Following on my post “Rich Corinthian Leather” from February, I thought it would be useful to spend a little more time on authenticity and why it matters. When it comes to authenticity, as the saying goes, you know it when you see it. But, certainly what it is not is made up ads and packaging to ‘stylize’ a mediocre product or service, with the intent of having it appear to be something more than it actually is. But, does authenticity necessarily mean exposing the whole naked truth? The 1990 film, Crazy People takes a look at raw authenticity in a very amusing way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_ArDB7AJAI&feature=player_embedded#! In real life, this approach probably wouldn’t work. So, where do you draw the line between highlighting value and the unauthentic? I think Melissa Pierce does a nice job explaining ‘appropriate’ authenticity in the following video post. http://www.viddler.com/v/6fd3d00d The point is, we must always try to do our best and put our best foot forward. But, this is where the line gets a little grey. Where does preparation, planning and presentation leave the realm of the authentic and become disingenuous? I think it comes down to intent – creating additional value or putting lipstick on a pig.
