HUNTER & BLOGGER
By Barry Dugan | July 8th, 2010
Recently thinking of all the information at our fingertips, I reflected on blogging. The deep oceans of content available to anyone with an electrical current and device is staggering. It had me reflect where some of the critical lift-off points for individuals were and who put pen to paper in creating this form of personalized journalism? In a flash my mind went right to Hunter S. Thompson. Yes, he of Gonzo Journalism unapologetically living and documenting how he wanted and what he wanted. He scared a lot of people because he wielded a pen and reckless attitude to call it like he saw it. People cheered or mocked him – there was no middle ground when it came to Hunter. Not too much different then the millions of self-proclaimed expert scribes running amok on the net. Not too much different then the brands populating consumer’s journeys. So when the truth is told and millions read it, it can be entertaining, amusing, and perhaps most of all, real.
At Soldier, we collaborate and push leaders of brands to rethink their position and cause, however noble (see our work with Curio and below with Metro Lacrosse) or frightening (Sig Hansen and his industry) to be truthful and spirited with their brand and with their respective industries and audiences. Audiences waited months for books or Rolling Stone columns to be released by Hunter S. Thompson. And if you were on the beat-down side of his ink, then it was a bad omen because he created the appetite for more. But with today’s disposable journalism running rampant – how would you classify Hunter? I think he threw down and backed it up by living in it and calling it open and honest. Shouldn’t all brands be so fortunate to do this? We think so……..