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Sunday, June 29, 2003
[ ]
Ad stuff
Appeal to patriotism is dangerous ground for marketers- Here's an excerpt from the article. "Inevitably, patriotism brings out the best and the worst in the nation's collective psyche. For every wine shop pouring good Bordeaux down the drain, or xenophobic legislator calling for the renaming of French fries, there is a call for reason from a newspaper editorial or a concerned citizen. The point is, patriotism stirs the soul, inflames the passions and generates argument and debate. By its very visceral nature and call-to-emotion, it has the fearsome ability to influence behavior and motivate action, not all of it rational or considered. Can this be appropriate territory into which smart brand marketers should venture?"
Update on the Nike case- "The court issued a one-sentence, unsigned order dismissing the case. Justice John Paul Stevens explained some of the reasons in a separate opinion. Stevens said the court did not need to delve into the complex free speech issues raised by the case now. (why the heck not? I don't understand that comment. Just because it doesn't fit in with political agendas of those in office?? *head shaking*) "This case presents novel First Amendment questions because the speech at issue represents a blending of commercial speech and debate on issues of public importance," Stevens wrote for himself and Justices David Souter and Ruth Bader Ginsburg."
New campaign by Heff- "A new print advertising campaign -- the magazine's first since the late 1990s -- is set to kick off Friday in USA Today, the largest U.S. newspaper by circulation, with the slogan ``Guys Who Get It, Get It Here.'' Apparently newer mags like Maxium are taking away from the readership of Playboy and this is an attempt to get the younger demographic. They also hired an editor from Maxium and replaced the editor they had for nearly 40 years. "The Playboy print ad campaign was developed by Fusion Idea Lab, a Chicago-based advertising agency whose other clients include brewer Anheuser-Busch, online travel Web sites Expedia and Orbitz and retailer Target. However, some still think Playboy will face a tough time in recovering lost ground to its younger-looking rivals. "Maxim shows less skin than Playboy and is sexier because it gets sexier people. Then you add on top of that a much more contemporary execution,'' said Steven Addis, chief executive of Berkeley-based Addis brand strategy and design firm."
Smart business blogging- This article takes an interesting look at blogging and marketing. Unfortnuately they don't list the names of the sites of which they are talking about. Stupid move but its still worth a read.
UPDATE on 7/2: Found the link for the blog and blogumentary- check it out here.
Truth and flies in advertising- One of the Cannes winners this year is very similar to a Gary Larson comic. Hmmm. Is it borrowing of good ideas as homage or stealing them as their own?
Friday, June 27, 2003
[ ]
Fried Day Fun
Homerize things- from "Mmmmm...donuts" to what ever you want, create a cute jpg to share with friends, family and enemies.
Poulaga Challenge- weird games but entertaining.
Optical Illusions- some of these are cool, but they sure do make your eyes hurt!
Toast Art- pretty neat stuff. I like the concept.
Look Alive shockwave game- yay! (via Clay@adtothebone.com)
Anti-Alcohol Posters from Russia...cool design.
Groove Chamber and their funky animation. Sweet! I love that the way they tell if you have flash is the caffinated sheep! Pure poetry...or something. ;-)
Toward A Critical Theory of Advertising- a very long but interesting read. Recommended for those in the biz, even if you skim it.
Thursday, June 26, 2003
[ ]
Candy, Candy, Candy I can't let you go....
Advertising undressed- "But simply saying that sex sells is like saying water is wet. That was the jump-off point for "XXX: The Power of Sex in Contemporary Design" (Rockport Publishers, $50, 192 pages), the first book written and designed by Plazm. The Portland-based Plazm Media has been doing innovative work since 1991, producing an art and culture magazine, operating a type foundry and working with such clients as MTV, Nike and Lucasfilm. Dougher, who discussed the book via e-mail while traveling, said she hoped to shed some light on how certain images get recycled over and over. "Sex sells stuff, but when it is used in graphic materials it also sells ideas about culture," that is, that the bodies of people of color are somehow more exotic than the white body, or that the woman with large breasts is the most attractive woman. "These are boring and staid points," Dougher wrote, "but they are constantly recycled." Sounds like it might be an interesting read.
