I’ve long admired Barry Base’s work, and have always gleefully (if not gaily) anticipated reading his Baseline columns in Strategy.

He’s usually an articulate and entertaining guy who fights the good fight for better advertising.

So, it was disappointing to catch him recently in the Feb 6 issue (‘The difference between advertising and publicity’) striking a couple of ham-fisted blows for the bad guys.

I’m referring to his use of the hate-inspiring expression ‘bull dyke,’ and the ‘don’t-bend-over-to-pick-up-the-soap-in-the-shower’ line – both too insensitive, and, frankly, too old to be funny.

I hope Barry, who has in the past demonstrated – even championed – good judgment, will reconsider the wisdom of putting this kind of talk in print.

It inflicts pain and promotes intolerance.

Wouldn’t these be better directed against proponents of researching creative concepts?

Don Veinish

Vice-President, Creative Director

J. Walter Thompson

Vancouver