What got adland talking – and fighting – in 2018
Dr Mumbo knows he shouldn’t judge popular opinion – or indeed humanity – by the contents of an internet comment thread, but as 2018 draws to a close, he just can’t help himself.
So here’s what really got people talking, arguing, questioning, and perhaps despairing for humanity, on Mumbrella in 2018.
Dr Mumbo presents, the most contentious opinion pieces of 2018, and what you all thought of them.
And media agencies called “bullshit” right back to Henry.
The comment thread heated up quickly, with Henry, agencies, and Mumbrella all in the firing line.
Many came out in support, saying it’s an issue we need to talk more about, while others thought nose beers* were more of a problem.
Then, of course, Dr Mumbo was not surprised to see the “you could have been a school teacher” suggestions come out, along with the “snowflake” comments.
* Dr Mumbo translator: Cocaine. Dr Mumbo is talking about cocaine.
Dr Mumbo knows Australians love nothing more than a public holiday, but it appears adland is conflicted about just how much brands can do to celebrate these sacred days.
Whether it was Richenda Vermeulen arguing brands should steer clear of Australia Day, or Ben Willee advising adand to stop muscling in on ANZAC Day, only one thing was clear: adland remains divided on this issue.
Thankfully, we have another public holiday tomorrow to think about it.
Despite all of Facebook’s troubles in 2018, it was actually LinkedIn which really got people talking.
Matthew Tukaki declared he was quitting the social media/ work media/ grey-space media platform because he was sick of influencers and thought leaders, and no longer trusted what he was being sold. And, it seems, people largely agreed.
Is
Getting
A
Bit
….. more
Annoying
In the era of #metoo, there was also plenty for adland to reflect on, and, it would seem, argue about.
An anonymous female creative revealed her experiences working in adland, and said men are still given far more opportunities than women to rise up the creative ranks.
Everything from #notallmen, to discussions about racial discrimination came out in the comment thread.
Jennifer Backhouse also had some advice for male sales representatives – kindly, kiss off.
“Do you want to become known as Toungie Trevor the TV rep?” she asked. Even if you do, just don’t, because agencies are not kissing booths, she argued.
Mumbrella has turned into Mamamia, argued some of the commenters in return.
But some commenters said men feel the pain of shitty, lazy, stereotypical advertising too.
Earlier in the year, after Israel Folau made his views on homosexuality abundantly clear, Patrick Southam asked: Should an organisation try to gag the private views of an employee on contentious issues if they undermine a commercial relationship?
With so many delicate topics involved (sexuality, ethnicity, religion, heaven, hell), Dr Mumbo won’t make any jokes here, and will just let the thread tell the story.
On lighter topics, Scott Rhodie took aim at the launch event for Solo: A Star Wars story, lamenting the poor organisation and the awkward rent-a-crowd.
His tale of tedium got people talking about #influencers, marketing, research, event planning – and of course, WTF Mumbrella is doing?
Most of the commenters were on Adam’s side, but Dr Mumbo notes there is always (at least) one who has a different point of view.
Dr Mumbo is getting this on his business card: “Can still be a hypocrite and be right”