Friday, 14 May 2010
Current TV - Notes from a freak in control
I have just started working at Current TV as a consultant. Didn't really know much about the channel before I started. I knew it was something to do with Al Gore and User Generated content. I know now a lot more about them, they are a committed team all united in one cause - to bring real quality documentary style content to the world. Really what they do is the broadcast version of blogging but with knobs on. In terms of style think Discovery Turbo on speed. I am enjoying my time with them and hopefully look forward to spending a lot more time with them in the future. Check them out on both the Sky and Virgin platform
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
The Lady and The Re-Vamp - Notes from a freak in control
This week I watched with relish a great programme about the revamp of The Lady Magazine. For those of you, probably blokes, who are unfamiliar with The Lady - this magazine has been around for 125 years and is targeted not unsurprisingly at the Ladies!
Back in the days when I had paper-round The Lady magazine was a publication that I used to deliver and I found it utterly fascinating. It was a brief insight behind the chintz curtains into another world of weekends in the country and embroidery samplers. I would sit on the on the wall of the person who had ordered the magazine and devour every word. After submitting the editorial to careful scrutiny and after much fantasising of this upstairs, downstairs world I would then deliver a well thumbed publication to its rightful owner.
As well as opening a door into the world of landed gentry, The Lady was also responsible for my first job, which was as a mother's help to a remarkable lady. The only reason I responded to her ad was because it claimed that there was a possibility to ski at Easter - Free Ski-ing Yeah! I was offered the job over the phone and at the tender age of 19 I accepted. In no time I was to be found running down the platform to board a train to London to meet my employer and start work immediately.
Anyway before I get carried away with my life history, I must confess that it was with great interest that I watched a programme about the revamping of The Lady Magazine which I hold responsible for my first job and move to London.
Rachel Johnson or RoJo, (she is Boris Johnson’s little sister) was bought in to shake things up, increase circulation and revamp the old Lady. It made for fascinating if not sometimes uncomfortable viewing as RoJo fired people, moved staff she didn't like into tiny back offices and basically put a very large cat amongst some unsuspecting pigeons She would also make sneaky, whispered conversations to the camera in her office about putting people on the 'death list'.
The programme was really well put together and whatever your view you may have of the magazine it was fantastic publicity for them as the skirts of the old Lady were dragged screaming unceremoniously across the threshold of the twenty first century. I would love to know what the subjects think about their portrayal in these programmes - a follow up show would not go amiss. I wonder if they knew what they were letting themselves in for ?- I suspect not, but I bet their circulation has gone up.
I for one immediately went onto their website to see if the old cover designs of seasonal flowers had remained or were now art directed within an inch of their margins by RoJo’s creative scalpel.
A change in the working environment is going to be a difficult time for both employees and employers and having it played out on television for the world and his wife to see, would seem to be a naive choice but it is probably indicative of a publication stuck in the past.
There were many other ways they could have secured a presence on television or on-line without having to launder their dirty washing in public.
This 'fly-on-the-wall’ style filming is addictive viewing but is a tad old fashioned, just like The Lady herself, in this new media environment. An alternative approach to bringing their image up to date might have been to talk with either a really forward thinking agency or an open minded broadcaster who could have created some programming to suit their needs - but if they had done this we would have been denied the entertainment factor.
For pure viewing pleasure I for one am very pleased that The Lady is still stuck in the past even in their approach in tackling the new - I will however be in touch to offer my services for future media ventures and also to recommend a new recipe for Spotted Dick!
Back in the days when I had paper-round The Lady magazine was a publication that I used to deliver and I found it utterly fascinating. It was a brief insight behind the chintz curtains into another world of weekends in the country and embroidery samplers. I would sit on the on the wall of the person who had ordered the magazine and devour every word. After submitting the editorial to careful scrutiny and after much fantasising of this upstairs, downstairs world I would then deliver a well thumbed publication to its rightful owner.
As well as opening a door into the world of landed gentry, The Lady was also responsible for my first job, which was as a mother's help to a remarkable lady. The only reason I responded to her ad was because it claimed that there was a possibility to ski at Easter - Free Ski-ing Yeah! I was offered the job over the phone and at the tender age of 19 I accepted. In no time I was to be found running down the platform to board a train to London to meet my employer and start work immediately.
