Tuesday 25 November 2008
Intellectual stimulation
Last night, I went along to the Lyceum Theatre in Covent Garden, with Him Next Door and also Her Next Door. We didn’t go to see the Lion King, which is what’s usually on there, but to hear a talk from Malcolm Gladwell. You may have heard of him - he’s written a few books, including ‘The Tipping Point’. And he’s a very clever chap.
His ‘niche’ as it were, seems to be extrapolating sections of data about various social behaviours, exploring them within the context of the culture they come from, and then explaining how and why this can cause certain events to happen.
For example, his talk last night was about plane crashes. And how most of the time they have nothing to do with the plane. Or any technical issues. They don’t even have anything to do with the capabilities of the pilot or co-pilot (or whether or not they are drunk or on drugs). Most plane crashes are caused by poor communication - either between the co-pilot and pilot, or between the co-pilot and air traffic control. He explained this in several ways (misinterpretation, mis-hearing commands etc), but the really interesting stuff was in ‘mitigation’ and Geert Hofstede's theory of ‘power distances’ (i.e. our relationships with people we perceive to be our superiors and how we phrase information according).
I won’t go into every detail as that’s his gig, and you can read all about that is his new book, but it was fascinating. As was his delivery. He’s highly skilled at public speaking, with a great sense of comic timing (and rhetoric, as one of my companions pointed out).
When he started speaking, people were whispering/unwrapping sweets/fidgeting around/getting comfy and generally driving me bonkers. (I have no truck with rowdy audiences.) However, by the time he finished the evening - reading a goosebump-inducing transcript from the black box recording of the last few minutes in the cockpit of a doomed jumbo jet - the entire theatre was rapt.
Left us with plenty of food for thought too. An excellent way to spend an evening, and it reminded me how much I always have, and still do, enjoy learning.
Interestingly, not everyone agrees with me.
His ‘niche’ as it were, seems to be extrapolating sections of data about various social behaviours, exploring them within the context of the culture they come from, and then explaining how and why this can cause certain events to happen.
For example, his talk last night was about plane crashes. And how most of the time they have nothing to do with the plane. Or any technical issues. They don’t even have anything to do with the capabilities of the pilot or co-pilot (or whether or not they are drunk or on drugs). Most plane crashes are caused by poor communication - either between the co-pilot and pilot, or between the co-pilot and air traffic control. He explained this in several ways (misinterpretation, mis-hearing commands etc), but the really interesting stuff was in ‘mitigation’ and Geert Hofstede's theory of ‘power distances’ (i.e. our relationships with people we perceive to be our superiors and how we phrase information according).
I won’t go into every detail as that’s his gig, and you can read all about that is his new book, but it was fascinating. As was his delivery. He’s highly skilled at public speaking, with a great sense of comic timing (and rhetoric, as one of my companions pointed out).
When he started speaking, people were whispering/unwrapping sweets/fidgeting around/getting comfy and generally driving me bonkers. (I have no truck with rowdy audiences.) However, by the time he finished the evening - reading a goosebump-inducing transcript from the black box recording of the last few minutes in the cockpit of a doomed jumbo jet - the entire theatre was rapt.
Left us with plenty of food for thought too. An excellent way to spend an evening, and it reminded me how much I always have, and still do, enjoy learning.
Interestingly, not everyone agrees with me.
Friday 21 November 2008
It's all me, me, me...
No really, it is. Here's 99 things to do, and whether or not I've done them.
1. Started your own blog - Yes. This actually number 4.
2. Slept under the stars - yes. Many times. Festivals, camping and the like.
3. Played in a band - yes! Was in 2 bands in my teens. Punk versus retro 60s.
4. Visited Hawaii - not yet, not sure I want to either.
5. Watched a meteor shower - no, but I have seen a falling star.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity - yes but by accident.
7. Been to Disneyland/world - this will never EVER happen.
8. Climbed a mountain - yes, I’ve climbed 2. Ben Nevis and Mount Sinai.
9. Held a praying mantis - no thanks. Icky.
10. Sang a solo - yes. Loads of times. Singstar. Drunk as a skunk. Love it.
11. Bungee jumped - nooooo way.
12. Visited Paris - yes, 4 times but only ever for work. Need to rectify this.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - yes, Ibiza. Quite dramatic.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - does cooking count?
