May 27, 2008

Fast Company likes American Copywriter's hometown.

Kansas City has been named by Fast Company as one of the Best Cities for Innovation. We like the honor for our hometown despite the fact that the peeps at FC really tortured the 'ol cow town analogy.

In terms of the creative culture, KC's sports architecture firms are formidable. The Crossroads Art District, home of SHS, has been called a "Midwest Soho" by The New York Times. And, of course, we are home to one of the world's largest creative companies.

In terms of advertising, one can argue that Kansas City has the largest and most successful collection of independent agencies in the country (plus a WPP player). I found a non-sourced article that said Kansas City agencies generate about $214 million in revenues (cash not billings). You can compare that to $149 million for Atlanta or $63 million for St. Louis. And while it's not happening on the mass level our creative community would like, work from Kansas City is now consistently making the books and the shortlist at Cannes. And the cost of living is still pretty cheap. So, cheers to 'ol KC.

Posted by John on May 27, 2008 at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: Brands , Current Affairs , The real world

December 31, 2007

American Copywriter salutes Phil Dusenberry

Former chairman and CCO of BBDO, Phil Dusenberry, passed away on December 29th after a battle with lung cancer. He was 71. In 1999, Ad Age ranked him 31 on their list of the century's most influential advertising people. He was a bona fide advertising luminary. His lofty titles and achievements disguise the fact that he was, throughout his career, a copywriter's copywriter. Dusenberry's work is the stuff of legends including Pepsi's Michael Jackson spot and Ronald Regan's Morning in America commercials. He penned a few screenplays, too, most notably The Natural. An apt description for Dusenberry himself in the context of his chosen profession.

When I was in college I interned in the corporate communications department of Pizza Hut, Inc. When it came time for the big franchisee convention, I got plopped down in some back room of a Wichita Marriott hotel making last minute changes to speeches for the Pizza Hut execs. I was pecking away (on an original Mac BTW) when I heard someone say, "Hi Phil!" I turned and saw Dusenberry sweep through the room. He was there to present BBDO's new crop of spots to the franchisees. I punched "save" and stole into the darkened hall with everyone else. I really wasn't supposed to be there but no one hassled me. The room was electric. Advertising is a big expense and franchisees pay much of the bill. Hundreds of eyes locked on Dusenberry as he took the stage. From word one he owned that room. With his white hair, whiter teeth and power suit, Dusenberry was the definition of an impressive "ad man." He deftly introduced several spots to the crowd that afternoon including (if memory serves) the classic "Right Field." The crowd loved it. And him. It was a lesson to me. An advertising contract is a potent mix of money, power, politics and creativity. Yes, it's always about the work, the work, the work. But a little showmanship never hurts.

Here's to you, Mr. Dusenberry.

Posted by John on December 31, 2007 at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: Current Affairs , News of the Ad World , The Creative Life , The real world

December 24, 2007

Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light. This must be Christmas must be tonight.

I'm not overtly religious, but I have been singing this song incessantly for the past three days.
To you and yours, from me and ours -- Merry Christmas.
And remember "War is over (If you want it.)

Posted by Tug McTighe on December 24, 2007 at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: The real world

November 29, 2007

The Canadians have creeped me out.

Holy jumping bass! I know I must be way, way late to the conversation about this campaign but, sweet baby peas, this made me jump right out of my chair.

I had heard tale of a campaign from the big, snowy that made Safe Happens look like an Archie comic, but  I just ran across it today. What say ye people? Horror film or effective ad? I'll go first. Generally, I don't go for the gore. But I have to admit these do change my thinking about safety. Or, at least, they really have made me think about safety. Somehow that gets me over the "taste' hump.

Posted by John on November 29, 2007 at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: Advertising , The real world

October 05, 2007

Her parents must be so proud.

My sister-in-law who lives in Manhattan sent this to me this morning. If it's real, it is another fabulous disaster from a culture that is surely careening towards disaster. If it's fake – than it is spectacularly written. Thanks to Liz. (Please note all misspellings and typos are the poster's, I only deleted hard returns.)

The Post:

What am I doing wrong?
Okay, I'm tired of beating around the bush. I'm a beautiful (spectacularly beautiful) 25 year old girl. I'm articulate and classy. I'm not from New York. I'm looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don't think I'm overreaching at all. Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives?

Could you send me some tips? I dated a businessman who makes average around 200 - 250. But that's where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 won't get me to central park west. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she's not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I get to her level?

Here are my questions specifically:

- Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics- bars, restaurants, gyms
- What are you looking for in a mate? Be honest guys, you won't hurt my feelings
- Is there an age range I should be targeting (I'm 25)?
- Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the upper east side so plain? I've seen really 'plain jane' boring types who have nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I've seen drop dead gorgeous girls in singles bars in the east village. What's the story there?
- Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows - lawyer, investment banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?
- How you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY

Please hold your insults - I'm putting myself out there in an honest way. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I'm being up front about it. I wouldn't be searching for these kind of guys if I wasn't able to match them - in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a nice home and hearth.

It’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests.
PostingID: 432279810

Post Mortem:
My fave part is when she drags "most beautiful women" under the bus with her, and then thinks it's okay to be a complete and utter jackhole because she's "being up front about it."

I am old, fat and bald and do not make nearly $500k a year but I do know why she's alone:

Because she's a fucking bitch. And as for her "spectacular beauty"? I can't see it from where I'm sitting.

Posted by Tug McTighe on October 05, 2007 at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: The real world

September 11, 2007

The day things changed.

Amidst the terror and carnage you can hear the sounds of a culture changing.

Posted by John on September 11, 2007 at 08:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: The real world