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Opinion | Features
Disclosure in Social Media: How transparent should bloggers be?
In this guest post, blogger and digital creative Laura McWhinnie argues for more disclosure in the bloggersphere.
The bloggersphere has always been a bit like the Wild West. Bloggers could post about products to their heart’s content without having to disclose their relationship with the brand. This meant that consumers had no idea who was behind the marketing messages influencing their purchasing decisions. But in 2009 that all changed
Liars, cheats and thieves
Is our industry full of cheats and liars or do people of honour who stand by their word still exist in business? In an article that first appeared in Encore, Cameron Boon investigates. The recent court case involving Paul Fishlock suing his former employer The Campaign Palace brought into focus more than just the struggle of one man. It highlighted that there are some in adland whose word cannot always be relied upon.
Q&A with Adshel's Rob Atkinson
Online trading is the next big thing says Rob Atkinson in a piece that first appeared in Encore. Who is the most powerful person in Australian media and why?
Harold Mitchell because of his influence and the footprint he has left. He’s built a huge brand in Mitchells, offloaded it into Aegis, Aegis has obviously done extremely well to be then sold on to Dentsu. So if you think about it, he is very much a father figure of the industry.
Making it overseas
Is the best way of being successful in Australia not be here at all? In a feature that first appeared in Encore, Lee Zachariah speaks to Aussies making it big abroad.I always wanted to work in New York,” says Julian Cole. “I thought it was the number one place to work in advertising; a lot of the best campaigns were coming out of there. So I moved over and was lucky enough to have a couple of interviews in the first couple of weeks.”
Cole’s story is indicative of the somewhat contentious idea that the best way to be successful in Australia is to not be in Australia any more.
Got a book in you?
From journos to ad execs and PRs, these days everyone seems to have a book in them. But what does it take to get published and will you actually make any money? In a feature that first appeared in Encore, Brooke Hemphill finds out.Attention wannabe authors. Forget big fat advance cheques and living off royalties. The reality of having a book published today is another story altogether. There are only two reasons you should even consider sitting down at your computer to bash out a manuscript – passion or profile.
Savage counsel
In an article that first appeared in Encore, Chris Savage tackles your career and agency dilemmas in his weekly advice column.Hi Chris,
My clients seem to be demanding more and more from us. At the same time, it seems many of the younger people in our industry simply don’t have the client servicing skills my generation grew up with. How do we instill in our executives some of the good old-fashioned behaviours that would keep a client happy and loyal?
Fake it til' you make it... as an ad agency receptionist
From dressing the part to playing the gatekeeper, Leo Burnett Sydney’s Susie Henry tells us how to make it as the face of adland in a piece that first appeared in Encore.What does a receptionist in an ad agency actually do?
Well, there’s the frantic every-day, all-day stuff of deliveries, courier bookings, doing expenses for directors – always challenging – plus arranging all the travel. But one of my main jobs is counselling the account service people. I also keep up with all sports information to discuss with our sports-loving clients – because who wants to be bored while they’re waiting? And I know how they like their coffee. You need to know everyone – from accounting to HR. I’m also the go-to for all catering and sending flowers.
Whose views skew the news? Media chiefs ready to vote out Labor, while reporters lean left
Most journalists lean left-of-centre, says Folker Hanusch of the University of the Sunshine Coast, in a post first published on The Conversation.Most Australian journalists describe themselves as left-wing, yet amongst those who wield the real power in the country’s newsrooms, the Coalition holds a winning lead.
But while the media’s political leanings will no doubt be debated in the lead-up to September’s federal election, our study has also found other largely unscrutinised biases remain – particularly whose views disproportionately shape the news.
It's time for a new New Wave in the film world
Government funding bodies are lazy and decadent, says industry veteran Michael Thornhill but in a piece that first appeared in Encore, Ed Gibbs begs to differ.I vividly remember the time I first saw Animal Kingdom, David Michod’s breathtaking labour-of-love feature debut. The press screening was half empty, despite the film winning the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance just months earlier, in 2010. Yet its superb performances, stylistic flourishes and overall polish left me speechless. Could this really be a feature debut, an Australian one at that, I wondered, almost out loud? It seemed too good to be true.
