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Advertising - How Important Is It Really'
I'm being most truthful when I tell you I don't know the difference between an adjective and a pronoun. Hell I'm not even sure I have spelled them correctly. Does that mean that when I come up with a great idea I shouldn't advertise it myself' I don't think so, let me explain why.Being a programmer I get a ton of great ideas for programs. Ideas that I hope will make life easier for others, ideas that will simplify this business of computing. See, I also teach computing and have taught it to everyone, from the beginner to the (so-called) expert.
I am acutely aware that for many, computers are tricky business and I honestly want to infect the rest of the world with my enthusiasm and excitement at how easy they can make life. But first I've got to get them over the whole technophobia hurdle. That's how I see my role as a programmer. Take a great idea and then make it so idiot proof that even a child could do it.
Sure, I could create products and turn the business of writing a great ad over to the professionals but how enthusiastic will they be' Will they see my mission or even be interested in the fact that I am trying to convert the rest of the world' I very much doubt it.
Take for instance, my latest creation. I have browsed a lot looking at other people's websites, especially people who are running online businesses. It seemed to me that they were all alike. Throwbacks to the old sales letter pitching the same old snake oil with the same old promises. Exclusive offer, offer ends tonight, buy now and you will also get (even more snake oil I imagine), price slashed from ridiculous amount to smaller amount, and so on and so forth., that got me thinking. What about the "proper" online businesses, wouldn't it be nice to do something a little bit more exclusive.
To this end I created Turning Pages the idea being that you could show your products as an online brochure with real turning pages. I even included the facility to add links to the page so that you could go straight to a sales page and order. I was excited, this could have a million different uses (OK I agree I exaggerate a tad, as my dad used to say, "I told you a million times already, don't exaggerate").
I am aware that this product doesn't really need much advertising. It's kind of like selling a great car, you know that as soon as people see it the ideas start spinning round in their head, but if I had needed an advertising campaign I think I would have foregone the slickness of the professionals and the promises of lots of money and girls in favor of my own unbridled enthusiasm.