Wow...a lot of questions, don't know if my ADD can handle it :0) Well, I guess I am naive in that I really don't have much fear. I pretty much jump into what I love to do, as I've done with my business and as a mother to my ASD son. I think business is evolving along with technology--both at breakneck speed. Hanging on for dear life is not a great spot to be in, but too many traditional ad agencies/marketers find themselves in this position. That's what happens when you're not forward looking in business and life. Unfortunately, I've met my fill of this type of marketer/agency principal. It's no longer just persuading consumers to adopt new technologies (as they tend to do so eagerly), but rather persuading some old school marketers to do the same. A saturated market deters many from entering the ad industry, but I say hell with it it's all been done to some extent or another--it's your interpretation that makes it unique. I'm not in it to get rich (although that'd be nice :0), rather I pretty much found my niche. I'm already a misfit and have found others like myself as a result of entering the ad industry. Of course I've met my share of assholes but then I've met some great people(via twitter and adholes for one).Where else can you be an abrasive prick and not be booted from the room? ;0)Or be a bit "off" and be in with the cool kids as a result? What I love the most about this industry is the wide open possibility.

I have this theory in my life about when I feel I am doing things right, people don't think I am doing much of anything at all. My biggest fear is not ever truly getting a chance to be recognized as a creative mind. The passion of creative ideas, the struggle for persuasion with relevance and imagination, a drive to sell; these were all the factors that drew me into advertising in the first place (Well, that and my sick sick love for commercials). I believe in change and that every problem has a different solution. Not everything can be accounted for and not all campaigns can be solved through routine procedures and guesswork. I really ponder on the "responsible" citizen from time to time. The amount of hours spent ass down and faces up to the television, the gross reality that their lives are plain and simple and television lets them feel empowered while not doing much of anything at all. As the low drone of everyday life sets in, I feel the need for change.

Probably the biggest fear I have is not being able to keep up with technology and losing the ability to understand it as well as younger folks. I vividly remember when I was a summer intern in 1993, teaching a 50-something art director how to move margins in Microsoft Word so he could put all his type in one line. He had made a point of resisting getting a computer in his office for the longest time. I don't want to become that guy.

I love the art of persuasion. The most exciting and fun thing at work is the brainstorming and collaboration amongst creatives. I love the process of taking an idea and working it into a reality. The life style of advertising drives me to it, also the ever changing environment. I ended up in advertising simply thru shear luck, I got an internship at a totally fun unique agency that really opened up my eyes to advertising. Now I am looking to change it completely. What keeps me in the business is the fact that you never know when the next big idea is gonna strike. Hmmm I hope to gain fame and fortune? What else is there, jk. My greatest fears of the advertising business are that it wont understand fully what I am trying to do thru my personal advertising business. What I have learned that scares me is that its totally irrational and cut throat. I am concerned that the industry is not evolving into its full capability. The politics is the most frustrating thing. The business is changing to be more consumer involved. Advertisers need to find a way to really harness the amazing collective intelligence of social networks.

Something that I find frustrating about the advertising business is that once we find a concept that works, we stick with it. Instead of focusing on the the ultimate goal, we push ideas that we know have worked for other clients in the past. But, what if we listened and truly understood what the end goal was? And what if we pitched a new, innovative idea? It might turn out to work even better than the control.

My fear is the down sizing in a large advertising firm (even the not so large). Unfortunately, the first advertising job was also the first time I had ever been let go for no reason other then to save money. I have feared entering another agency just for that reason.

http://www.posteroffensive.com/

Congratulations on your gig with the Obama Campaign Michael. [You are definitely one of the best.]

Simply put, I love that I get to use my creativity!

Q, I’m very busy this week with the Obama Campaign, so I’ll give you the short answer. My passion… is striving to understand the principles and fundamentals of the: image, promotion, persuasion, and influence business. God help me, I love it so. My fear… is knowing that-- no one really knows nothing about anything.

http://www.vimeo.com/1465284 width="400" height="225">
on

Monday, August 25, 2008. 02:46AM by Mauro Caporale

I love making Communication Plans about my Films, also Marketing Plans, I love Ad to give a place to my dreams and creativity and to emotionally hit the Public. MY FEARS: Standardization and common places, right now Ad and Commercial seems to me Creative and New (the opposite in Cinema Market). Thanks Michael, Have a good week, I've come back from my Holidays in Salento. Mauro

Michael, what are your passions and fears?