Going cold turkey on an agency addiction
Life is sweet for freelance writer Max Kitchen, but in a feature that first appeared in Encore, he admits his struggle against returning to the agency fold.I’ve never taken heroin. But I suspect if I had, the temptation to try it again would not be too dissimilar to the lure of returning to agency life.
Can sport save Ten?
First there was the Grand Prix. Next came the reported $500m bid for cricket rights, then Ten secured the 2014 winter Olympics. So, can sport save the ailing network? In a feature that first appeared in Encore, Nic Christensen investigates.The television sports rights bidding process is a bit like a game of poker.
Check, fold or bet. Those were the options for the Ten Network last week when it had to finalise its bid for the cricket rights.
Andy Lark: good for the marketing of marketing
I can still remember the first story I wrote about Andy Lark, when it emerged that he was to be the new chief marketing officer of CommBank.
It was immediately clear that Australia was about to meet an interesting marketer, one who blogged and tweeted and thanks to his time at Dell in the US was digitally savvy. Even two years ago, that was a big deal. The fact that he also had a stint in public relations gave him an absolutely intriguing background before he even arrived.
Storming the media barricades - advice for young journalists
This week Mumbrella’s Nic Christensen, who began his career four years ago, gave the keynote address to would-be journalists at the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance’s Student Day. This is an edited version of his speech.Good afternoon, I can remember distinctly the last time I was in this room.
It was 2009 and I was sitting where you are. I’d come to this event, a friend and myself — from memory we sat up the back — and I can remember at the time wondering if I’d ever get a job as a journalist.
It was only four years ago and then as now getting a job was ultra competitive but I’m not sure there was quite as much media ‘doom and gloom’ as there is now…
Paywalls will help fund campaigning journalism
In this guest post, News Limited’s group editorial director Campbell Reid responds to the views of ninemsn’s Hal Crawford that the company’s push into metered paywalls is about data rather than dollars.Hal Crawford is both right and wrong in his article which argued that our digital subscription plans are all about the data.
Fake it 'til you make it... as a features editor
Cosmo’s Kate Leaver tells us how to bluff it in her job in a feature that first appeared in Encore.What do you do, as a features editor?
Really, play with words and ideas all day. At any one time, we’re working across three issues of the mag – getting one on its way to the printers, pooling all the words together for another, and planning the issue after that. It’s busy but it’s a pretty magnificent process.
No adland wankers, agency tells new recruits
Marketing consultancy Step Change has launched a recruitment video campaigning against advertising agency wankers.
Directed by Dan Ilic, the video focuses on unloveable adland types.
Step Change GM Jeff Cooper said: “We wanted to attract staff who love the industry but hate the politics, egos and rigid, demarcated roles of the big agencies. It’s ridiculous to the point of offensive that only ‘creatives’ are capable of great ideas or that only ‘suits’ know how to talk to clients, so we’re looking for people to do both in the one role.
He added: “The one great thing about wankers is that they need no explanation, so we were able to forego the traditional recruitment channels and approach candidates in a far more direct way. Ours is a pretty simple message: wankers don’t work here, so do you want to?”
Creative credits:
- Script: Tom Glasson
- Director: Dan Ilic
- Cast:
- General Manager: Jeff Cooper (as himself)
- HR Director: Tom Glasson
- Alan (Creative) – Cale Bain Simon (Planning) – Phil Willis Jess (Production) – Megan Ormsby Antonie (Account Manager) – Steve Lynch Clive (Senior Manager)- Greg Flynn
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Comments
8 Mar 11
12:14 pm
awesome! I want to work there.
8 Mar 11
12:14 pm
lack of lols for a ‘funny’ video.
8 Mar 11
12:18 pm
Genius!
I disagree with Logic, massive lol
8 Mar 11
12:19 pm
If you have more than 8 years experience, is it a problem applying for a role with this agency?
8 Mar 11
12:27 pm
No politics or egos = no fun.
8 Mar 11
12:27 pm
Disclosure: I know the Step Change guys and like them.
However genuinely I like it. Humour is always subjective and you can’t make everyone chuckle. But ‘ wankers don’t work here, so do you want to?” is neat and it’ll work I suspect. And I did laugh when the bloke started playing the foosball table.
Nice job.
8 Mar 11
12:30 pm
‘Like’ “Who would first seek to understand the key, without first understanding the lock????”
