February 2026

Was that SuperBowl ad good, or was it crap? Was it an ego trip or smart? Will you remember it a week from now?

I love an entertaining ad. But ads also need to build brands and sell stuff. A good ad can and should do both, and my short guide can help you sort the…

Feb 8 • Tom Cotton

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AdLand Happiness, Part 2

A lot of AdLand is hurting. Last week I suggested a "dignity deficit" as the culprit. This week, eight of my friends build out that theory with their…

Feb 2 • Tom Cotton

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January 2026

I had a "happiness theory" about ad agencies and their people. Then I did some homework.

My experience with shops of all sizes, including my own, have shaped my view of happiness in AdLand. But a little scrutiny forced me to loosen up my…

Jan 26 • Tom Cotton

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Got 2026 marketing resolutions? How about focusing on "the big questions" instead?

Marketing, communications and advertising are evolving fast, with AI in the lead and media issues and opportunities close behind. How should we be…

Jan 20 • Tom Cotton

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Did my grandfather really "invent" the station wagon? That was the family legend...hmmm...

Our dad swore by it, his dad filed the patents, and competing invention claims do appear weaker. I give his marketing talents and tenacity the edge in…

Jan 12 • Tom Cotton

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The brand was doomed. The industry was dying. It was a fabulous assignment.

You can learn a lot in the brand hospice ward. Don't be afraid to go there.

Jan 5 • Tom Cotton

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December 2025

Bud's "Whassup" campaign stole the U.S. beer show and became a global pop culture phenomenon. How did THAT happen?

As Omnicom shuts down DDB, I talk with DDB's Bob Scarpelli and John Greening about their "Whassup" campaign, and my small part in extending the campaign

Dec 15, 2025 • Tom Cotton

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As holding companies grift, kill off agencies and slash benefits, gutsy clients and creatives keep making great work. Let's celebrate THAT.

Omnicom sold its creative soul to Wall Street, WPP's in trouble, and every agency I ever worked for is now dead. Here's an idea: let's dive into some…

Dec 8, 2025 • Tom Cotton

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November 2025

Tips for handling political arguments at Thanksgiving--starting with "don't"

But if you get trapped in a "debate debacle" over the holiday, I have a few suggestions that might cool the conversation before you make your escape.

Nov 24, 2025 • Tom Cotton

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My latest AI project blew my mind and deepened my AI worries for young professionals

I used two AI platforms to nail a marketing research deliverable in just a few days. Amazing and chilling at the same time.

Nov 17, 2025 • Tom Cotton

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We ran a rent strike in our mob-owned apartment building. My boss was not impressed.

Familiar old-school Mafia names surfaced in the sports and poker gambling scandal last week, reminding my wife and me of our extended beef with one of…

Nov 10, 2025 • Tom Cotton

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