"Alastair,
All I can say is "WOW!!!"
That's a lot of positive words of encouragement. You banged it right on. This whole project is all about surprises. I'm experimenting what works and what doesn't.

As you've seen from past comments, there's been a lot of commotion. And it's not over yet!

Enjoy the show."
Posted by alek on April 03/2003

"Jack.
Call this an EXPERIENCE!
If you could check back to "My time, my way" entry, it tells you how it all started.
Maybe, I'll see you up here some day, and I'll be backing you up.

Thanx for all your support!"
Posted by alek on April 03/2003

"I haven't read all you postings yet, but how did you get in this predicament? How can I get the same predicament?

Well, I think you have a lot of guts to pull this stunt, and for the most part, you have a lotta well-wishers backing you up.

You have some very nice parallell thoughts in your book, Alek. Keep it up!"
Posted by ; jack on April 03/2003

"Horses for Courses.

Different people will respond to different tactics.
Some will hate your stunts Alek, others may like them. And let's face it, you will never please all of the people all of the time.

There are no rules, keep working on your book, keep your attitude positive, don't give up."
Posted by IMHO on April 03/2003

"Everytime I watch TSN, Dog"
Posted by Your Conscience on April 03/2003

"The "IMPACT" I'm emphasizing here is not about my piece generating phone calls from Creatives (although that would nice), but that we, as a community, are interacting: You are checking in to see what I've done, what someone else wrote and how you can add to that. Maybe the tricks didn't work well, but you're talking about it. And that's important. I getting feedback, so I know what I have to do, PUSH it further.

Look how many ads caused controversy (Benetton campaign), and yet they're in award shows.

I hope, my point came out clear."
Posted by alek on April 03/2003

"I’m sorry Alek. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but hanging little signs that read 'right hook for the job' is not enough to say that your 'impact' has brought the industry closer together. Id be surprised if the entire industry even knew about you.

The Alek Journals is a reality show. Do people ever remember the names of past contestants from old reality shows?

Work on your book. When you’re done, do it again."
Posted by dog on April 03/2003

"Indeed, there are no rules to getting in the industry. However, all the self-promos in the world, good or bad, can only get you an interview. Once in there, yes your personality has a lot to do with it but your book must be outstanding. I think that is what most here are trying to convey, that the book has to be good BEFORE you draw so much attentionto yourself."
Posted by Jiggy on April 03/2003

"Regarding the idea of calling every CD on the planet, I don't know if anyone saw my question to Jancy of a couple of weeks ago regarding promotional material. Basically I asked what their preferred method of receiving promo stuff was, and they replied:

There are no rules. Whatever gets our attention is the answer. That could be anything, in any number of formats. Always have this mental picture in mind: the creative director's office has a huge stack of mail full of promo pieces. They have a pile of e-mail promos, easily identified by title and so easily deleted. They may get to yours some day. Or not. (Usually get to it eventually, then forget it.). Now, act accordingly. (Hint: don't use mail of any kind). Surprise us. In a good way. Make the CD notice you exist, and make it irresistable for them to check out your work (we prefer looking at a physical book, but put it on-line if you must).

So, from a couple of CDs who really know what they are doing: 'Surprise Us', 'anything in any number of formats'. This is straight from the horses' mouth, so to speak.

Personally, Alek, I found a couple of your ideas a bit thin, but I also found a couple totally brilliant. I'm sure the CDs will feel the same way. It is WAY easier to call a CD and say 'I was the guy who did so-and-so' rather than 'You've never heard of me, but'. If you can't show the international campaign you did for Coke, (because you haven't done it yet) then the next best thing is to show them some great advertising ideas and hope (read: pray) that they notice and remember it.

I think you're on the right track. I think you've done more in the last weeks in terms of promotion than most people do in a lifetime. And when you get your job, (and you will) you will have EARNED it. Keep it up."
Posted by Alastair on April 03/2003

"I agree, there are no rules for getting a job (within reason). The book is a big part of it. So is luck, being in the right place, at the right time, and being remembered.

Good Luck Alek."
Posted by IMHO on April 03/2003

"There are no rules for getting a job in this industry. No rules at all, and don't let anyone tell you different.

At the end of the day if you end up in an agency, it won't really matter how you got there.

Good luck Alek, and keep going."
Posted by Odif on April 03/2003