May 13, 2008
iTunes feed fixed. Mea Culpa.
Peeps:
We, uh, uploaded the wrong file to iTunes. So, Episode 58 sounds a lot like Episode 48. Sethy G. has since corrected, however, it takes Steve Jobs a day or so to get that fixed up on iTunes. In the meantime, the file in the upper right hand corner of this blog is correct. Have at it.
April 22, 2008
12% more cussing than most blogs.
According to this site, AC has only 12% more cussing than other blogs that took the same test. While I think that's a respectable mark, I fucking know we can do better people.
Tip o' the hat to Jaffe Juice
February 11, 2008
AC #57 The Luke Sullivan Edition Now Available
The Luke Sullivan Edition (Part One)
In celebration of the the third edition of "Hey Whipple, Squeeze This," John & Tug sit down to enjoy the wit and advertising wisdom of Luke Sullivan. Listen up won't you?
Notes are as follows:
Chapter 1: Stone Cold Open
Chapter 2: Calling Luke
Chapter 3: Hey Whipple
Chapter 4: Ernie reference
Chapter 5: When Minnie became Minnie
Chapter 6: Creative batons
Chapter 7: Bernbach & heroes
Chapter 8: The story of the book
Chapter 9: Sally reference
Chapter 10: The hard work of good work
Chapter 11: End of part one
February 04, 2008
AC Super Bowl '08 Wrap Now Available
The Super Bowl '08 Wrap
John and Tug get up too early and draw far too many hasty conclusions about what worked and what didn't. Listen and tell us where we got it right and wrong.
Happy Super Monday.
February 02, 2008
Super Bowl comments? Send 'em our way.
As is our tradition, Tug and I will get together Monday morning to go over a few of our favorite Super Bowl spots. Of course, we'd love to have your thoughts, too. So, after the game tomorrow, take a second to record some comments on our handy, dandy audio comment widget. Comments in by 6 a.m. Monday got a shot at making the show.
February 01, 2008
AC on California Public Radio
Why anyone should care what Tug and I think about political advertising remains a mystery. Nonetheless, we spent a few moments today running our mouths about it. Don't worry, we didn't endorse anyone. We were equal opportunity maker-funner-ofers. You can listen to the results (which are likely wrong) by visiting the link of the Pat Morrison show and, depending on when you read this, searching a bit for an archived segment recorded on Feburary 1, 2008 entitled "Will you buy this candidate." Or you can attempt to download the RealAudio file attached. Thanks to our pal Russell for the hook up.
The ads we discuss are this one, this one, this one, this one and this one.
January 30, 2008
Talked to Luke last night.
Tug and I had a great time talking with the one-and-only Luke Sullivan last night. He's more proof that the most talented people in this business are also the most down-to-earth. We talked for about an hour. That's enough for two podcasts. I'll get to work on cutting those right away. Of course, we all know what happens this Sunday. AC was founded on breaking down the Super Bowl spots and we plan to do that again. So, expect to hear the Luke podcasts later on next week. In the meantime, Luke said we could leak a few snippets of the new content from the third edition of "Hey, Whipple, Squeeze This." Enjoy:
Try something naughty. I do not mean do a pee-pee joke. (Oh lordy, please, please . . . no pee-pee jokes. No fart jokes. No scatology. Please, just stop it.)
What I am suggesting here is that you do something naughty. Maybe naughty isn’t the right word. How about controversial? My thesaurus also suggests: devilish, sneaky, disobedient, mischievous, willful, wayward, bad, or recalcitrant. Do something you’re not supposed to do. Break a rule of some kind. Come up with an idea that makes you say, “We can’t do that, can we?” That’s a sign it’s a strong idea. The other question to ask is: “Will somebody talk about this idea if we do it?” Sticking messages into dog poop at the park qualifies, I think, on both counts. It’s a controversial sort of idea somebody might talk about.
Beaming an anti government message onto the side of city hall is naughty.
Airing a free video on a hotel’s adult channel is naughty. Running a small-space ad with a headline “Fur Coat Storage Services” is naughty. Well, it is when you know the rich ladies who called the number got a recorded message from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals about the cruelty of the fur business and how they should “donate” their fur for proper burial. In Warren Berger’s book Hoopla, CP+B’s Alex Bogusky observes, “If you’re about to spend advertising dollars on a campaign and you can’t imagine that anybody is going to write about it or talk about it, you might want to rethink it. It means you probably missed injecting a truth or social tension into it.” A truth. A social tension. Now we’re getting to the nut of it. Think of truth, or social tension, or naughtiness as the bad guy in a movie. Ever notice how the bad guy is usually a movie’s most interesting character? Kids wanna be Darth Vader, not Luke. On Halloween, I’ve never seen anybody wearing a Jamie Lee Curtis mask; it’s always Michael Myers. Bad is good. The bad guy disrupts. He changes things, makes them interesting. Bad means gettin’ some “Bom Chicka Wah Wah” from the Axe Effect or doing things in Vegas that have to stay there. Bad is why the Subservient Chicken is wearing a garter belt. Do something devilish, disobedient, sneaky, mischievous, willful, wayward, bad, or recalcitrant. At every turn of the way, question authority.
January 21, 2008
Jedi American Copywiter: Luke Sullivan
The third edition of "Hey Whipple, Squeeze This" will be hitting the shelves soon. We at American Copywriter are giddy to announce that Master Sullivan himself will be joining Tug and I on an upcoming podcast to talk about what's new in the book, and the strange and wonderful life of an American copywriter. If you read this blog and have not read this book, pre-order it right fucking now.
I can't count how many times I've utilized Luke's wisdom to help sell some work. Anytime I've lost my advertising way or questioned my convictions I've come back to this book. Tug and I are really looking forward to our conversation wth Luke and hope you will, too. Questions? Pose them in the comments here or email us at our new gmail address. You can probably guess what the prefix of that address is. Don't use a dot.
