I think the whole academia vs quitting academia thing is over-blown. It simply means that academia deals with matters that are tried, tested and proven, However, this can stifle independent thinking, not only of copywriters, like Ogilvy, but entrepreneurs. Such individuals need to break out of the formalism that academia offers, which is fine. You just have to know its limitations. It is interesting to note the Ogilvy was perennially curious; such an important character trait to one who needs to know his clients’ customers.

Reeves’ book is fantastic. I reckon that Reeves and Ogilvy present different perspectives on the same matter.

Acknowledging James’ point, I was astounded “My life in advertising”. I think it is is in some ways better than “Scientific Advertising”. Perhaps a better way to frame it is to state that My Life adds the flesh to Scientific Advertising. Ogilvy comments that one should not have anything to do with advertising until he has read Scientific Advertising seven times. I recall a comment that Jay Abraham made, in which he stated he has read Scientific Advertising more than 50 times!

The bottom line, though, is the bottom line. In Reeves’s words, does the advertising make the %^&* sales curve turn up or not?

I’ve been reading your site for the last year, but first time commenting. Love it and your historical perspective.

Great job on the interview. It was the first thing i read this morning and was a great way to start my day. So many nuggets in there. One particular one i enjoyed was his reference to Claude Hopkins as well as life long learning.

I’m just finishing reading Hopkins “My life in advertising”, and have both Ogilvy’s “confessions” and “on advertising” in the que. I guess i need to add Kens book “king of madison ave” as well as his own “How to advertise” to my list.

Thanks again,
James

Peter Geisheker
The Geisheker Group Marketing Firm