15. Adopted a child - yes with World Vision.
16. Had food poisoning - hell yes.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - no, but I have done the Empire State Building. Although I took the lift. Sorry, elevator.
18. Grown your own vegetables - yes, well... tomatoes and herbs. That reminds me, haven’t looked in the cold frame for months, I wonder what’s happening in there...
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France - nope, see answer to 12.
20. Slept on an overnight train - not yet but planning a trip up to Scotland with my brother which will involve this.
21. Had a pillow fight - of course!
22. Hitch hiked - yes, going to see Bon Jovi in Milton Keynes with my friend Sam. We got picked up by a busload of long-haired heavy metal fans. Teenage rock chick's heaven. (Sorry Mum). (I fear there may be more apologies throughout).
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - yeeeees, but not now I work for myself.
24. Built a snow fort - nope
25. Held a lamb - Yes. Well, half a dead one. Shortly before stuffing it with rosemary and garlic and sticking it in the oven.
26. Gone skinny dipping - does taking your bikini off once you’re in the water count (it was daylight)? If so, yes. (Ahem, sorry Mum)
27. Run a Marathon - you’ve gotta be kidding.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - no, but it’s on the list.
29. Seen a total eclipse - yes! All the birds went quiet. Eerie.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - many times in many places. Favourite sunrise was at the summit of Mount Sinai (climbed it by starlight - awesome).
31. Hit a home run - no, have typical girl hand/eye coordination issues.
32. Been on a cruise - does going to see whales/dolphins count?
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person - not yet but when I do I’m going to stay in the tackiest motel I can find. With a waterbed.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - Yes on Mum’s side, not on Dad’s
35. Seen an Amish community - no
36. Taught yourself a new language - yes, HTML
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - probably not.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person - no, think it’s overated.
39. Gone rock climbing - Once. Got about 6 feet up, scared the crap out of myself. However, am intending to try indoor climbing wall soon.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David - no
41. Sung karaoke - once. Along with my friends Lou and Lisa. We humilated ourselves in front of a packed house which included some of the actors from ‘Teachers’ to the tune of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene'. I still have nightmares about it.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - can this be applied to an ex-boyfriend losing his temper? If so, then yes on a daily basis for about 4 years. Also not entirely sure about the faithful business.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - no, sounds like a blind date
44. Visited Africa - Yes! South Africa. It is a curate’s egg of a place.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - yes, lots of times
46. Been transported in an ambulance - yes, keeled over at Gatwick airport and came to in the back of ambulance with a paramedic attaching ECG things to me, wondering what the hell was going on. Mind you, at that point I couldn’t even remember my birthday. Totally bizarre. And quite scary.
47. Had your portrait painted - no
48. Gone deep sea fishing - no but I’d be up for trying it
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person - no but come the Crumball Rally next year...
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - no. I refer you to answer 12. Again.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - Yes, snorkling in the Red Sea, Egypt. It felt like I was flying. Spent about 6 hours a day in the water. Absolutely loved it.
52. Kissed in the rain - I can’t remember the last time I kissed anything, let alone what the weather was doing. But probably.
53. Played in the mud - still do! Also known as metal detectoring on the river shoreline.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre - no, but think it would be fun.
55. Been in a movie - not Hollywood or Bollywood.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China - no
57. Started a business - yes! Just this year in fact. Oh hang on, and one last year too. Along with Him Next Door and Dave. Double yes.
58. Taken a martial arts class - No, never appealed.
59. Visited Russia - yes, it’s a weird weird place. Also quite brilliant if you stay with people who can speak fluent Russian. Can imagine it would be a totally different experience if you don’t though.
60. Served at a soup kitchen - nope, too selfish.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - don’t think the Brownies count, and no in any case
62. Gone whale watching - Yes, Tenerife. Saw lots too.
63. Got flowers for no reason -Yes, from myself. Have received flowers from ex-boyfriends but always for a ‘reason’ (ie pathetic creeping for things done wrong)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - yes, need to do so again soon actually. B rhesus positive in case you were wondering.
65. Gone sky diving - No. But I have just received the leaflet I ordered about doing an Accelerated Free Fall course (just don’t tell my Mum). Oh hang on. Whoops. Sorry (again).
