Tags
Agency.com, Blogging, DDB, Edelman, Running Free, Sony PSP, Subway, Wal Mart, YouTube, Zipatoni
It has only happened once or twice before. The “I wonder if I should have posted this” moment. I know I am not alone as it has likely happened to many other bloggers, What we put out there for consumption shapes our brand, becomes our digital legacy. So, it stands to reason that we occasionally have moments where we question the words we commit to own on our blogs.
The post below, about advertising gone wrong at DDB, made me reflect. Having recently moved to the agency side of the world, I wondered if I was playing nice in the sandbox by pointing out another firm’s problems? The high road is a place I have always tried to travel. I have watched my words very carefully in terms of articulating thoughts without trashing individuals or entities along the way in the past. While I was not unkind or malicious, I did question how others might read into my intent on blogging about another agency’s misfortune.
In terms of blogging, it’s clear that this space is all about transparency and authenticity. Mine, I hope, is evident in this post. In my case with this blog, I’ve found how I write is in-line with what I would say to someone’s face. I like to take a stance but also try and keep the peace. I like the idea of being a shit disturber, but am also not fond of creating controversy for the sake of controversy – there are enough of those kinds of folks out there already. Now, I would never want to suggest anyone pull their punches. If you are full of piss and vinegar then so be it, let the vitriolic rants role on.
How I act is infused in my writing. I am not too fond of making enemies with diatribes that serve no purpose. That said, I feel compelled to point out injustices, inconsistencies and just plain bad stuff when I feel it is appropriate.
So back to the post below. Did I need to blog about the Running Free ad controversy at DDB this week? I think yes, for the reasons I stated in that post. I felt I needed to share my opinion as the creative crossed a Mendoza line. A couple of weeks ago I wanted to blog in praise of DDB’s Frank Palmer when he banned the use of Blackberries in meetings. In dissecting the situations, one was a matter of need and the other was a matter of want. I believe I was fair and balanced.
I, like many, am moved by extremes. Stuff in the middle is usually not worth writing or talking about. It’s the stuff on the edges that is much more interesting. Advertising and marketing is more than often all about the reaction. As I thought about the way the blogosphere reacted to the Agency.com YouTube pitch for Subway , the Edleman Wal-Mart situation and the Sony PSP Zipatoni flog (all in 2006), I realized that critiques are not against lack lustre, boring or other wise lousy campaigns and creative. Critiques are typically saved for where things have crossed a line need to be outed so that they do not spoil the pool water in which we all swim.
The amazing thing about blogging is that it took me writing this post to really delve into how I felt about this and understand my motivation to post some items over others. So, even if no one ever reads the post below, or this one right here, I know I am better from the experience.