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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.
Out of work adman Tony Simms gets 17 job offers – all to work for nothing
Less than a fortnight since out of work adman Tony Simms launched a campaign to find a job that sparked a debate on ageism in advertising, the former agency boss has received 17 job offers – but each company has asked him to work for nothing.
Simms told Mumbrella that each potential employer – which were from digital, advertising and marketing companies – has offered him a position on the condition he brings in business before he is paid.
“I’ve been told, ‘You’d be great for our company. We love your spirit. You have all the right skills. The only catch is, we can’t pay you.’”
“I’ve had to turn these offers down. I can’t work for nothing – nobody works for free,” he said.
However, Simms said that he has been encouraged by the level of support he’s received.”My phone did not stop ringing for a week. I’ve been offered a huge amount of encouragement. It seems that many people have gone through – or are going through – the same thing.”
Simms’ campaign began with a protest at Martin Place on Monday 7 November, which led to an interview with Sunrise.
“I’m more determined than ever to find a job,” Simms added. “You should stand up for who you are – and how you go about things. I just want someone to give me a fair go.”
“There are many senior people without jobs who are finding it tough out there. But this isn’t just affecting them. It’s affecting the entire industry – grads, who lack mentors. And clients, who aren’t getting the depth of input from their agencies – which ultimately affects the end product.”
Simms’ campaign was followed by an opinion article headlined ‘Am I ageist… or a realist?’ by new McCann boss Ben Lilley that fueled the debate on ageism in advertising.
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Comments
18 Nov 11
11:16 am
are we absolutely sure here that Mr Simms isn’t getting a job because of his age?
18 Nov 11
12:38 pm
I have seen feedback first hand of the agencies telling Tony that although he is highly capable of doing the role that he interviewed for and so far was the “Best” applicant for the role, the client has come back that Tony is not “Culturally” right for the agency.
I can say first hand that Tony is a rare find and the market is missing out on a true marketer that has a wealth of experience in most disciplines of advertising and is a great mentor to the teams that he has lead.
Keep it up Tony…
18 Nov 11
12:42 pm
Flesh Peddler, have you checked out Tony’s credentials? I’m pretty sure it’s nothing less than pure ageism. Keep it up Tony. Let’s really get this out from under the carpet and on the agenda with agencies and clients.
18 Nov 11
12:48 pm
Flesh Peddler.
That comment is just mean.
This guy has swallowed his pride and gone to the media to highlight a problem he is facing.
He has been offered work for no pay and, quite reasonably, said no.
Kick someone when they are down and making their best effort to get up.
Shame, shame, shame.
18 Nov 11
1:05 pm
I wonder if these same agencies work for free until their clients see an uplift in sales linked to the agencies work?
18 Nov 11
1:14 pm
Out of 17 companies was there none that would have been worth a punt working for a defined period on a bare minimum wage plus travel costs with an understanding on a success fee or salary if the position became permanent ? I think sometimes you’ve got to back yourself in this game.
18 Nov 11
1:25 pm
Recommended viewing for the 17 agencies who want Tony to work for them for nothing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qwRC0ORE4I
18 Nov 11
1:36 pm
Tony should not work for free.
Its the first and most golden rule of any freelance situation. Work for free, and then you’ve set a dangerous precedent, and implied a low value to what you do. Then try negotiating a fair salary from a zero base. And what of the costs to Tony of securing this hypothetical new business?
If I was Tony, I’d certainly be seeking out new business, but for myself.
18 Nov 11
2:57 pm
Good for you Tony! There’s many like you out there.
I’m early 30s and working in advertising and media and I would love to know what happens when we get to 35-40…where do the people go? Is it a better place? …hmmm maybe not.
18 Nov 11
3:00 pm
If these companies are saying “bring in the business and we will pay you” then why not cut out the middle man and set up your own business.
18 Nov 11
3:03 pm
Paris, the penny eventually drops & they all go and get jobs on the client side. ANd work half the hours & make double the money.
18 Nov 11
3:08 pm
Look, Tony is a business, not a charity. So why did all 17 respondents reckon his hard won IP is theirs for free?
He’s rightly brought up the elephant in the room and it’s his humility and street cred that should be respected here. If it were some junior burgers standing in the street outside of an agency they’d be lauded, applauded and hired. But that’s the point isn’t it – they’re cheaper.
Tony, why don’t you name names? I’d love to know who out there are in your particular conga line of suckholes.
Meanwhile, despite being cash poor and needing a gig myself, let me be the first to shout you lunch.
18 Nov 11
3:16 pm
@Adrian, because he would need the critical mass to support the getting of the new business. D’oh! Do you think he should spend 2 or 3 months on spec? Is that how you do it? Is that how you’d pay your outsourced talent? Is that how you’d pay for your groceries? Do you have any IDEAS? Please, spill the beans…
18 Nov 11
3:18 pm
http://shouldiworkforfree.com/
18 Nov 11
3:23 pm
@Gezza,
No bare minimum wage at all…zip….nothing.
A number of people who have contacted me
have said that it is fairly common.
All of them have like me declined the offer.
Try asking an architect to design a house for free.
Or your accountant to do your books or tax for free.
Or your mechanic to do the same when fixing your car.
I’m seeking consulting work or a full time role on
either agency or side and more than free
to discuss opportunities.
Cheers
Tony Simms
18 Nov 11
3:35 pm
With client side experience I’m open to client roles as well.
Thanks all for your support.
Perhaps I’m the eternal realistic yet pragmatic optomist but I do believe there can be change and everyone’s current situation and future would be all the better for it.
