Guardian Letter

A letter I wrote in response to an article in last week's Media Guardian, appears in today's paper...

"Naresh Ramchandani writes that PVRs may be a problem in 2010 (Only true greatness can save us from death by PVR, September 19) but that a combination of branded content and product placement will be enough to keep ad execs in gainful employment. The ad industry should recognise that hugely influential trends are taking place, such as massive consumer collaboration, vast digital networks and open-source inspired creativity. Murdoch has seen this. He isn't just tinkering with News Corporation, he is trying to turn it from a content engine into an enormous public forum. Guys, the world has moved on."

(They edited it - the slightly cheekier original is below...)

You Can Come Out Now

Sometimes the ad industry acts like the solider left behind in the jungle.

Naresh Ramchandani writes that PVRs might be a problem in 2010 (d'ya think?!) but that a combination of branded content and product placement will be enough to keep ad execs in gainful employment because, "great commercials are rarely written by novices, and the same will also go for great sponsorship and branded content."

The ad industry should recognise that hugely influential trends are taking place now, such as massive consumer collaboration, vast digital networks and open source inspired creativity. All organised by 'novices'.  Murdoch has seen this.  He isn't just tinkering with News Corporation, he is trying to turn it from a content engine into an enormous public forum.

Guys, the world has moved on.  Come out and join us.  You'll be OK.

Comments

[Alex Barnett]

It is great they published your letter. It is lame they edited it. I could understand if the slashing you word count for 30-50% or something, but it seems petty to remove you informal language. As you say, the world has moved on.