Principles

This old story came up today, and I thought I'd share.

Once upon a time I had an interview with a internet advertising agency.

I went along, went through the morning's group exercises and was selected to come back for a 2 on 1 chat that afternoon.

"So do you use the internet a lot, Stuart?"

"Oh yes, loads."

"And what do you think of web advertising?"

"It can be irritating, detract from the experience, but mostly I think it's all right. It can be pertinent or informative or funny and interesting. I think an important part of getting advertising to fulfil its function is to catch the eye and create interest but without directly affecting that experience."

"And what do you think of skyscrapers?"

"Of what, sorry?"

"Skyscrapers. Adverts that expand to fill the page when the mouse passes over them."

"Oh I hate those. As I said, that directly and adversely affects the experience."

*awkward silence*

"As a matter of fact skyscrapers form one of our major selling points as a company."

"Oh?"

Which led to this post.

I still hate those fecking things.