Comments on: We’ve come across a sticky patch. We’re going to have to work through it, or get out and go our separate ways. http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/ Ben Goldacre's Bad Science column from the Guardian and more... Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:24:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: wayscj http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-29003 wayscj Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:26:03 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-29003 ed hardy <a title="ed hardy" href="http://www.edhardyworld.co.uk" rel="nofollow"><strong>ed hardy</strong></a> ed hardy clothing <a title="ed hardy clothing" href="http://www.edhardyworld.co.uk" rel="nofollow"><strong>ed hardy clothing</strong></a> ed hardy shop <a title="ed hardy shop" href="http://www.edhardyworld.co.uk" rel="nofollow"><strong>ed hardy shop</strong></a> christian audigier <a title="christian audigier" href="http://www.edhardyworld.co.uk" rel="nofollow"><strong>christian audigier</strong></a> ed hardy cheap <a title="ed hardy cheap" href="http://www.edhardyworld.co.uk" rel="nofollow"><strong>ed hardy cheap</strong></a> ed hardy outlet <a title="ed hardy outlet" href="http://www.edhardyworld.co.uk" rel="nofollow"><strong>ed hardy outlet</strong></a> ed hardy sale <a title="ed hardy clothes" href="http://www.edhardyworld.co.uk" rel="nofollow"><strong>ed hardy sale</strong></a> ed hardy store <a title="ed hardy store" href="http://www.edhardyworld.co.uk" rel="nofollow"><strong>ed hardy store</strong></a> ed hardy mens <a title="ed hardy mens" href="http://www.edhardyworld.co.uk/mens.html" rel="nofollow"><strong>ed hardy mens</strong></a> ed hardy womens <a title="ed hardy womens" href="http://www.edhardyworld.co.uk/womens.html" rel="nofollow"><strong>ed hardy womens</strong></a> ed hardy kids <a title="ed hardy kids" href="http://www.edhardyworld.co.uk/kids.html" rel="nofollow"><strong>ed hardy kids</strong></a> ed hardy kids ed hardy ed hardy
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]]> By: Mr M http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25644 Mr M Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:18:21 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25644 having read the document (always check your sources!)... I've come across Arnell in a professional capacity and the horrible truth is that I think they may actually have written this and even believe it. Mind you, it's unfair to single them out, I can think of a few other agencies who could have presented this straightfaced, no irony. Sad really, as it's an interesting idea, to use the curve of the can to make it smile at you as you walk past. Why couldn't they just say that? having read the document (always check your sources!)… I’ve come across Arnell in a professional capacity and the horrible truth is that I think they may actually have written this and even believe it. Mind you, it’s unfair to single them out, I can think of a few other agencies who could have presented this straightfaced, no irony.
Sad really, as it’s an interesting idea, to use the curve of the can to make it smile at you as you walk past. Why couldn’t they just say that?

]]> By: Robert Carnegie http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25614 Robert Carnegie Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:23:20 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25614 Granted this column's interest specifically is in the quality of the science presented in the document and not its authenticity, even so if it's a hoax on the public instead of on Pepsi then it isn't fit matter for the column, any more than the bad science in an episode of [Star Trek] or an article in [The Onion] is. Those are contexts where bad science isn't the outrage that it is in the so-called real world, and you may have been pranked. I agree it's hard to see why this as an authentic document -would- be leaked, which if it's considered a trade secret can, I think, get you 15 years in a U.S. jail. Ben, you'd better -hope- that it's a fake! Granted this column’s interest specifically is in the quality of the science presented in the document and not its authenticity, even so if it’s a hoax on the public instead of on Pepsi then it isn’t fit matter for the column, any more than the bad science in an episode of [Star Trek] or an article in [The Onion] is. Those are contexts where bad science isn’t the outrage that it is in the so-called real world, and you may have been pranked.

I agree it’s hard to see why this as an authentic document -would- be leaked, which if it’s considered a trade secret can, I think, get you 15 years in a U.S. jail. Ben, you’d better -hope- that it’s a fake!