8 Mar 11
12:30 pm
Great concept, Im sure you’ll circumvent the recruiters with this! I have personally met too many of these wankers about time they were sent up publicly. Just going to pop out now and find a creative director to punch…
8 Mar 11
12:32 pm
Hi Ian, You sure can mate. We’re building a business for the people, knowing the rest will come. We’re not trying to squeeze people into a pigeon hole.
Job description is here – http://dl.dropbox.com/u/635717.....descv2.doc
If you’d like to know more.
Thanks for your interest
8 Mar 11
12:33 pm
Fantastic – I’d love to work for you buys but I’m not sure that my creative spirit will meet your requirements
8 Mar 11
12:40 pm
I love the way these guys have used the skills that they sell to their clients, to sell their own business. It is a great example of “practising what you preach”.
8 Mar 11
12:40 pm
Awesome – if you’re looking for people just like that, I think I’m qualified!
8 Mar 11
12:41 pm
How does ‘No politics or egos = no fun’?
Anyway, I love this clip. Great work guys.
8 Mar 11
12:42 pm
Brilliant – it shows why you guys are different. Congrats on the concept and execution. Oh, and the courage.
8 Mar 11
12:44 pm
good luck getting ppl with that salary range
8 Mar 11
12:46 pm
Just feels like I’ve seen this type of portrayal of advertising people too many times to laugh. Sorry. Nice try but no cigar.
8 Mar 11
12:48 pm
More importantly, who will provide the entertainment at the Christmas party if you don’t employ any wankers?
8 Mar 11
12:50 pm
“the consumer is the lock my friend”
That is one of the funnies lines / sexual references I have heard for a while.
Can’t believe people are debating whether it’s funny or not. That’s not the point. What matters is that it’s an effective filter. If you don’t like it, you are not on the right wavelength to be their employee or client.
Well done guys
SR
8 Mar 11
12:55 pm
Love it, how true.
8 Mar 11
1:15 pm
Sounds like a fabulous role but you can’t be serious with the salary! When will people like you guys learn? What happens when you pay peanuts?
8 Mar 11
1:28 pm
Hey Logic – you have a point there mate, you certainly got down to the weak link quickly. We need multiple hires and this is the ‘broadcast’ end of our search… I toyed with your point myself.
For all those thinking the way Logic thinks: We’re taking all applicants very seriously for multiple hires across that spectrum and we’ll clear up any questions around your salary expectations and brackets offline before you’re asked to commit your time.
Thanks Logic.
8 Mar 11
1:31 pm
Great work, i loved it and I would so want to work there
8 Mar 11
1:37 pm
What a great idea! Loved the video- thanks for the laugh.
Di
8 Mar 11
1:39 pm
“It’s ridiculous to the point of offensive that only ‘creatives’ are capable of great ideas or that only ‘suits’ know how to talk to clients”
Weird because most creatives I know do talk to clients. And suits should never be allowed anywhere near a pad and a squeaker pen because this is exactly the sort of dross they serve up.
Good luck attracting talent with this. You’ll need it.
8 Mar 11
1:39 pm
Makes me want to work in advertising
8 Mar 11
1:40 pm
Some funny bits. Foosball. Classic.
But seriously, if you’re looking for mediocrity, then a suit who thinks he/she’s a creative is exactly what you need.
Clients beware.
Also beware of any agency that needs to put “Advertising” Communications” or “Marketing” in their agency name.
8 Mar 11
1:40 pm
Absolutely Brilliant!
8 Mar 11
1:41 pm
Up to 8 years experience! Another crop of agency people who have done very little and contribute little to clients. No wonder the industry is full of shallow wankers
8 Mar 11
1:45 pm
Wit without the wank-factor – Love it. Nice way to attract the folks they’re looking for.
8 Mar 11
1:46 pm
Nice work – As a recruiter I take my hat off to you, positions sounds great in theory too- best of luck guys!
8 Mar 11
1:47 pm
Yes! Dewanking the industry has to start somewhere. Big job boys but great start.
8 Mar 11
1:48 pm
Great spot, well done guys.
I wonder if AM’s from media agencies are welcome to apply as well?
8 Mar 11
1:48 pm
“I am cutting through the noise”
I really liked this, well done
8 Mar 11
1:54 pm
Love it!