In the meantime, Luke's given us permission to publish a few new snippets from the new edition in this space. Stay tuned.
January 09, 2008
AC #55 Now Available
The "Hey, it's not the New Year anymore" Edition
Recorded Dec. 30th but posted just now for a savory, yet slightly rotten, taste:
Chapter One: Stone cold open
Chapter Two: NEW FEATURE "Like it" or "Tired of it"
Chapter Three: Off Star Technology
Chapter Four: What retailers could learn from ad club
Chapter Five: The Gumbel Brothers
Chapter Six: Webkinz mania
Chapter Seven: Traditions
P.S. We're giddy to tease you with the fact that our next podcast is going to feature a super cool ad legend type. More details soon. In the meantime, listen to this.
December 20, 2007
AC #54 Now Available
The Holiday '07 Edition.
Finally. Tug and John find a moment to sit down over a few pints for a podcast. In the warmth and kindness of the season, John and Tug drop more f-bombs than usual. Just warning you now.
Chapter One: Intro wherein Tug complains about the current state of women's handbags.
Chapter Two: A heartfelt salute to Mr. Whipple.
Chapter Three: Holiday spot talk including Rudolph rehashes and carol rewrites.
Chapter Four: Tug and John's do's & don'ts at the agency holiday party. Remember, do as we say not as we have done.
Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday. 2008 is, well, going to be another year in advertising.
September 20, 2007
AC #53 Now Available
The Fall Kick-Off Edition
Finally. A podcast. But it's Fall. And football season is here so we can't help but be in good moods. Of course like a few NFL teams, we know, we needed to knock off some rust. NOW IN CHAPTERS FOR E-Z SCANNING!
0.00 Ode to All-Brand + opening banter and excuses!
4:27 Brands and dress codes
8:00 Brand and rebates
10:55 Near 40 sex life
12:45 All-Bran spot
16:37 Clients and risk
22:28 Brand Peyton
26:26 Fantasy football
28:51 Thanks!
August 13, 2007
Ad Age Ranks Ad Blogs: Says we're average.
As JJ and I have said over and over and over again, without you there is no American Copywriter community. There's just two short guys talking to themselves. And we all know how not cool that would be. So it is with great thanks that I let you know that Ad Age's Todd Andrlik has ranked the industry's top media and marketing blogs and we came in immediately below the half way point, at sweet number #76. Zabadu zeep!
Now, in the immortal words of George Costanza when discussing his protege Steven Koren's grades, we're simply thrilled to be "right in that meaty part of the curve - not showing off, not falling behind." In fact, if you take a look at the whole list (Andrlik actually ranks them down to #394), we're actually kicking pretty much everybody's ass. Except for the 75 in front of us, of course.
Anyway, you know we couldn't have been 76th without you guys. Or 89th, or 212th or 947,653rd. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts to the top of our heads. Which, as you know, ain't a very long trip. You need to register but you can find a pdf at adage.com. Search for "Power 150."
tug
July 24, 2007
Recording a podcast this week. Join in.
Tug and I are recording AC #53 on Thursday night. Now is an excellent time to send in your audio comments and thoughts.
July 20, 2007
Sorry about the authentication.
I wish we didn't have to make you enter a code to leave a comment. But there's only so many "Monster SheMales!" comments we can take. Your patience and support are appreciated.
June 28, 2007
American Copywriter Podcast = Winner
To the great many of you out there that voted in Fly-Over Marketing's MVP (Most Valuable Podcast), those of us here at AC salute you. Just 20 hours ago we were crowned the winner of the contest, and even though John and Tug may not know, they're super pumped.
I'll make a pledge for them that they'll do their best to continue kicking ass with each and every podcast they make. I'd say that they'll even try to stick to a schedule, but that might be asking a bit much. I will say that if they continue their ways, there might be some renegade episodes coming your way. Because let's be honest here, who does all the legwork to get those things online?
Again, we all thank you for your vote. Keep listening.
June 16, 2007
10 minutes on the streets of New York
A quick podcast (recorded on the streets of NYC) with Prescott Perez-Fox centering on the twentysomething malady known as the "quarter life crisis."
Shout out to Ben Thoma and Scott for making geek drinks NYC a great time.
June 13, 2007
AC #52 Now Available.
The Big Dose O' Tug Edition.
The AC team reunites on Tug's deck for a couple of beers and a long-awaited conversation. After a shout out to AAF Cleveland (1:46), we introduce a contest (complete with lavish price packages) sponsored by certain cocksure directing team (2:40). Tug then thinks he hates a campaign but really likes it which provides some banter about the reasons why (5:55). Then we spend the rest of our time discussing this McTighe-penned post which, if you care to read it again, also serves as the remainder of the show notes for this episode (10:58).
It's a good, long podcast complete with many rants. Why not enjoy it now?
June 12, 2007
Vote for AC.
Well, you people are too kind. We've made it to the finals of the Most Valuable Marketing Podcast competition. If you so choose you may vote for us or our most worthy competition here.
And guess what? There will be a new podcast posted this week. Will wonders never cease?
June 11, 2007
Hey New York Peeps....
I'll be in New York City tomorrow night through Thursday morning attending the 4A's Digital Conference. Let me know if you happen to be available for geek drinks later in the evening on Wednesday. Think I'm also free after dinner Tuesday night.
May 25, 2007
Turn off your inner ad monkey this weekend.
If you're anything like me, you've got some big ass client presentation first thing Tuesday morning. No matter. Turn off advertising for the long weekend and do something utterly out of your average routine. Make the holiday weekend odd. Fill your creative wells with something new and refreshing and, if at all possible, goofy. Advertising (and the accompanying grind) will be back big and bad on Tuesday. So will we.
May 22, 2007
New Design Is Here
If you haven't noticed some wackiness going on with the site -- it's because Seth is currently updating it. Hang on for a bit, it should be ready soon.