TV Candy Store- site for reels for production houses and the sort. Some funky stuff to see.
Who Killed the Idea movie from Cannes. Apparently it's only viewable for those *not* in Northern America. Bugger.
The Lonely Astronaut - You'll need Flash for them to play and you'll either love it or hate it - so far there's been no middle ground here at the office. The description from Dangertheater.com - "If NASA left you on the moon 30 years ago, wouldn't you be pissed?"
Episode 1 - Pilot
Episode 2- Flashback
Episode 3 - Sexual Harassment
Episode 4 - A Typical Day
Episode 5 - The Rescue
Episode 6 - Lunar Rover
Episode 7 - The TV Show
(via clay@adtothebone.com)
Pie throwing...ah...how satisying. I just wish it was a bit messier. The suits seem too clean after you hit them. ;-) (Via dabitch)
Bagger's don't bag - A Sainsbury's advertisement has been banned for misleading customers into thinking they no longer had to pack their own shopping. I never understood that whole concept. If there are baggers in the store, then they should be doing their job. They're not called baggers for nothing.
Automatic Flatterer- I feel so loved.
(via L.Burns- www.burnsautoparts.com)
New posting to the IPA website: "The IPA is baffled by reports of allegedly imminent advertising ban on ‘stereotyping’
The IPA today, 24th June 2003, is baffled by reports in the national press that the EU is ‘in the final stages of preparation’ of a law to ban sex discrimination and stereotyping in advertising and media as part of an ambitious piece of European Union social legislation proposed by the EU Social Affairs Commissioner, Anna Diamantopoulou.
Given the implications for the advertising and marketing communications industry, if such a law were to be implemented, the IPA, as the trade body and professional institute for leading agencies in the UK’s advertising, media and marketing communications industry, is puzzled that neither itself nor the Advertising Association (the federation of trade bodies representing the advertising and promotional marketing industries) have been consulted.
Further, the industry ! is already regulated by the CAP Code and ITC Code that effectively uphold public decency and good taste within the print and broadcast media. Says Marina Palomba, IPA Legal Director: “This proposal is in its earliest stage and I do not believe it will progress without substantial amendment and consultation.”
The IPA will be working with the AA who lobby on behalf of the industry on this issue." This will be interesting to see how it unfolds...
Ice Cream in Bed- Ad banned for being too sexy and the product not being relevant to the images shown.
New ads specifically target gay audience- " It is the first-ever customized commercial meant to speak directly to a gay audience alone, and it will air on gay-themed programs on Bravo Network and BBC America this month through the summer. It will appear on BBC's "So Graham Norton," a racy talk show with a gay host, and "Absolutely Fabulous," as well as two new Bravo shows, dating program "Boy Meets Boy" and fashion makeover show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."
"I'm trying to show Orbitz is a gay-friendly company, not just bring traffic to our site," says Jeff Marsh, the Chicago-based travel company's openly gay director of marketing strategy and promotions. "The genesis of this ad idea came when I read the storyboards -- it was immediately apparent I could put a gay twist on it and make a gay ad."
I have to say, bravo. It's nice to see a main stream service not be afraid to target a group that contains some of their best customers.
Strengthening the bonds between Americans and their military- "Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness David S.C. Chu today announced the launch of a new advertising campaign designed to strengthen the personal bond between adult Americans and their military. The campaign links the values learned through military service to success in life. The overarching goal of the initiative is to encourage adults to be more inclined to advocate military service to the young people in their lives." This sort of bothers me. Can't the government spend it's money on other issues that are more important...like the economy and the like?
Planet Swank- some good stuff here.
(From Monday)This morning I caught an ad by Philip Morris which basically was them saying that "yes smoking kills". I think it's some what surprising that a company which is attempting to make a profit on something so harmful would go through with an ad so straight forward about the negatives. Has anyone else seen this?
