Bravery, taking risks, and remembering to dodge the bullets...

There are times in my life when I wish that bravery and I were closer friends.

Times when I wanted to say what I thought needed to be said. But, for one reason or another, kept my lips securely zipped.

Times when I wanted to do something that went against the grain of what everyone else was saying.

Times when I found myself thinking the kind of thoughts that I normally banished from the grey matter between my ears.

It’s not that I’m a coward.

It’s just that, without a good reason, I’m not normally one for sticking my head above the trenches.

For instance, I don’t like getting shot at.

So, I play it safe.

My natural risk assessment on a scale of 1 to 10 is probably about 11. Or higher.

When I look at the majority of advertising shovelled out these days, I feel that their risk assessment is about a hundred.

They don’t like getting shot at, either.

It’s not their fault.

Creatives have spent lifetimes being told what to do…and being told what not to do.

Doing their own thing is a risky occupation.

There might even be an element of brainwashing in it.

Now don’t get your knickers in a twist.

I know the importance of data.

I know that the world runs on results.

I know those who run ad agencies worship at the altar of the great god mammon.

But…

I’m a creative guy at heart.

I no longer work in the industry.

But my heart still knows what it likes and likes what it sees.

Sometimes…

But the older I get, the more pissed off I get.

Because the bravery I used to see in advertising has given way to “that’ll do,” or “it’s good but it could be bloody better.”

Bravery, it seems, has done a bunk.

Very few stick their heads above the trenches any more.

Very few risk getting shot at.

But…

Those who do, create advertising that makes the gods themselves jealous.

Those who do still know the difference between a good idea and a great one.

Those who do don’t settle for second best.

Not in this lifetime.

They just have to remember to dodge the bullets…

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The above is an extract from my as yet unpublished (and mostly unwritten) book Ad Interruptus.

Like its sisters Ad Lib, and Ad Infinitum (NOW AVAILABLE), it's about creativity, advertising, life, and lots of stuff in between.

You'll find Ad Infinitum, Ad Lib, and Ad Hoc on Amazon, along with my other books, Love & Coffee and Heaven Help Us. In print and ebook. Waiting for you.

And the wonderful thing about all three Ad books is… it doesn’t matter where you finish any chapter or episode.

Because it will always be pretty damned close to where you started it…

Ad Infinitum: https://amzn.to/3pof7Uq

Ad Lib: https://amzn.to/2kd4LKf.

Ad Hoc: https://amzn.to/2Nx8GL8

Love & Coffee: https://amzn.to/28IWaHq

Heaven Help Us: https://amzn.to/2nkQ1Jk

Grab a coffee, grab a chair, and grab a sneaky peek.

Then grab a copy...