On Friday I sent you this picture, and asked if you had the vaguest idea what was going on…
I haven’t revealed the truth till now as yesterday was devoted to celebrating my 85th birthday.
Here are just a few of your guesses, you geniuses, you…
Even their own people were baffled. Hard to believe? Read on.
I’ve spoken with the Marsh & Parsons virtual assistant who said she does not know what the slogan means. Moreover, she cannot find out what it means because she does not work in the office (the firm has 33 offices around London) and is without access to “the system”. There you go. You say you solved it, but it’s still a mystery to me.
Randy Hilman
* * *
I was about to arrogantly reply to you to say I worked it out immediately and what on Earth is wrong with you?
In fact, I saw this ad in The Week (or Private Eye?) earlier and admired it as a witty message from a dating agency for mature divorcées parodying the language of high-end estate agents with great effect.
Fortunately, I’ve had enough bad experiences on Twitter now to check my facts before putting people right.
Strike me pink, that’s terrible. What a waste.
All the best
Trevor Lambert
* * *
You got me.
I’m baffled.
Is the company a phoenix, rising for the first time in 30 years?
It it a nostalgic fashion piece?
The collar looks suspiciously out of date.
Is the subtle V-sign significant?
Of course, if it was one finger, then he’d be ‘giving the bird’.
Which is of course what you, especially with your name, want to do with this ad.
Teaser ads that create intrigue and mystery only work if the reader can easily get the answer.
Making anyone work this hard just puts them off.
And that rejection could well last 30 years.
I love reading your advice.
Mark Yarrow
* * *
I believe he’s trying to say that they are now available to help more people? For the first time in over 30 years now he is not entirely booked up and is available to take on new clients?
That’s just my guess I’ve only been looking at it for a few minutes now.
Mateo Whelton
* * *
So, what exactly is going on here, and did anyone get it right?
Only one person – Phil Smith – did. I think.
Are they saying he’s available for the first time in 30 years because he’s been in his previous property for that long and is now ready to move, so is now available to be matched up with one of their properties?
That’s the only way it can make any kind of sense, surely?
Phil Smith
Congratulations Phil, you alone got to the unwiped bottom of it. You must have a rare, recondite and unusual mind. Ever tried code-breaking?
Taken all in all that ad is a compelling testament to the limitless magic of creative masturbation.
If only one person in thousands can work out what the hell you’re trying to sell, your marketing has failed.
Like to work with someone who can actually sell your stuff get in touch.
I swear we can do better… though the bar is remarkably low.
Best,
Drayton
