Make Marketing History

The views of a marketing deviant.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Cool Britannia?


A media guide accompanied London's eight minute presentation that took place during Beijing's closing ceremony. It apparently declared that one intention was to show that London is “the coolest place on the planet”.

As one commentater observed, the mere act of claiming to be cool is an infallible indication that you are not. Marketers should remember that and also be aware that this applies to all adjectives, not just being cool.

4 Comments:

Blogger Robert said...

So what does that say about people who go on about how they work in a 'CREATIVE DEPARTMENT' or have 'CREATIVE DIRECTOR' on their business cards?

You don't have to respond, we already know the answer.

3:25 AM, August 25, 2008  
Blogger Charles Edward Frith said...

Both you and Johnnie Moore concur on this point but I'm going to have to take issue with you both.

You've both missed the point on who is being influenced and for what reason.

Same with the Olympic logo. It's for the 12 year olds. They'll be 16 in 2012. Nobody can admit it is designed to piss off more mature gents like yourself.

For the record, after the mass synchronisation of everything Beijng Olympics it was great to see an ace voice take over the stadium (I don't watch X factor and had no idea who she is) and Robert Plant is a rock God. 1.3 Billion Chinese don't have one of those.

I could do a thesis on Red Buses. Leave them alone. My only complaint was Beckham was practically fey kicking the ball into the crowd. But we should let that slide because he's so good looking right?

2:17 AM, August 28, 2008  
Blogger john dodds said...

How does a geriatric rocker and an over the hill footballer appeal to 12 year olds?

Not that I agree with your primary thesis of course, but are you suggesting that 12 year olds don't know that somebody declaring they're cool is the height of being uncool?

But bravo for taking on Johnnie and me - you are the patron saint of lost causes.

3:57 AM, August 28, 2008  
Blogger Rob Mortimer (aka Famous Rob) said...

Oh dear god I hate hate HATE people who use 'cool' in their ads.

There's one at Manchester station "Is it cool to..." well now its the opposite of whatever you say.

12 year old are absolutely THE ones who know that what is said to be cool usually isnt. Does you dad wear it? Then its uncool. etc

5:35 AM, August 28, 2008  

Post a Comment

<< Home