MY PASSION—''l'art pour l'art'' OR "ars gratia artis" (Art for art’s sake.) A philosophy that the intrinsic value of art, and the only "true" art, is divorced from any instructional, educational, informational, moral or utilitarian function. Such works are "inner-directed" or "self-motivated" by the artist. Art serves no ulterior purposes but is purely an end in itself. What art is good for, in the sense of what utility it has? Art is not something to be used as a means to something else, but simply to be accepted and enjoyed on its own terms............ MY FEAR-- My passion cannot be consistently achieved in the advertising business. So I do it elsewhere. On occasion I do art for the advertising business, but ONLY on my terms and only for a lot of money, period.

Are there any remedies, fixes, or solutions for your concerns? What are they? We might very well become idiot savants with no tangible value centers regarding creativity. But then, that might be okay and well–would be unnoticed as well. :)

offering.
WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST FEARS ABOUT THE ADVERTISING BUSINESS? That I'm entirely responsible for the words, images and experiences I submit.
What have you come to truly understand about the advertising business that scares you? That I'm entirely responsible for the words, images and experiences I submit. And so are you.
What is it that has you somewhat concerned or really worried? They creative *hybrid theory. It's bullshit and should be tossed out like the Taylorist that thought it up during their Zen meditation. The principles behind mastering something can and should be applied to every part of the curve thereafter. But that means learning one thing, first. As every agency claims some sort of positioning; *hot shop *anti shop and *pork chop, they only alienate themselves. Developing a culture of thought is critical in most organism–izations, but it inevitably equates to a form or inbreeding. People grow, they move on or you help them move on. Don't try to disguise the assembly line. It irritates me.
What aspects of the business make you frustrated, confused, upset, or angry? When the brilliance of a younger-faster and more intuitive creative is attributed to ADD. We should be careful with that term. It's equally noticeable that the accuser, might have become lethargic. In a society that not only outpaces every other generation with consumption, education and technology, don't assume dumb-monkey syndrome. It is only natural that a generation learns to move as fast as the information being introduced to them. Retention and engagement have changed irrevocably.
How is the business changing, or how has it already changed? The paints have changed, but the canvas remains the same.
What do you think might happen that could make things worse? Gliding on the long-tail, nothing will get worse. Globalization will makes things complicated, not worse. If it does get worse, bet your ass someone pwns someone else.
Are there any

When discussing different aspects of the advertising business. . . WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS THAT THE ADVERTSING BUSINESS SERVES? To create something from nothing with tangible results.
What do you love about the business? Continually learning. It is a humbling business solely because of the social and anthropological nature of communication. However the communication is expressed, it is inevitably advanced upon but always an abstraction initially. The ether is a fun place to hang-out.
What is fun, or interesting, or enjoyable, or exciting? Seeing the idea in action. Working with other creative people, no matter what department they are in. And the tools being developed for executing our ideas just keep growing.
What is it about the advertising business that makes you want to get into the business? Eventually stumbling upon something that no one else is doing. Even if that means creating it myself.
If you are already in the business, what initially drew you to the business? Realizing that; with an objective, art subsequently becomes communication. I enjoy this dirty little secret.
Is the business what you thought it would be? Exactly as I thought it would be.
What keeps you in the business? Smiling ridiculously for at-the-least, 2 hours a day (without liquor) and– Watching younger creatives make a connection from inception to reality.
What do you hope to gain from the business? A cultural shift that would be considered positive reinforcement. It happens everyday.
Does the advertising business serve your desires or needs? Yes. A perpetually open mind that I hope doesn't fall out one day. :)
Does the advertising business put fuel on your passion’s flames, or water? Both, as it should be. If I could do it alone, I would eventually end up alone. What good is success without someone to share it with? Collaboration is difficult, especially in a industry that makes things up–as it's respective service of

1- its the community, 2- consumer behaviors, its like modern anthropology science 3- the never ending learnings, and the challenge to push the envelop further and further 4- its a job that pays well for a high school drop out such as myself. 5- i have no idea since there's not one day like the other, everyday we step into oblivion and try to learn and evolve with the new trends we created yesterday 6- all of the above 7- money and fame 8- not at all, maybe i am a masochist 9- depends on the project or the challenge but the best thing to do is to be on top of things in order to survive the day ..in the end your worst day ends up in 24 hrs not more 10- another wall street crash 11-like my friend says "its from the people by the people and to the people" and that is scary 12- all of the above worries me but then i go out and have a drink and forget about my worries 13- stupid squared Clients that doesn't get it 14- new emerging medias 15- worse thing in life is to fear and fear is your worst enemy once you conquer your fears you become the ruler of your inner-self 16- the only concerns i have is: "if someday the sky falls on my head" technically its impossible even if impossible is nothing. even if we create remedies fixes or solutions for todays worries and concern the true question remains CAN WE FACE TIME?

