Timing

The World Economic Forum takes place right now in Davos and, again, celebs find their helicopter guided way to this Alpine little town. Ms Angela Merkel, German Canceller, addressed the world and condensed the economic evangelism into: “Work needs growth and growth needs freedom.” A remarkable statement and probably true. But, –what coincidence!- the same day you may read about Google accepting self-imposed censorship in order to enter the Chinese markets. A fact you should think about before investing in Google shares. I love these straight forward one-liners. They condense hard thinking and philosophical debates into an easy digestible piece of quasi information. Like "we need love, love needs perfumes". Hmmm…. That’s a nice one. Suggestions for other one-liners are welcome. How about: "Men love women, women love perfumes", or "the world needs perfumes, perfumes need nature". Your contributions …?

Ms Merkel competes today in the newspapers with another thoroughly thought through message, coming from Rome, Mr Benedict XVI, telling the world in his Encyclica that “God is love”. This one-liner is not really astonishing, but it is remarkably simple and from a marketing point of view perfect. However, the whole issue of love seems to be much more disturbing once you start thinking about it. God’s love needs to be explained and in light of our physical existence there seem to apply some restrictions. That’s why the encyclical file is a rather lengthy document. The devil sits in the details.

Another message in the newspaper today: Vivienne Westwood offers Ms Merkel to dress her and create a personal wardrobe for her public appearance. Maybe Vivienne watched the ceremony in Davos and felt she had to do something about Angela’s appearance? Probably not. I rather think Vivienne saw the opportunity to bring her business into the news and her timing was perfect. Zero effort, highest coverage. Wait for a celeb’s public coverage, publish a press statement, and there you have your own coverage, too!

You know, what’s coming now….…. I wait for the next encyclica.