I think this is the ad here but I can't get it to play on the computer I'm on today so I can't be sure...
"Philip Morris USA, as part of its ongoing efforts to communicate about tobacco issues, will begin airing the first in a series of television ads on Monday, June 23. The ad features information from the health issues section of their Web site, a section which includes information from public health officials and links to their sites. The ad encourages people to visit their Web site for more information."- from the Altria.com site
Monday, June 23, 2003
[ ]
Things
Oracle of Starbucks- Enter your drink order and find out about your personality.
Enjoy some Strongbad cartoons here, here, and here.
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
[ ]
Need to rant on here for a minute. Why is it that people who are in the wrong when driving honk...as if it's not their fault? When there is a sign that says "Yield"...you need to bloody yield to oncoming traffic. If you don't, and end up in an accident, it's your fault for not fucking doing what the sign says to do. Honestly, the people around here are insane. I really can't believe that they all have their licenses! Someone revoke them please! And...where the heck are the cops on traffic duty when you need them? Typical. But, now that I've got that out of my system...Life has been hectic lately. There has been a decided lull in the posting, especially compared to before. But, that's not all bad. I have been trying to keep up a bit, and at least get something up every couple days. There have been days lately where I really don't feel like posting. Since I haven't done one of these in a while, I figured "what the heck" and so here is...This or That Tuesday:
1. Newspapers or magazines? Magazines...I like glossy pages.
2. Books-on-tape or regular books? Regular- actually don't think I've ever done a book on tape.
3. Paperback or hardcover? Paperback...easier to read.
4. Fiction or non-fiction? Fiction...or historical fiction where it's based somewhat on fact.
5. Sci-Fi/Fantasy or romance novels? Sci-Fi/Fantasy
6. Borrow from library or buy books (either new or used)? Both
7. Subscribe to magazines or buy on newsstand? Both
8. Current best-sellers or classic literature? Both
9. Read books once, or re-read favorites every so often? Both
10. Here in the U.S., we have two hot best-sellers...former First Lady Hillary Clinton's memoirs, and the new Harry Potter book (coming out June 21). If you had to read one, which one...Hillary or Harry? Why? Yikes what a choice. I guess Hillary's because it's bound to be filled with some funny stuff.
[ ]
Daily Notes- Or some such thing....
Cog ad spoof- Wish I could view this. Will have to try on another computer I guess.
Some cool 70s audio clips and 70s advertising quiz where you match the tags to the brand. Even though I'm not really a child of the 70s I was able to get quite a few.
Trouble at Cannes- Grand Prix winner disqualified.
Cannes Press Shortlist- follow the link to the shortlists for other media as well.
One Show winners are up at adforum. Check um out.
Saturday, June 14, 2003
[ ]
Last train to Clarksville
Shizzolate your site- It's dang funny. Here's what it does to this site. Try it on your own!
Why Friday the 13th is Unlucky- should have posted this up yesterday but...oh well. ;-)
Wrigley patents anti-impotence gum- I find this to be very amsuing. "Wrigley scored the patent, No. 6,531,114, in March for a chewing gum that delivers a dose of sildenafil citrate, the chemical name for Pfizer Corp.’s Viagra. In the government document which was filed in 2000, Wrigley researchers said the gum would provide “an improved dosage form and method of treating erectile dysfunction.” The gum could be used by patients suffering from weak stomachs or swallowing disorders such as disphagia, according to the patent. Upset stomach is one of the side effects of taking Viagra."
There is something unfunny about this though, and that's that the government is giving funding to this when there are a slew of other things that the money should/needs to be going to. Like education and other more important medical research!
[ ]
Saturday Scruples
1. You own a restaurant and serve fresh rolls with every meal. Often they're returned to the kitchen seemingly untouched. Do you serve them again? No. The cost of them is already take into account so, I'd give them to a shelter or something instead.
2. In a close fight for re-election, you learn that your rival recently had a nervous breakdown. Do you leak this to the media? Yes.
