Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Theft?

I found it really interesting considering the outcry over stolen ad ideas to look at the controversy surrounding Uber-producer and hitman Timbaland.

Watching the numerous You Tube videos of tracks he has stolen from makes it pretty hard for him to deny any wrongdoing... yet he is doing just that.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Darts and Other Related Things...

Contrary to what you might now believe, darts is only my lunchtime hobby here in adland. Oddly my nickname isn't Famous Rob...

Some of you (Charles) may have seen Graham Furlong on the blogosphere, he is part of our "Planning team" which will soon take over the whole creative department *cue evil laugh*.

But seriously...

Not sure how much to talk about things, so I will wait for someone else to read this and let me know.

Have been doing some interesting research, reading lots of case studies and data, and also been trying to sit in on some meetings regarding pitches and creative work to get a better feel for what goes on.

What I like most at the moment (on this floor) is the really good atmosphere, people all seem to get on and there is a real sense of everyone working together well. Not that the people on other floors are nasty! Just haven't spoken to many of them.

Anyway, I am currently 1-0 up in my opening match of the DWE Trophy of Darting Champion 1982 tournament... need to work on my doubles though.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Flour Power

The office word of mouse chain yesterday sent forth a brilliant ad.
Well written, bold, funny, and (as we were discussing this subject in the pub yesterday) a spot on tone of voice.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Week Two (almost)

I am the darting king, well not really... but I am playing well this week.
Might start an office league...

Anyway, will post a big update soon. But back to work!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Week one

Well, I have been a planner for a week now; and enjoyed pretty much every minute of it.
The office seems full of nice people, and already I have been doing some interesting work.

Now I just have to pick up my darts skills for the lunchtime office match ups...

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

But Why Sir?

The latest Budweiser ad was passed round the office yesterday:



The ad itself is alright I guess. I like the tie up between musicians and dedication, though I don't really feel that dedication is put across in any seriously meaningful way.

However, some people were still humming Popcorn today. While its always been a catchy tune, I suspect it might creep up on a few people again.

It does feel like its being hyped up because it's a Fallon ad though, I wonder how long before it goes to their heads...

Also, it does remind me of:

Welcome to the Plannerdome

Well, I am officially a planner now!

My impressions so far are very good, enjoying it. The train ride is a bit of a pain, but you don't get anywhere without sacrifice!

Thanks for all the support folks, it's really appreciated :)

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Research Engine

Watching a repeat of 1990 ad program Washes Whiter inspired me to write about an old favourite ad, and how it shows the benefits of good, well targeted and thought out research over rushed basic crap.

As many people know, I am always careful when looking at research, as it generally only tells us whats in the past; but hearing about how the Oxo family came about was a great example of getting it right.

Regardless of whether you liked the ads, they created a campaign that resonated with people and really kept a brand that was seeming old fashioned at the time in our minds.

They didn't research "do you like OXO, why do you like OXO, what would make you buy OXO?", they didn't try to make it seem funky or fashionable. No, they asked people about their lives, about how their kitchens worked, how their mealtimes went, and used this to put together something that truly reflected instead of hard selling or offering aspiration.

Now THATS how what I call good research.

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Client vs Creative

I was sad to find out the other day that one of the best toy ads of all time (that I wrote about briefly a while ago) was only ever shown about 5 times in the UK.



Apparently the client didn't like it as there were no images of children actually playing with the toy...
Such a wonderful ad, showing the huge possibilities of the product in a witty and engaging way; and the client killed it.

Happily its such a good ad that it is still remembered even though it was hardly seen at the time.

Flower Power

Guerilla Gardening... love it.