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - no
67. Bounced a check - yes have bounced a CHEQUE but never a Czech.
68. Flown in a helicopter - yes! Around Manhattan. It was brilliant.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy - yes I still have a wooden clown that my sister bought me for a very early birthday. His arms and legs move when you pull a string. He lives on the handle of my bathroom cabinet.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial - don’t even know where it is.
71. Eaten caviar - Yes. Revolting. Barfed it up again shortly afterwards.
72. Pieced a quilt - think we my have made little ones for Sindy dolls as kids, but my memory might be making that up.
73. Stood in Times Square - yes, was completely underwhelmed
74. Toured the Everglades - no
75. Been fired from a job - Yes once, as a barmaid. For laughing at the landlady. You would have too.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London - Yes. Used to work 2 mins around the corner from the palace. Most memorable was the day after 9/11 when they played the US national anthem. Very moving.
77. Broken a bone - only my nose. It involved Primrose Hill, my friend Lou and a bottle of vodka. Oh, and sunrise (see question 30).
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle - no, only a non-speeding scooter when I was 17 (skiving off college to go swimming in the River Wye). (Sorry Mum).
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - nope
80. Published a book - not yet.
81. Visited the Vatican - no.
82. Bought a brand new car - no. Have only ever owned one car, which was given to me by my friend Lou (weird how these answers are interconnecting).
83. Walked in Jerusalem - no.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper - yes in many guises. Dancing school days/winning awards at college/modelling. This makes my life sound a hell of a lot more glamorous than it actually is. In fact, it sounds like someone else’s life.
85. Read the entire Bible - no.
86. Visited the White House - no but have been to Graceland. These are unconnected as far as I can tell.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - no but I would do if the need arose. Am not particularly squeemish about such things. (Again, sorry Mum). (She's a vegetarian).
88. Had chickenpox - yes, age 4.
89. Saved someone’s life - two people have told me I have saved their lives in all seriousness. How true this is, I don’t know.
90. Sat on a jury - no but would like to, although I doubt it is an interesting as I’m expecting.
91. Met someone famous - Several. Some nice. Some horrid.
92. Joined a book club - no.
93. Lost a loved one - too many.
94. Had a baby - definitely not, I’d remember that.
95. Seen the Alamo in person - no.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake - noooooo.
97. Been involved in a law suit - no.
98. Owned a cell phone - is there anyone left who doesn’t?
99. Been stung by a bee - yes! Was about 5. Cried a lot.
1. Started your own blog - Yes. This actually number 4.
2. Slept under the stars - yes. Many times. Festivals, camping and the like.
3. Played in a band - yes! Was in 2 bands in my teens. Punk versus retro 60s.
4. Visited Hawaii - not yet, not sure I want to either.
5. Watched a meteor shower - no, but I have seen a falling star.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity - yes but by accident.
7. Been to Disneyland/world - this will never EVER happen.
8. Climbed a mountain - yes, I’ve climbed 2. Ben Nevis and Mount Sinai.
9. Held a praying mantis - no thanks. Icky.
10. Sang a solo - yes. Loads of times. Singstar. Drunk as a skunk. Love it.
11. Bungee jumped - nooooo way.
12. Visited Paris - yes, 4 times but only ever for work. Need to rectify this.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - yes, Ibiza. Quite dramatic.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - does cooking count?
15. Adopted a child - yes with World Vision.
16. Had food poisoning - hell yes.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - no, but I have done the Empire State Building. Although I took the lift. Sorry, elevator.
18. Grown your own vegetables - yes, well... tomatoes and herbs. That reminds me, haven’t looked in the cold frame for months, I wonder what’s happening in there...
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France - nope, see answer to 12.
20. Slept on an overnight train - not yet but planning a trip up to Scotland with my brother which will involve this.
21. Had a pillow fight - of course!
22. Hitch hiked - yes, going to see Bon Jovi in Milton Keynes with my friend Sam. We got picked up by a busload of long-haired heavy metal fans. Teenage rock chick's heaven. (Sorry Mum). (I fear there may be more apologies throughout).
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - yeeeees, but not now I work for myself.
24. Built a snow fort - nope
25. Held a lamb - Yes. Well, half a dead one. Shortly before stuffing it with rosemary and garlic and sticking it in the oven.
26. Gone skinny dipping - does taking your bikini off once you’re in the water count (it was daylight)? If so, yes. (Ahem, sorry Mum)
27. Run a Marathon - you’ve gotta be kidding.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - no, but it’s on the list.