New site design is alive and running. If you see anything outta place, please let us know.
UPDATE: We're experiencing some funkitude with Safari users right now. Hang on, we're looking into it. Okay, I'm (Seth) completely perplexed as to what just happened. I don't know what was causing the error, so I changed a few things, and it seems to be working properly now (at least on the computer I was testing with). If you're experiencing a VERY hard to read site, please clear your cache and try loading the site again. Sorry about that.
UPDATE #2: Okay, I (Seth, again) think I've narrowed down what the problem is -- Typepad's server may be caching the old design's stylesheet. Some people see the new design, some people see an attempt at the new design with the old stylesheet -- which results in a black background with dark gray text (sound familiar?). Additionally, the old stylesheet aligned the text in the center for IE (which I can't figure out why). My guess is that this will eventually fix itself over the next few hours as server caches are cleared every so often (hopefully within 24 hours). If there was something I could do, I would, sorry. Uhhh, remember that web site with the cool ecards? Those were neat, eh?
May 18, 2007
New logo. Same mediocre blog and podcast.
When we started AC, everyone who wrote and spoke worked at SHS (hence the sheep-hating logo). When Tug got his new gig, we kept on as usual. But, as we've traveled to various speaking events, we sorta felt the need to have AC stand alone. So, we've been using this logoish thing for awhile now.
We figured it was time to make the change official here in blogland, too. So, here you go. T-Shirts for everyone. Ugly? Sure. Poorly designed? Without a doubt. But that's just what we like about it. We thought about having some kind of "design our logo" contest like Jaffe might. But that would require administration. And, frankly, we don't have the energy. We have big plans to flip this blog over into its own dot com and a wholly custom template that's actually attractive. Problem is Sethy G. has too much real work to do first. If you miss the sheepie, you'll still see it attached to my personal communications. And, yes, we'll still proudly stump for Sullivan Higdon & Sink projects from time to time.
May 07, 2007
Most Valuable Podcast Final Four.
It's May Madness. Thanks to you, we have made it to the final four in FOM's Most Valuable Podcast competition. If you are so moved, we'd be honored to clobber Shel and Neville. You can vote here. If we win this round, we advance to the championship. Thanks for your votes and thanks to Kevin for the work.
April 23, 2007
AC #51 Now Available
The Career Counseling Edition:
Over sushi, John & Tug take on a few Kirin beers and offer a few thoughts on gardening as creative expression (2:08) and Kurt Vonnegut (3:36) before two listeners enjoy telling us how wrong we were about a musing we had in episode #50 (7:21).
This leads to three listener comments all related to career issues:
A. Freelance vs. Full-time gig (11:05)
B. What separates a good book from a great book (16:10)
C. How long should you stay in school or at a particular job (19:12)
We put on our techno hats and finish the podcast off with DJ Prato's remix of the Bruce Campbell speech from W+K's recent Old Spice efforts.
Thanks to the Kirin, this episode earns its explicit rating. No better reason than that just to listen now.
April 09, 2007
Vote for AC
Kevin Behringer over at Fly-Over Marketing has American Copywriter involved in the Most Valuable Podcast competition. Our Midwestern sensibilities are affronted by asking for your vote, but what the hell. We're up against Mitch Joel's Six Pixels of Separation. Mitch has a mighty political machine that can simply crush us. Oh, and he has a very good podcast, too. So go here and vote for us. If you do, Tug and I promise to record a podcast this week. Or don't. Because Mitch probably deserves to win anyway. And we'll record #51 no matter what. Speaking of which, now is an excellent time to send us those audio comments.
Thanks to Kevin for thinking of us.
March 16, 2007
AC #50 Now Available
The St. Patrick's Day Edition
Recorded at the Brooksider.
John & Tug start off with some St. Paddy's pleasantries and an explanation of a missing episode.
Somewhat current topics:
- Listener comment from Ben Thoma about ad people in ads and ads done outside of the major markets (4:16) Answers ensue and then J&T effortlessly segue to a discussion about the new Geico Cavemen TV series (13:27).
- J&T play point/counterpoint on the whole CK/CareerBuilder break-up (17:39) then send good wishes to Chuck McBride and CUTWATER (19:56). John editorializes slightly (20:40).
Catch-up topics:
- AC listener Hashem Bajwa slaps our hands then asks a smart question (22:34).
- AC listener Jenny Lui wonders about the wisdom of a re-animated Orville (24:58).
As always, your thoughts and feedback are welcome. Please use our audio comment system or just send us an MP3.
Ready. Set. Get it now!
March 12, 2007
Podcasting tonight. Wanna play?
Tug and I are getting together tonight to re-record AC #50. That's right. Re-recording. Don't ask. At any rate, today would be a great day to send us those audio comments.
February 05, 2007
AC #49 Now Available
The Super Bowl XLI Edition:
Our thoughts and some interesting takes from some AC listeners regarding this year's Super Bowl crop. Fresh from the computer. We don't cover everything. So, if you want to talk about something we missed, leave a comment on this post.
February 04, 2007
Happy Super Bowl Sunday
Well, Peyton Manning, the best actor in football, finally got his ring. We, on the other hand, got the ads you'll find posted below and more. I know it's more than a little bit of overkill to blog all of those individually instead of just linking to the source, but I wanted to give people a chance to have individual discussions on certain spots here at AC. This isn't everything. Just the stuff that sparked the most discussion at the party I was at. There's no particular order. To see every spot we blogged easily, just sort with the Super Bowl Stuff tag. The complete library can be found at iFilm. If I forgot a spot your really want to talk about, you can start a discussion about it on this post.
Remember, any audio comments you send us prior to 6 a.m. Central Monday morning have a shot to be included in AC #49 which will be recorded tomorrow morning. We'll hopefully post that podcast mid-morning.
Cheers.