3. You have a clear view of an attractive neighbor who does yoga in the nude. Do you ask this person to draw the curtains? No. If they don't care enough to close the curtains, that's their fault. ;-)
[ ]
This and that and the other thing
Ads to watch for at Cannes Lions this year, according to Shoot Magazine.
Origin of the Aflack Duck- The AFLAC duck now ranks as one of the most successful advertising icons of the last decade. So the next task is keeping it that way. You know, ducky. (via clay at adtothebone.com)
Will Woody bring peace between the US and France? - In an advert for the French Tourist Board he asks his fellow Americans to "forget about our differences."
Anyone else think Woody is an odd choice? It would be one thing if the ads were running in France, but Stateside, he's not all that popular or as respected since marrying his adopted daughter.
Tooheys cops a lickin' - "The Advertising Standards Board has received complaints about the new television commercial for Lion Nathan brand Tooheys Extra Dry which features a beer-fetching disembodied tongue. The ASB would not disclose how many complaints it had received about the ad, nor when the board would meet to discuss the complaints."
Lego Astronauts- an astrobot diary- "A new breed of explorer is on board the two Mars Exploration Rover spacecraft—Astrobots Biff Starling and SandyMoondust are part of The Planetary Society Astrobot Corps. Biff and Sandy are LEGO® minifigure representations suited up for space. They appear on each of the DVDs on the MER spacecraft. Their job: tell their stories to the world through a series of entertaining, fun, online communications. (On the site you'll find) e-mails between Astrobot explorers on board the Mars Exploration Rover mission. We rejoin the story a little over four minutes after Biff Starling's launch, with Biff Starling on board and Sandy Moondust in mission control waiting her turn two and a half weeks later."
Barq's brings out a new product - The article also takes an interesting look at launching regional products that play off the strength of an existing brand,which is what Barq will be doing.
Aquatris - It's like Tetris, but underwater. (via milkandcookies.com)
Can you find these people a job? - A silly game where you fling people at a building to get them a job. I like when you miss and they go kerspat! hehe. (via milkandcookies.com)
Monday, June 09, 2003
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Looting- Little Flash movie about looting and politilcs and stuff.
Friday, June 06, 2003
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As the Ad World Spins
"A controversial monorail along the Las Vegas Strip is about to give new meaning to the term "advertising vehicle." Imagine hurtling from casino to casino, for example, in a giant can of Monster Energy drink. The monorail, due to open next year, is Las Vegas's latest attempt to relieve traffic congestion along gambling's main thoroughfare. But its route isn't exactly convenient for travelers, who won't be able to catch it at the airport and must hike through casinos to reach it. Once aboard, they will be trapped in a wall-to-wall marketing blitz."
Ad "puffery"? - After the Tampax/Playtex case, this article takes a look at the past legal battles that have insued over false advertising, puffery and other "better than" claims made in ads.
Cox shoes ad gets banned - Advertising watchdogs have banned a magazine advert for Patrick Cox shoes after a reader complained it appeared to depict an "act of buggery". Also see more here.
"Diners at local Chinese restaurants will get a taste of a new form of advertising when they crack open their fortune cookies next month. Ads promoting a contest for a new reality TV show will be hiding on the backs of the fortunes inside the desserts. It's a unique alternative to the bombarding ad messages that consumers face, said Mark Hughes, founder of Buzzmarketing, the 8-month-old marketing company in Media, Pa., that is pushing the medium. "People are getting a little more daring, and the tide is beginning to! turn" away from traditional advertising, Mr. Hughes said."
Virgin Mobile USA hopes to jump-start its cellphone business among teenage and young adult customers with a campaign beginning during the MTV Movie Awards. The spots, which carry the theme "Live without a plan," will seek to demonstrate that the company truly understands young people, down to the kind of billing plans that they prefer. Brand and telecommunications analysts say they think the effort will be a winner because the youth market feels underserved by the big companies like Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless. But they cautioned that Virgin would have to speak consistently and carefully to maintain the loyalty of young people, who are considered fickle. And after committing itself so thoroughly to youth, any expansion into the general market would be difficult.