]]> By: FredLS http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25564 FredLS Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:37:13 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25564 It still doesn't alter the fact that, as Berke Breathed pointed out a couple of decades back, their product tastes like malted battery acid... It still doesn’t alter the fact that, as Berke Breathed pointed out a couple of decades back, their product tastes like malted battery acid…

]]> By: treeofpain http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25494 treeofpain Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:38:14 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25494 @9 Suw, you have ruined the London 2012 logo for me now :-) (correction More ruined, ROFL). Irrespective of whether the doc is a spoof (and in the world of the marketing droid, the line between reality and fakery is truly blurred), the offense (after all if science was religion we would be fully entitled to take 'offence') is still there that scientific terminology can be used carelessly, in complete ignorance, and worst detrimentally. I actually like the graphics, and the waffle-like explanations, of some of it, those bits that actually deal with the design of the new logo. The rest if valueless twaddle. Cost: at 50k a year for 5 people, that's 250k total, for a whole year's work (once you laugh at basic science, realistically, you probably start to laugh at people who **can** count). Consultancy disease strikes here as well (as others have said) in banking. @9 Suw, you have ruined the London 2012 logo for me now :-) (correction More ruined, ROFL).
Irrespective of whether the doc is a spoof (and in the world of the marketing droid, the line between reality and fakery is truly blurred), the offense (after all if science was religion we would be fully entitled to take ‘offence’) is still there that scientific terminology can be used carelessly, in complete ignorance, and worst detrimentally. I actually like the graphics, and the waffle-like explanations, of some of it, those bits that actually deal with the design of the new logo. The rest if valueless twaddle. Cost: at 50k a year for 5 people, that’s 250k total, for a whole year’s work (once you laugh at basic science, realistically, you probably start to laugh at people who **can** count). Consultancy disease strikes here as well (as others have said) in banking.

]]> By: rrritalin http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25493 rrritalin Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:59:35 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25493 "1. sherifffruitfly said, March 9, 2009 at 1:14 am Two words: Sokal hoax." - Pffft! I hope so! @ the people who are saying it's a Pepsi viral: What you're hypothesising is as follows. Ad men at Pepsi feel they're failing to break into the Nature-reading, QI-watching market, and so they generate an elaborate hoax in cahoots with a real marketing company that potentially makes a laughing stock of said marketing company. The document's only been read around 7 kilotimes in the week it's been up, that's small change in internet marketing. “1.
sherifffruitfly said,

March 9, 2009 at 1:14 am

Two words: Sokal hoax.”

- Pffft! I hope so!

@ the people who are saying it’s a Pepsi viral:

What you’re hypothesising is as follows. Ad men at Pepsi feel they’re failing to break into the Nature-reading, QI-watching market, and so they generate an elaborate hoax in cahoots with a real marketing company that potentially makes a laughing stock of said marketing company. The document’s only been read around 7 kilotimes in the week it’s been up, that’s small change in internet marketing.

]]> By: Paul Murray http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25491 Paul Murray Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:18:31 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25491 THe new logo looks like a fat man with a red t-shirt and his white gut hanging out over his blue pants. THe new logo looks like a fat man with a red t-shirt and his white gut hanging out over his blue pants.

]]> By: kerledan http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25490 kerledan Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:27:18 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25490 This just looks like a (successful) ploy to get free advertising for this sugary drink. A lot more where this came from, I expect, best not to repeat it. This just looks like a (successful) ploy to get free advertising for this sugary drink.

A lot more where this came from, I expect, best not to repeat it.

]]> By: Robin Johnson http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25489 Robin Johnson Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:16:37 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25489 Not sure about the suggestion that we reason using metaphors like that headline - it's nothing like the reasoning you'd have to make if you physically came to a sticky patch in the road. Not sure about the suggestion that we reason using metaphors like that headline – it’s nothing like the reasoning you’d have to make if you physically came to a sticky patch in the road.

]]> By: lasker http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25488 lasker Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:33:25 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25488 Hilarious nonsense but I'd happily supply more for $1.5 million a pop. Hilarious nonsense but I’d happily supply more for $1.5 million a pop.

]]> By: The Purple Cow http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25486 The Purple Cow Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:46:51 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25486 No apologies necessary, my point was that since the original quote from 1900 there have been many many variations on that theme quoted by every alleged expert or commentator in the field. So it's entirely possible that your quote is also correct. No apologies necessary, my point was that since the original quote from 1900 there have been many many variations on that theme quoted by every alleged expert or commentator in the field. So it’s entirely possible that your quote is also correct.

