quick thought... October 30th, 2006 - 5:44PM
Terry Heaton and I have apparently both pimped George Costanza’s opposite philosophy as a rational approach to media transformation (Terry) and marketing/product development (me). Throw in Ethan’s perspective, Tara’s manifesto, David’s deductions and Chris Anderson’s thesis and I think this puppy has some well-developed legs. All of this is kinda, sorta being woven into the Zecco presentation I’m sweating to complete as I drop this tidbit of thought.
The Opposite Manifesto

Tara Hunt (aka MissRogue) has created the Pinko Marketing Manifesto; a pointed conversation centered around how business, products, services and marketing in this 2.0 world should operate, but through the lens of the desires of the people, not the elite. (Shel, Doc, this world really does need a 2.0 upgrade of numerous features)
I love it.
Unfortunately, in this country any “ism” without capital attached to it becomes a target, so I figured I’d testify to Tara’s message by reducing it to its bare essentials through the Word of George:
The Word of George (5:22-86)
George: It’s not working, Jerry. It’s just not working.
Jerry: What is it that isn’t working?
George: Why did it all turn out like this for me? I had so much promise. I was personable, I was bright. Oh, maybe not academically speaking, but… I was perceptive. I always know when someone’s uncomfortable at a party. It became very clear to me sitting out there today, that every decision I’ve ever made, in my entire life, has been wrong. My life is the opposite of everything I want it to be. Every instinct I have, in every of life, be it something to wear, something to eat… It’s all been wrong.
(A waitress comes up to G)
Waitress: Tuna on toast, coleslaw, cup of coffee.
George: Yeah. No, no, no, wait a minute, I always have tuna on toast. Nothing’s ever worked out for me with tuna on toast. I want the complete opposite of tuna on toast. Chicken salad, on rye, untoasted … and a cup of tea.
Elaine: Well, there’s no telling what can happen from this.
Jerry: You know chicken salad is not the opposite of tuna, salmon is the opposite of tuna, ‘cos salmon swim against the current, and the tuna swim with it.
George: Good for the tuna.
(A blonde looks at George)
Elaine: Ah, George, you know, that woman just looked at you.
George: So what? What am I supposed to do?
Elaine: Go talk to her.
George: Elaine, bald men, with no jobs, and no money, who live with their parents, don’t approach strange women.
Jerry: Well here’s your chance to try the opposite. Instead of tuna salad and being intimidated by women, chicken salad and going right up to them.
George: Yeah, I should do the opposite, I should.
Jerry: If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.
George: Yes, I will do the opposite. I used to sit here and do nothing, and regret it for the rest of the day, so now I will do the opposite, and I will do something!
(He goes over to the woman)
George: Excuse me, I couldn’t help but notice that you were looking in my direction.
Victoria: Oh, yes I was, you just ordered the same exact lunch as me.
(G takes a deep breath)
George: My name is George. I’m unemployed and I live with my parents.
Victoria: I’m Victoria. Hi.
See how simple it is? Go the opposite route of participating in the realm of old school, big business corporate marketing and product development and you’ll get the blonde and a gig with the Yankees.
I should become a life coach.
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