In reading some of the Boise-based media and advertising blogs of late, I am struck with what appears to be a general decline in the level of civil discourse. Frankly, it’s appalling.
On his blog, John Drake points to the convenience of anonymity as a contributing factor to “hateful” posts…also noting that one must be tough enough to withstand the scrutiny leveled from behind the curtain.
Fair enough. But I still wonder, what’s up?
I have a few unscientific reasons. One, the economy is putting pressure on competitors, the likes of which maybe they have never before experienced. Two, new competition entering the market may be threatening to folks, and they are acting out in self-defense. And, three, the seemingly lack of industry pride necessary to levy the appropriate checks and balances.
Yeah, I hate to say it, but I truly do not feel like the advertising/public relations/media folks see themselves as an industry – a professional group of individuals and entities who wish to better the collective body through high standards of conduct, good work, and healthy competition.
Wouldn’t it be a lot better – and healthier – if folks focused on bettering themselves? This constant ripping of agencies and individuals – often by name – does nothing to raise the professionalism of the industry. Worse, what does it communicate to would-be buyers who may read the posts and come to the unfortunate decision that no one in Boise can service their business – they are a band of gypsies too preoccupied with tearing each other down? Yikes!
Competitors don’t have to be best buds. But, it doesn’t do anyone any good if buyers are turned off by what they read and keep their money in their pockets or go elsewhere. Our goal – collectively – should be to attract new dollars (internally and externally) and grow the pie. This is good for us all. Will we all succeed? No. Will most of us? Yes. We all have our competitive positioning – and the theory is, there are the right buyers for the right services. Be it low-priced leader or niche player commanding top-dollar. But, but, but…..we can’t work together to grow the pie — which means educating the market on the value of our talent, our work and our motivation – if it appears as though we are spending all our waking moments watching our backs or lurking in the bushes waiting to pounce.
I say to us all: Come out into the open. Show your wares. Compete hard. Congratulate the victor. Then, go home, beef up your strengths, and come out swinging like hell the next time. This is the attitude necessary to build a professional communications industry of which we can all be proud.
- Alicia
