If you follow the CR Blog (which you probably do so I don't know why I'm telling you this because you'll have seen it) you'll probably have picked up on the kerfuffle surrounding the promotional campaign that The Chase (with Total Content and Asbury & Asbury) have developed for ace photographer Paul Thompson (who has some astonishing work). As things played out it turned out to be a storm in a teacup with it's rather feeble critics being swiftly and appropriately dispatched with a clip 'round their misguided ears. The campaign is, after all, great. And I think what the criticism shows is how a brave idea whittles out those that get what you do and those that don't. A job well done if you ask me.
Hats off to everyone involved but especially to Paul for running with the concept.
I get it, I just don't really like it.
Posted by: Luke Tonge | 07 April 2011 at 11:23 AM
Couldn't agree more. Well put.
Posted by: Scott Hamilton | 07 April 2011 at 11:43 AM
What is it you don't like about it Luke? I'd be interested to hear why it's got everyone so divided. Done any interesting self promotion work yourself? I think promoting yourself is one of the hardest things to do and I think anyone who does it so well should be commended. This work definitely gets my thumbs up. Check out Pentone (www.nickasbury.com/pentone) as well if you haven’t already seen it.
Posted by: Scott Hamilton | 07 April 2011 at 11:50 AM
Well Scott, I can't quite put my finger on it. I certainly don't dislike it – in fact I can appreciate that its a very clever idea – its well conceived, beautifully written, precisely executed. There's enough right there to admire it for, lots of talent involved etc..
I think my gut reaction to it is a combination of feeling like i've seen that exact same idea before and also that it requires a degree of intellectual engagement I don't always want to indulge in. I think if it was presented as an individual students work my reaction might have been more gracious.
I agree self promotion is very tricky, I've done bits and pieces for myself but probably nothing i'd like to be judged for over the internet :) so maybe I should keep my trap shut in future?
Posted by: Luke Tonge | 07 April 2011 at 04:36 PM
some say,
that a picture paints a thousand words,
or,
that the pen is mightier than the sword,
hmmm,
Posted by: impo$t! | 10 April 2011 at 08:01 AM