Not many people know this, but for twelve months in the early 90s, I was Neil Kinnock.
I was working as a copywriter for an agency that held the Labour Party account and it was my job to write all the long direct mail fundraising appeals on behalf of Mr Kinnock.
Our strategy was to build up the supporter base during the run up to the election and then send an unprecedented four mailings during the three weeks or so of run up to the election itself.
And actually, if I say it myself, the fundraising bit was fairly successful… the other bits of the campaign not so much.
Good news fellow screen addicts, turns out those endless hours spent in front of the desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone aren't likely to wreck your eyesite, as long as we don't start too young.
According to Professor Harrison Weisinger, Chair in Optometry at Australia's Deakin University, writing in the Epoch Times:
"Once we reach the age of ten years or so, it is practically impossible to injure the eyes by looking at something–the exception, of course, being staring at the Sun or similarly bright objects. Earlier in life, what we look at–or rather, how clearly we see–can affect our vision because the neural pathways between the eye and brain are still developing."
Bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase "a child could do that", Canadian ad agency, Grip Limited, celebrated their 10th birthday by putting 10-year-olds in charge for the day, working for real clients.
The results weren't too far off the normal day-to-day ad agency life - naps, games, junk food, creative ideas...and they made some actual ads too.
Ever fancied sharing your opinion on issues affecting the digital industry? Or writing about your experiences setting up overseas? Maybe you've done some research you'd like to share?
Well now is your chance, Chinwag are looking for guestbloggers - it's a brilliant opportunity to tell your company's story, share your experiences and knowledge and talk about what you're passionate about.
Monday's talk at the Business & Enterprise Hub at Hub Westminster started with a keynote from Peace One Day founder, Jeremy Gilley, followed by Frontline SMS founder Ken Banks, in which they explored the people and organisations that are harnessing the opportunity the technology provides to overcome social challenges, the heroes of social innovation.
The rise of social media and social technology has demonstrated its power to revolutionise industries, change governments and empower social movements. In a very literal sense, the power to connect and collaborate is quite literally changing the world. Mobile technology and social networks enable groups to self-organise and campaigns to gain worldwide momentum.
On Thursday at the Advertising & Marketing Hub at Facebook, Toby Daniels, Founder & Executive Director of Social Media Week shared 10 Principles for an Open, Connected and Collaborative World, providing examples of how individuals and organisations are leveraging the power of technology and the creative potential of social media to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
On 27th September at our Advertising & Marketing Hub at Facebook, digital marketing agency, SYZYGY, hosted Cuddles or Funnels: Social Engagement vs Social Commerce - a lively panel debate which asked where exactly *is* social media's sweet spot?
Is it the warm embrace of social CRM and two-way engagement with a share-happy audience that powers the business relationship and growth? Or is it an effective sales channel with Finance Director-pleasing ROI and a treasure trove of targeting data?
Developing a Digital Strategy in a Social World took place on Weds 26th Sept at the Advertising & Marketing Hub at Facebook. Digital media has gone through more revolutions in the last decade than other forms of media have experienced across their lifetimes. From web 2.0 to commoditisation of display advertising to sweeping changes of social media.
How do the world’s leading digital strategists plan, develop and maintain a coherent brand in such tumultuous times? Tune into the livestream below and catch up with our expert line-up of strategists who handle some of the world’s leading brands as they navigate the rigours of a changing digital landscape. Panelists at this session included Sonia Carter (Kraft Foods Europe), Justin Pearse (Bite Communications), Johannes-Tobias Lorenz (McKinsey), Craig Hepburn (Nokia) and Alastair Duncan (Alternative Genius).
