Field Notes Inside an Integrated Communications Agency

I’ve been working on a personal project to help explain mysterious linguistic terms. Most we’ve heard but have unclear meanings. I was trying to make a set of 26 cards. One per letter of the alphabet. Problem is, I have a couple examples of “As” and need more examples of other letters. What I have so far:

Tongue Twister or Alliteration (Grey grub)

Anagram(Elvis lives)

Palindrome(Madam I’m Adam)

Oxymoron(Hot ice)

Reduplicative(Hoot Hoot)

Heteronyms(It’s the bass bass now)

Idiom(Kick The bucket)

Xeno(Alien)

Iwas trying to avoid the obvious like noun or verb. Might be impossible. Anybody have other ideas that fill out the rest of the alphabet or what I can call this project?

I’m just back from Memphis Tennessee, home to three pioneers, Elvis, Sun Studios and Piggly Wiggly. I love Piggly Wiggly. The stores are long past their heyday but their lasting impression still thrives.

Founded in 1916 by Clarence Saunders, it was the first true self-service grocery store. Saunders even patented this concept in 1917. Because customers could choose products directly from four aisles showcasing 605 items, packaging and brand recognition became important. Choice was important to consumers, narrowing choices became important to companies.

Before Piggly Wiggly, shoppers gave lists to clerks who gathered the goods for them. With a basket of goods, the shopper continued to a cashier corral. No doubt met by the first Star Magazine.

Self-service brought choice. Choice brought brand. Brand brought brand agencies. So, thanks Piggly Wiggly for giving me a job.

I had the good fortune to spend last weekend in Memphis judging the 7th district Addy Awards. I came away with interesting insight and new friends. Here’s the rundown:

Fellow judges: Bobby Jones from Hydra Studio, Renee Miller from The Miller Group and Frank Anselmo from BBDO. All top notch creative talent and all great to hang with.

The judging: Two full spirit-breaking days with intermissions for random goofiness and a trip to Graceland.

The work: Overall good with a few stand outs that caught the judges’ attention. I saw the biggest spectrum in Interactive and Television.

What was best of show? Wait and see. I’ll tell you the judges didn’t have an easy choice and put A LOT of thought into it. I guarantee it’ll be a pleasant surprise.

Who won the most? We didn’t know the entrant’s names and couldn’t say even if we did. Our mission was to select work that would inspire fellow creatives.

Best food: Hands down, Corky’s Barbecue. It was wet, it was dry and it was all good. They fight about this stuff in Memphis.

Biggest disappointment: Not getting a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich at Sun Studio Café. Runner up: For the third time being run off after attempting to sit in the Jungle Room’s furry chairs.

Highlight of Graceland tour: Hopping aboard Lisa Marie (The jet, not the daughter). That flying love palace was huge and pimpin’.

Thanks to Susan and the volunteers at the 7th district Addys in Memphis. I really enjoyed being there, seeing your work and hanging out with you, Renee, Bobby and Frank. Gotta run. The ‘nana sandwich is done.