29. Seen a total eclipse - yes! All the birds went quiet. Eerie.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - many times in many places. Favourite sunrise was at the summit of Mount Sinai (climbed it by starlight - awesome).
31. Hit a home run - no, have typical girl hand/eye coordination issues.
32. Been on a cruise - does going to see whales/dolphins count?
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person - not yet but when I do I’m going to stay in the tackiest motel I can find. With a waterbed.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - Yes on Mum’s side, not on Dad’s
35. Seen an Amish community - no
36. Taught yourself a new language - yes, HTML
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - probably not.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person - no, think it’s overated.
39. Gone rock climbing - Once. Got about 6 feet up, scared the crap out of myself. However, am intending to try indoor climbing wall soon.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David - no
41. Sung karaoke - once. Along with my friends Lou and Lisa. We humilated ourselves in front of a packed house which included some of the actors from ‘Teachers’ to the tune of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene'. I still have nightmares about it.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - can this be applied to an ex-boyfriend losing his temper? If so, then yes on a daily basis for about 4 years. Also not entirely sure about the faithful business.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - no, sounds like a blind date
44. Visited Africa - Yes! South Africa. It is a curate’s egg of a place.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - yes, lots of times
46. Been transported in an ambulance - yes, keeled over at Gatwick airport and came to in the back of ambulance with a paramedic attaching ECG things to me, wondering what the hell was going on. Mind you, at that point I couldn’t even remember my birthday. Totally bizarre. And quite scary.
47. Had your portrait painted - no
48. Gone deep sea fishing - no but I’d be up for trying it
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person - no but come the Crumball Rally next year...
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - no. I refer you to answer 12. Again.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - Yes, snorkling in the Red Sea, Egypt. It felt like I was flying. Spent about 6 hours a day in the water. Absolutely loved it.
52. Kissed in the rain - I can’t remember the last time I kissed anything, let alone what the weather was doing. But probably.
53. Played in the mud - still do! Also known as metal detectoring on the river shoreline.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre - no, but think it would be fun.
55. Been in a movie - not Hollywood or Bollywood.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China - no
57. Started a business - yes! Just this year in fact. Oh hang on, and one last year too. Along with Him Next Door and Dave. Double yes.
58. Taken a martial arts class - No, never appealed.
59. Visited Russia - yes, it’s a weird weird place. Also quite brilliant if you stay with people who can speak fluent Russian. Can imagine it would be a totally different experience if you don’t though.
60. Served at a soup kitchen - nope, too selfish.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - don’t think the Brownies count, and no in any case
62. Gone whale watching - Yes, Tenerife. Saw lots too.
63. Got flowers for no reason -Yes, from myself. Have received flowers from ex-boyfriends but always for a ‘reason’ (ie pathetic creeping for things done wrong)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - yes, need to do so again soon actually. B rhesus positive in case you were wondering.
65. Gone sky diving - No. But I have just received the leaflet I ordered about doing an Accelerated Free Fall course (just don’t tell my Mum). Oh hang on. Whoops. Sorry (again).
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - no
67. Bounced a check - yes have bounced a CHEQUE but never a Czech.
68. Flown in a helicopter - yes! Around Manhattan. It was brilliant.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy - yes I still have a wooden clown that my sister bought me for a very early birthday. His arms and legs move when you pull a string. He lives on the handle of my bathroom cabinet.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial - don’t even know where it is.
71. Eaten caviar - Yes. Revolting. Barfed it up again shortly afterwards.
72. Pieced a quilt - think we my have made little ones for Sindy dolls as kids, but my memory might be making that up.
73. Stood in Times Square - yes, was completely underwhelmed
74. Toured the Everglades - no
75. Been fired from a job - Yes once, as a barmaid. For laughing at the landlady. You would have too.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London - Yes. Used to work 2 mins around the corner from the palace. Most memorable was the day after 9/11 when they played the US national anthem. Very moving.
77. Broken a bone - only my nose. It involved Primrose Hill, my friend Lou and a bottle of vodka. Oh, and sunrise (see question 30).
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle - no, only a non-speeding scooter when I was 17 (skiving off college to go swimming in the River Wye). (Sorry Mum).