January 31, 2007
Super Disengaged?
I'm just not worked up about Super Sunday. Maybe it's the fact that I've been too busy to preview the Bud snippets or go see the Snickers teaser or dig around for more on Coke's efforts. Maybe I'm bored with Bob Parson's censor games. Maybe I'm still lamenting the money the Saints lost me.
Maybe it's those things.
It's more likely that my lack of interest comes from the dread of Stupid Monday. You know Stupid Monday. That's the day everyone comes back to work and says how stupid the ads were, how they used to be so much better, how the industry is suffering from a dearth of creativity. Where's 1984? Where's Mean Joe Green? Hell, where are the dancing bears?
I'm wondering if I can partially avoid Stupid Monday by keeping myself away from the pre-hype. If I stay off the grid long enough, maybe I'll be surprised by something. Maybe I'll find an argument that creativity is not dead come Stupid Monday morning. At least, that's what I'm hoping for. Because, whether I like it or not, I'll be part of the stupid. Tug and I will join the chorus of people who didn't create a Super Bowl spot bragging and ragging on those who did with our annual Super Bowl wrap-up podcast. Available around 10 a.m. on Monday. You can be part of the stupid, too. Point your browser here and record your thoughts after the game Sunday night with our handy Mobatalk comment system (found on the right hand side of the page). Or just record an MP3 and email it to us. Be pithy.
Of course, many people like to be prepared for Super Sunday. Here's a great post about Super Bowl XLI essentials from Friend of AC Warren Johnston.
December 23, 2006
An advertising Christmas greeting.
America has advertising and Coca-Cola to thank for the modern image of Santa Claus. Who says advertising is bad for the culture? Merry Christmas to all who've helped AC have another fun year. We have a great community going here at AC– thanks for playing along. Merry Christmas friends of AC. Here's hoping Santa treats you right.
November 28, 2006
AC Pulse Check #2
'Tis the season for advertisers (and agencies) of all sizes to take familiar songs of the season and rewrite their lyrics for commerical purposes. Tell us, dear community, is this an effective and useful practice or is this an idea that is not just checked out, it's worn out?
November 22, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving, you turkeys.
All of us at AC our grateful for the cool community that makes this blog worthwhile. Thanks for participating and have a yourself one delicious holiday. It's an old hat sentiment to some of you readers by now, but, as always, try to forget about advertising for a few days. That and some tryptophan will do you much good.
November 03, 2006
AC #47 Now Available.
The Aussie and Astroglide Edition.
Reunited and it feels so good. John and Tug talk about cultural and communication learnings gleaned from Tug's recent trip to the Land Down Under (0.00). John asks Tug a very personal question regarding his activities on the trip which leads to a new jingle suggestion for Astroglide (7:25) and a discussion of a recent Viagra spot (10:27). After some machinations, the mailbag is opened for audio comments from The Crazy Virgo about word-of-mouth marketing (13:37) and Bill from Make the Logo Bigger about the marketing of the sport of soccer (18:39). Finally, there's a small bit of banter about the continuing saga of the Mac vs. PC spots (22:21). Next podcast is coming fast (John and Tug take a road trip to Lincoln next week) so get your audio comments before Wednesday, November 8th.
It's now time for you to click a link and listen up. Don't delay!
October 24, 2006
Recording a podcast this Thursday.
Tug is back from the Land Down Under, and we're getting together Thursday night for a good old-fashioned AC podcast. We'd like you to take part. Leave us an audio comment through the system on the right or just record a MP3 and send it to us. Give us your thoughts, your rants, your acerbic takes. Otherwise, it'll be a full dose of Tug and I. Cheerist, save the world. Leave an audio comment.
October 10, 2006
Spam attack
Hmmm. The spam robots are verifying their comments. I am turning on comment moderation for now. Hopefully back off soon. Thanks for the patience.
October 03, 2006
AC #46 Now Available.
The Russell Davies and David Nottoli Edition.
With Tug on vacation, John sits down with a couple of rather successful planners by the names of Russell Davies and David Nottoli. Two of the four people who make up the Open Intelligence Agency.
From the outset, the conversation leans heavily into the relationship between creatives and planners (2:32). This leads to discussions of boring creative directors (2:56), the blurry future of planners' and creatives' intertwined fates (5:38), and the vs. syndrome (8:11). Taking advantage of this whole social media thing, Russell and David address an audio comment from Make the Logo Bigger's Bill G (9:48). The answers lead to more interesting stuff such as how the planner/creative relationship works at W+K London, why planners should be a fan of creative (12:23), why other agency disciplines should keep in mind how hard creative rejection can be on the soul (13:20), and what one the founder's of the other agency with a sheep in the logo had to say about the role of planning (17:40). There's also discussion of creative credit as currency (18:50) and the importance of celebrating our successes (20:03). Finally, Russell and David break out their crystal balls to answer an AC reader's query about the future of the ultimate business (21:46). Interesting theories abound (23:42) and David testifies (25:12).
All that and an R2D2 ringtone. For free.
Then be part of the show. Send us your thoughts or, better yet, leave us an audio comment.
September 27, 2006
Russell Davies in the house.
Russell Davies is making his way to Kansas City and we plan to meet up with him for brews of both cold and hot kinds. Hey, you gotta love a guy with a title like Darth Strategist. In the middle of the brew-sharing, we'll record American Copywriter #46. You all have been most patient with our schedule, but hopefully, #46 will be will worth the wait. I am certain one of the topics we'll explore is the relationship between planner and creative. However, if you have other questions/topics you'd like me to try and fit into the session, leave them here.
September 12, 2006
AC #45 now available.