Here’s some food for thought:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated failures.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
Calvin Coolidge
18 Nov 11
3:41 pm
In that case you totally did the right thing. Outrageous.
18 Nov 11
3:48 pm
My sister needed work MANY years ago, and offered to work as a barmaid for a couple of weeks for nothing – to prove herself to her employer. My understanding is that this practice is now illegal.
It is a flagrant disregard for employees rights imposing this sort of condition to ‘employment’
By these standards i could build an empire from people with Tonys’ skillset, offer them payment provided they can bring me business that pays more than i will pay them…
Stick to your guns Tony, something will come up.
18 Nov 11
4:25 pm
Tony,
Take the best of the 17 job offers, work for free for six weeks. Stipulate in your contract you will receive a percentage of the revenue you bring in for the business. Then work your arse off to pull in that income for your employer.
The world doesn’t owe you favours, you have to create them no matter what your age.
18 Nov 11
5:01 pm
i agree with Max – employers clearly think they will be taking a (bigger) chance with you Tony so take a chance on yourself then – back yourself to prove your worth to the best of the 17. You’ve already swallowed your pride – what else have you got to lose? If you act like a hungry young buck rather than a jaded older guy with a sense of self-entitlement maybe you’ll end up with a paying gig.
18 Nov 11
5:30 pm
@Tony Simms and @Creative Old Fart – I’m tempted to pull a bunch of talented people together and start our own agency! Surely it would be better working for free on your own business than for someone else to exploit you.
The blog feedback is clear that there’s a place for a business of super talented people – clients want it.
18 Nov 11
5:33 pm
Hi Max,
For the next 6 weeks I would like you to work for free. Work your absolute butt off and abandon any other efforts you may be making to earn any income at all. Take absolutely no salary of any kind and place a zero value on everything you do.
Ring your bank and let them know that the mortgage will not be paid. When it comes to buying your groceries explain that you are currently working for nothing and I’m sure Coles will understand. Ignore the exhorbitant electricity bill, the phone bill you have racked up recently….in fact pretend you have no bills at all.
I’m sure you enjoy the experience.
Cheers
Tony
18 Nov 11
6:38 pm
Doesn’t this say a lot about our industry? (More than the age thing I mean.)
A lot of noise, publicity, attention, clicks, phone calls, milage, coverage, branding, busy-ness … but until person A gives person B some money nothing has really happened.
Tony, I wish you less publicity and more cash.
18 Nov 11
9:15 pm
WTF! I can’t believe so many proposed the same ridiculous offer! I’m sure things will turn around soon Tony, alot of people have to be reading this.
19 Nov 11
12:08 am
Honestly, I am appalled that people seriously think it’s ok to ask someone to work without being paid.
When is this ever reasonable?
It’s not work experience week for Goodness sake!
Those companies and the people above who commented supporting this tactic should be ashamed of themselves.
Best of luck Tony.
19 Nov 11
3:57 am
Good luck Tony, I’m sure something awesome will come your way.
19 Nov 11
1:40 pm
3 degrees and 2 Masters living on the streets ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
19 Nov 11
1:52 pm
@Anne Miles… OK, I’ll buy you a cheap and cheerful lunch too. Interested?
19 Nov 11
2:53 pm
I would love to start a new agency filled with such high experience marketers, then pitch and win business from those 17 agencies….(i’m 36, so would be the youth of the team!)
20 Nov 11
8:47 pm
@Creative Old Fart – you’re on… hello@annemiles.com.au
21 Nov 11
8:47 am
Definitely think you guys should start your own agency. Put in a house worth’s of trading capital, work for free for at least 6 months (6 weeks would be a breeze), work like hell so you can pay your staff’s mortgages for them, hustle like mad to get clients on board, cashflow up, business in the door and profitable and then see how you respond when someone comes along demanding a “fair salary”.
Looking forward to hearing news in Mumbrella of Anne,Stu, COF and Tony’s new agency… stop complaining about how other people should run their businesses and step up to the plate!
21 Nov 11
9:15 am
Name the agencies who offered these free roles. Bit of a low act offering a senior guy work ‘for free’ … disrespectful. Show the same contempt back Tony.
21 Nov 11
9:40 am
Hi Tony,
I’m not trying to offend you by suggesting you should work for free, I merely stating the facts rather then propping you up with encouragement. It’s pure economics and you should try to approach it from a non emotional level. You’re in a competitive industry that has more young people entering then there are jobs available which drives down wages and increases the talent pool for agencies to pick from.
If you were after job security maybe look to the public service that provides great work/life balance and a steady pay cheque to cover your mortgage.
21 Nov 11
10:16 am
Indy Agency Owner does have a bit of a point. If you need to make money quickly, running your own gig certainly isn’t any panacea. I tried to do it myself, but after years of contractors letting me down, clients that wanted the world for nothing, working my butt of to get business in the door and wracking up a huge debt while doing so, I decided it was much easier and more enjoyable to freelance again.
21 Nov 11
10:43 am
Anyone questioning Tony’s experience and integrity clearly doesn’t know him. Ageism isn’t strictly limited to advertising and or media, I know first hand that it is happening everywhere. My 25+ years in sales and marketing doesn’t seem to mean anything to recruiters. As a former client of Tony’s I can’t recommend him enough. I suggest someone should hire him quickly, before he ends up working for one of your competitors, then you really would regret it. Whilst you’re at it, maybe you should hire me too. Oh, by the way, the uncertainty of not knowing where your next contract is coming from doesn’t exactly do the best thing for marriage, kid’s meals & school or the relationship with the bank manager, we’ve all worked hard at gaining the experience we have, it would be nice to see some companies using it.