Finally, my extended thoughts on the PSFK Conference that I spoke at here in London on Friday, June 1st. And if I repeat some of the scattered comments I've inserted in the last few posts, forgive me, it's a combination of jet lag and beer. And if that upsets you... In my inimitable style... Too fucking bad. However, moving on... The content off all the presentations was great. And hey, as you know, I never stop banging the drum about the value of great content, rather than its means of delivery. Because, I sincerely believe that irrespective of the tsunami of old/new/fucking been there and done that media options increasingly available to us, people would rather read/view/react to, or be involved in, something that interests them. Better yet, something which touches them in a way that gets them to sympathize with the essence of the message. And I know I've said this a million times before, but I think Howard Gossage put it best with... "People don't read advertising, they read what they are interested in!" So, what was great about the conference was the way the people speaking and attending knew there is a dramatic change taking place within the advertising, marketing and communication industry. That there has top be a new way of acknowledging you can no longer rely on massive TV and print campaigns, backed up by the odd DM activity. And yes, before anyone at a BDA tells me we know all that and we're changing everything... I would challenge you that, yes you know about it... But have you honestly addressed it? Not by buying a fucking digital start up staffed by super computer literate wiz-kids.... Because all you wankers do that, and then proceed to destroy what you bought. No, my question is... Have you changed your basic business model, so you no longer have to feed your overly fat and complacent organization on whatever version of OxyContin it takes to keep you fuckers rich and happy? And don't quote me the the Draft/FCB bullshit I recently posted about where you tear down all the walls and put everyone in a giant Stalag style office... That's fucking architecture you wankers... It's not advertising! Anyway, back to the conference... So, the thing that impressed me most, was that unlike the halcyon days of the dot com boom, where we all made shit loads of money (OK, some BDA'S lost their shirts on that shit) Whereas, mercenary scum like me made a fucking killing... No one really had a clue what they were doing. All these guys (to avoid being labeled as a sexist that encompasses all genders) at the conference were completely on the ball. They know what needs to be done... And by God, they all seem to be doing it. It was a great event. Kudos to Piers Fawkes for being both smart enough to recognize what the future might be, and clever enough to organize PSFK in such a way that they are absolutely at the forefront of where this business needs to be in the future... OK Piers you can send the check to my numbered bank account in Zurich... Just kidding, not doing a Julie here... But the odd case of "Effen - Effen" would be appreciated. In a week or so, PSFK will be posting videos off all the presentations. You should check them out. Cheers/George
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Emperor of the known universe, Piers Fawkes before he bought a wig!