As it's my last day at Leo, I thought I would finally write the post I've always been meaning to write. In my 3-odd years here it's come to my attention that I'm quite good at finding things out, either on purpose or by happenstance, so I thought I'd share with you the places I find stuff. Here's a quick list:
Google - When my mother worked as a prop buyer, she always worried her clients would discover her most often-used resource was the Yellow Pages. Same deal here. If you have enough patience and know enough synonyms for your keywords, you'll eventually find it.
Slate - I can't count the number of times I've referenced it on this blog. I'm not the biggest fan of the writing lately, but all their old stuff is still online and it's all free. And Ad Report Card, written from an outsider's point of view, is always a good read.
The New York Times Magazine - Just like Ad Report Card, the Consumed column in the Times Magazine is a very interesting, oft-overlooked feature on marketing and the like. The whole magazine is great as well, of course.
(I'm starting to realize that for many people, this is going to be a boring and unsurprising list, but, like "The Purloined Letter," amazing discoveries are often made right in front of you.)
Consumerist - I often feel like this should be a mandatory read for anyone whose job involves dealing with the public.
Torontoist - Now that our psuedo-feud with them is over, I have no reservations about recommending them. Not that I had any reservations before, I just like mentioning our psuedo-feud. They're as passionate about all things Toronto as we are about all things advertising.
Slashfood - Always good for cereal news and food porn photos. Anyone working on any product that goes in your mouth should keep tabs on this.
Deadspin - This might be the blog I check most often. If you're a sports fan, I don't know why you're not reading this. Smart, always surprising writing.
Lifehacker - It can be a bit preachy, but it often has great advice about ways to make your life (usually your working, computer-based life) easier.
Cockeyed - Amazing, creative projects, pranks and Hallowe'en costumes.
Chowhound - This is how I find conveniently-located burrito restaurants, bars that serve free food, and other tasty delights.
Roadfood - great pictures of roadside barbecue joints
Bill Simmons on Page 2 - the originator of the VP of Common Sense and one of the best sportswriters around. I constantly rip off his jokes.
There's a bunch of stuff that doesn't really need any explaining:
Coolhunting.com
Cool Tools
The Lobster Blog
The Squid Blog
Is that it? I think it is. All the best.
A damn good post!
Greetings from Israel...
Love your work!
Posted by: Guy | February 24, 2007 at 06:33 PM