Anyway before I get carried away with my life history, I must confess that it was with great interest that I watched a programme about the revamping of The Lady Magazine which I hold responsible for my first job and move to London.
Rachel Johnson or RoJo, (she is Boris Johnson’s little sister) was bought in to shake things up, increase circulation and revamp the old Lady. It made for fascinating if not sometimes uncomfortable viewing as RoJo fired people, moved staff she didn't like into tiny back offices and basically put a very large cat amongst some unsuspecting pigeons She would also make sneaky, whispered conversations to the camera in her office about putting people on the 'death list'.
The programme was really well put together and whatever your view you may have of the magazine it was fantastic publicity for them as the skirts of the old Lady were dragged screaming unceremoniously across the threshold of the twenty first century. I would love to know what the subjects think about their portrayal in these programmes - a follow up show would not go amiss. I wonder if they knew what they were letting themselves in for ?- I suspect not, but I bet their circulation has gone up.
I for one immediately went onto their website to see if the old cover designs of seasonal flowers had remained or were now art directed within an inch of their margins by RoJo’s creative scalpel.
A change in the working environment is going to be a difficult time for both employees and employers and having it played out on television for the world and his wife to see, would seem to be a naive choice but it is probably indicative of a publication stuck in the past.
There were many other ways they could have secured a presence on television or on-line without having to launder their dirty washing in public.
This 'fly-on-the-wall’ style filming is addictive viewing but is a tad old fashioned, just like The Lady herself, in this new media environment. An alternative approach to bringing their image up to date might have been to talk with either a really forward thinking agency or an open minded broadcaster who could have created some programming to suit their needs - but if they had done this we would have been denied the entertainment factor.
For pure viewing pleasure I for one am very pleased that The Lady is still stuck in the past even in their approach in tackling the new - I will however be in touch to offer my services for future media ventures and also to recommend a new recipe for Spotted Dick!
Sunday, 14 March 2010
A New Addiction for a Freak in Control
A couple of weeks ago I was given a book by a good friend and you know how sometimes a book arrives in your life and it was as if it was written only for you and you alone.
It reaches out to you and inspires you.
There is an old saying that you don't choose books, they actually choose you. Well this book found a way of finding me and it couldn't have arrived at a better time.
The book in question is 'Creative Mischief' by Dave Trott and I am rationing myself in reading it so I can relish it - is there such as thing as a binge reading, I wonder....
Anyway, the very first story was a quick hit and had me snorting and choking with laughter on a crowded tube and consequently feeling like a complete fool - nothing new there then!
I tried to explain to my fellow passengers the source of my laughter by pointing at my book but they looked at me with 'nothing sharper than a crayon for her' type looks and some were even desperately looking around for my carer!
But I'm sorry, there are no warning signs on the tube that says 'No Laughter' are there? So if you were on the Bakerloo line on Weds last week going west at 10am and thought you were sitting next to an endlessly grinning Francis Farmer type mad woman - it was me....
The first story and the one that nearly had me sectioned, is where DT talks about the head of TV at BMP reading The Exorcist on his daily commute from Brighton.
The Head of TV stated that the book was one of the most evil tomes he had ever read and that it was in fact, so much a product of the devil"s work that he couldn't finish it.
So on the weekend he went to the end of Brighton Pier and threw it as far as he could into the sea, assuming that it had now sunk out of harms way to a watery grave.
On hearing this story DT went to the book shop and bought another copy. He then ran it under the tap and left it in the head of TV's desk drawer for him to find.
The point of this story for me is that if you are going to create then there is a fine line between cruelty and humour. To be noticed and to make a difference you have to be on the edge and break the rules.
To break the rules you need to be clever and if you can make people laugh then you can get away with almost anything - well apart from laughing out loud on the tube apparently.
The rest of the stories and insights in 'Creative Mischief' are brilliantly acute observations on human behaviour in the creative advertising world made by a man who has had a deeply rich and fascinating career.
I believe this book could be applicable to almost anyone because it makes you look at life through the lenses of mischief, creativity, passion and ingenuity.