Snuggle Bear gets an image makeover - Follow the link for the print ads and for link to the NY Times story.
Female Superstar Aside, Men Still Rule Madison Ave.- This article takes an interesting look at the gender slant in the biz of advertising.
Wednesday, June 04, 2003
[ ]
Carmella, April 1988- June 2, 2003, R.I.P.
For 15 years you were my little girl.The sweetest cat in the entire world and I was lucky to have you in my life. I'll never ever forget you.
[ ]
Ad stuff
Appeal to patriotism is dangerous ground for marketers- Here's an excerpt from the article. "Inevitably, patriotism brings out the best and the worst in the nation's collective psyche. For every wine shop pouring good Bordeaux down the drain, or xenophobic legislator calling for the renaming of French fries, there is a call for reason from a newspaper editorial or a concerned citizen. The point is, patriotism stirs the soul, inflames the passions and generates argument and debate. By its very visceral nature and call-to-emotion, it has the fearsome ability to influence behavior and motivate action, not all of it rational or considered. Can this be appropriate territory into which smart brand marketers should venture?"
Update on the Nike case- "The court issued a one-sentence, unsigned order dismissing the case. Justice John Paul Stevens explained some of the reasons in a separate opinion. Stevens said the court did not need to delve into the complex free speech issues raised by the case now. (why the heck not? I don't understand that comment. Just because it doesn't fit in with political agendas of those in office?? *head shaking*) "This case presents novel First Amendment questions because the speech at issue represents a blending of commercial speech and debate on issues of public importance," Stevens wrote for himself and Justices David Souter and Ruth Bader Ginsburg."
New campaign by Heff- "A new print advertising campaign -- the magazine's first since the late 1990s -- is set to kick off Friday in USA Today, the largest U.S. newspaper by circulation, with the slogan ``Guys Who Get It, Get It Here.'' Apparently newer mags like Maxium are taking away from the readership of Playboy and this is an attempt to get the younger demographic. They also hired an editor from Maxium and replaced the editor they had for nearly 40 years. "The Playboy print ad campaign was developed by Fusion Idea Lab, a Chicago-based advertising agency whose other clients include brewer Anheuser-Busch, online travel Web sites Expedia and Orbitz and retailer Target. However, some still think Playboy will face a tough time in recovering lost ground to its younger-looking rivals. "Maxim shows less skin than Playboy and is sexier because it gets sexier people. Then you add on top of that a much more contemporary execution,'' said Steven Addis, chief executive of Berkeley-based Addis brand strategy and design firm."
Smart business blogging- This article takes an interesting look at blogging and marketing. Unfortnuately they don't list the names of the sites of which they are talking about. Stupid move but its still worth a read.
UPDATE on 7/2: Found the link for the blog and blogumentary- check it out here.
Truth and flies in advertising- One of the Cannes winners this year is very similar to a Gary Larson comic. Hmmm. Is it borrowing of good ideas as homage or stealing them as their own?
Friday, June 27, 2003
[ ]
Fried Day Fun
Homerize things- from "Mmmmm...donuts" to what ever you want, create a cute jpg to share with friends, family and enemies.
Poulaga Challenge- weird games but entertaining.
Optical Illusions- some of these are cool, but they sure do make your eyes hurt!
Toast Art- pretty neat stuff. I like the concept.
Look Alive shockwave game- yay! (via Clay@adtothebone.com)
Anti-Alcohol Posters from Russia...cool design.
Groove Chamber and their funky animation. Sweet! I love that the way they tell if you have flash is the caffinated sheep! Pure poetry...or something. ;-)
Toward A Critical Theory of Advertising- a very long but interesting read. Recommended for those in the biz, even if you skim it.
Thursday, June 26, 2003
[ ]
Candy, Candy, Candy I can't let you go....
