FP7 IN BIG MESS & IT'S NO APRIL'S FOOL!
You may not yet realise how much the below news is Big Time news; it is bound to make mega waves in our industry... We truly hope though, this major story does bring seismic changes to the advertising field in the Middle East.
It's Big Time about time all players start abiding to a code of ethics when practicing the Art of Communication, as advertising isn't a game, nor another job... Advertising is Art, made for artists by artists... It is clearly understood that Artists are no cheaters, no imitators, no followers... What an embarrassing situation for FP7!!
However, and as the saying goes: "IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!" It's a lesson to learn for all; It has already entered history; and while the Dubai Lynx Awards have managed to save their image & reputation, FP7 Doha needs Big Time PR experts to save their ass--actually the Creative Director's ass, namely Fady Yaish--from this unprecedented crisis that could easily drag the agency down the whole!
Whatever they do, whatever they say, it's KO!!
Affaire à Suivre...
1 April 2009 - BREAKING NEWS---
The organisers of the 3rd Dubai Lynx Awards announced today that they are withdrawing the Agency of the Year award from FP7 Doha and the trophy will subsequently now not be awarded this year.
Investigations after this year's award show have revealed numerous examples of work from FP7 Doha that did not meet the Dubai Lynx entry criteria and subsequently their 18 submissions and the associated seven awards have been withdrawn.
In addition, ten pieces, which were shortlisted in the Print and Outdoor sections, were also disqualified.
Those awards were: 1 Gold Print campaign, 1 Gold TV/Cinema campaign, 3 Silver Print campaigns, 1 Silver Outdoor campaign and 1 Bronze TV/Cinema campaign.
"Even before the awards night we had withdrawn a number of pieces of work from the competition but subsequently our investigation has found other pieces that were presented to the jury that infringed our requirement that all work presented must represent the client who approved it. Our rules are very clear with regards to this, and we have no hesitation in withdrawing these awards;""The Dubai Lynx Awards exist to celebrate and raise the creative bar of genuine work of the region. Activities like this show a disregard not only for the Awards but more importantly for the juries who work so hard judging the event. Due to the scale of withdrawals we feel it inappropriate to honour FP7 Doha as Agency of the Year and so will be withdrawing the prize. I hope that this swift action makes clear our determination to build an award with true integrity for the region."--Philip Thomas, Dubai Lynx CEO.
"In taking such swift action the Lynx organisers have demonstrated their understanding that in order to fulfill the purpose of incentivising and rewarding creative excellence in the region, Lynx must safeguard compliance with the stated conditions of eligibility. To do otherwise would be to undermine credibility."--Dr. Lance de Masi, IAA - UAE Chapter.
The Dubai International Advertising Festival and Lynx Awards, which took place on March 15-17 2009 are held in association with the IAA - UAE Chapter.
