First day at the new place was good fun. It's busy, ramshackle and seems to have a lot of energy. This is probably a Good Thing seeing as it's a start up an' all. The office I was working in was built for 2 people to share, so I soon got cosy with the 5 other people working in there with me. They'd had to rearrange the furniture the evening before to make space for me... resulting in my very own, very... um... small desk in the corner. Think of it as a Fisher Price 'my first desk' and you'll get the picture. I was reliably (and rather proudly) informed that it was held together with 'one screw and lots of blue tak, so you might want to be a bit careful with it'.
It's fine though, enough room for my laptop (which they also asked me to bring as they don't have any spare) and my usual pile of papers. And a mug of tea. So all good.
It's quite a complicated project and confidential, but needless to say it should keep yours truly off the streets and out of trouble for the next three to four weeks.
Wednesday 29 October 2008
Was the cheque in the post?
Opened the door last night... would there be a...? There was! A crisp white envelope on the doormat with a very welcome word showing through the address window.
"Remittance."
My new favourite word in all the land, in fact.
This bodes well. It's the first payment from the second agency I've freelanced at, and it's bang on time (apart from being 1 day late). If they keep this up, it means a relatively steady stream of income for the next 4 - 6 weeks.
Me likey.
"Remittance."
My new favourite word in all the land, in fact.
This bodes well. It's the first payment from the second agency I've freelanced at, and it's bang on time (apart from being 1 day late). If they keep this up, it means a relatively steady stream of income for the next 4 - 6 weeks.
Me likey.
Monday 27 October 2008
Just the one day off then
Phoned new agency to let them know my booking with the old agency had been cancelled, so they moved my booking with them forward to tomorrow. Cool!
Called old agency to chase invoice only to find the lovely 'A' (the person I deal with in accounts) had already chased it for me and had posted it this morning.
The cheque is in the post! Woohoo!
Called old agency to chase invoice only to find the lovely 'A' (the person I deal with in accounts) had already chased it for me and had posted it this morning.
The cheque is in the post! Woohoo!
A few days off
Currently enjoying a rare few days off which I'm quite looking forward to, then I have agreed to a four week stint at a new agency (new in the sense that I haven't worked for them before, and also new as it they have only recently started up).
The creative side is run by an old friend who I've never actually worked with, but I used to work with his wife years ago. I've also known lots of people who have worked with him and who rate him highly. It's actually the 4th time he's asked me to work for him but I've had to turn him down on before on account of previous engagements. And I've been wanting to work with them for sometime, so it's all good.
The less good bit is that this seems to have put the nose of the agency I've been with for the past few weeks, out of joint. They only had me booked for one day this week which I was totally prepared to honour, but then cancelled this once I let them know I wouldn't be available past Thursday. Ah well, one day versus four weeks' work. It's a bit of a no-brainer.
Right, time to start chasing the next loads of invoices. Let's see how it goes...
The creative side is run by an old friend who I've never actually worked with, but I used to work with his wife years ago. I've also known lots of people who have worked with him and who rate him highly. It's actually the 4th time he's asked me to work for him but I've had to turn him down on before on account of previous engagements. And I've been wanting to work with them for sometime, so it's all good.
The less good bit is that this seems to have put the nose of the agency I've been with for the past few weeks, out of joint. They only had me booked for one day this week which I was totally prepared to honour, but then cancelled this once I let them know I wouldn't be available past Thursday. Ah well, one day versus four weeks' work. It's a bit of a no-brainer.
Right, time to start chasing the next loads of invoices. Let's see how it goes...
Wednesday 22 October 2008
The kindness of strangers
I was walking back through Richmond just now on my way back to the agency from Waterstone's. The sun was shining, Joni Mitchell was playing on my iPOD and I was in a world of my own (my usual state when walking).
I happened to look up at one point and there was a huddle of worried-looking people at a road junction. A scooter was on its side. And a man was lying on the ground in the middle of the junction. The top half of his torso and his head were hidden in a swaddle of people's coats. He wasn't moving.
I wondered if there was anything I could do to help, but there were already 4 or 5 people by his side, I automatically assumed one of them would have called 999. I have no medical training. And if there's one thing I hate, it's people who just hang around and gawp at accidents. Like vultures.
So I walked on, but it upset me. Although it made me think that most of us have at least some element of basic human kindness within us. I daresay the people who were helping him didn't know him, but they stopped. They covered him with their coats to keep him warm, and waited with him until the paramedic arrived (who pulled up just after I passed). I don't know him either but I hope he is OK.