One thing that really excites me about the prospect of working in the industry is how the power relationship between prospects and advertisers is changing. Meaning has always been arbitrary but the way that the balance of power in the media industry itself has changed (i.e. not just a handful of huge TV, Radio and Print networks dictating the agenda) really excites me by its possibilities. I know that I won’t be spending my career sat in an office dreaming up some companies next hit slogan. I’m under no illusion that I’ll dream up the next “United Colours of Benetton” on my first day on the job (or my last in all likelihood). I do think I’m blessed, however, that I want to go through all the rigmarole and rejection I’m bound the face from clients and superiors who miss the point of what I’m doing or are too busy worshipping their safe margin to take a chance. I don’t think it’ll be as rewarding unless I have to fight for it. Though thinking about my future in such ambiguous (or bleak) terms is quite scary it is also electrifying. What “scares” me is that I won’t meet people who have similar passions to my own. I have met very few people who share my determination at university, and those friends I have met who are really passionate about the subject and the industry I cherish and am very grateful for. It’s tough when I really want to push the boat out yet those around me aren’t even sure they want to be there; moaning deadlines, workloads or how boring a brief is.

You're right Cathy, no one can sell better than Buddy. The problem is there is only one Buddy, and he is already busier than the back end of a well fed goose. Sorry. Good luck!

I’ve always been passionate about advertising, yet for a long while I just didn’t realise it. Whilst I’ve always enjoyed and invested a lot of time in many different creative pursuits I could never reconcile that with the “art for arts sake” attitude of those around me - The reason being that I also enjoyed many other more academic pursuits in the form of philosophy, anthropology and to a lesser extent politics and the sciences. It was at about the age of 16 I fell out of love with fine art in favour of advertising, I realised that it was possible for me to employ my creativity in the pursuit of something beyond the half baked, pseudo intellectualism that seemed to characterise so much of what those around me were doing, not to mention that of professional artists. It was in-particular the designer Neville Brody who made me realise that art could be used to solve profound design and communication problems yet still ask all the same questions and explore the same issues as any and all art. Suddenly my creativity and passion for real intellectual discussion found a meeting point. I think there is something about cracking a brief, finding that one elegant solution to a creative problem - regardless of the medium - that really excites me. I was never brilliant at producing finished products, which is why I didn’t pursue graphic design as a career (and also because I enjoy other things beyond visual design, like creative writing and music production). What I do enjoy, and where I get my biggest buzz, is coming up with ideas and solutions that not only satisfies but excites and inspires me, my client and their prospects (who, admittadly, have been mostly hypothetical so far).

Fear is a good for you shielding sensation [not to be confused with paranoia]. Courage is on the other hand the emotional outcome of counting the cost and engaging in what frightens you in spite of the consequence. Experiments always carry the risk of failure that can create a culture averse to experimentation and by extension, to innovation. Contrary to conventional wisdom, allowing employee’s room to fail didn’t diminish their performance. Indeed, the employees who experimented the most ended up being the most proficient and satisfied with the new technology—and the quickest to integrate it into their everyday work. They reported that they were able to use their time more efficiently, which resulted in progress.

too long, got cut off...here is part 2...

I am a business owner who will be using advertising and marketing not just to put our name out there, but will attempt to entwine it with my company, giving my company an edge, and a persona (brand) that will be more than just a gimmick, but something that my consumers will be ASKING for. My passion is to find the right “team” to help bring this all to life. I honestly have no fear, only ambition, perseverance, and confidence in these two industries marrying and bringing to the consumer a entirely new outlook on advertising. I maybe an outsider to this industry, however not a stranger to the effects of beautiful, creative, and insightful advertising that will come from this marriage, and I hope to soon find myself living in both worlds.

The advertising/marketing business, as is the rest of the entertainment industry, is going through a tremendous change, and yes, I do categorize advertising/marketing in the entertainment industry, for several reasons that I will go into in a moment. The change that is occurring in the entertainment industry encompasses the combination of internet and social networking with advertising, specifically product placement and finding unique ways to brand “the product/service” that one is trying to market or sell into the fabric of the entertainment industry. As a consumer, I would prefer to see, listen, and view ads that pertain to me, as would most people. How much harder is the sell when you are forcing a product on consumers who don't care and tune out as soon the ad comes on? Yet, with web advertising, it is possible to not only bring ads that are connected with the consumer, but to go that next step further and entwine the ad within a concept or platform that the consumer wants and is already interested in. This is what will take web advertising over the top, and what will take it out of the realm of “Oh, another stupid ad interrupting my show/web view, etc...” and take it to the realm of, “I need that, I want that, I can get that here, now, and for free, Yes, Yes, Yes!” Targeting the audience is taking on a whole meaning, and will entwine advertising/marketing with entertainment on a much deeper and personal level for the consumer. My passions and fears about advertising, why I am here, what is my interest, and how do I fit into all of this? I am a business owner who will be using advertising and marketing not just to put our name out there, but will attempt to entwine it with my company, giving my company an edge, and a persona (brand) that will be more than just a gimmick, but something that my consumers will be ASKING for. My passion is to find the right “team” to help bring this all to life. I honestly have no fear, onl