So if you fancy a break from the monotony of opinion formers repeatedly telling us we are getting through the recession but not seeing the results and suffering from the effects of this beige weather, then read this book and it will inspire you to be creative and approach life differently.
What's so brilliant about the new emerging branded entertainment landscape is that everyone has the ability to create, whether you are a brand, an accountant, a nurse, a doctor, a policeman or a student.
So to create we have to be passionate about what we are doing. I suppose this is the lesson that I am learning from setting up my own business. By the nature of what I am trying to do I am connecting with people who totally believe in what they are doing and are therefore passionate in that belief. They bring me on board to help them create and bring their brands to life.
For the last couple of weeks I have been working for Dogs Trust, a wonderful charity who are committed to what they do and who are also quite rightly very protective of their brand.
It's a great organisation that works selflessly to do good work. For Dogs Trust we are in the process of making a series of training films with the wonderful Dog behaviourist and trainer Carolyn Menteith.
The entire experience has been a joy because you work with people who have no agenda for politics because they simply don't have the time for it. This is not only a refreshing change but also an inspiration.
Anyway, Dogs don't understand politics do they?
I am fast becoming a believer that maybe dogs could do more to help decide who we should vote for in the political arena. The thing with dogs is that they either like you or they don't and as many politicians are strangers to the truth we can't always believe everything they say.
In the same way as the Police use sniffer dogs - we should employ our faithful friends to walk around the House of Commons and let them intermingle with the politicians.
When they find one that is trustworthy, they would sit down in front of them and that is the one who should get your vote.
The more I think about this idea the stronger it becomes! A Dog is supposedly mans' best friend and there devotion is selfless, so trust your Instincts and go with the canine vote.
It's all there, the campaign could write itself.
In fact raise a paw to lobby for 'Dog TV' and if you hear someone say 'the world has gone to the dogs', then smile because these days that could be a positive thing.
Well, I'd best go now. There is a lot to do and I feel the need for another injection of 'Creative Mischief'. Thank you Mr Trott for giving me a new and enjoyable addiction.
It reaches out to you and inspires you.
There is an old saying that you don't choose books, they actually choose you. Well this book found a way of finding me and it couldn't have arrived at a better time.
The book in question is 'Creative Mischief' by Dave Trott and I am rationing myself in reading it so I can relish it - is there such as thing as a binge reading, I wonder....
Anyway, the very first story was a quick hit and had me snorting and choking with laughter on a crowded tube and consequently feeling like a complete fool - nothing new there then!
I tried to explain to my fellow passengers the source of my laughter by pointing at my book but they looked at me with 'nothing sharper than a crayon for her' type looks and some were even desperately looking around for my carer!
But I'm sorry, there are no warning signs on the tube that says 'No Laughter' are there? So if you were on the Bakerloo line on Weds last week going west at 10am and thought you were sitting next to an endlessly grinning Francis Farmer type mad woman - it was me....
The first story and the one that nearly had me sectioned, is where DT talks about the head of TV at BMP reading The Exorcist on his daily commute from Brighton.
The Head of TV stated that the book was one of the most evil tomes he had ever read and that it was in fact, so much a product of the devil"s work that he couldn't finish it.
So on the weekend he went to the end of Brighton Pier and threw it as far as he could into the sea, assuming that it had now sunk out of harms way to a watery grave.
On hearing this story DT went to the book shop and bought another copy. He then ran it under the tap and left it in the head of TV's desk drawer for him to find.
The point of this story for me is that if you are going to create then there is a fine line between cruelty and humour. To be noticed and to make a difference you have to be on the edge and break the rules.
To break the rules you need to be clever and if you can make people laugh then you can get away with almost anything - well apart from laughing out loud on the tube apparently.
The rest of the stories and insights in 'Creative Mischief' are brilliantly acute observations on human behaviour in the creative advertising world made by a man who has had a deeply rich and fascinating career.
I believe this book could be applicable to almost anyone because it makes you look at life through the lenses of mischief, creativity, passion and ingenuity.
So if you fancy a break from the monotony of opinion formers repeatedly telling us we are getting through the recession but not seeing the results and suffering from the effects of this beige weather, then read this book and it will inspire you to be creative and approach life differently.
