While working full-time, I did an Open University degree in psychology – both social (to understand what makes people tick) and cognitive (how the brain processes words and symbols). When I submitted my first essay, I carefully made it an interesting piece of writing as well as an answer to Read more…
In the same week that a rover named Curiosity is roaming Mars and a lion was reported to be loose in Essex (it turned out to be a big domestic cat), Prince Harry was snapped playing strip billiards in a Vegas hotel room. No wonder August is called ‘Silly Season’. Read more…
If you’re reading this, it’s because the headline told you to. This tells us two things. (1) Headlines have enormous power. (2) You are an obedient reader. Continue reading my guest article on Fresh Business Thinking…
Eagle-eyed readers will notice two deliberate mitsakes in the title of this blog post. The first sentance contains another one. So does the second. But, did you understand my message anyway? That’s the kind of argument that we sticklers are up against these days. With txt spk and even dyslexia Read more…
The trend for ‘top down’ marketing communications has almost completely switched to ‘bottom up’. This week, I saw a VO5 customer on TV, demonstrating ‘The secret to getting a 40s look*’. The ad ended by inviting viewers to share their own demos online. It’s just another example of how things have changed Read more…
“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. It’s been 18 months since my last confession.”
“What have you done, my child?”
“I’ve read 50 Shades of Grey.”
“Go away and say 10 Hail Mary’s, three Our Fathers, and pray for forgiveness.”
You’ve probably seen the claims that “50 Shades of Grey” is the fastest-selling novel of all time*?
OK, I confess, I’ve read it.
But it was by accident! I didn’t know what it was about when I bought it! Honest!
Here’s what happened.
I was at the airport on my way to Cyprus in April 2012. Although you have to check in hours early, it always seems such a rush once you’ve queued to get through security and everything, doesn’t it? Anyway, I didn’t have much time to choose a book, so when I saw a sign displaying some of the most compelling words I’ve ever read, I picked up “50 Shades” and bought it.
By the way, I posted that story on a forum I belong to. One member replied “Hamlet. Act 3. Scene 2. Line 230.” I don’t have to look up the reference to know it links to “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
But it’s true! I promise!
Here’s what happened next.
The banner headline on the front page of my local paper screams: ‘FIND OUT HOW AREA’S OLYMPIANS PERFORMED’ Surely they intended the word ‘area’ to be replaced with the name of the local town? At least replace it with the word ‘our’! Maybe it’s commonsense that’s gone on holiday. What Read more…