Trust: bank account or currency?

On my new mobile phone there was an interesting 90 minute video of Stephen Fry talking about language and words. In fact he described this as a podgram. Fascinating ideas.

It got me thinking more about how, with a common language, we can end up at cross purposes with people. Communication often goes wrong.

Then I came across this article which builds on the whole subject.

When trying to make sense of complex concepts, we like to use metaphors. We frequently think of money having the properties of water, as in “cash flow” and “liquidity”. These metaphors have important consequences, because they make certain decisions and policies more plausible. Take for example how that once we think of the drug problem as a “war” rather than an “epidemic” certain policy solutions become more plausible wars are won by armies, not public health professionals, and methadone programs don’t fit.

via Trust: Bank Account or Currency? « Reputation Rules.

Now all I need to do is: download some more podgrams and get myself better understood!

Trains delayed

You know how we all feel when a train is cancelled, or there are roadworks or other travel delays? Well here is a fine example of simple communication that helps the public understand the work that is going on.

With passenger numbers at Reading set to double by 2030, Network Rail are increasing the capacity of the railway, constructing a new track layout and building five new platforms at the station. The station will also benefit from two new entrances and a new passenger footbridge with step free access to platforms.

All I need now is a train with a seat to turn up! Not a lot to ask for the £40 return journey to London.

And here is the rather more boring DfT explanation:

At the time of writing only 331 people had watched the DfT video, above, since 25 October 2010. Compare this to the whopping 8,831 views since 6 January 2011 for the top video showing the work being carried out. What’s the message? Don’t give us politicians…show us what is going on.

Incoming search terms:

  • Www rbs transfer_royal@a-ol com

S is for simple creativity

S 150x150 S is for simple creativityI like it when a new agency gets into gear. Sometimes the benefits of this comes through with some really simple, clean communications.

We’ve been working with Hunterlodge for a while now. One of the things they have recently delivered is a range of posters that address different reasons why someone might buy and use childcare vouchers.

These need to cut through in busy work noticeboard environments. This example and the rest in the range I really like and they appear to be working well…have look.

Online shouting

Well, I never knew there was a department of typography and graphic communication at the University of Reading … fantastic. And they have been joining in with one of my pet subjects: ONLINE SHOUTING. 

Most people know that excessive use of capital letters is wrong. It’s commonly understood to be online shorthand for screaming.

There is an interesting article about this on the BBC Magazine site.

Ryanair web 0.2 attitude

See this:

Ryanair can confirm that a Ryanair staff member did engage in a blog discussion. It is Ryanair policy not to waste time and energy in corresponding with idiot bloggers and Ryanair can confirm that it won’t be happening again.

And now read the rest at No Pork Pies.

I think this attitude, along with the suggestion that Ryanair may charge people to use the toilet, will be an excellent business gain for easyJet.

Marketing basketball

reading rockets Marketing basketball

Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets have set a fine example to sports clubs with their recent marketing activity. Via local schools they distributed flyers for a home match that gave the pupils free tickets. Accompanying adults got a £1 discount against the full £7 regular tariff.

Basketball is a bit of a minority sport and I expect their budgets are pretty tight. This campaign gave them a free distribution route for their message.

The really clever bit though is this: if there had been the same offer in the local paper it would have been ignored by us. This mechanic delivered pester power, tickets and information in our hand and all delivered by a trusted third party.

Now, as they had empty seats there, all the extra visitors were incremental revenue.

And from a personal point of view the best thing of all was it was really good family fun. Unlike football matches the language was clean throughout. It was fast paced with music and commentary. And Reading Rockets won their 20th consecutive match against Bristol Academy Flyers.

I love you, Dad

i love you dad I love you, DadWe make all sorts of assumptions about communication media for different age groups. Recent examples that help me keep a broad focus:

1. Charlie, my 6 year old son, not only now uses Outlook for his personal email account he is also sending me messsages with images embedded. The one on the left arrived the other day.

2. My mother, who has enjoyed free bus travel for some while now (to people outside of the UK: that means she is over 65), sends me texts littered with text speak. You know the type of thing, cu l8r and similar abbreviations.

3. I actually found someone in their late teens that doesn’t use Facebook/Twitter/MySpace. I am sure he is not alone.

The lesson to me was useful: don’t make assumptions. I’m sure I’ll need reminding of this again very soon!