It strikes me as bad manners for a magazine to accept one of my advertisements and then attack it editorially – like inviting a man to dinner then spitting in his eye.
David Ogilvy
How Contradictory Behavior in Magazines Can Damage Trust and Reputation: Insights from Famous Advertising Executive David OgilvyDiscover the valuable insights of famous advertising executive David Ogilvy as he discusses the damaging effects of magazines accepting advertisements only to attack them editorially. Explore the breach of trust, reputation damage, and lack of professionalism that occurs when magazines engage in such contradictory behavior, and learn why providing constructive criticism before accepting ads could lead to stronger relationships and successful campaigns.
Table of Contents
- 1 It strikes me as bad manners for a magazine to accept one of my advertisements and then attack it editorially – like inviting a man to dinner then spitting in his eye.
- 2 David Ogilvy
- 3 Meaning of Quote – It strikes me as bad manners for a magazine to accept one of my advertisements and then attack it editorially – like inviting a man to dinner then spitting in his eye.
- 4 Freely Shareable Quote Image
- 5 Related
Meaning of Quote – It strikes me as bad manners for a magazine to accept one of my advertisements and then attack it editorially – like inviting a man to dinner then spitting in his eye.
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like someone was being hypocritical or contradictory towards you? It’s not a pleasant feeling, right? Well, the famous advertising executive David Ogilvy once made an interesting observation about a similar situation. He said, “It strikes me as bad manners for a magazine to accept one of my advertisements and then attack it editorially – like inviting a man to dinner then spitting in his eye.”
Now, let’s delve deeper into this quote and explore what Ogilvy meant by it. The first thing that comes to mind is the concept of trust and integrity. When a magazine agrees to publish an advertisement, it implies a certain level of trust between the advertiser and the publication. After all, the advertiser is investing their time and money into promoting their product or service through that particular platform.
So, when a magazine decides to accept an advertisement and then goes on to criticize it editorially, it can be seen as a breach of trust. It’s like extending an invitation to someone for a meal, treating them hospitably, and then suddenly, for no apparent reason, showing disrespect by spitting in their eye. Such behavior utterly lacks etiquette and proper manners.
In the world of advertising, trust is essential for building successful campaigns. Advertisers rely on publications to showcase their products or services in a positive light, reaching a wider audience. Therefore, when a magazine turns around and contradicts itself by attacking the very advertisement it accepted, it not only undermines the advertiser’s trust but also harms their credibility.
To put things into perspective, let’s consider a hypothetical situation. Imagine you have a great talent for baking cupcakes, and you decide to start a small business selling them. You approach a local magazine and pay for an advertisement slot, hoping to attract potential customers. The magazine gladly accepts your advertisement, and you eagerly await the positive response it might generate.
However, in the following issue of the magazine, you happen to stumble upon an editorial criticizing your cupcakes, branding them as tasteless and unappealing. How would you feel? Betrayed, disappointed, and angered, right? This scenario is quite similar to what Ogilvy describes in his quote.
Not only does this contradictory behavior harm the advertiser’s reputation, but it also reflects poorly on the magazine itself. By accepting an advertisement and then attacking it editorially, the magazine showcases a lack of professionalism and integrity. It raises questions about the publication’s motives and whether they prioritize honest journalism or simply aim to generate controversy for the sake of increasing readership.
Now, let’s take a step back and consider the ethics behind this quote. Should magazines have the right to critique advertisements they accept? After all, freedom of speech allows for expression and criticism. While this is true, the issue lies in the timing and manner of the critique.
If a magazine wishes to criticize an advertisement, it would be more appropriate to do so before accepting it. By providing feedback and allowing the advertiser to make necessary changes, the magazine can maintain its integrity and prevent any misunderstandings. Moreover, this approach benefits both parties involved, as the advertiser can improve their advertisement, resulting in a more effective and successful campaign.
On the other hand, attacking an advertisement after accepting it not only tarnishes the advertiser’s reputation but also damages the magazine’s credibility. In the eyes of readers, such contradictory behavior raises doubts about the trustworthiness of both the publication and its advertising practices.
Furthermore, in the digital age, where social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, the repercussions of attacking an advertiser’s work can be even more severe. Negative comments and backlash from consumers can spread like wildfire, leading to a decline in the magazine’s readership and potential ad revenue loss. In an era where maintaining a positive online reputation is crucial, attacking one’s own advertising partners is a self-destructive move.
In conclusion, David Ogilvy’s quote about magazines accepting advertisements and later attacking them editorially highlights the importance of trust, integrity, and proper manners. Accepting an advertisement only to criticize it contradicts the trust built between the advertiser and the magazine. It not only damages the reputation of the advertiser but also reflects poorly on the magazine’s professionalism and credibility. Instead of resorting to such contradictory behavior, magazines should strive to provide feedback and constructive criticism before accepting an advertisement, thereby benefiting both parties involved. Ultimately, by upholding integrity and respecting their advertising partners, publications can ensure a stronger and more trustworthy relationship with advertisers and their target audience.
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