Saturday 4 October 2008

What's it all about Alfie?

Evidently the problem with the the House of Representatives failing to pass the bill to pump $700bn into the US financial system was an issue of 'branding'. By referring to it as a 'bailout' it appeared as though typical US taxpayers were stumping up some 2000 McDonalds doughnuts each to keep the wealthy bankers in the lifestyle to which they had become accustomed. Evidently it should have been positioned as a 'financial rescue package for the global economy'. And not withstanding it was the media who continued to refer to it as a bailout, they may have a point. But as someone who earns their crust in the world of branding, it distresses me immeasurably, that my offspring's future can be threatened by a few mis-spoken words. I would have hoped, naively, that the lawmakers of the largest mostly-democratic country could see beyond words and rise to the challenge in hand...I'm glad to see they have second time round.

Now whilst we're on the subject of branding, it has become time to rebrand this diary. Before I started writing I spent weeks trying to think of a decent title, and failed miserably...clutching on to Man and Boy for the lack of anything better. And I've had enough of it. So I've decided to rename as 'Don't panic, RTFM' which refers firstly to the state of panic I found myself in for the first four years of my new found role as both mother and father to the boy, and secondly to a phrase which has been used regularly at home for the last fourteen and a half years. And to go with the new name is a new look still designed by someone who bears the same surname as me, but hopefully it's a little easier on the eye.

I was asked just recently 'Why?', 'What's it for?' Which seemed a fair question to me especially as I am very clear 'why'. Firstly, it's entirely self-indulgent...a record of many of the things that would otherwise get lost in the mists of time as the boy grows up and I grow old; secondly it's therapeutic helping resolve many things that have caused grief in recent years; and lastly I spend my life writing for other people who demand word-perfect, grammar-perfect text which once supplied, they proceed to ruin...so this is my chance to leave typos in and write just what I want when I want. I'm slowly learning the rules...if someone comments I should respond (often I don't because I don't have anything to add..just enjoy their jottings)...I follow the blogs that I really like either because they're well-written, or because they're funny, or because they strike a chord...or any combination of the above. And suspect I would enjoy a glass of wine or a bottle of beer with the authors - but only comment if there's real reason to (too often I see no need). I avoid the professional or semi-professional ones which I suspect are penned by people who having finished typing sit back with an air of smugness. So please indulge me.

10 comments:

  1. Consider yourself indulged x

    I only started this because I was going through a tremendously painful life change and my friemd Neil suggested it as an outlet. I think I only did 1 post on the break up and the rest became fluff.

    I love blogging and I hope I continue to meet interesting people from all over the world on my virtual travels.

    If we make it to Brighton, we'll definitely buy you a beer or 3 !

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  2. ...and you will be more than welcome!!

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  3. Like the new look and name...I have rebranded my own name as well to achieve more 'brand consistency'. on the blog!

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  4. Re the American economy, it is kind of amusing that the Press (now a law unto themselves who write the news as well as just report it) are using spin back at the spinmeisters! Is the truth more likely caught somewhere between?

    Although you a newish blogmate to me even as Man and Boy (and thanks muchly for linking me - I will return the favour!), I would say your new title is better becuase it gives you more scope whereas Man and Boy possibly boxed you in a little. I speak as someone feeling the constraints of my own 'brand' as 'The Poet Laura-eate' now I find that blogging is leading me further towards comedic inclines and I seem to be writing fewer poems (much though I still enjoy the performance side of things!)

    It's always a dilemna isn't it? I wanted my blog to be a 'shop window' of my creativity, but it seems to be taking on a bit of a life of its own!

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  5. Hello the poetlaura-eate...I thought your Asda post was splendid (perhaps because I have a client that does lots of marketing stuff for them)...I like the name...it has its own humour...and works on the same level as The Carphone Warehouse..err (sorry!)

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  6. Aw shucks, (and thanks) Nota bene!

    I'm secretly rather hoping Asda will try and sue - well we bloggers have to achieve notoriety somehow if ever we want to become a pig in a blanket!

    Alas I got away with slagging both Argos and Churchill Insurance off with no ill effects (albeit over genuine grievances).

    ReplyDelete
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