My passion is concept, to solve a problem or make a catch phrase that others repeat. Like recently I contracted with Pump Energy Foods and when they described their business I said "Taste Good For You." My fear is being used for my ideas but not getting the rewards that go along with said ideas, which is what happened. I have no problem making something memorable since that is who I am. It is second nature for me. What I don't like is when clients fall in love with past work I have done and want me to marry that to their ads even when it won't work. I want clients who will listen and learn but I need someone like Buddy who is over the top some times to teach them that, yes my work is genius so let me come up with the solution that will make them sale. Sale it will if they let go and let me brand it. I am passionate to do this and expect restraints as that is part of the problem I have to solve. I love creating ads, it is my art. I use all my talents when creating, people skills, design, brainstorming, typography, illustration, to finding solutions that are beautiful and unexpected. I love seeing good ads like a subway car that had the image all throughout the car of water and then the ad. I think more ads should be on the bottom of the car floor since that is where people look more. As to tv, well that will never go out of style. Why isn't there video ads on the subway cars. The newer cars support this and it would attract a lot more attention. I love to think and the ad business rewards thinkers.

In effect, there is no social theory of geographical scale, not to mention a historical materialist one. Yet it plays a crucial part in our whole geographical construction of material life. Was the brutal repression of Tiananmen Square a local event, a regional, national event or was it an international event? We might reasonably assume that it was all four; of which immediately reinforces the conclusion that social life operates in and constructs some sort of nested hierarchical space rather than a mosaic. How do we critically conceive the requirements for the various balances; how do we arbitrate and translate between them? How do we put back into working order thousands of years of human conditioning that is seemly gone awry?

Professor Iva, It will be a productive thing to explain in ‘more detail” so I will: to begin my brain storm I will need to address B2B Brand and the hidden wealth as it draws a parallel with “brand equity”. Then the different dynamics of Globalization (the cons) as it this concept is directly correlated with law and policy, specifically protectionism and the FreeTrade Zones of developing nations. Trust is an emotional outcome of risk and counting the cost of engaging internationally. Your challenge is accepted!

Sherry, PLEASE do “go on” with your list, you are hitting the nail that needs to be hit, right on the head. What a shame that one with your bravery, insight, talent, and skill is thinking about leaving the business. Sad, typical, and yet, what a waste for all concerned, particularly the advertising business and it’s other inhabitants, and their clients.

Sonya, first of all, I agree with 100% of your insightful and pertinent assessment. PLEASE add more items to your great analysis! …To address your question’s concern, when a client “doesn’t get it”- it depends on what ‘doesn’t’ and ‘get it’ mean, and to whom we are referring. I believe there are many reasons why things are the way they are, some are just more dominant than others. Maybe a client does get it, and we don’t; or vice versa. Maybe people are quibbling over semantics and there is a failure to communicate or understand whatever. Communication is a very hard thing to do, yet terribly important. If one-on-one communication between you and your client goes astray, what will happen to the success of the mass communication projects that evolve from those conversations? Then there is the insecure-ego and self interest ‘blame-game’ clients and agencies foolishly play with each other that rears its ugly head in ‘who doesn’t get it games.’ My grandmother use to tell me, “It always takes two to tango”-she was right. I also know that people usually don’t trip over mountains, they trip over molehills; it’s the little things that get in the way, the devil in the details. Whatever the problem is, or whenever there is a problem, one MUST find it, and fix it, quickly. Your friend and mine, Buddy Friendly says it best, “The customer is always right"…Is the customer always right? Wrong! Do we need to treat them as if they are? Right! Because, if each of us do not find ways to do this in our individual businesses, those customers are going to let us know just how unhappy (and right!) they really are." You might also want to revisit an old weblog of mine here called, ‘What clients really are’ that gives other perspectives to keep in mind regarding this issue. http://adholes.com/postings/548d1de8...

Michael, as you well know because you clued me to the concept in the first place- - 99% of all people don’t get it because they are afraid. Their fear prevents their mind from working. How can you think clearly when you are afraid? How can you care, or know, or understand when you are afraid. And, the most frightened people of all are the ones who pretend to know; they are the bluffers in life’s poker game. This behavior defines the advertising business and the people in it. That is why MOST advertising does not work, and MOST people in the advertising business do not have a clue as to what does work.