OK, admittedly that title is incredibly conceded, but hear me out. If you read any of my posts you know that I have ADD or ADHD. I’m not even sure which one at this point. What I do know is, most people consider ADD a disadvantage. But, this is a common misconception. I am here today to right the wrongs of many and set the record straight. Having ADD is like having an amazing superpower that one must learn to use for the good of themselves. Right now you might be saying to yourself, “Holy Corn Hole Batman!! What the hell is he talking about?” Well let me explain. Take a look at any typical superhero. They all seem to possess similar qualities. I’ll take you though my thought process and I think I’ll have you agreeing with me by the end of this article. [Read more →]
I was diagnosed with ADD way before it was cool. Down in Texas back in the 80’s, the educational system wasn’t very forward thinking. They thought the best way to assimilate the learning disabled was to corral all us special needs kids together and stuff us into a make shift class room / trailer home. I mean that’s the logical action to take if you have a group of kids who have trouble learning. Herd’em together and lock’um up in a white trash living room on wheels. Schools didn’t really know how to treat ADD then and I’m sure most of my teachers took my lack of attention, disruption and low interest and chocked it up as another slow learning pain in the ass kid. (Admittedly, there could have been some overlap.) Today, I manage my deficit of attention by working in an industry that I love coupled with high doses of brain stimulating medication. I’ve noticed that there seem to be a higher percentage of ADDers in advertising. I’m not sure what the attraction is, but the ad industry is a homing beacon for those of us who couldn’t seem to focus in class. You may be reading this and asking yourself…”I work in advertising, maybe I have special needs?” Well yes you probably do, but try not to misunderstand my point. Asking for a S500 instead of a Lincoln Town Car is a special request not a special need.
I have developed a custom advertising ADD test that may help you diagnose yourself and also aid in identifying if you have Attention Deficit Disorder or if you are just a Pain in The Ass. Depending on your personal results, I have also provided a couple links to help you deal with your situation. SEE BELOW.
They say the best form of flattery is imitation. I don’t buy it. Yea I can see if you were to write a brilliant song and tons of people ended up covering it then they were flattering you. Fine. Here is a link to the top ten most ass kissed songs of all time.
But lets put that aside for a sec and let me give you some advice. I’d say 9 times out of 10 when someone “imitates” you they are trying to make you look like a tool. So don’t feel good about that. What does this have to do with advertising? Nothing really except I’ve assembled 10 of my most favorite ass kissed commercials of all time. I like to think my job has some similarities of being a rock star. At least I tell myself that before I go to bed at night and I think I have my girlfriend believing that’s true.
Remember that old Saturday Night Live skit with Mike Meyers as Linda Richmond? She was that frazzled middle-aged Jewish lady that would always work herself up and become verklempt. I thought of her the other day when I was in the shower. Concepting for a client. Linda understood something important back in the day that we as marketers have trouble getting our own audiences to do. Talk amongst themselves.
DandyID
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