“A certain slightly cruel disregard for the feelings of living people is simply part of the package. I think a writer, if he’s any good, is not an entirely benign entity in the world.” – Michael Cunningham, Born today, Nov. 6, 1952. This is another uncomfortable truth. For one, we need to hurt people – […]
To The Pain, And Why We Must Cause It Read More »
“Propaganda requires a permanent network of communication so that it can systematically stifle reflection with emotive or utopian slogans. Its pace is usually fast.” – John Berger, Born Nov. 5, 1936. To me, this speaks to the necessity of frequent messages to to one’s audience. And also to the fact that a moment of quiet
Propaganda Works Because It’s Consistent (Advertising, Too.) Read More »
“Acting is not hiding to me; it’s revealing. We give you license to feel. ‘Hey, she’s crying, so it’s okay if I cry, too.’ That’s the most important thing in the world, because when you stop feeling, that’s when you’re dead.” – Loretta Swit, Born Nov. 4, 1937. We call know that we are supposed
Don’t Just Write With Emotion – Project It, Like This.. Read More »
“What is the difference between unethical and ethical advertising? Unethical advertising uses falsehoods to deceive the public; ethical advertising uses truth to deceive the public.” – Vilhjalmur Stefansson, Born, Nov. 3 1879. The first thing that we need to get out of the way to have this discussion today is the mistaken notion that “deception”
“Ethical” Advertising Is Still Deception? (Yes, And That’s Okay.) Read More »
“There is nothing new except what has been forgotten.” – Marie Antoinette, Born Nov. 2, 1755. And just think, she said this like 220 years ago. Even earlier, someone else said “there is nothing new under the sun.” It was true then, and it’s true now. AND IT’S GOOD! Especially if you sell things. See,
People Want “New” – Which Is Just “Old” With Fresh Paint Read More »
“It is a sign that your reputation is small and sinking, if your own tongue must praise you.” – Matthew Hale, Born Nov.1, 1609. The guy I am quoting above is sort of right, but also sort of wrong. Right when it comes to the details, but open to misinterpretation when it comes to the
Toot Your Own Horn, But Play Other People’s Songs Read More »
“Listen, if you don’t talk big game, you never get anywhere. If you don’t think big, you don’t get big. Some people call it egotistical, some people call it high hopes, some people call it confidence. It’s all in how you want to dissect it.” – Robert Van Winkle, aka Vanilla Ice, Born Oct. 31,
Winning Big Is Easier If You Rack Up Small Wins First Read More »
“BLT Prime at Trump National Doral is essential after a long day on the golf course. The popover bread alone is enough to keep me coming back!” – Ivanka Trump, Born Oct. 30, 1981. How to make money: sell your shit. Sell it. No, shut up. Sell it. Don’t have something to sell? Find or
Sell Your Soul (Or At Least Sell *With* Soul)… Read More »
“Within one hour of touching the brush to canvas for the first time, my students have a total, complete painting.” – Bob Ross, Born Oct. 29, 1942. This was Ross’s pitch. He empowered people who were intimidated to create art, and gave them the tools and shortcuts to get over that fear. Were the students’
Make Them Get Their Hands Dirty if You Want to Sell Them More Dirt Read More »
“In the country of the blind the one eyed man is king.” – Desiderius Erasmus, Born Oct. 28, 1466. One of the eternal worries of most freelancers is what they call “impostor syndrome”. It’s the deep seated fear that you’re a phony. That you’ll get called out as a fraud. That you’re not worth what
Expertise Is Relative and You Should Aim Your Work Accordingly Read More »