For some reason I keep getting a picture in my head of how shiny his shoes were.
I happened to look up at one point and there was a huddle of worried-looking people at a road junction. A scooter was on its side. And a man was lying on the ground in the middle of the junction. The top half of his torso and his head were hidden in a swaddle of people's coats. He wasn't moving.
I wondered if there was anything I could do to help, but there were already 4 or 5 people by his side, I automatically assumed one of them would have called 999. I have no medical training. And if there's one thing I hate, it's people who just hang around and gawp at accidents. Like vultures.
So I walked on, but it upset me. Although it made me think that most of us have at least some element of basic human kindness within us. I daresay the people who were helping him didn't know him, but they stopped. They covered him with their coats to keep him warm, and waited with him until the paramedic arrived (who pulled up just after I passed). I don't know him either but I hope he is OK.
For some reason I keep getting a picture in my head of how shiny his shoes were.
Tuesday 21 October 2008
It's good to share
I'm currently waiting for a brief so was having a mooch around the Internet, poking about in dark corners on advertising blogs and peering into the abyss of agency sites. And I've found something good. It's a series of articles on the DDB website which are intelligent, insightful, and free.
Go to their homepage, click on 'The Hot Download' and enjoy.
I particularly enjoyed the 'Swarm Marketing' one until I looked into the top left corner of the PDF and saw it spelt as "Swaem Marketing'. Details people, details. Sorry, there is a pedant inside me that screams to be let out when it comes to spelling.
Go to their homepage, click on 'The Hot Download' and enjoy.
I particularly enjoyed the 'Swarm Marketing' one until I looked into the top left corner of the PDF and saw it spelt as "Swaem Marketing'. Details people, details. Sorry, there is a pedant inside me that screams to be let out when it comes to spelling.
Put down your pen and listen
I never tire of Bill Bernbach quotes.
They make sense.
Take the example below. It demonstrates a perfect understanding of what copywriting is about. It is also, as with all BB quotes, elegantly expressed.
"It’s an insight into human nature that is the key to the communicator’s skill. For whereas the writer is concerned with what he puts into his writing, the communicator is concerned with what the reader gets out of it. He therefore becomes a student of how people read or listen."
It's not science. It's not poetry. It's not journalism. It's not 'creative writing' in the sense of novels and the like. It's about understanding the leap between what's written on the page and how it connects with the person reading it. And whether or not this can create an emotion or an action (or if you're lucky, both).*
* There are many other factors involved such as time and place too. HND has a theory about this which involves Schrödinger's cat but more about that another time.
They make sense.
Take the example below. It demonstrates a perfect understanding of what copywriting is about. It is also, as with all BB quotes, elegantly expressed.
"It’s an insight into human nature that is the key to the communicator’s skill. For whereas the writer is concerned with what he puts into his writing, the communicator is concerned with what the reader gets out of it. He therefore becomes a student of how people read or listen."
It's not science. It's not poetry. It's not journalism. It's not 'creative writing' in the sense of novels and the like. It's about understanding the leap between what's written on the page and how it connects with the person reading it. And whether or not this can create an emotion or an action (or if you're lucky, both).*
* There are many other factors involved such as time and place too. HND has a theory about this which involves Schrödinger's cat but more about that another time.
Monday 20 October 2008
2 out of 3 ain't bad and it's all you're getting
In this business, and especially at times like this (recession! doom! gloom!), clients tend to demand three things from an agency.
Work that is...
Good.
Cheap.
And turned around quickly.
The trouble is, it just doesn't work like that.
If it's good and delivered quickly, chances are it won't be cheap.
If it's cheap and quick, chances are it won't be any good.
And if it's good and also cheap, it probably took some time.
But of course, that doesn't stop them from asking.
Work that is...
Good.
Cheap.
And turned around quickly.
The trouble is, it just doesn't work like that.
If it's good and delivered quickly, chances are it won't be cheap.
If it's cheap and quick, chances are it won't be any good.
And if it's good and also cheap, it probably took some time.
But of course, that doesn't stop them from asking.
Sunday 19 October 2008
It's all in the context
I listened to an interesting radio programme* this morning which talked about 'The Wizard of Oz' in relation to the Great Depression. In this context, the 'yellow brick road' refers to the gold standard that the US politicians at the time insisted on sticking to while Roosevelt (I think, bear with me I was a bit snoozy) was trying to flood the market with the silver dollar, to loosen up finances across the country... Much the same way as Brown has just bailed out the UK's banks with £37 billion.