8 Mar 11
1:56 pm
I love it, because i’m a suit!
8 Mar 11
1:57 pm
Love you guys! Funny, funny, funny. If I didn’t have my own business (which is frankly taking up a bit too much of my time) and I didn’t turn dinosaur today (that’s over 40) – I’d love to work for you.
Good luck, I hope you and your new recruits set the world on fire.
Sharon
8 Mar 11
1:59 pm
Where’s the tits and ass
8 Mar 11
2:01 pm
Disclosure: I know these guys too and they’re brilliant! Anyone wanting to work with them should go for it. You won’t look back…..
8 Mar 11
2:04 pm
“No adland wankers”
“Step Change are the Robin Hoods of marketing.”
….might want to make sure you’re sending a consistent message there, folks.
8 Mar 11
2:10 pm
That is fantastic. Well done
8 Mar 11
2:10 pm
I checked Wikipedia for the origins of the word wanker. MIA!
Anyone know ?
8 Mar 11
2:12 pm
Good to see someone trying a different approach to recruitment.
They’re nice guys too.
8 Mar 11
2:13 pm
For an agency that’s supposedly wanker-free, the job description is damn heavy on jargon, buzzwords and cliches. And hopefully once they hire someone who is “Able to proof copy with good spelling and grammar”, their next position description won’t be full of typos.
8 Mar 11
2:16 pm
love it! really enjoyable and entertaining – ripper!
8 Mar 11
2:26 pm
I enjoyed it. The creative guy. Nailed it.
I was disappointed there was no “clutter-buster” but I will get over it.
8 Mar 11
2:31 pm
Juz… You got me, I’m a shocker on spelling, Dyslexic from head to toe. But I’ve got a good joke for you… “So, a man walks into a bra…”
8 Mar 11
2:33 pm
AndrewL – I can’t see why not. We’d love to meet you.
8 Mar 11
2:41 pm
I would hire the planner. He knows what’s up.
8 Mar 11
2:46 pm
Yay finally. Someone is cutting through the wank. Do you need freelancers?
8 Mar 11
3:01 pm
How is this in funny in any way?
8 Mar 11
3:17 pm
Hey Jacinta – We’re always looking, but be warned, if you’re great we’ll probably try to hire you full-time. We can cross that bridge when we come to it.
Thanks for your interest.
8 Mar 11
3:20 pm
Well done,
it’s funny and engaging, and we are all talking about it
big tick
8 Mar 11
3:31 pm
Oh my lord. Hilarious. These people exist I deal with them EVERY day!
8 Mar 11
3:32 pm
It’s wonderful.
But it won’t work because everybody who has advertising experience plays with themselves with their hands, their minds and even with their bicycle seats.
Ergo no suitable applicants.
8 Mar 11
3:42 pm
Anyone who even thinks of throwing comedy into this bear-pit of commentators has a fair set of ‘nads, just ask Ben Elton…
8 Mar 11
3:46 pm
Jeff Cooper, you’ve done very well. I work in an agency that does creative & strategy for talent hiring & engagement, and I’ve sent this to all & sundry. Gold.
8 Mar 11
4:39 pm
love it – best of luck
8 Mar 11
4:49 pm
Does anyone think it’s a bit weird that they are launching an agency with a video poking fun at agency stereotypes and cliche`s with the name “Step Change”?//!!?
Or is that the real joke?
Aaah OK I get it….
8 Mar 11
4:53 pm
I love everything Greg Flynn does. My hero.
8 Mar 11
6:12 pm
Love it, good to see someone not taking themselves too seriously
8 Mar 11
6:58 pm
The creative guy was pretty cute even with a beard….
8 Mar 11
8:01 pm
Quite enjoyed this; I’d be strongly considering sending you something if I were returning to agency work. Or moving to Sydney.
8 Mar 11
8:17 pm
Nice one! A brilliant, no nonsense message that, ironically, ‘cuts through the clutter’.
8 Mar 11
9:07 pm
please, try harder
8 Mar 11
9:26 pm
@Juz
I don’t notice any typos with that copy…
8 Mar 11
10:19 pm
good luck. As an aside has the person who wrote that ever managed an account? you’ll quickly find why the two roles are seperated
8 Mar 11
10:30 pm
As cliched and instantly forgettable as that advertising ‘comedy’ on foxtel…..what was it called again?