]]> By: chatsubo http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25485 chatsubo Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:29:36 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25485 apologies Purple Cow - your quote is spot on, and mine is a half-remembered paraphrase- must be that MMR vaccine kicking in on my brain cells apologies Purple Cow – your quote is spot on, and mine is a half-remembered paraphrase- must be that MMR vaccine kicking in on my brain cells

]]> By: The Purple Cow http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25483 The Purple Cow Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:00:48 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25483 Well not quite. In 1900 Department store pioneer John Wanamaker said; "I know I waste half the money I spend on advertising. The problem is, I don't know which half." There have been a thousand and one variations on that theme since. Back in 1900 it was probably true. Well not quite. In 1900 Department store pioneer John Wanamaker said; “I know I waste half the money I spend on advertising. The problem is, I don’t know which half.” There have been a thousand and one variations on that theme since. Back in 1900 it was probably true.

]]> By: chatsubo http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25481 chatsubo Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:31:42 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25481 "The Biologista said, March 7, 2009 at 9:34 pm I suspect nobody really understands advertising. Perhaps they see science the same way and maybe they’re using science like a sort of modern charm. A prayer to the incomprehensible gods of logo design." remember some old Ad hack saying 'Half the received wisdom in advertising is bullshit. The only problem is nobody knows which half' “The Biologista said,
March 7, 2009 at 9:34 pm

I suspect nobody really understands advertising. Perhaps they see science the same way and maybe they’re using science like a sort of modern charm. A prayer to the incomprehensible gods of logo design.”

remember some old Ad hack saying ‘Half the received wisdom in advertising is bullshit. The only problem is nobody knows which half’

]]> By: Pete Beaudro http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25480 Pete Beaudro Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:07:40 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25480 Did not anticipate that taking the Pepsi Challenge would ever require a small arsenal of mathematics qualifications. I rdad that Marmite were looking to use a similar model in their marketing campaign, but half the light waves appeared to bend toward the stuff and the other half were repelled. I supsect that this was the origin of the Big Bang, but what would I know - I'm just an English graduate. Did not anticipate that taking the Pepsi Challenge would ever require a small arsenal of mathematics qualifications.

I rdad that Marmite were looking to use a similar model in their marketing campaign, but half the light waves appeared to bend toward the stuff and the other half were repelled. I supsect that this was the origin of the Big Bang, but what would I know – I’m just an English graduate.

]]> By: SmartBlonde http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25479 SmartBlonde Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:51:32 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25479 @Bird Brian - you only have 10 hangovers a year? Well done you! @Bird Brian – you only have 10 hangovers a year? Well done you!

]]> By: The Purple Cow http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25478 The Purple Cow Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:57:03 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25478 Guys, I own an advertising and design agency and this is quite clearly not genuine. It's certainly nothing like any pitch document I've ever seen - it's designed to look like a work-in-progress. Probably an in-joke, or a spoofer. (less-likely) A lame attempt at viral marketing. the same logic that lead Virgin Airways to fake a complaint about their own in-flight food. I first saw this document on Popbitch, and it could be designed to appeal to the cynical Popbitch-type crowd. Guys, I own an advertising and design agency and this is quite clearly not genuine. It’s certainly nothing like any pitch document I’ve ever seen – it’s designed to look like a work-in-progress. Probably an in-joke, or a spoofer.

(less-likely) A lame attempt at viral marketing. the same logic that lead Virgin Airways to fake a complaint about their own in-flight food. I first saw this document on Popbitch, and it could be designed to appeal to the cynical Popbitch-type crowd.

]]> By: sherifffruitfly http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25477 sherifffruitfly Mon, 09 Mar 2009 01:14:12 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25477 Two words: Sokal hoax. Two words: Sokal hoax.

]]> By: tomrees http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25476 tomrees Sun, 08 Mar 2009 23:10:07 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25476 None of this explains how they managed to spend so much to come up with a logo that looks like a <a href="http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16687-humans-may-be-hardwired-to-believe-in-creation.html" rel="nofollow">fat bloke</a>. None of this explains how they managed to spend so much to come up with a logo that looks like a fat bloke.

]]> By: mikewhit http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/comment-page-1/#comment-25474 mikewhit Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:31:44 +0000 http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/weve-come-across-a-sticky-patch-were-going-to-have-to-work-through-it-or-get-out-and-go-our-separate-ways/#comment-25474 Anyone remember the Scicon logo (mid 1980s), with its accompanying explanation of what the various wedge-shaped objects represented ? (If I find an old reference I kept due to its pretentiousness, I will copy it) You couldn't make it up ! Anyone remember the Scicon logo (mid 1980s), with its accompanying explanation of what the various wedge-shaped objects represented ?

(If I find an old reference I kept due to its pretentiousness, I will copy it)

You couldn’t make it up !

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