The scarecrow refers to the US agricultural market (no brain), the tin man represents the bankers of the east coast (no heart) and the lion is the US senate (no courage). Dorothy stands for the typical US man or woman. It gets a bit misty where the Wicked Witch of the West kicks in, but it was completely different view on things. Although when you think about it, the film came out in 1939 (around the end of the depression), but was actually written in 1900, way before the depression. So maybe it's all a load of codswallop.
* God bless radio 4.
The scarecrow refers to the US agricultural market (no brain), the tin man represents the bankers of the east coast (no heart) and the lion is the US senate (no courage). Dorothy stands for the typical US man or woman. It gets a bit misty where the Wicked Witch of the West kicks in, but it was completely different view on things. Although when you think about it, the film came out in 1939 (around the end of the depression), but was actually written in 1900, way before the depression. So maybe it's all a load of codswallop.
* God bless radio 4.
Thursday 16 October 2008
Speech marks
I had an interesting discussion last night about the similarities between copywriting and political speech writing. In both cases, you are trying to persuade people to do something – vote with your wallet in the former case, and with your heart and mind in the latter.
So what’s the ultimate copywriter’s gig?
As the late and great Bill Bernbach once said, "Good advertising builds sales. Great advertising builds factories."
But how about motivating a whole nation of people? Remember Churchill’s ‘We will fight them on the beaches*' rallying call? It’s one of the defining speeches of WWII and had a profound effect on an entire population. Think about ‘I have a dream’ by Martin Luther King – and the impact this had (and continues to have) on more than one generation.
It also made me wonder who is writing today’s political speeches... Those of Brown et al in this country (none of which are particularly memorable, save for his recent ‘This is no time for a novice’ which seems to have bought him more time), but particularly those of Obama and McCain in the states. As the US goes to the polls, who is actually putting the words of these two candidates into their mouths?
* Everyone quotes it as this. It’s actually ‘We shall fight on the beaches,’ text below. (Note the use of repetition to really drill the message home.)
“We shall go on to the end,
We shall fight in France,
We shall fight on the seas and oceans,
We shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air,
We shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be,
We shall fight on the beaches,
We shall fight on the landing grounds,
We shall fight in the fields and in the streets,
We shall fight in the hills;
We shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old."
So what’s the ultimate copywriter’s gig?
As the late and great Bill Bernbach once said, "Good advertising builds sales. Great advertising builds factories."
But how about motivating a whole nation of people? Remember Churchill’s ‘We will fight them on the beaches*' rallying call? It’s one of the defining speeches of WWII and had a profound effect on an entire population. Think about ‘I have a dream’ by Martin Luther King – and the impact this had (and continues to have) on more than one generation.
It also made me wonder who is writing today’s political speeches... Those of Brown et al in this country (none of which are particularly memorable, save for his recent ‘This is no time for a novice’ which seems to have bought him more time), but particularly those of Obama and McCain in the states. As the US goes to the polls, who is actually putting the words of these two candidates into their mouths?
* Everyone quotes it as this. It’s actually ‘We shall fight on the beaches,’ text below. (Note the use of repetition to really drill the message home.)
“We shall go on to the end,
We shall fight in France,
We shall fight on the seas and oceans,
We shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air,
We shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be,
We shall fight on the beaches,
We shall fight on the landing grounds,
We shall fight in the fields and in the streets,
We shall fight in the hills;
We shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old."
Wednesday 15 October 2008
Left-field poetry
Now I"m not really one for poetry normally. I'm not really sure why... but a lot of it seems forced, or meaningless or just pretty words strung together for no reason, kind of like an aural necklace. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it just ain't my bag.
However, this I love. It has really struck a chord with me for some reason (thanks to HND's Mum who sent it to him). I loved it as soon as I heard it.
I am the family face;
Flesh perishes, I live on,
Projecting trait and trace
Through time to times anon,
And leaping from place to place
Over oblivion.
The years-heired feature that can
In curve and voice and eye
Despise the human span
Of durance - that is I;
The eternal thing in man,
That heeds no call to die.
- Thomas Hardy
However, this I love. It has really struck a chord with me for some reason (thanks to HND's Mum who sent it to him). I loved it as soon as I heard it.
I am the family face;
Flesh perishes, I live on,
Projecting trait and trace
Through time to times anon,
And leaping from place to place
Over oblivion.
The years-heired feature that can
In curve and voice and eye
Despise the human span
Of durance - that is I;
The eternal thing in man,
That heeds no call to die.
- Thomas Hardy
Accountability
Had a meeting with my new accountant last night to sort out my tax*. He is a friend of Him-Next-Door (HND) and is both cheerful and seemingly brilliant at helping us avoid paying any more tax than we need to.
