Or course, I couldn’t really say how to do that, but that would make for a pretty short article. However, I did tally the results of 137 images from the previous two years, as well as reviewing the images submitted over the past couple of days, and there do seem to be some distinct discrepancies between what people submit and what actually wins. Can you gain an advantage by looking for certain things? I think so. There’s nothing terribly scientific about this, so do what you will with this information and draw your own conclusions. If you have something you love, enter it. Better to try than not. But if you’re trying to figure out the best way to invest … Read more...
Archives for December 2011
The Kill List: Going too far?
So, I wasn’t quite sure about it after I published the last Kill List. But I figured it was up, so I should leave it up. Alp replied to me last night, and I think he had some valid points. What do you think. Did I go too far? If so, I apologize for that, sincerely. Here’s what Alp wrote. My (extremely long) reply follows. Thanks again to Alp for raising the issues. Also, I made a few minor updates from the post earlier this morning, now that I’m more awake.
From Alp:
… Read more...Thanks spencer, but your article is conceited. You know that, though, right?
You know that your clients actually want the cliche. That they might often want to
Happy Holidays, and a very, merry Christmas!
I was once told a present is something someone else wants to have, and a gift is something you want them to have. If you give someone a present, there probably isn’t much you need to do. Stick it in a bag, take out the receipt, hand it over. You’re all set. But a gift is something both more beautiful and delicate. A gift is all about care. Wrap it perfectly, tie it neatly, and tell a story about what it means, and it’s everything. Pull it out of your pocket along with a fluff of pocket lint, and just say “here,” and it’s doomed to fail.
Gifts represent our desire to share who we are and show what the … Read more...
The Kill List: Winter Edition
Dear Wedding Industry,
I am sorry to see that you’ve not heeded my words. You know no bounds. You tease me so. How is it that your well never dries? Things were so wonderful at first, but it would seem we’ve grown apart, and I am uncertain that we shall ever find true harmony. But if you would be so kind, I submit for consideration my most recent list of irksome occurrences. Perhaps last time I wrote of such, I was too unkind to vintage, as there is surely a broader base to select from. As always, I humbly concede that I have been guilty of some of these myself. I am apologetic for this.
P.S. No, I’m not retiring. … Read more...
When loyalty isn’t loyalty
A lot of people think loyalty programs are a way of building loyalty. But keeping clients and generating traffic aren’t the same thing. It’s not getting them in the door. It’s how they got there in the first place. In fact, most loyalty programs are really about retention. They are ways of keeping people on the hook and squirming, so you can peddle your wares. Loyalty means your clients will go to bat for you without any incentive. They simply believe in you and care for you. You needn’t do more than ask to receive. You generate that when you help fulfill people. People will fight to the death for people who let them live their lives the way they … Read more...