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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
AN "EARLE WELL" OF CAUSE ADVERTISING (AND BADVERTISING), June 9, 2000
Some non-fiction books are written by skillful scriveners with only a passing, or recently acquired, knowledge of the sibject matter; others by unquestionable experts whose literary skills have all the sparkle of a rural telephone directory. Seldom does one encounter an author who has been there, done that, and is able to convey the "how-to" of his topic with both clarity and a touch of pizazz. Such a book/writer combination is "The Art Of Cause Marketing" by Richard Earle, which may endure as a bible of non-commercial advertising, beginning with the genesis of core objectives through every aspect of the production, delivery and feedback processes. It has the thoroughness of a scholarly text, but is rich in anecdotes, case histories and quotations from a veritable "Who's Who" of advertising heavyweights. Much of its readability stems, no doubt, from Earle's early roots in television and theatre, prior to an impressive career as a copywriter, creative director and consultant in big-time marketing. Among the millions of words he probably assembled and/or massaged, perhaps the most memorable would be one of the phrases of which he is least proud. His "enquiring minds want to know" rocketed a tabloid magazine to the top of its tawdry heap. He is more likely to point with pride to his writing and supervision of the "Trust Tylenol" ads, which spearheaded that product's recovery and return to market domination after two nearly disastrous tampering incidents. The candor and courage exhibited by his client, Johnson & Johnson, in that crisis reflected Earle's obviously strong belief that honesty, simplicity and straight talk have a far greater impact than shallowness, however cleverly it may be presented. Before retiring to full-time involvement in cause marketing, Earle garnered two gold "Effies"," and over 50 other industry awards, including the coveted "Gold Lion" at Cannes, so he knows whereof he writes. The 322 pages of this book are replete with examples of actual cause marketing campaigns, both those that succeeded and some that missed their marks. In the latter category, he shows a refreshing willingness to reveal many of his own bad calls. Of current vintage are his detailed accounts of such ongoing campaigns as the anti-smoking drives in Massachusetts, which he serves as a principal consultant, and which have contributed to a dramatic reduction in cigarette usage throughout the Bay State and beyond. Also seasoning the book are references to and direct quotations of scores of stars in the advertising firmament, most of them stemming from a direct relationship with the author. Besides being a "must read" for the in crowd of both advertising and cauise marketing, Earle's volume contains a wealth of useful information for anyone involved in dealing with the public. This reviewer, for one (an escapee from sales management), gained an entirely new perspective on both marketing and causes, seeing some things for the very first time and others for the first time without the filtering effect of smoke and mirrors. Other readers, particularly those involved in the flawed campaigns cited, might find it rough going at times, since Richard Earle pulls no punches regarding the agonies of defeat as well as the thrills of victory. It might well have been titled "How To Influence People Without Necessarily Winning Friends."
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