*It was in HND's living room, rather late, and involved gin**. Lots of gin.
**If gin is involved in a meeting with one's accountant, does this mean it is a tax-deductible beverage?
*It was in HND's living room, rather late, and involved gin**. Lots of gin.
**If gin is involved in a meeting with one's accountant, does this mean it is a tax-deductible beverage?
What do you call it when...
...you get words that are essentially a number of small words that have become one long single word?
Like 'thereafter' (which someone actually used on the phone to me this morning, which is what got me thinking).
Or 'nonetheless'.
Or 'nowadays'.
Or my personal favourite... 'ne'erdowell'. (I know a few of those).
Like 'thereafter' (which someone actually used on the phone to me this morning, which is what got me thinking).
Or 'nonetheless'.
Or 'nowadays'.
Or my personal favourite... 'ne'erdowell'. (I know a few of those).
Tuesday 14 October 2008
Ker-ching!
I have money! I am solvent again! I even have some left over from the black hole of my overdraft! This makes me feel like a proper person again, instead of a penniless, cowering waif.
Cinderella will go to the supermarket this week.
Cinderella will go to the supermarket this week.
Monday 13 October 2008
For the love of God...
And so the saga continues. Still no sign of any money. Made the usual phone call to the usual nice girl (she must be sick of me by now) who promised to investigate, as her boss handles that side of it not her. The lady in question did actually phone me back just now to apologise profusely (again), thank me for my patience (again) and assure me that she had put it through today to definitely clear tomorrow.
Bets on the table please... hands up who thinks it'll happen?
Bets on the table please... hands up who thinks it'll happen?
Friday 10 October 2008
Through gritted teeth
Still no money coming in from anywhere. To be fair they did say the BACs transfer would take 3 working days which means Monday. Fingers crossed.
Ah well, this week has involved recording a radio ad, rewriting TV ads and also a set of 10 press ads. Interesting stuff. The CD here has started making noises about long term plans and the like, which I am trying to avoid answering. I don't do long term plans. My brain doesn't seem to work that way so I just tend to go-with-the-flow/lurch-from-thing-to-thing (delete as appropriate) but it's never seemed to do me too much harm. I'm enjoying freelancing and don't want to commit to a permanent job at the mo.
We compromised with a short-term plan of me coming back next week. Then I even attempted a medium-term plan for the next six months (which depends if a top secret project comes off) but that ended up being rather waffly and then ... that's where I stopped.
Of course, the other factor is that freelancing day rates pay more than a salaried job would.
Well, in theory.
Sigh.
Ah well, this week has involved recording a radio ad, rewriting TV ads and also a set of 10 press ads. Interesting stuff. The CD here has started making noises about long term plans and the like, which I am trying to avoid answering. I don't do long term plans. My brain doesn't seem to work that way so I just tend to go-with-the-flow/lurch-from-thing-to-thing (delete as appropriate) but it's never seemed to do me too much harm. I'm enjoying freelancing and don't want to commit to a permanent job at the mo.
We compromised with a short-term plan of me coming back next week. Then I even attempted a medium-term plan for the next six months (which depends if a top secret project comes off) but that ended up being rather waffly and then ... that's where I stopped.
Of course, the other factor is that freelancing day rates pay more than a salaried job would.
Well, in theory.
Sigh.
Thursday 9 October 2008
Finishing well
The best career advice I have EVER been given was very simple, and very succinct.
'Finish well.'
It was from this man. It basically means paying the same care and attention to your job once you've handed in your notice, decided to count beans elsewhere etc. as you would anyway (well, assuming that you give a shit in the first place). Those two small words have served me very well. In this industry, everyone knows everyone through someone else, once you've been around the block once or twice. And personal recommendations carry more weight than you'd think.
I was reminded about it this week on two counts. Firstly, a creative team left the place I'm freelancing at. Their attitude was not one of finishing well, and on their penultimate day, I overheard the CD giving them an absolute roasting for it. He will never hire them again, and neither will anyone else who asks him about them.
Secondly, all the freelance work I've had so far has been through personal contacts and people I've worked with previously. I've heard NOTHING from any of the agencies I signed up with.
Those two small words are currently paying my rent.
'Finish well.'
It was from this man. It basically means paying the same care and attention to your job once you've handed in your notice, decided to count beans elsewhere etc. as you would anyway (well, assuming that you give a shit in the first place). Those two small words have served me very well. In this industry, everyone knows everyone through someone else, once you've been around the block once or twice. And personal recommendations carry more weight than you'd think.
