Contentious Issues, April 2004

Spring’s arrival means the end of the flurry of annual reports – well, almost. And so attention can turn to other communications issues, a good read and some movies to watch.

Re-thinking the value of branding

It used to be all about The Brand. What was once the Next Big Thing in communications has lost much of its currency. Just what is the value of The Brand?

"There are always board meetings now," said Aad Jacobs, chairman of Shell's audit committee, which is investigating the reason for the write-down of reserves. "We have decided to talk with each other every two or three days."

Alistair Cooke described the best writing input he had from his English professor on the tendency to write flowery language: 'Cooke,' he once said to me, 'you must learn to murder your darlings.'

"Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, and she did it backwards and in high heels." -Faith Whittlesey, former US ambassador to Switzerland.

A book about communication with something worthwhile to say

Admittedly, written communications are the focus at Contentious. But in reality, it is during conversation that most business decisions are influenced and made. Here’s a book that captures the dynamics of business conversation and offers sound input on making that process more effective.

Be the first on the new trend: Home Film Festivals

The quality of DVDs and the increasing popularity of home theatres, it’s time to put together ideas for Home Film Festivals. You don’t have to go to Sundance or Cannes to enjoy a collection of entertaining and thought-provoking films. Here are some ideas to enjoy in case our spring weather is interrupted with another blast from winter that keeps you indoors.