2.5

Vacillating between two and four stars as I worked through this title, my moment of clarity came with the last fifty pages or so: marketing and self-promotion still (despite reading heaps to the contrary) seems a bit, well, a bit manipulative and self-promoting. But as a recently-minted entrepreneur (not a hobbyist) this is EXACTLY what I need to do. Not the manipulate bit, but the "here's the cool work I do and i know you'll love it" bit.

Hogshead presents her marketing expertise and supporting results of The Kelton Study in an accessible (albeit, not highly fascinating) style. As I continue moving into marketing -- as opposed to dragging my feet and whining that life as a working artist is challenging enough, thank you -- I'll keep the seven fascination triggers in mind. I not about alarm or vice, but based on Hogshead's definitions I do see several potential badges for promoting my art: lust - because i make the ordinary extraordinary (or even emotional) and because my work arouses the senses, especially visual; prestige - because each piece i create is one of a kind with very limited availability; and finally trust because my work is authentic and reflects my own authenticity.

Interesting topic and good premise, but not well executed. Rather scattered and dis-jointed, with examples and stories that miss the mark or just are not fleshed out enough to resonate. Ended up just skimming it.

Liked it. 7 marketing personas.

This is about brands and marketing! It gives great insight into the how's and why's of our fascinations with various things, why it seems so many random products have near-naked women draped all over them, and why some companies don't want to appear accessible to the hoi polloi. It will not tell you how to go about convincing people one-on-one that your idea should be supported, at least not directly. A leeetle dated now, but still applicable.

There were parts that were interesting but overall I didn't feel fascinated.

Not without value, but not well-constructed as a book. It felt a bit like reading a student's paper: trivia that doesn't build to a point, sometimes repetitious, unclear purpose of certain things being included, shallow amount of hard analysis. Beginning felt sort of Freakanomics-esque; ending third had some actionable pointers.

Sally's writing is compelling and intelligent, and the arguments on why and even how to "fascinate" through your marketing solid and yet I find myself thinking that being myself - being as true and close to bone as possible - is I have interest or energy to do. So not sure how much i will actually use her wisdom but I would recommend for people interested in marketing.