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - nope
80. Published a book - not yet.
81. Visited the Vatican - no.
82. Bought a brand new car - no. Have only ever owned one car, which was given to me by my friend Lou (weird how these answers are interconnecting).
83. Walked in Jerusalem - no.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper - yes in many guises. Dancing school days/winning awards at college/modelling. This makes my life sound a hell of a lot more glamorous than it actually is. In fact, it sounds like someone else’s life.
85. Read the entire Bible - no.
86. Visited the White House - no but have been to Graceland. These are unconnected as far as I can tell.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - no but I would do if the need arose. Am not particularly squeemish about such things. (Again, sorry Mum). (She's a vegetarian).
88. Had chickenpox - yes, age 4.
89. Saved someone’s life - two people have told me I have saved their lives in all seriousness. How true this is, I don’t know.
90. Sat on a jury - no but would like to, although I doubt it is an interesting as I’m expecting.
91. Met someone famous - Several. Some nice. Some horrid.
92. Joined a book club - no.
93. Lost a loved one - too many.
94. Had a baby - definitely not, I’d remember that.
95. Seen the Alamo in person - no.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake - noooooo.
97. Been involved in a law suit - no.
98. Owned a cell phone - is there anyone left who doesn’t?
99. Been stung by a bee - yes! Was about 5. Cried a lot.
Thursday 20 November 2008
Swearing. Brilliant!
I've long believed there should be more swearing. In DM. In press. In TV ads. Not because I want to shock, but because it's how people speak to each other.
So fucking congratulations to the Morgan Hotel Chain for creating the vid below and for this bit of DM. And a big fuck off to the New York Times for refusing to run the press ad.
Campaign website here. I don't know which agency did it, but god love the client for having the balls to run it.
So fucking congratulations to the Morgan Hotel Chain for creating the vid below and for this bit of DM. And a big fuck off to the New York Times for refusing to run the press ad.
Campaign website here. I don't know which agency did it, but god love the client for having the balls to run it.
Nice work
Spoof of the current Barclaycard ad running on TV in the UK. Spoof done inhouse by Specsavers Creative. Great example of when spoofing another ad works. (Albeit with a short shelf life.)
The Barclaycard ad proper below (for anyone not in the UK)
The Barclaycard ad proper below (for anyone not in the UK)
Wednesday 19 November 2008
When advertising goes bad
Couple of links to online discussions elsewhere.
First up, when visuals go wrong. Which is worse? I think both are awful but one is decidedly more 'wrong'. My favourite comment: "This is the wrongest thing in Wrongtown. I had to cover my puppy's eyes."
Secondly, an ad which seems to have outraged half the 'moms' in America.
Original ad below.
Some of the fall out here. And here.
Spoof ad below.
First up, when visuals go wrong. Which is worse? I think both are awful but one is decidedly more 'wrong'. My favourite comment: "This is the wrongest thing in Wrongtown. I had to cover my puppy's eyes."
Secondly, an ad which seems to have outraged half the 'moms' in America.
Original ad below.
Some of the fall out here. And here.
Spoof ad below.
Tuesday 18 November 2008
D'oh
Skipped off to the bank at lunchtime clutching my new cheque. But was stopped short by the sight of lots of burly builders in hard hats in the local LLoyds TSB branch. D'oh. Closed for a refurb. Because, obviously, with an national (and international) recession in full swing, the first thing you're going to do is spend lots of money doing up your branches. This also means I don't have time in my lunch hour to get to the other nearest branches in Chiswick or Twickenham. So while the cheque is in my pocket book, it's not going into the bank until... well, until they open it up again. B*stards.
Monday 17 November 2008
Touch wood times twenty
Well blow me down if people aren't now tripping over themselves in their eagerness to pay me. The invoice for my current place isn't due until 11 Dec and they paid me today! As one would say... kerching. Please please please please let this continue.
Good job too as I had a small disaster at the end of last week when my laptop decided to break. On Thursday evening in the office it was working fine. Got home, plugged it in (what a sad geekette I am) and... nothing. No wireless drivers. Couldn't connect to anything. The next day, it had self-deleted all the audio drivers too, and wouldn't even recognise Word docs I'd created about 20 minutes previously, which had me tearing my hair our somewhat. Ended up borrowing a MacBook from one of the studio guys who looked at me a little nervously and asked me not to make it blow up.
