Dr. Joe Webb is one of the graphic arts industry's best-known consultants, forecasters, and commentators. He is the director of WhatTheyThink.com's Economics and Research Center.

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Discussion

By Joe Webb on Oct 15, 2012

Clarification/correction: Please note I am aware of a possible discrepancy in the CNN data as noted in the article; the data for the current election was only through August. It will be interesting to see how the final spending data end up. It is still likely that the per voter spending will be down. The "bump" in election spending on print that was evident in presidential elections ended in the 1990s, but local elections still use print. It is likely that some signage spending would not be in commercial printing data because sign companies report under a different NAICS industry classification.

 

By Gary Ampulski on Oct 18, 2012

I am sure that the numbers in the internet users chart can be adjusted for inflation in some way as well. After all, isn't the number of "adults" also increasing year over year skewing the percentages? (Just a though for consistency with other Dr. Joe perspectives.)

As to whether it is focus, denial or myopia, there is reason to believe its NOT denial since many people in this industry think denial is a river in Egypt.

From there you have determine the relative value of execution (focus) versus strategy (myopia) and ask the question; is a bad strategy, flawlessly executed better than a good strategy poorly implemented? There is a case to make that they are not mutually exclusive. A Business is not sustainable without consistent execution along the right path and a good idea poorly implemented will provide an early demise.

Business Value can only be increased when good vision is supported by good performance.

 

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