What's so brilliant about the new emerging branded entertainment landscape is that everyone has the ability to create, whether you are a brand, an accountant, a nurse, a doctor, a policeman or a student.
So to create we have to be passionate about what we are doing. I suppose this is the lesson that I am learning from setting up my own business. By the nature of what I am trying to do I am connecting with people who totally believe in what they are doing and are therefore passionate in that belief. They bring me on board to help them create and bring their brands to life.
For the last couple of weeks I have been working for Dogs Trust, a wonderful charity who are committed to what they do and who are also quite rightly very protective of their brand.
It's a great organisation that works selflessly to do good work. For Dogs Trust we are in the process of making a series of training films with the wonderful Dog behaviourist and trainer Carolyn Menteith.
The entire experience has been a joy because you work with people who have no agenda for politics because they simply don't have the time for it. This is not only a refreshing change but also an inspiration.
Anyway, Dogs don't understand politics do they?
I am fast becoming a believer that maybe dogs could do more to help decide who we should vote for in the political arena. The thing with dogs is that they either like you or they don't and as many politicians are strangers to the truth we can't always believe everything they say.
In the same way as the Police use sniffer dogs - we should employ our faithful friends to walk around the House of Commons and let them intermingle with the politicians.
When they find one that is trustworthy, they would sit down in front of them and that is the one who should get your vote.
The more I think about this idea the stronger it becomes! A Dog is supposedly mans' best friend and there devotion is selfless, so trust your Instincts and go with the canine vote.
It's all there, the campaign could write itself.
In fact raise a paw to lobby for 'Dog TV' and if you hear someone say 'the world has gone to the dogs', then smile because these days that could be a positive thing.
Well, I'd best go now. There is a lot to do and I feel the need for another injection of 'Creative Mischief'. Thank you Mr Trott for giving me a new and enjoyable addiction.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Anybody Out There ? Notes from A Freak in Control
Starting a new business or going it alone as a sole trader can be a scary but exciting process. Contented Brands has now been up and running for nearly two months and I am beginning to notice so many changes happening around me and to me.
The first thing that happened was that I not only started talking to myself, even more than usual, but I welcomed the opportunity to talk with absolutely anyone that would listen and even some that wouldn't ie the people at HSBC business, my new accountant, the postman (he was one of the one's that didn't listen), the tax office, my neighbours, the very patient Turnham Green tube station newsagent and the people at AOL who helped me me sort out my wireless connection. They traveled with me via the long distance call centre telephone to discover the source of my misery (If you are interested it was the original buried telephone socket, hidden in the back of a cupboard, which neither my husband or I knew existed - at the time for me it was a true Narnia moment - forget about fur coats, snow and magical fawns!) I didn't realise how much I depended upon talking with other people.
Then the second thing that happened was that I really started noticing people on tubes and in cafes and wondering what they did for a living and where they where going. But don't worry I didn't talk with these people, I hadn't completely lost it. In the past the nightmare journey to work had become a Darwinian survival journey of the fittest as I had began to develop a second sense for people just about to vacate their seat.
When I got on the tube I would hover in front of my chosen victim panting like one of those drugs seeking dogs. When the seat was vacated I would pounce on it, lo & behold anyone that got in my way even pregnant ladies didn't get a look in- sorry.
Once the seat was secured I would block out the world out with my i-pod and book wishing my life away rattling through the dark tunnels.
If I couldn't secure a seat I normally traveled with my head stuck in some bankers armpit or with women fainting at my feet (pregnant ladies who couldn't get a seat maybe?),which by the way happened twice due to overcrowding and each time I helped them off the train - I think that may have been down to guilt more than altruistic spirit.
On one journey I practically carried a small Italian tourist on my back as he insisted on leaning on me heavily for the entire journey - when he finally got off I felt like charging him amongst other things.
Since I started working for myself the journeys to and from meetings have become more enjoyable. I suppose this is because being a control freak I finally felt like a freak in control as I could schedule all my meetings to allow me to travel outside of rush hour times. I even noticed this William Blake poem the other day
Then the third thing that happened was that I realised that being on your own actually helps you hone your problem solving skills. Working in a large organisation I had become very reliant on moaning about things and then getting other people to sort them out, silly little things like computer glitches and printer problems.