9 Mar 11
8:52 am
My God the astroturfing in this thread is nauseating.
9 Mar 11
9:10 am
Poor old advertising.
Gets such a bum rap because of a few bad grains (I actually know a creative who, when asked what he does, after the shrug and a prolonged silence answers “I AM advertising”, and Simon sets new heights for planner-speak).
I like this though. It grabs your attention, clearly defines the company’s value proposition and the kind of culture you can expect.
They’re bound to get a strong response and after all, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Good work.
9 Mar 11
9:43 am
What are some of your brands besides Bavarian Bier Cafe?
9 Mar 11
9:47 am
I say, Clive’s awfully dishy!
9 Mar 11
10:53 am
Groucho,
when was the last time you were creative?
9 Mar 11
11:39 am
Enjoyable.
Nice mix of wankers.
I always thought the term was gender specific to the male.??
Thanks for the update.
9 Mar 11
12:50 pm
This is pretty funny; I think we can all recognise these characters, whether we like it or not. I do hope that Step Change can produce better work than that logo, however. For their own sake.
9 Mar 11
3:41 pm
Oh dear, I just saw myself there.
9 Mar 11
11:26 pm
This is more lame than :30 seconds. Unless it’s supposed to be an anti-recruitment ad.
10 Mar 11
8:36 am
Can I have a job?
I have in fact watched all five seasons of L O S T in a fortnight?
http://www.collegehumor.com/article:1806859
10 Mar 11
2:48 pm
Hit all the stereotypes dead on! Brilliant!
11 Mar 11
1:15 pm
The problem is that no-one on this planet actually thinks they are a wanker. They think everyone else is though!
11 Mar 11
2:36 pm
We all laugh at these wankers and we all talk about the idea of working in an agency that didnt have people like these, but thats all fairy tale stuff. The industry is based on the personalities highlighted in the video.
14 Mar 11
6:07 pm
Can you creative types do one of these videos targeting recrutiment consultants? You know, the ones who love you up front then forget you exist when the trail goes cold.
15 Mar 11
2:33 pm
Disappointed the job description reads like an excerpt from AdWanker 101
16 Mar 11
2:03 pm
This is fantastic. Watched the video three times now and laughed out loud each time!
16 Mar 11
4:29 pm
Crack up!
17 Mar 11
3:36 pm
hmmmm.
http://www.stepchangemarketing.com/about.html
18 Mar 11
3:56 pm
And I also do the best diagrams everr.
I always thought one good diagram is worth acres of copy
21 Mar 11
6:56 pm
Trouble may be that if someone admits to being an “advertsing wanker”- They are probably too self aware and honest to actually be one! Good luck guys
25 Mar 11
11:11 am
As someone that worked in HR & Marketing I’d like to say well done. It’s not the funniest video but it certainly makes its point and I wish more companies would do that!!!!!
Best of luck. You’ll certainly attract a very different type of candidate.
26 Mar 11
11:27 am
This reminds me of every ad agency I have ever visited. Loads of air kisses, use of the word “darling” and “excellent” (when I am not their darling and what was discussed did not in any way warrant an enthusiastic “excellent”.)
Ad agencies cannot exist without wnkers; that is what the industry is all about! Middle men ripping off clients(.) Not all, however probably 3/4′s…
29 Mar 11
3:11 pm
Every place in every industry has their fair share of wankers. They’re easy to spot:
(a) They spend 47% of the day quoting statistics;
(b) They describe everyone else in the office as a wanker;
(c) They are quick to point their callused fingers around the office in disgust;
(d) They come into organisations claiming that they are creating an organisation free of wankers;
(e) Their CVs get magically better and better by the month on LinkedIn; and
(f) They wank a lot.
29 Mar 11
4:19 pm
I am still very dubious that wanker is a term that can describe a female adequately.
30 Mar 11
12:49 pm
Love!
31 Mar 11
11:29 am
Love it…thats JWT in 2.38 seconds!!
31 Mar 11
6:09 pm
Bravo, hit the nail on the head… good luck with the recruitment drive!
5 Apr 11
12:42 pm
Not bad!!! Thought it was a fail in the beginning but I had a few lols. Loved the creative guy. Good stuff.