The Football & Philosphy Edition:
John and Tug meet on a Saturday afternoon in a noisy joint to watch football and talk ads. A new spot for DirecTV sparks a discussion regarding the relationship between Tolkien and Lewis (2:36) and, inevitably, Joseph Campbell and the Cosmogonic Cycle (9:13). After the break, the guys jump into a discussion of the NFL as a mega super brand (11:02). John finishes up the podcast at home by directing listeners to this intriguing post by Ernie Schenck, and encouraging listeners to send in audio comments about their own experiences (16:49). Not link-loved out, JJ rounds out the show by passing on this great bit of advice from Mack Simpson (20:30).
Sound mildly interesting? Listen to it now and find out.
August 24, 2006
Be a part of the show.
Over in the right hand sidebar is a little Java app that theoretically allows you, dear participant, to leave us an audio comment. Try it out. Let us know if you have any functionality issues. Your comments may be published here on the site. They may be incorporated into the podcast. Or we might just listen and laugh. In any case, enjoy. We're looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks to the guys over at For Immediate Release for the tip.
Update: I should note that we consider this experimental. If it doesn't seem to work well, or is too time-consuming to manage on our end, we'll explore other options for you to participate further with the podcast.
August 22, 2006
AC #44 Now Available
The Late to the Partay Edition:
In this episode, John and Tug talk about all the stuff the rest of the world already talked to death last month. In fact, some of what we say is so dated, it's not even true anymore (see note below).
We begin with a brief discussion on ill-fated attempts at positioning (1:30). We make a poor transition to a brief, yet slightly confusing, discussion of hyperbolized copy getting in the way of a good benefit (5:41). After the break, the lads take on Tea Partay (8:50) and, proving that they are so four weeks ago, finally weigh in with a take on "the video" (14:36). Tug splits after a toast to some friends, leaving John to offer his $.02 about Snakes on a Plane's less than stellar opening (19:01).
Note: teapartay.com is now up and running. Our take still stands. The site is an afterthought. A lot of opportunity was missed, and continues to be. At this writing there really isn't much additional content outside of the video. We've seen that. Give us more reasons to spend time with the brand.
August 07, 2006
AC #43 Now Available
The Mailbag Slash Portfolio Edition:
In an effort to cool off, John and Tug introduce a game listeners can play while listening to American Copywriter (0:00). The lads then crack open the mailbag and read a few recent missives. One from a fan at a fancy pants university (4:38), another from someone who thinks Entourage and The Fountain Head have a little something in common (6:04), and yet another from a long-time listener who drops us a note to let us know he is still among the faithful (8:21). This letter sparks a little discussion on one of our favorite online/offline campaigns of the day (10:00) and an overdue head nod to The Martin Agency. The lads are then corrected by a keen-eared listener about some arguably incorrect facts reported on a previous podcast (11:36). Now, if you're not an entry-level creative, you may think the show takes an uninteresting for you at this point since our final letter sparks a rest-of-show discussion about portfolios and what it takes to get your foot in the door at an agency. However, we encourage you to keep listening because we'd like your input. We've had a lot of letters about this topic over the past few months. John and Tug share the perspective of CDs from mid-sized Midwestern shops. However, we encourage listeners with experience in other regions/disciplines/agency size to chime in. We'll pass along your advice in another show.
What the best way to beat the heat? Turn on the AC.
July 14, 2006
AC #42 Now Available
The Lost Circus Edition:
Lost because a good deal of the program was lost due to my computer's habit of cooling itself with a fan in the middle of a riff. Circus because we have cameo appearances by at least two members of Tug's family not to mention our good friend Paul Diamond. Kind of a crazy episode, but perhaps it will entertain you for a time.
We begin by loving on Geico (1:09) before hitting the mail bag to talk a little more about radio and net neutrality (3:02). We conclude our World Cup coverage (6:08) which, as you'll see, leads us to question whether or not a certain brand is utlizing the "Stinky Cheese Strategy" for their advertising (8:26). Tug makes a plug for HBO's Entourage (11:48). We then abrubtly conclude (the lost part). Stick around, however, for one more piece of listener mail (14:25).
June 30, 2006
AC #41 Now Available
The Jaffe Edition.
Tug and I continue a conversation we began with Joseph Jaffe on his award-winning Across The Sound podcast. We start with customary butt kissing (2:40) and quickly transition into tough journalistic questions about new marketing (4:40). Jaffe then proceeds to be all smart and stuff while educating us about South Africa's Nando's Chickenland, "The Taste of Portugal." Which, by the way, has nothing at all to do with Portugal and everything to do with Mozambique (5:40). Tug then makes a surprising comparison between Jaffe and a controversial newsmaker (9:27). This leads Jaffe to talk about poop (10:36). Thankfully, a quasi-useful observation comes out of it all (11:22). Joseph then talks about the risk/reward that comes with embracing change (13:26). This brings us into a discussion of our surprisingly conservative industry and some possible reasons for that (14:18). We then enjoy a few, oh, so sour grapes about Cannes (16:43). The conversation gets intense as we talk about digital blockage, the resurgence of television spending and how creatives have, much to their chagrin, had their fondest wishes granted (19:40). We wrap up by deciding to do it again (28:48) and a few World Cup observations (30:07).
Download now and listen to it in freedom this long holiday weekend.
June 26, 2006
Finally, it's American Copywriter #40
The Radio Edition
The easiest show notes ever as the lads go on and on about the state of radio advertising in America for nearly the entire show. John and Tug finally move on to talk about recording an upcoming show (maybe even two) that features a conversation with Joseph Jaffe. Please note, AC#41 will be posted in rapid succession to this show as we already have it in the can (22:30). Last but certainly not least, AC#40 features our very first audio comment sent in by the one and only Shel Holtz of the For Immediate Release podcast.
Do you want to send in an audio comment? Do what Shel did (that line will amuse you if you listen to the podcast). For now, just send an MP3 of very reasonable size to the American Copywriter email address. Simple as pie. Or podcasting. Whichever. We're working on getting Jerome to set us up a voicemail box to make that easier for you.
