Beware the Donald Trumps of advertising
In advertising, as in politics, the desire to find simple solutions to complex issues is a road best left untravelled, says Simon Veksner in this guest post.
We live in complicated times. And in complicated times, simple solutions become seductive. Especially those that hark back to a bygone era – coincidentally, the era before the complications began. 
It’s true in politics, and it’s true in advertising.
Donald Trump has taken the complexities of America’s 21st century immigration issues and come up with a three-word solution: “Build a wall”.
On trade and foreign policy, four words – “Make America great again”.
You’re not talking about Dave Trott are you?
It couldn’t be me – I believe in teh opposite maxim!
Definitely not you, Adam : )
You really mean Mark ‘Make Advertising Great Again’ Ritson right?
Keep it simple, stupid. Ads sure ain’t reality. Come to think of it, politics sure ain’t reality either. What’s your reality, Simon?
Everything is reality, Paul…
You can’t make this up. He calls me Trump and then accuses ME of being a demagogue. Usually when imbeciles compare you to someone awful it’s Hitler. I guess I should be happy it’s only Trump. By the way, Veksner, you’re not capable of shining your “good friend” Dave Trott’s shoes.
Usually when people talk about shining shoes they say ‘not worthy’. Shining shoes is pretty easy.
Hi Bob. Got any actual arguments, or just insults?
“For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.” HL Mencken
I’m sure Bob has cogent points on this too – it is complex, after all – but the troll above serves only to reinforce your point, which seems strange (and also strangely similar to one candidate’s approach in yesterday’s 2nd presidential debate). Moreover it’s depressing that we have to constantly restate the fact that no one ever said ‘TV is dead’ without it being anything other than a proxy for the changing state of media.