PHD's bad in the office

By now everyone, and I mean everyone, will have seen the PHD film about the future challenges for Marketing and agency professionals. It seems to have been passed around, posted to every social media platform and generally shared with a relish for black humour that even Jimmy Carr would appreciate.

There is another perspective on this and it starts with having the humility to recognise that we've all fallen the wrong side of the fine line of judgement on numerous occasions. The film is about a fundamental and thought provoking truth. I guess there are a few places where it falls apart a bit, especially in the ever so slightly acerbic tone towards clients...there's no point in biting the paymaster, we all share the same challenges.

What I find genuinely disturbing is the complete absence of constructive dialogue. There's a dark side to any form of virtual community which is that the vacuous and dim wits are empowered by anonymity. Most noteable the pure vitriol and abuse that is posted by characters using ludicrously fictitious names. From behind that comfortable screen all they indulge in is play ground bullying of the lowest common denominator. PHD definitely got it wrong, they went up a rather overly-intellectualised and poorly phrased cul de sac but they apologised (perhaps a bit too desperately). What is far, far sadder are the cowards; who let McCarthyism loose on the web?

Perspective needed on the years most miserable day

Apparently today is scientifically the most miserable day of the year.

Topically radio 5 was running a phone in for ways to cheer you up. Food, drink, staying in bed were the usual suspects but the best idea was just to be grateful for what you've got.

Which got me thinking about a film I saw on ESPN over the weekend about Terry Fox. He had a leg amputated because of cancer and decided to run across Canada to raise money for research into the disease. Read about him here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Fox

Be warned, it doesn't have a happy ending. But on this allegedly grey day it's inspiring & humbling. A bit of perspective is the greatest pick up.