June 22, 2006
Two or so in the can.
11:20-something p.m.
Just home from a monster podcasting session.
Tug and I spent more than an hour on the horn with Joseph Jaffe. It was the second part of a great conversation started on his podcast, Across the Sound. After the recording concluded (and after another half an hour of yappin' with Jaffe) Tug and I fired up the laptop and recorded a second podcast devoted to the art (or lack thereof) of radio advertising. Each are delightfully laced with strong opinions and well-timed profanity.
Both shows will be posted as soon as we can get them cut.
June 21, 2006
We're not worthy.
We've been nominated in Marketing Sherpa's Reader's Choice Awards for best advertising blog. Last year I remember wondering if we'd ever be included in something like this. Lo and behold. If you nominated us, thank you. The folks at The Sherpa say they had more than a thousand nominations. Given the competition within the category, our inclusion is pretty humbling, and it's you who helped us make the list. While we're not exactly holding our breath for a big win, we're honored to be at the party. Of course, this seems like an appropriate time to thank the many friends we've made through this on-going public conversation. Please check out the other blogs on the list (most you do already). There's also a podcast category. We encourage you to check out the podcasts on the list (and vote for Across The Sound and/or For Immediate Release).
You may vote for your choice of social media outlet here.
Our Midwestern roots will allow no further mention of the subject.
June 20, 2006
Yes, Virginia, there will be a podcast this week.
There will be a new American Copywriter posted this Friday. Tug and I have a lot of stuff to discuss, plus, if worlds collide, we'll get Jaffe on, too. Stay tuned.
June 07, 2006
AC #39 and three quarters.
The Redirect Edition:
A mere snack of a podcast intended to redirect you this week to this episode of the Across the Sound podcast, where Tug and I enjoy the first of a two-part conversation with Joseph Jaffe. In a future episode of American Copywriter, perhaps even next week, Jaffe will guest on our show and we'll complete our conversation. As for AC #39.75, we cover off on some listener feedback and give you yet another topic to chew on for a future episode.
June 05, 2006
Jaffe Three Way
Tug and I spent a fun hour with Joseph Jaffe last night. He got us talking about podcasting and blogging and we wouldn't shut up. The first half of that conversation can be heard on Across the Sound #35. That conversation will also double as American Copywriter #39 and Three Quarters. We'll post a brief mash-up with some comments on our feed, but the meat of the show will reside on the ATS feed, and we direct you there this week. However, in the next couple of weeks, we'll host the other JJ on our feed and finish up our conversation. At that time, we'll talk to him more about the thoughts in his book and how those particular synaptic connections impact ad jocks across the globe.
ATS #35 ile should be live even as we type. If not, it'll be available shortly.
May 31, 2006
Mashing it up with Joseph Jaffe
Tug and I are proud to announce that American Copywriter and "the new marketing podcast" Across the Sound will be doing a mash-up episode. This means we'll be riding the long-tail and making memes with the one and only Joseph Jaffe, the author of one of our very favorite Adweek books, Life After the 30-Second Spot. Jaffe is one of the leading proponents of full consumer connectivity. The conversation is bound to be interesting. Stay tuned.
May 25, 2006
AC#39 and a Half Now Available
The Solo Soapbox Edition
Unable to get schedules to collide, John kicks out a solo edition that sounds much like a long-winded sermon. The show starts with a sickly-sweet surprise and then John takes on a listener email about the current AMEX campaign (3:10). This sets him off on an entire discussion about the pros and cons of borrowing equity in advertising (4:22). Eventually, John glances at a recent Ad Age and gets really, really preachy about a story regarding ageism in the advertising industry (13:32). Bear with him. He was caught up in the moment. Finally, he lets up and yaps a bit about the new news from Pappa Google (18:23). Somehow he transitions to Lost (19:48) and then, if all that weren't enough, he asks for input on a recent ad from a major advertiser (22:45).
Listen to the show on your way to somewhere fun for the holiday weekend.
May 15, 2006
AC#39 Now Available
The Suck-Up Edition:
John and Tug suck up to both listeners and clients. The show starts with cracking open some listener-submitted beer and a brief recount of John's recent appendectomy (0.00). Tug sets the tone for the show by suggesting we ought to talk about clients (4:32). This brings cheers to VW (6:21) and a discussion of the much pondered "crash" spots. John and Tug then invent an awards show (10:00) and go on to praise a few more major advertisers that you know and love before John offers advice to take or leave (13:18). The other shoe falls, however, and Tug relates a story that, in the end, is the reason he wanted to praise the good and gutsy clients of the world (14:40). The wrap-up begins with listener mail (19:40) and then there's a motivational send-off.
Give it a listen and let us know what you think.
May 12, 2006
New AC on Monday
American Copywriter #39 is in the can. It will be available to you sometime Monday morning. It's a very belchy episode so I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
May 05, 2006
Happy Sullivan Higdon & Sinko de Mayo
From all of your friends at Sullivan Higdon & Sink, we would like to wish you all a happy and fun Cinco de Mayo. To do that, we're inviting you to virtually smack the hell out of a pinata. Many people are clamoring about their best time, but the unofficial record right now is 3 swings, 8 seconds. It doesn't get much better than that.
Anyway, enjoy the game and have a great holiday today.
Arrrrrrrrriba! Los Lobos! LOS LOBOS!!!
May 01, 2006
January Has Useless Fleshbag Removed
Last night around 9:00, Amy took JJ to the hospital to have his appendix removed. He is reportedly doing well -- the direct line in his room has been busy all morning so I haven't spoken to him -- and will be back on his feet in the very near future.
Until then, a bit of Shakespeare. I have revised the passage to (not really) meet JJ's situation. Imagine he's not holding a skull but his tiny, recently-removed fleshy friend:
HAMLET:
Alas, poor Appendix! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow
of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath
borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how
abhorred in my imagination it is! my gorge rims at
it. Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know
not how oft. Where be your gibes now? your
gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment,
that were wont to set the table on a roar? Not one
now, to mock your own grinning? quite chap-fallen?
