Advertising Books

Having worked in the Boston advertising community for many years, I found David's book to bring back fantastic memories of advertising in the good ol' days--when it was a creative guy's domain. Reading these stories reminds me that there are many more untold! I couldn't put the book down. You won't believe some of it, but I must say--it's all true!
Thanks for putting it in writing David!

A great book -- I couldn't put it down until I placed it upon a stationary surface!

But seriously, this collection of short stories is both hilarious and thoughtful. A treasure-trove of anecdotes from life in the mad-man world of an ad agency in the 60s-90s. Filled with laugh-out-loud stuff you never knew about advertising -- what's it really all about? You'll find out here, and you'll never look at an advertisement in the same way again!

"The Retail Slut" is my favorite entry in Random's collection, but it wasn't an easy choice -- the 22 other essays equally match that wonderful story. If David releases his 2nd book tomorrow, it won't be soon enough!

I would recommend is from the 3rd 2002 design and emotion conferance. It may be 5 years old, but the book contains papers all based on emotional design. Split into subsections, which are

Generative tools,
Evauative Tools,
Emotive Effects of Visual Properties,
Emotive Effects of the Other Senses,
From Design to Emotion,
Affective Usabilty,
Attachment,
Product Character,
Theoretical and Ethical issues,
and
Emotion in Design.

There is a paper for just about everthing, and there are only 4 - 5 pages long.

she sure is one crazy gal.
she knos her beautiful people.


roight.

Like the author, I have worked in the creative side of advertising for 20+ years and feel the same frustrations he did before he started his own company. That was he was able to venture out and chase down his dream of independence provides hope for us all, I suppose. There are many stories, impressions and advice-based advertising lessons but I think what I enjoyed most was reading about how the move allowed him to create a unique balance of family/work that lets him do more for both. I may not be able to leave my job today and do what he did. But this book certainly gets me thinking about what my next "big" move will be and whether I want to forever work for someone else. The tone of the text has an easy-going pace and relaxed humor, but it's not lightweight at all. Rather, the writing provides a good study and solid foundation for all of us "creative types" who are ready to spread our wings more not just in the office but at home with our spouses and children, too. I shared this book with others at the agency where I work and everyone took something good away from it, from our "rookies" to a few seasoned vets. I think this is an excellent book for anybody in advertising, and other businesses, too. After all, when we hit 40 and start to wonder about "what if", it really doesn't matter what we do for a living--it matters what we decide to do with our lives.

Toward the end of Chris Epting's book, he muses as to whether the reader will come away with any kernels of knowledge or wisdom regarding what he's input, in diary form, of a copywriter, author, photojournalist, historian, lecturer, star gazer, husband, father, mentor and friend who has struck out on his own, after 20 some years under the corporate thumb. By then it's too late to wonder. By then the reader is so filled to overflowing with enthusiasm about the possibilities in his or her own life that finishing the book and having at it is the prime concern and goal. This is a fast, thoroughly enjoyable read that mixes the balancing act of intertwining family and work life with a road not taken first hand account of a trapeze act without benefit of net. And in between the day by day account of Mr. Epting's own first year, we get juicy tidbits of corporate gossip, historical ad biz references, and a forty year old's Doogie Howser-like philosophical musings on all manner of life's bits and bobs. Going through your own mid-life crisis? Don't go nuts, focus it into some form of your own life's calling to something like this. Have you got what it takes? Have you considered all it takes? I doubt Mr. Epting even considered this book or his life as either template or blueprint, but what he's done in "Diary of an Adman" is give the reader an inspiring journey, a steeping stone, if you will, to find their own opportunity to do what Chris Epting seems most to enjoy... to dream.

It is a very useful tool book, for a marketing professional, a business student, or anyone who is interesting in marketing. Almost every term can be found in this book, and has a clear, simple and sufficient explaination.

This is a handy desk reference for marketing folks and the people who work with them. And a great value. Definitions are concise and well-written (but the trade-off is they are sometimes incomplete). Good coverage of trade terms (but marketing academics and researchers might want to look elsewhere).

