Archive - Thoughts on Writing

The Road to Hell: pre-orders open

My book about purpose is coming out May 13th. It would mean a lot if you could pre-order copies for yourself, friends and/or sworn enemies.

Apr 17

The problem with purpose

A Q&A with author and creative writer Nick Asbury

Published on Pass It On • Apr 10

March 2024

Have purpose agencies forgotten how to do charity ads?

With commercial clients edging away from purpose, ad agencies may need to relearn how to do great charity advertising. And it's not easy.

Mar 21

February 2024

Purpose, authenticity and nepo-brands

How a billboard for Surreal got me thinking about class, snobbery, inverted snobbery and that M&S Status Quo ad (again)

Feb 8

January 2024

Why adland snobs should relax and learn to love Status Quo

It's not enough to talk a good game on doing populist, commercially effective work during a cost of living crisis. You have to look outwards, question…

Jan 25

December 2023

The long and winding road

Sharing the blurb for The Road to Hell, my new book coming out in spring—plus a few strands of genius, and a brief 2023 round-up.

Dec 22, 2023

November 2023

Purpose Disruptors needs disrupting

The ad industry and climate movement deserve better than selfish posturing

Nov 22, 2023

Dispatches from the pre-post-purpose age

A round-up of recent thoughts on politics, purpose and Christmas ads. Plus a book announcement and request.

Nov 14, 2023

October 2023

Purpose is temporary; creativity is permanent.

Looking back on a year of awards judging, in an industry that's beginning to mumble about creativity again, but doesn't yet have the nerve to shout…

Oct 23, 2023

August 2023

The Road to Hell: Q&A

In which I present five arguments against The Road to Hell (my critique of purpose) and then argue with myself.

Aug 11, 2023

June 2023

The Road to Hell, part 3 of 3

The final instalment of my three-part case against purpose, including why it matters and a few signposts for a path in the other direction.

Jun 21, 2023

The Road to Hell, part 2 of 3

The second part of my not-very-concise case against corporate purpose, covering how it leads to worse marketing, and how it leads to worse social…

Jun 20, 2023

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