23Nov 2004 by Bob Cargill

Give Thanks for Bob

Blogging
Direct marketing copywriter Bob Bly, who was quite critical of blogging in a DM NEWS article he wrote just three weeks ago, launched a new blog today, and the reaction throughout the blogosphere was immediate and considerable. (No, I’m not making this up.) Steve Hall, of Adrants, wrote, “The launch of Bob Bly’s blog is welcome. Very welcome.” Rick Bruner, of Business Blog Consulting, opined, “Who’s surprised? Resistance is futile.” Debbie Weil, in her blog, said, “It’ll be fun to see how this plays out in the blogosphere.” And Paul Chaney, of the Radiant Marketing Group, weighed in about Bob Bly with these thoughts: “I think his willingness to give this technology a spin is a signal event…Bob has much to learn about blogging, and we have much to learn…
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17Nov 2004 by Bob Cargill

No Holidays for Nonprofits

Fundraising
The holidays are a time for giving, and for many Americans that means giving not just to their families and friends, but also to support their favorite cause. Whether it's out of habit, guilt – e.g., when we stop and think about it, we realize just how good we really have it – or just plain altruism, there’s no question about it: ‘Tis the season for charitable donations. Of course, fundraisers are aware of this encouraging, immutable law of human nature, especially those working for social and human service organizations. In the eyes – and kind hearts – of the public, the condition of their clients appears especially adverse and acute at this time of year. Some of them are struggling in silence all year long, but during the holidays…
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11Nov 2004 by Bob Cargill

The Tangled Web We Weave

Blogging
In case you missed it, well-known copywriter and direct marketing guru Robert Bly weighed in last week in DM NEWS with a rather unfavorable opinion on blogging, and was quickly taken to task by those in the blogosphere. Steve Hall, author of Adrants, pulled no punches in saying, “it is clear [Bly] has no idea what he is talking about.” Corporate blog strategist BL Ochman said Bly had written “a rather ill-informed assessment of blogs.” And in her blog, brand strategy consultant, Jennifer Rice, wrote, “obviously this writer didn’t do his homework.” I have to admit, I was shocked to see someone of Bly’s stature and experience with the written word so summarily dismissing the viability of this powerful publishing platform. Like my forward-thinking, early-adopting brethren, the blogger in me…
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04Nov 2004 by Bob Cargill

Sox Congratulatory Ads Swing for the Fence

Advertising
Red Sox fans had to endure a long, legendary 86 years since the home team last won the World Series, but less than 12 hours after the latest – and perhaps most remarkable – postseason chapter in Major League Baseball history was put to bed, dozens of so-called “congratulatory” ads were put to paper on behalf of the Boston baseball club. And just like their subject matter, these ads were the center of attention. All eyes were on the BoSox, after all – including everything said and written about these local baseball heroes. So like superstar sluggers David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, the copywriters behind the headlines were swinging for the fence. And I for one enjoyed this show of creative talent, as displayed in the pages of The Boston…
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