Excellent Reference Manual. This will stay on my bookshelf for easy referencing at all times.

This is an amazing resource for ideas. It should be on every bookseller's bookshelf. I keep it handy for when I am hungry for creative ideas.

Like all of Nat Bodian's books, it's top quality and full of great information, packed with 59 chapters in 400 pages. While it is pre-Internet, you will be hard-pressed to find a more thorough treatment of the direct marketing topic.

This book is in the same league with John Kremer's "Book Marketing Made Easier" (bookmarket.com) and E Haldeman-Julius's "First Hundred Million" (100millionbooks.net). Both are PACKED with ideas, the latter also packed with proven sales numbers for what titles did and did not sell. Both are also out of print unfortunately. Kremer's book can be picked up used and is well worth the money. The other is available in digital format but is largely unavailable except for hundreds of dollars, if you can find it.

If you have a chance to pick up any of Bodian's books, do it! I love them.

A hot topic covered by someone who really knows the business. Tells the whole story, including the challenges. The complex topic of privitization is detailed and thought provoking. Takes the topic of international business to new depths.

I enjoyed Miller's book because it examines privatization from a business perspective rather than the usual view of government agencies and multilateral organizations. He clearly describes the relative risks and rewards of dealing with former government owned firms and the strategies that produce the best results.

Oh, how I wish I could own this wonderful book, which is a favorite to peruse through at the library. The word "genius" is over-used, but it really applies to Dorfsman. This book has ample examples of this man's brilliance. When you think of CBS, chances are, you're thinking of the images of Dorfsman. The Eye. The Font. Everything anyone who watched CBS television or CBS radio from the 1950s to the 1970s knows what I'm talking about. Every aspect of that network's "look" was due to Dorfsman.

In an age when advertising seems more interested in impressing account executives than informing its audience, the classic work of Dorfsman provides an invaluable education. In fact, I'd bet if a radio or TV ad exec spent an hour looking at this book, seeking inspiration, he or she would probably be able to turn out much more effective ad campaigns than he or she are today. His copy ranged from the minimalist (A list of the numbers 1-15, with two crossed out, copy saying "These aren't ours," demonstrating how CBS dominated the daytime Nielsens) to the very convincing copy he generated to convince New Yorkers that they NEED to listen to WCBS with its new all-news format.
History demonstrates how effective this material was in the 1960s.

Invaluable! I'll take Dorfsman over Degars any day.

I had the pleasure of working with Lou, and I have nothing but great things to say about this book. I cherish my copy. I am very dissapointed to learn that this book is no longer in print. This book has so much to offer anyone in advertising, communication, and broadcast media.

a wide varienty of options. Art appears to be realistic. Very creative and easy to attract the eye.

a wide varienty of options. Art appears to be realistic. Very creative and easy to attract the eye.

It's an enjoyable book with an expanding vision of the e-universe. Goes much beyond the customer-focused aproched. A valuable tool for any manager in today's world.

Understanding the e-customer: sounds familiar BUT going through the book gives us the feeling we've just been in the parallel universe of the Matrix surrounded by the bright colours and sounds of MTV. It has a life of its own, truly has captured the soul of the e-customer. After the journey (reading) we are left with star trek expectations and what's wrong with that? Once someone said `ideas do change the world', well here it is a book full of those. If Mckeown truly is a guru that makes me a follower.

Just starting a business can be quite intimidating. There is so much to learn about all facets of the business. Not having worked in public relations, this book helped me understand all that goes into promotions and publicity. It was easy to read and easy to follow. A must for business owners who don't have a p.r. staff.

Everyone Remembers the Elephant in the Pink Tutu is the best no-nonsense how-to book Ive ever read on the subject of promoting a business. The book is filled with practical tips and effective ways for everyone with something to sell to gain free publicity and public relations success. I highly recommend this gem to both novices and pros, who are certain to find the books easy-to-follow techniques a valuable resource.