• by Cory Treffiletti , Featured Contributor, November 26, 2002

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I’m pretty sure the last thing you’ll be looking for in this article is me bringing up things that need to be addressed to improve our industry. Instead I thought I’d have a little fun and recognize some of the things that our industry has brought to me over the years… my own little Industry Thanksgiving.

First of all, thanks for the Internet. This tool has definitely become a crucial part of my daily life, and it actually keeps me off the streets and working for a living. The growth of the Internet has quickly worked its way into every facet of our lives and has made the acquisition of information easier than ever before. It also made being geek rather chique, as if we needed that.

Thanks for DSL. High speed Internet access makes all the difference. Especially when downloading all those songs and movies that I was supposed to be paying for (wink, wink).

Thanks for Email and Instant Messenger. These two simple tools allow me to stay in contact with just about anyone. This is extremely important since as many of you know who try to reach me regularly, I’m really NOT a phone person.

Thanks for eBay and Craigslist. These two sites allow me to get anything or give anything away at any time, day or night. I can seek out that final piece of my “A-Team” commemorative card collection and then sell my couch to any local San Francisco hippies to pay for the acquisition of that treasured item.

Thanks for the years 1996-2000. This roller coaster ride was one hell of an experience and the people that I met during this period rank as some of the most intelligent people I will ever know. Of course, some of them are on the opposite end of the spectrum, but I guess it’s all about balance, right?

Thanks for my ulcer (just kidding here… maybe). I don’t think it’s that bad, but there are nights when I think to myself, “What the hell am I thinking?”

Thanks for Mentors (no, not “Mentos,” not the freshmaker). Those people whom I’ve met in the industry and I have spent countless hours debating, or outright arguing with, about various topics and philosophies for advertising. These discussions are always what remind me of why I love advertising, and you all know who you are.

Thanks for tabletop Pac-Man. I don’t know why, just thanks.

Thanks for frequent flyer programs. Since 1996 I have been able to maintain at least Premier status on United, which actually amounts to something important when you live 3500 miles from your family. Believe me, miles can be a good thing.

Thanks for having a sense of humor, which you must have if you’re still reading this far considering I‘m really not funny.

That’s about it, folks. I’m sure I could on and on for pages with all the great things that I am thankful to have come my way, but it’s time for you to get back to work so you can go home and spend time with your friends and family, so get back to work and have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.