilliant … made better that:
It’s a fair assessment of 99% of Auckland drivers.
it’s on an old Toyota Corolla, making it the equivalent of the grumpiest of old men … on 4 wheels.
I love it.
It made me laugh out loud.
And while I’m sure that would deeply upset the owner of the car, for me it’s the perfect personalized plate.
Because what’s the point of having a plate that says who you are, when you have the opportunity to say what you think of everyone around you.
See you in a week.
Unless my family has killed me or our dog has chewed through our internet router.
Filed under: Advertising, Agency Culture, Attitude & Aptitude, Authenticity, Awards, BBH, Colenso, Comment, Creative Development, Creativity, Culture, Wieden+Kennedy
I have a funny relationship with awards.
Of course they’re wonderful to have, but too many agencies do all they can to abuse the system to get them.
Not just with scam – which are, at least, more easy to spot these days … but in the way they lobby for them.
Over the years I’ve seen some pretty big titles handed out to agencies who, quite frankly, make you wonder how-the-hell they got them.
Of course, that sounds like sour grapes … but awards are only as good as the standards they represent and when they become a symbol of ‘investment’, then they end up undermining the industry, rather than celebrating it.
Now adland is not the only place that does this.
The Oscars has a long reputation of doing this. In fact, this years best movie Oscar winner – Anora – recently admitted spending 3 times the amount on award lobbying as they did on making the actual movie.
As I said, awards are great and it’s always better to get them than not.
But to properly count, they need to be a byproduct of the work you do rather than the focus of the work or it all ends up backfiring on you.
Maybe not immediately, but eventually.
We’ve all seen people/agencies who win big then, seemingly disappear without a trace.
Of course, sometimes that is simply a byproduct of changing circumstances and situations.
Or maybe changes in the tastes and priorities of the industry as a whole.
Or just a shift in career, client or agency leadership.
There are loads of reasons, but sometimes it’s because someone deliberately played the system and then either got found out or couldn’t repeat it when forced to play under ‘real rules’ and ‘real scrutiny’.
It’s why I feel consistency is something the industry needs to respect more.
Of course, it’s exciting when the unexpected and unknown comes out of seemingly nowhere – I bloody love that – but it’s also important we acknowledge those who play to the highest standards for the longest time.
As the old maxim goes, ‘it’s easier to get to the top than to stay there’ … which is why I think Wieden don’t get as much respect as they deserve.
Sure, they get a lot of love … but to be that consistent is an incredible feat.
Something that reinforces more than just their creative credentials … but their leadership, hiring practices and clients too.
Same with Colenso.
We have so many awards, we have got to a point where we don’t even unpack them.
But the reality is Colenso has been around for 50+ years … through countless leadership teams and creative talent … and yet they still play at the top of the game.
Not just in NZ, but globally.
So, while everyone here today probably likes to think it’s all down to us, the reality is we’re just responsible for keeping Colenso’s creative ambitions moving forward … because while we undoubtedly play an important role here, Colenso has been doing it for longer than over 50% of the agency has been alive, which means our success is down to far more than who is there today, but who the place has always been.
The values, beliefs, standards and ways that creates the conditions for us to play.
Stuff set by the founders that has now morphed into something bigger than any one person, process or award.
Stuff that permeates the walls, water and air we’re exposed to each day.
That seeps into everyone and anyone who enters the building.
And while I appreciate that sounds like a load of hippy shit bollocks … the truth of it is demonstrated through the work we deliver and Colenso – like a few others – do it year after year after year.
That doesn’t mean we don’t make mistakes.
That doesn’t mean ever take it for granted.
But it does mean we know who we are and what we’re expected to do.
Of course some will question that.
They’ll claim it’s all down to a particular client.
Or a specific relationship or connection.
Or how much is spent on award submissions.
I heard the same thing when I was at Wieden and I bet the same thing was said at places like BBH in their prime.
And while that approach can work, it won’t over decades. To keep doing that, you need to produce the goods … which is why in a world of big talking, I love the agencies who express their words through the work they create.
And the awards they receive.
Because at the end of the day, awards matter.
Not just to serve your ego. But to push us and the industry forward.
Other agencies. Other Clients. Young talent. Old dogs.
They help open eyes and doors to what can be achieved when you push, craft and have a bit of luck.
It’s not easy, but it’s worth it … especially when you’re an agency based on the other side of the planet, like us, because then awards help clients around the World see working with us as an act of smartness rather than stupidity.
But here’s the key thing …
Awards only count if they’re achieved the right way … for the right reasons … for the everyday clients and their needs … and achieved over decades rather than one off days. Not simply because that’s the right thing to do, but because that’s the criteria good clients use to see if you’re full of shit or not. Because where some clients can get hoodwinked by the glitz of occasional fame, the good ones judge you by the consistency of your creativity.
At a time where consistency can be seen as boring, it’s time the industry appreciate just what it takes for someone to keep being great.
Filed under: April 1
There I was yesterday, bragging about all the April Fool posts I’d written that had tricked people … feeling kinda-smug with myself … when I was informed that actually, the biggest fool of all fools, is me.
OK, that is not new news to anyone, but this is different because the very nice and clever Jon Evans of System 1 fame, dropped me a note to let me know that a post I wrote – albeit on April 29th, 2024 – was based on errrrrm, his April Fool.
D’OH!!!!
Given I wrote it a few weeks after the event suggests I didn’t see it on April 1, but even that is no excuse for my stupidity. Because while there have been times they’ve said stuff that I feel has been more subjective than objective – overall, they’re one of the good guys. An organisation that not only believes in creativity but wants to help it win.
So how the fuck I didn’t stop and say to myself, “hang on, this doesn’t feel like them” suggests that either:
A. I was stupid.
B. I was having a bad day.
C. I was triggered by the corporate speak arrogance.
[Which shows how well written it was because it sounds like many who mean it]
D. All of the above.
What’s even worse is that no one fucking pointed it out to me.
Sure, I had stopped allowing comments by then – but that doesn’t normally stop people writing to me to say I was an idiot. But in this case, they didn’t. Instead they literally let me get on my soapbox and announce to the World I was an April Fool …
Which is possibly the best result Jon could get.
Which is why I’ve asked Jon for his address, so I can send him a congratulatory gift … because that is pure genius.
And I am pure fool.