Public-finance

I really appreciated Richard Earle's insistence that the strategy behind the creative message be carefully thought through and tested. He presents some eye-opening reasons why this discipline is even more important in the realm of cause-related campaigns. While most of the case studies are about large-scale campaigns, there is plenty here for people working on a smaller scale.

Of particular interest to me, were Earle's thoughts about the need to reform political advertising. After a few brave comments, he says, "but that's the subject of another book". I'll be watching for it.

Social cause marketers must read this book. I see so many ads go to waste because of creative licence that has nothing to do with the audience's interests. How shameful! Especially so for social cause advertising that can potentially do more harm than good. It is high time that social cause marketers learn how to be more effective in their campaigns and ad agencies more responsible in their proposals.

As a researcher, I can't help but think through the various psychological theories that can be applied to explain the effectiveness and non-effectiveness of some of the campaigns. Some I can theorize why, and some I can't. It goes to show, this is really more an art than a science, and Mr Earle has helped us master the art.

As a public information official for the City of New York, I was often frustrated by the lack of information available on this subject. While I was able to glean some information from several books or internet sources, there was no definitive resource guide that offered solid counsel on how to effectively create and disseminate important messages to the public.

Mr. Earle's invaluable book is the guide I have been looking for. I was particularly enlightened by his insistence on the proper research and testing of ads, and his insightful critiques of numerous campaigns really illuminated the reasons why some ads worked well while others were either ineffective or counter-productive. These are but two examples of the many lessons I learned by reading this book, lessons that have already influenced the way I approach and execute my work.

In addition to being very informative, this book is also very inspiring. It really imparts that notion that cause marketing is a noble and important profession, one that can truly help change the world. In a way this book changed my life, because it really lit a fire under me to pursue new opportunities in this field. I'm sure that people who have the same passion for this kind of work will be similarly inspired!

Reading this book also led to an interesting experience: Not only did Mr. Earle share his wealth of knowledge and expertise with me through his book, but he was gracious enough to share it with me in person!

Several days after buying the book I contacted Mr. Earle and expressed my appreciation for his book. Not three weeks later I had the pleasure of meeting him and his colleague Barbara Fagan during his visit to New York City. Mr. Earle and Ms. Fagan gave me excellent career advice and some valuable observations regarding a public service campaign I created a couple of years ago. It was a most enjoyable and inspiring meeting!

I am also a fan of Mr. Earle's excellent website which offers additional information on cause marketing, including "picks" of the latest new cause marketing campaigns, availability and notification of seminars and lectures by Mr. Earle and his staff, latest news about social marketing activities, and links to interesting Cause sites.

Check it out!