Now get you to my lady's chamber, and tell her, let
her paint an inch thick, to this favour she must
come; make her laugh at that.
April 26, 2006
AC#38 Now Available
The Hushed Edition:
Despite topics of passion, Tug and John must "keep it down" since the show was recorded, for the second week in a row, over some nice yogurt and granola at a breakfast place. John and Tug start cold (0:00). This causes the lads to ponder a relationship between advertising and the bird flu (2:45). At this point, the conversation turns to thoughts about a local consumer-generated content contest (3:46), which flows easily into a rant about the crap advertising produced for The Apprentice (8:02). John yaps on about a post he made on the AC blog regarding American Inventor (11:14), then Tug brings in a full-page ad he saw on Easter Sunday that brings up a brief chat about religion in business (13:46), which leads to an interesting business analogy (17:33).
It's short, but sweet! So give it a listen. And stay tuned for the Easter egg.
April 24, 2006
#38 is in production
Tug and I recorded AC #38 this morning and it will be available tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest.
On a related note: business is bad for blogging! SHS is kicking out the jams a variety of projects and that's keeping us so busy the blog is getting a little dusty. We promise to redouble our efforts.
April 17, 2006
AC #37 Now Available
The Overdue Edition.
John and Tug reunite after a few busy weeks in advertising. It's allergy season so, we disclaim Tug's prolific snot (0:00) We give an update on "the girl-poopin' yogurt" (6:36). We celebrate AT&T's talkin' robot spot (8:16). This leads us to remember the Speak'n Spell (10:44). We then review Tug's recent visit to CP+B and discuss thoughts on what's what there (12:19). Of course, this gives us room to wax poetic about the state of the industry. Overall, we think you'll enjoy it. We know it was a long time coming, but we're at least set up to get back on a schedule.
April 14, 2006
Monday, Monday
You've been patient...and, AC #37 is recorded. However, we'll release it on Monday in an effort to get back on our schedule. Have a great weekend. We'll join you Monday to get your week kicked off right.
April 10, 2006
AC #37 will arrive this week.
Gang:
Sorry for the delay on #37...but it'll be worth the wait. Tug has been down to CP+B and has a report for us, plus we've got follow-up to the poopin' yogurt story among other things. We realize it's been too long. But, until the podcast pays the mortgage, we're at the mercy of this thing called advertising.
Stay tuned.
March 27, 2006
AC #36 Now Available
The Uncomfortable Edition:
Uncomfortable stories from Tug's drive (0:00). Uncomfortable with the way our teams performed in the NCAA Tournament (3:12). Uncomfortable with Chef's decision (8:08). Uncomfortable with all this talk of poop on TV (11:27). Yet, in the end, we're very comfortable with some new work from Winterfresh (21:11).
Open your hearts and ears (listen to it now, duh).
March 22, 2006
AC#36 will arrive next Monday.
Hi peeps:
Tug and I will be getting together tomorrow to record American Copywriter #36. This means it will be uploaded for your listening pleasure next Monday. Sorry, we'd hoped to hit 3 weeks in a row, but it was not to be. We'll make it up to you with a great show. Keep your aggregators peeled.
March 14, 2006
AC #35 Now Available
The Podbalaya Edition:
A small cup of tasty, yet substantial topics that include: Tug's motto to live by (2:38), mourning the dearly departed (3:12), confirmation that Tug never wants to do a Super Bowl spot (4:51), the thrills of the new economy (8:26), chicken spots that are better than burger spots (11:59), a celebration of the Clio call to entry campaign (13:33), and finally an appeal to our dear listeners (18:40). We spice the show with a little more Clio fun (19:07). Since the show falls well within time, we have room to add a bonus track that only a mother could love (21:40).
March 14, 2006
#35 on the way...
AC #35 is in the can and will be posted later today. It should be posted now. But Seth says he has paying clients that he needs to take care of first. Seth, Seth. Where are your priorities?
March 07, 2006
God forbid. We might actually deliver a podcast on time.
Shocking. Gripping. Ripped from today's headlines: It appears Tug and I will be recording AC #35 this week for an on-time release next Monday. We enjoyed taking on a few of your topic ideas. Tug and I plan on doing another podpourri-style show. So, if you got something on your mind, throw it down here. Maybe we'll mash it up with the other stuff on our mind this week.
March 06, 2006
AC#34 Now Available
The Podpourri Edition.
Tug and a very hoarse John kick off a particularly curse-filled episode by drawing a correlation between Logan's Run and growing old in advertising. Tug then utilizes his deep knowledge of a digital watch to police the amount of time the lads spend on a number of subjects including: Curious George (5:50), independent advertising agencies (6:53), fun things to do when you live in Kansas (11:10), the Beastie Boys consumer-generated film (14:34), Alex's big move to Boulder (18:18), and VW as client (23:24). We wrap the show with some cool music from the secret agents over at C.L.I.O. More on that next week.
As Buckwheat (or rather, the Eddie Murphy version) would say, "Take a wisten!"
March 01, 2006
Recording the next podcast.
The hardest part of the podcast now that Tug and I don't see each other every single day is getting our schedules to collide. We're sorry for the herky-jerky schedule lately. We'll be recording podcast #34 on Thursday evening and will try to have it posted either later on Friday morning or over the weekend. That means you can at least count on cruising into next Monday with a brand spankin' new edition of AC. We've got some thoughts about what we want to talk about, but if you've got anything you'd like to hear us address please feel free to leave it for us here. In the meantime, rock on with your bad selves.
February 27, 2006
Sprint Ambassador phone arrives.
My Sprint Ambassador package arrived today. Here you see my sheepdog (no, he's got nothing to do with my agency's positioning) modeling with the goodie package.