Saturday was an expensive day. But I'm now an official convert to Macs and am writing this on my lovely new MacBook, while transferring and backing up all files from the old (in disgrace) laptop. And I can claim it back on my tax.
Next batch of invoices due in this weekend too.
Cinderella WILL be going to the ball this Christmas. Yay!
Good job too as I had a small disaster at the end of last week when my laptop decided to break. On Thursday evening in the office it was working fine. Got home, plugged it in (what a sad geekette I am) and... nothing. No wireless drivers. Couldn't connect to anything. The next day, it had self-deleted all the audio drivers too, and wouldn't even recognise Word docs I'd created about 20 minutes previously, which had me tearing my hair our somewhat. Ended up borrowing a MacBook from one of the studio guys who looked at me a little nervously and asked me not to make it blow up.
Saturday was an expensive day. But I'm now an official convert to Macs and am writing this on my lovely new MacBook, while transferring and backing up all files from the old (in disgrace) laptop. And I can claim it back on my tax.
Next batch of invoices due in this weekend too.
Cinderella WILL be going to the ball this Christmas. Yay!
Thursday 13 November 2008
Life's a pitch
Pitch craziness is taking over the agency I’m currently at. They have a biggie tomorrow. If they win it, they’ll be able to move offices into town and hire more staff. It will make a huge difference to them - and a transition from start-up to an agency proper. I really wish them well, they’re a nice bunch of people who all know what they’re doing. Would imagine most of them will be working through the night.
Extra art workers were drafted in to get everything ready for the pitch, as a result I’ve been ousted from the ‘creative department’ (ie the 2-person office with 6 people in it) to make room for them, and am working next door in the ‘accounts management department’ (ie the 6-person office with 6 people in it).
Met the client yesterday to discuss the project I’m involved in. They are still changing their minds daily about offers, and which variable data fields can and can’t be included. Which means I’m constantly rewriting drafts, then rewriting them again when they change their minds once more. It’s somewhat frustrating, but also extremely lucrative. In fact, the money they’re paying should see me nicely up to Christmas and a bit beyond. So I am NOT complaining. Nope. Nada. Niet.
Extra art workers were drafted in to get everything ready for the pitch, as a result I’ve been ousted from the ‘creative department’ (ie the 2-person office with 6 people in it) to make room for them, and am working next door in the ‘accounts management department’ (ie the 6-person office with 6 people in it).
Met the client yesterday to discuss the project I’m involved in. They are still changing their minds daily about offers, and which variable data fields can and can’t be included. Which means I’m constantly rewriting drafts, then rewriting them again when they change their minds once more. It’s somewhat frustrating, but also extremely lucrative. In fact, the money they’re paying should see me nicely up to Christmas and a bit beyond. So I am NOT complaining. Nope. Nada. Niet.
Wednesday 12 November 2008
Mobile shops
It’s weird how a chain reaction of things can take you somewhere new. The other day, Orange called me to check they had the right address for me as mail had recently been returned to them. It was missing the first line of the address. Easy peasy.
But this then made me think about my mobile phone contract. It’s not something I think about ever really. I don’t receive paper bills and just keep a vague eye on what goes out of my bank account every month.
When I checked my online statement, I found out I was being charged for every text I send. Not a lot – 8.5p per text. But I send quite a lot of texts. And I’d just assumed I was getting them for free. ‘Cos everyone gets free texts and minutes, right?*
After sorting that out, I was also offered a free phone upgrade. Rather than order over the phone, then miss the delivery man or have to take time off work to be in, I thought “Hmmm, wonder if they have a physical shop anywhere near.” Googled it, and found an Orange shop about a 10 minute walk away.
When I was walking there at lunchtime today, I was amazed to discover that not only does Richmond have an Orange shop. It also has an O2 shop. And a Vodafone shop. And a Phones 4 U shop. And a 3 shop. And two Carphone Warehouse shops... All of them stuffed to the rafters with mobile phones. I’ve either been walking around with my eyes closed for the past few years or mobile phone shops really aren’t on my radar.
Anyhow, very helpful chap in the Orange shop looked up my account, laughed when he saw what tariff I was on (until I explained I’d already changed it) then gave me my selected shiny new phone** for free.
There is something immensely satisfying about walking out of a shop, happily swinging a bag full of shiny new kit that you haven’t paid a penny for.
