Goafest 2014: Do we need an Abby category for unpublished/'proactive' work?

Opinion is divided on whether to introduce a separate category for unpublished work.

Ashish Bhasin, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network South Asia and member, Awards Governing Council

I'm not a believer in unpublished work. Advertising is a paid form of communication - it is not fine art. So, I don't think so that is the solution because people who want to scam it will do that even with the unpublished work category being introduced. Speaking of the experience of Goafest this year, I think every year is a new experience and learning. This edition of the event is surely better due to the indoor venue as well as the quality of speakers and number of knowledge sessions is quite good. I have to say that I really liked the body of work in the Digital category. I'm slightly disappointed that no awards were given to the SEO and SEM work because for me search is one of the fastest growing parts of business.

Bhaskar Das, group CEO, Zee News

I think to have a category for unpublished work is a damn good idea. It will take away the sting and negative communication around this topic. But honestly, the motivation for any creative person is to receive recognition and acknowledgement from the community. So, if the unpublished or inspired work is judged and evaluated on the merit of the concept then we will get to see more exciting work. I think the objective of a platform like Goafest is to create more participation, engagement and plurality of ideas.

Suresh Srinivasan, vice-president, Kasturi & Sons

There is a significant amount of work done by agencies which doesn't get released. I would welcome a separate category for it. It is already present in many other forums globally. There is a good quality of work which may not meet somebody's expectation but can be showcased and let the audience decide its fate.

Shashi Sinha, CE0, IPG Mediabrands India

I don't think that there should be a separate category. People have contended that adding a separate category for unpublished work will up the scale of the competition and will stop quasi or semi publishers. But I do not think that will happen and it will not solve the problem.

CVL Srinivas, CEO, GroupM South Asia

I think introducing unpublished work category would test what kind of boundaries creative folks can push. It will also help curtail scam advertisements in creative. It would be very interesting to see to what extent one can go to push an idea.