If you’ve ever put off doing something you know you should have done, you’ll understand what I’m about to confess to. In 1984 when I was in Sydney, the head of the Australian Direct Marketing Association said “Why don’t you …
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The man who never had a proper job
Those of you who live in foreign parts won’t relate to this, but there was a controversy not long ago about whether the train robber Biggs should have been released from jail as it looked as though he would die …
Read MoreHere’s the best thing I’ve read on typography in ages
http://www.alistapart.com/articles/on-web-typography/ Thanks, Michael Rhodes – who sends me a constant stream of good stuff. Hey, folks, did I finally do a link properly? Am I useless, or what? No need to answer. Bring back quill and parchment!
Read MoreNow why do you suppose nobody believes them?
Years ago I decorated an American Express committee that reviewed their financial services marketing. Fortunately for them someone far wiser was also involved – Lester Wunderman. I always recall him commenting on constant discounting, “You are training your prospects to …
Read MoreHow to encourage law breaking and restrain trade: and other Eurowanks
Did you know there is a new European law about to come in – and it cannot be stopped now – that will prevent anyone putting cookies on a site? This brilliant idea will of course among other things make …
Read MoreMathematical progress – Thanks to Ian Waring
1. Teaching maths in 1970 A logger sells a truckload of timber for £100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit? 2. Teaching Maths In 1980 A logger sells a truckload of timber for …
Read MoreShadow over substance …
For years I have been quoting the Duke of Wellington’s reply when somebody asked him to what he owed his victories. He replied, “Attention to detail”. Every day I see things and say to myself, “All grand gestures – no …
Read MoreOn the matter of social media, this made me smile
I got a tweety message from a guy who wants me to follow him. His description of himself read: “ISMA founding member. Certified Social Media Specialist”. Two thoughts occurred to me. 1. Start worrying when they start an Institute. It …
Read MoreWhat the greatest fraud in history can teach you about marketing
There is no more perceptive, wise or helpful commentator on marketing’s many lunacies than Denny Hatch. Here is an extract from his latest. I never really understood exclusivity until Bernie Madoff’s $50 billion Ponzi scheme put a spotlight on it. …
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