Thank you Orange. Even if I don't like your current advertising.
* Wrong. But I do now.
** Sony Ericsson C902 with 5meg camera. Him Next Door will have phone envy now.
But this then made me think about my mobile phone contract. It’s not something I think about ever really. I don’t receive paper bills and just keep a vague eye on what goes out of my bank account every month.
When I checked my online statement, I found out I was being charged for every text I send. Not a lot – 8.5p per text. But I send quite a lot of texts. And I’d just assumed I was getting them for free. ‘Cos everyone gets free texts and minutes, right?*
After sorting that out, I was also offered a free phone upgrade. Rather than order over the phone, then miss the delivery man or have to take time off work to be in, I thought “Hmmm, wonder if they have a physical shop anywhere near.” Googled it, and found an Orange shop about a 10 minute walk away.
When I was walking there at lunchtime today, I was amazed to discover that not only does Richmond have an Orange shop. It also has an O2 shop. And a Vodafone shop. And a Phones 4 U shop. And a 3 shop. And two Carphone Warehouse shops... All of them stuffed to the rafters with mobile phones. I’ve either been walking around with my eyes closed for the past few years or mobile phone shops really aren’t on my radar.
Anyhow, very helpful chap in the Orange shop looked up my account, laughed when he saw what tariff I was on (until I explained I’d already changed it) then gave me my selected shiny new phone** for free.
There is something immensely satisfying about walking out of a shop, happily swinging a bag full of shiny new kit that you haven’t paid a penny for.
Thank you Orange. Even if I don't like your current advertising.
* Wrong. But I do now.
** Sony Ericsson C902 with 5meg camera. Him Next Door will have phone envy now.
All things Obama #1
Good example below of an agency (and client) seizing a one-off opportunity. My first reaction was 'Ooooh cheesy." But then I read the copy and realised they'd actually tied it in pretty well. Not sure when this actually went live, as it takes a few days for ads to show up on Ads of the World, but if it was the day after the election, that would have been perfect.
If you can't read the copy, you'll find a bigger version here.
(Agency: Weber Shandwick Chicago & TBWA\Chiat\Day, Los Angeles)
If you can't read the copy, you'll find a bigger version here.
(Agency: Weber Shandwick Chicago & TBWA\Chiat\Day, Los Angeles)
Creative accounting
Spent last night threading together receipts/train tickets and the like to try and sort out the tax situation from last year's big freelance job. This was done in partnership with an Art Director and Planner (AKA Him Next Door). It was also while I was still working for my last agency, so it involved lots of cloaks and daggers and out of hours work. Luckily, we had a brilliant client who was really flexible about us working evenings and weekends only - she knew this would be the case from the off.
We ended up doing some really nice work for her (the original brief was to redesign their logo, it ended up being almost a year-long project to rebrand and reposition the charity). The three of us all enjoyed working together. And the client got a bill half the size of one quoted by an established agency. I think one of the best things was the client telling us how happy she was she'd chosen to go with us as opposed to an agency, and how proud she was of the work. Job was a good 'un.
Anyway, it was a large chunk of cash for us and needed declaring. So we formed a partnership which we now need to disolve... and we also spent last night finding ways to bring down our collective tax liability. The good news is it will probably be a lot less than we originally thought, and could come down further still.
Right, time to get down the back of the sofa see if I can find any more old receipts.
We ended up doing some really nice work for her (the original brief was to redesign their logo, it ended up being almost a year-long project to rebrand and reposition the charity). The three of us all enjoyed working together. And the client got a bill half the size of one quoted by an established agency. I think one of the best things was the client telling us how happy she was she'd chosen to go with us as opposed to an agency, and how proud she was of the work. Job was a good 'un.
Anyway, it was a large chunk of cash for us and needed declaring. So we formed a partnership which we now need to disolve... and we also spent last night finding ways to bring down our collective tax liability. The good news is it will probably be a lot less than we originally thought, and could come down further still.
Right, time to get down the back of the sofa see if I can find any more old receipts.
Tuesday 11 November 2008
Monday 10 November 2008
It's a fine line
As a freelancer there are certain types of behaviour both expected and not expected of you. For example, you’re not expected to work beyond, say, 6pm.