As a reminder, I was sent a fancy new multimedia phone plus six months of free service in return for feedback. Thanks Sprint!
Now, I am no power user. So, I think it bodes well that even though I didn't bother to read the instructions, I still managed to send myself this photo which I snapped on the phone about three minutes out of the box.
The Samsung A-920 is light. Especially compared to the Treo I use now. Now, I still find typing on a phone keypad far more cumbersome than a more complete keyboard (i.e. the Treo or a Blackberry) but...we'll see. The phone has a lot of features: photos, video (!), music, email and, of course web access. That's nice. But it's really a question of ease and at least a modicum of open sourceness ain't it? So, I'll read all the instructions and let you know how the features flow. There's a lot of stuff to play with and not much time to do so this week. I can say that, as of now, Sprint's Power Vision Network seems speedy.
Oh, and, smartly, the letter that arrived with the phone once again ONLY mentioned feedback. Sprint has never requested that I blog about it. They are playing it cool. I do plan to share the phone with some of the other American Copywriter team members so, we'll see what they think, too.
Only con out of the box? The cheesy guy they put on the cover of one of the instructional inserts. Seriously, people.
February 21, 2006
You people are cool. So I get a phone.
By now, you may have read that Steve Rubel and Joe Jaffe and others have been invited to be Sprint Ambassadors. Well, I was recently invited and accepted the deal today. So here's what gives:
Sprint is going to send me a spankin' new Samsung A-920 phone and give me six months of all access to The Sprint Power Vision Network which will give me a chance to test out much of their broadband content.
What do they get in return? Well, all they ask for is my honest opinion. And they've created a special site for me to relay that to them.
Of course, they made the offer to me after visiting this blog (which they admit). And that means they probably know a little something about the podcast, too. After all, Sprint is not all that interested in me. They are, however, very interested in you. You're cool. Sprint wants you to know about their cool new gizmo. They're interested in having us discuss it. What's wrong with that?
You know, this does take some guts.
Sprint is putting itself out there with no ability to control the message. I might add, that their invitations came virtually spinless. There was an almost noticeable lack of hyping of the product.
Personally, I think it's a damn smart and damn transparent bet Sprint is making.
If the product and service work great, they know we may tell you about it. If the product or services isn't spot on they know we'll blog about it. And, in our case, podcast about it. To you, the cool people they want to reach (By the way, since many of you also read micro persuasion and jaffe juice, I feel like I'm part of a conversational "buy" to reach the tech-hungry, trend-loving marketing community with this product. Maybe the old "frequency" model has a little life yet).
As you know from the most recent podcast, I just re-read Life After the 30 Second Spot. I think Sprint gets it. Gotta hand it to them on that.
My disclosures:
Sprint is a Kansas City business fixture, my business resides here in Kansas City, however, my agency Sullivan Higdon & Sink is not a Sprint roster agency nor have we even undertaken a project for this company. We're not beholding to them.
We currently have a Sprint phone in our family. I do pay a bill to them currently. I am currently happy with that service.
I am interested in learning more about this kind of program because it may be something we take to one of our fine clients one of these days.
If I like the product, and I choose to blog about it, I will do my best not to revert to copywriter mode for the post.
All that said, I will be absolutely honest about the experience, the service and the product. Heck, my current phone is a paid perk provided by ye old SHS. And I have no problem complaining about it either.
More to come.
February 18, 2006
AC #33 Now Available
The Book Edition.
The second show of our second season. When does the pledge drive begin? This longer than usual show begins with a discussion of some Super Bowl fallout (Courtesy AdPulp and The Onion). We then discuss Tug's raging case of Olympic Fever (6:52). Then we hit the books. We start with the seemingly innocent Curious George (12:56). Then we get all geeked out over Jim Henson's It's Not Easy Being Green (19:12). We wrap it up with a discussion of Joseph Jaffe's great book, Life After the 30 Second Spot. Then, for no particular reason, Tug finishes us up with a deep Simpson's reference.
(Note: As of Sunday night, the podcast has an incorrect date and this causes it not to appear as new. It also probably means that the show won't download automatically. This will be corrected Monday morning, but until then we wanted you to know. You can still find it on iTunes. Just look for #33)
February 10, 2006
We REALLY Do Hate Sheep, We Promise!
We teased... We prodded... We tested your patience (whilst testing our own many times over)... And after months of planning, designing, coding, revising, ignoring, revising and tweaking, everyone at Sullivan Higdon & Sink is super pleased to launch the brand new, all-improved, more cheekier, stay out laterer version of WeHateSheep.com!
An email blast should go out next week, but why not give some of our more loyal followers a taste before the masses get a hold of it?
Go check it out and tell us what you think! What do you like and what don't you like? What works, what doesn't? What do you want to see more of? No web site is ever perfect, nor is ours 100% complete (yet), so keep in mind that we'll be constantly massaging things to make them better and more interactive/informative.
Without furthur ado, by all means, enjoy the site. Catch you on the flip side, flippers.
February 06, 2006
Thanks, Mr. Hall.
Steve Hall over at Adrants plugged AC not once but twice on his influential blog. While we certainly welcome the press, it makes losing a tasty portion of the show today all the more painful. However, as Steve knows from experience, these kinds of things happen to podcasters now and again.
If you're a new listener and want to try out another episode before you subscribe, we suggest #27. It's a good vintage.
February 06, 2006
AC #32 Now Available
The anniversary of our first show and our now yearly Super Bowl wrap-up. We touch on, at least for us, what were the highlights and the lowlights of this year's crop of spots. You'll disagree with some of what we say. All hail the subjective nature of advertising. Plus, remember, Tug and I are saps.
Unfortunately, a tasty part of the show was lost. We've spent sometime trying to recover it, however, once that failed, we just made do. Hopefully, you'll enjoy it anyway.