When I couldn't get my wireless connection sorted out I established very quickly a mental map of which cafes in Chiswick from where I could work. Then I actually started to enjoy the process of packing up my computer and stomping off down the High St, ordering a hot choc and then yakking my head off on Skype in any Wireless enabled Cafe that would put up for me for hours on end.
I think that the other bemused customers might have found me annoying but I like to think some were entertained.
So, all in all the experience to date has seen a change in me - I think for the better. There are other smaller things you discover - like you find out who your real friends are and in turn you realise the importance of true friendship.
But most important of all you miraculously find lots of other people out there who are just like you and who are also going it alone and are happy to help and support you. The scary side is that you really don't know where the next bit of business is going to come from but I'd like to think that this is making me better at what I do - so onwards and upwards. Thanks for reading this blog, if you fancy a chat then you know who to contact.
The first thing that happened was that I not only started talking to myself, even more than usual, but I welcomed the opportunity to talk with absolutely anyone that would listen and even some that wouldn't ie the people at HSBC business, my new accountant, the postman (he was one of the one's that didn't listen), the tax office, my neighbours, the very patient Turnham Green tube station newsagent and the people at AOL who helped me me sort out my wireless connection. They traveled with me via the long distance call centre telephone to discover the source of my misery (If you are interested it was the original buried telephone socket, hidden in the back of a cupboard, which neither my husband or I knew existed - at the time for me it was a true Narnia moment - forget about fur coats, snow and magical fawns!) I didn't realise how much I depended upon talking with other people.
Then the second thing that happened was that I really started noticing people on tubes and in cafes and wondering what they did for a living and where they where going. But don't worry I didn't talk with these people, I hadn't completely lost it. In the past the nightmare journey to work had become a Darwinian survival journey of the fittest as I had began to develop a second sense for people just about to vacate their seat.
When I got on the tube I would hover in front of my chosen victim panting like one of those drugs seeking dogs. When the seat was vacated I would pounce on it, lo & behold anyone that got in my way even pregnant ladies didn't get a look in- sorry.
Once the seat was secured I would block out the world out with my i-pod and book wishing my life away rattling through the dark tunnels.
If I couldn't secure a seat I normally traveled with my head stuck in some bankers armpit or with women fainting at my feet (pregnant ladies who couldn't get a seat maybe?),which by the way happened twice due to overcrowding and each time I helped them off the train - I think that may have been down to guilt more than altruistic spirit.
On one journey I practically carried a small Italian tourist on my back as he insisted on leaning on me heavily for the entire journey - when he finally got off I felt like charging him amongst other things.
Since I started working for myself the journeys to and from meetings have become more enjoyable. I suppose this is because being a control freak I finally felt like a freak in control as I could schedule all my meetings to allow me to travel outside of rush hour times. I even noticed this William Blake poem the other day
To See the World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour
It was in someones book I was reading over their shoulder - how poetic is that!
Then the third thing that happened was that I realised that being on your own actually helps you hone your problem solving skills. Working in a large organisation I had become very reliant on moaning about things and then getting other people to sort them out, silly little things like computer glitches and printer problems.
When I couldn't get my wireless connection sorted out I established very quickly a mental map of which cafes in Chiswick from where I could work. Then I actually started to enjoy the process of packing up my computer and stomping off down the High St, ordering a hot choc and then yakking my head off on Skype in any Wireless enabled Cafe that would put up for me for hours on end.
I think that the other bemused customers might have found me annoying but I like to think some were entertained.
So, all in all the experience to date has seen a change in me - I think for the better. There are other smaller things you discover - like you find out who your real friends are and in turn you realise the importance of true friendship.
But most important of all you miraculously find lots of other people out there who are just like you and who are also going it alone and are happy to help and support you. The scary side is that you really don't know where the next bit of business is going to come from but I'd like to think that this is making me better at what I do - so onwards and upwards. Thanks for reading this blog, if you fancy a chat then you know who to contact.
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