Are We Having Fun Yet?

This space is usually designated for a few people to bring up ideas and concepts that need to be addressed in our industry. After writing a lot lately, and reading a lot more, we can all come to one conclusion… we still having a long way to go before we’re done.

That being said, I would like to take one step back and try to make us all feel a little better for a moment. Amidst all the trials and tribulations that make up an average week in the online advertising sector, we need to remember what we’re doing. Why we get up each and every day and trudge to work. We are still responsible for writing the rules and laying the groundwork for a very influential medium. In short, our jobs can be pretty damn fun and important!

There was a study done by none other than the radio research firm Arbitron recently that discovered that 20% of all Americans feel that the Internet is a crucial part of their lives. That it is, in fact, essential. According to the study, 34% of those surveyed said that the Internet is the “coolest” and “most exciting” medium, more so than television.

I was also reading some postings on various email and newsletter lists where people were pointing out some entertaining stories about “the good old days” and how far things have come. Even though I am one to point out, on a regular basis, that we have our issues, I thought I would take a moment to bring you something lighter for once. Here are my top 5 reasons why you should feel good about your job!

Our industry has definitely adopted a higher level of professionalism.

Though there are a number of things that are still wrong with the industry, they are all being pointed out and singled out for discussion.

The people who are still involved are still passionate. These are the types of people who will truly affect change.

The bubble already burst… it can’t get much worse than it did!

You have one!

Now I know that some of you are going to read this and chuckle while others of you will blow this off as optimism in the face of a potentially dull fourth quarter for advertising in general, but so be it. We spend hours upon hours in meetings and conference rooms talking about what needs to happen, and I thought it would be worth your time for someone… anyone… to tell you that what you do each and every day is still pretty great.

So what do you think? Is the Internet still a “hoot” for you? Do you still get that spark of excitement when you accomplish one of the objectives of your day or launch a new product on your site? I think it’s about time we all chatted about our daily lives.

Thanks for playin’!

By Cory Treffiletti
Courtesy of http://www.MediaPost.com