New book: The Private Security State

I am delighted to let you know about the publication of the book “The Private Security State? Surveillance, Consumer Data and the War on Terror”. This book is the outcome of a large research project led by Professor Kirstie Ball, at the Open University, and which I was part of. This project looked at the … Continue reading New book: The Private Security State

Not so fast – Learning about audience engagement at a speed awareness course

In the period leading up to Christmas, I was caught driving just above the speed limit. Instead of getting a fine and points deducted from my driving licence, I was offered a chance to attend a Speed Awareness Course. I did attend the course, and I did learn a thing or two about speed limits. … Continue reading Not so fast – Learning about audience engagement at a speed awareness course

Spotted elsewhere: Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s Reddit AMA

What? An AMA (Ask Me Anything) session with Sir Tim Berners-Lee, on Reddit. Sir Tim Berners-Lee not only invented the World Wide Web (WWW), but also made it freely available, thus giving up any royalties. He is, without a doubt, one of my personal heroes. Where? Posted by @Wired, on Twitter. So what? The AMA session … Continue reading Spotted elsewhere: Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s Reddit AMA

If digital were a game, the result at half time would be marketing 1:marketers 0

Last week, one of the articles shared on my Twitter timeline claimed that digital technology heralds the dawn of a new golden age for marketing. The article, which was published in McKinsey Quarterly and can be accessed here, states that: “CEOs are looking to their CMOs more than ever, because they need top-line growth and … Continue reading If digital were a game, the result at half time would be marketing 1:marketers 0

Crib sheet for campaign planning

Here is something that I prepared for my students, to help them decide what media to use for different types of marketing campaigns, and what message to focus on. I thought it might be useful for you, too. If you like this cheat sheet, please share, and do let me know by clicking like or leaving … Continue reading Crib sheet for campaign planning

Guest post on the psychology of complaining

I wrote a guest post for Mark Schaefer’s blog, {grow}, on the psychology of complaining. I am an avid reader of {grow}, and always recommend it to marketers new and established. So, as you can imagine, it is a great honour to contribute to the community. Do take a look, and join the discussion, here.

What stops customers complaining to you

If customer complaints are part and parcel of doing business (and, even, are beneficial for you), then you really want to make sure that an unhappy customer will complain directly to you, instead of switching to a competitor or taking to social media to let the world know about their negative consumption experiences. This presentation … Continue reading What stops customers complaining to you

February 2015 round-up

The second month of my sabbatical was dominated by my trip to the University of Malta, in my second year as Visiting Professor in Digital Marketing. Activities included research seminars, corporate education, some teaching and numerous meetings. Arguably, I went to Malta to share what I know about digital marketing, but I always learn a … Continue reading February 2015 round-up

The tree lost its bra

This time last year, this tree had a bra. Actually, 2 or 3. I can’t remember exactly how many. Not far from this tree, there is a bridge with lots of locks in its railings, tied by couples as a symbol of their love. It’s a tradition. Maybe the bra-thing is a tradition, too, I … Continue reading The tree lost its bra