Adland: Searching for the Meaning of Life on a Branded Planet,   ISBN:9780385524964

Customer Rating: 

James Othmer's witty & satirical look at the world of advertising is a fascinating and most compelling expose. It also demonstrates why conventional advertising campaigns and public relations strategies are changing faster than a speeding tweet on Twitter.

We've entered an age of internet information; businesses are moving away from conventional forms of advertising (bad news for newspapers, television & radio) in search of ways to actively engage their customers in the marketing process. The platforms are varied---from Facebook to Twitter---and the feedback is vital in helping them establish effective brand recognition.

Of course, it didn't used to be that way. Commercial television's advertising campaigns were rarely creative; for the most part, they were comprised of tired platitudes and bland voice-overs. Occasionally, some campaigns became tremendous hits, although many, such as Wendy's "Where's the Beef?" irritated people as much as entertained them. Othmer's hilariously satirical mock depictions of certain aspects of advertising will leave you rolling on the floor with laughter; literally.

In the end, the message delivered by Othmer becomes one of ethics and practicality. Is it worth it to be part of a dubious ad campaign that violates an individual's basic core values? Nowadays, would anyone even be listening?

Customer Rating: 

James P. Othmer is one of the funniest writers at work today. Period. His keen eye for the absurdities of the modern world rivals the likes of George Saunders and Sam Lipsyte. You could sharpen knives on Othmer's sentences.

Prior to his 2006 debut novel, The Futurist, Jimbo was honing his mad skills in the advertising racket, as an exec at Young & Rubicam. And though I daresay it was a colossal waste of his talents, I, for one, am glad he endured it, or we wouldn't have Adland, a hilarious and insightful chronicle of the rise and fall of a modern ad man.

Customer Rating: 

Thoroughly enjoyed this fast moving tale. Hilarious, quick witted telling of the internal workings of advertising. Reminiscent and researched account of advertising's evolution from Darrin Stevens to Product Branding.

Customer Rating: 

A very funny, realistic account of the ups and downs of the advertising world. Where its been and where its going. Bright, sharp, entertaining & informative. A must read for those considering the Marketing/Advertising field & those who were/are a part of the Ad Land.