Many freelancers just WON’T on principle, especially if they are charging by the day. Others don’t mind, but will charge by the hour. I just apply the same attitude to this as I would with an agency job; if there’s work that needs doing, I’m happy to stay and do it, but I’m not going to sit at my desk and pretend to be busy if I’m not. If I have nothing to do, I’ll be out the door at 5.31pm, and thanks very much.
Some of my current colleagues were discussing a new Account Manager who is freelancing for them. “The trouble is, she just has the whiff of a freelancer. You can tell she’s just going through the motions.” Ouch. Like I said, it’s a fine line.
Many freelancers just WON’T on principle, especially if they are charging by the day. Others don’t mind, but will charge by the hour. I just apply the same attitude to this as I would with an agency job; if there’s work that needs doing, I’m happy to stay and do it, but I’m not going to sit at my desk and pretend to be busy if I’m not. If I have nothing to do, I’ll be out the door at 5.31pm, and thanks very much.
Some of my current colleagues were discussing a new Account Manager who is freelancing for them. “The trouble is, she just has the whiff of a freelancer. You can tell she’s just going through the motions.” Ouch. Like I said, it’s a fine line.
Friday 7 November 2008
Wow
The lurgy has gone! Had 3 x early nights as described below, and woke up yesterday feeling fine and dandy. Indeed I as much as sprang out of bed, which is most out of character.
Anyway, I had a phonecall from the ever-helpful 'A' this morning. She'd lost a timesheet I'd left on her desk back in September, and was most apologetic. She asked if there was any chance I could remember what I'd been working on that week. Chances are that unless I'm working on a big on-going project (like now) then I'll find it hard to remember what I was working on the day before yesterday.
Then I had a brainwave (it happens sometimes). I didn't use the company email system at that agency (some places add you temporarily like the place I'm at now, others don't) so all the documents I'd sent were stored. Which meant I could go back through and find a record of everything I'd done. I wrote it all down in an email and sent it over to her. She replied saying my cheque would be signed and in the post either today or monday. Which is exactly when it was due.
She's ACE. She is without doubt the most efficient and helpful accounts person I have EVER dealt with. Which is exactly what I emailed back to her.
There is another cheque in the post!
Anyway, I had a phonecall from the ever-helpful 'A' this morning. She'd lost a timesheet I'd left on her desk back in September, and was most apologetic. She asked if there was any chance I could remember what I'd been working on that week. Chances are that unless I'm working on a big on-going project (like now) then I'll find it hard to remember what I was working on the day before yesterday.
Then I had a brainwave (it happens sometimes). I didn't use the company email system at that agency (some places add you temporarily like the place I'm at now, others don't) so all the documents I'd sent were stored. Which meant I could go back through and find a record of everything I'd done. I wrote it all down in an email and sent it over to her. She replied saying my cheque would be signed and in the post either today or monday. Which is exactly when it was due.
She's ACE. She is without doubt the most efficient and helpful accounts person I have EVER dealt with. Which is exactly what I emailed back to her.
There is another cheque in the post!
Wednesday 5 November 2008
One of the downsides of freelancing...
...is when you feel absolutely shite, your nose is running, you're varying between being so hot you're sweating and so cold you can't stop shivering... and you then you remember you don't get sick pay. I'm also just a week into this new gig and don't want to mess it up so have been dosing on lemsip/paracetamol/cough medicine to get me through the day, then trudging home, stuffing some food down my throat, drinking a Power Toddy* followed by a couple of Nytols then going to bed. Seems to be just about keeping me going so far.
Project is ticking along nicely in the meantime, not the world's most interesting topic but involves quite technical writing. I don't mean writing about technology, but the way in which the project fits together. There are lots of letters and emails which include lots of variable paragraphs that have to work independently yet also fit together in any number of combinations, while also not only making sense but reading nicely. Tricky.
And in the meantime, Obama is in. There is hope yet.
*Power Toddy:
1 x Lemsip
2 x teaspoons honey
1 x good slug of whisky
Project is ticking along nicely in the meantime, not the world's most interesting topic but involves quite technical writing. I don't mean writing about technology, but the way in which the project fits together. There are lots of letters and emails which include lots of variable paragraphs that have to work independently yet also fit together in any number of combinations, while also not only making sense but reading nicely. Tricky.
And in the meantime, Obama is in. There is hope yet.
*Power Toddy:
1 x Lemsip
2 x teaspoons honey
1 x good slug of whisky
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