I was reminded about it this week on two counts. Firstly, a creative team left the place I'm freelancing at. Their attitude was not one of finishing well, and on their penultimate day, I overheard the CD giving them an absolute roasting for it. He will never hire them again, and neither will anyone else who asks him about them.
Secondly, all the freelance work I've had so far has been through personal contacts and people I've worked with previously. I've heard NOTHING from any of the agencies I signed up with.
Those two small words are currently paying my rent.
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Aha
The nice girl at the agency called me back to apologise profusely, and took my bank details to transfer the money today - both for the existing invoice and my second one which isn't even overdue yet. This has restored my faith in human nature (or at least in finance departments). She also took the trouble to call me back twice as I was in a recording studio with my phone turned off when she left the first message, which I particularly appreciated.
So while there is no cheque in the post, there are spondoolicks heading towards my bank account. Hurrah!
So while there is no cheque in the post, there are spondoolicks heading towards my bank account. Hurrah!
Guess what?
No cheques in the post. Spoke to the agency again this morning and there appears to be a question mark over my hours, also known as an 'internal issue'. Very nice girl I spoke to was most apologetic and said she would try and chase the CD to resolve it. The CD is also known as my mate Reubs, so sent him an email too. It's a bit awkward when friends and finances become intertwined but quite frankly I'm too skint to be proud.
Slightly awkward job I'm currently working on too. Rewriting TV scripts that have already aired, but are being re-edited and spliced with new footage. Trouble is, I'm trying to write the voiceover without knowing which shots will be used, and without a storyboard. Also have to present everything twice... to the CD (who likes some versions but not others) and the MD, who is closely involved with the client. He tends to like the versions rejected by the CD and vice versa. It's a bit like trying to hit a moving target with a blindfold on. Wish me luck.
Slightly awkward job I'm currently working on too. Rewriting TV scripts that have already aired, but are being re-edited and spliced with new footage. Trouble is, I'm trying to write the voiceover without knowing which shots will be used, and without a storyboard. Also have to present everything twice... to the CD (who likes some versions but not others) and the MD, who is closely involved with the client. He tends to like the versions rejected by the CD and vice versa. It's a bit like trying to hit a moving target with a blindfold on. Wish me luck.
Tuesday 7 October 2008
A face for radio
Exciting news. The radio ad I wrote the other week is being recorded tomorrow. Even better, I get to go along, which I wasn't expecting being a mere freelancer an' all. But no, the agency are paying me to go and make sure I'm happy with it. Which is great. What's also cool is that one of the voiceover artists is someone very funny who I'm looking forward to meeting very much (he's off the telly and everything).
Have also promised Him-Next-Door (henceforth known as HND) 6 x radio scripts by Christmas for a side project we're working on (around 5 mins each). Must get arse into gear...
Have also promised Him-Next-Door (henceforth known as HND) 6 x radio scripts by Christmas for a side project we're working on (around 5 mins each). Must get arse into gear...
Just in case you were wondering...
.... there was no cheque in the post this morning. Mind you, I leave before the postman arrives so fingers crossed for tonight.
My next door neighbour, friend and ex-colleague (how many different ways can you know someone?) has started a blog. It promises to be rather good too, as he is sharp of wit and broad of brain. There is a link in my blog list on the right or you can simply click here and introduce yourself.
My next door neighbour, friend and ex-colleague (how many different ways can you know someone?) has started a blog. It promises to be rather good too, as he is sharp of wit and broad of brain. There is a link in my blog list on the right or you can simply click here and introduce yourself.
Monday 6 October 2008
Hmmm
Chased agency for payment again this morning. Spoke to third person who couldn't find me on the system, then found me on the system but had no record of my invoices, then found my invoices 'which were put on her desk on Friday' then said she would process them and get a cheque out to me today.
So apparently a cheque IS in the post.
I feel rather dubious but remain hopeful.
So apparently a cheque IS in the post.
I feel rather dubious but remain hopeful.
Friday 3 October 2008
Friday but not payday
Called the agency in Waterloo on Monday about my now overdue invoice, was cheerfully told it was in the system and would be part of a payroll this week. There is still no sign of it in my bank account, so I called them again today, spoke to someone else who said there was no trace of me in their system and had I filled out a new supplier form...?
This does not fill me with confidence. Agreed to call back on Monday to speak to someone else.
No cheques in the post this weekend.
This does not fill me with confidence. Agreed to call back on Monday to speak to someone else.
No cheques in the post this weekend.
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