Advertising undressed- "But simply saying that sex sells is like saying water is wet. That was the jump-off point for "XXX: The Power of Sex in Contemporary Design" (Rockport Publishers, $50, 192 pages), the first book written and designed by Plazm. The Portland-based Plazm Media has been doing innovative work since 1991, producing an art and culture magazine, operating a type foundry and working with such clients as MTV, Nike and Lucasfilm. Dougher, who discussed the book via e-mail while traveling, said she hoped to shed some light on how certain images get recycled over and over. "Sex sells stuff, but when it is used in graphic materials it also sells ideas about culture," that is, that the bodies of people of color are somehow more exotic than the white body, or that the woman with large breasts is the most attractive woman. "These are boring and staid points," Dougher wrote, "but they are constantly recycled." Sounds like it might be an interesting read.
TV Candy Store- site for reels for production houses and the sort. Some funky stuff to see.
Who Killed the Idea movie from Cannes. Apparently it's only viewable for those *not* in Northern America. Bugger.
The Lonely Astronaut - You'll need Flash for them to play and you'll either love it or hate it - so far there's been no middle ground here at the office. The description from Dangertheater.com - "If NASA left you on the moon 30 years ago, wouldn't you be pissed?"
Episode 1 - Pilot
Episode 2- Flashback
Episode 3 - Sexual Harassment
Episode 4 - A Typical Day
Episode 5 - The Rescue
Episode 6 - Lunar Rover
Episode 7 - The TV Show
(via clay@adtothebone.com)
Pie throwing...ah...how satisying. I just wish it was a bit messier. The suits seem too clean after you hit them. ;-) (Via dabitch)
Bagger's don't bag - A Sainsbury's advertisement has been banned for misleading customers into thinking they no longer had to pack their own shopping. I never understood that whole concept. If there are baggers in the store, then they should be doing their job. They're not called baggers for nothing.
Automatic Flatterer- I feel so loved.
(via L.Burns- www.burnsautoparts.com)
New posting to the IPA website: "The IPA is baffled by reports of allegedly imminent advertising ban on ‘stereotyping’
The IPA today, 24th June 2003, is baffled by reports in the national press that the EU is ‘in the final stages of preparation’ of a law to ban sex discrimination and stereotyping in advertising and media as part of an ambitious piece of European Union social legislation proposed by the EU Social Affairs Commissioner, Anna Diamantopoulou.
Given the implications for the advertising and marketing communications industry, if such a law were to be implemented, the IPA, as the trade body and professional institute for leading agencies in the UK’s advertising, media and marketing communications industry, is puzzled that neither itself nor the Advertising Association (the federation of trade bodies representing the advertising and promotional marketing industries) have been consulted.
Further, the industry ! is already regulated by the CAP Code and ITC Code that effectively uphold public decency and good taste within the print and broadcast media. Says Marina Palomba, IPA Legal Director: “This proposal is in its earliest stage and I do not believe it will progress without substantial amendment and consultation.”
The IPA will be working with the AA who lobby on behalf of the industry on this issue." This will be interesting to see how it unfolds...
Ice Cream in Bed- Ad banned for being too sexy and the product not being relevant to the images shown.
New ads specifically target gay audience- " It is the first-ever customized commercial meant to speak directly to a gay audience alone, and it will air on gay-themed programs on Bravo Network and BBC America this month through the summer. It will appear on BBC's "So Graham Norton," a racy talk show with a gay host, and "Absolutely Fabulous," as well as two new Bravo shows, dating program "Boy Meets Boy" and fashion makeover show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."
"I'm trying to show Orbitz is a gay-friendly company, not just bring traffic to our site," says Jeff Marsh, the Chicago-based travel company's openly gay director of marketing strategy and promotions. "The genesis of this ad idea came when I read the storyboards -- it was immediately apparent I could put a gay twist on it and make a gay ad."
I have to say, bravo. It's nice to see a main stream service not be afraid to target a group that contains some of their best customers.
Strengthening the bonds between Americans and their military- "Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness David S.C. Chu today announced the launch of a new advertising campaign designed to strengthen the personal bond between adult Americans and their military. The campaign links the values learned through military service to success in life. The overarching goal of the initiative is to encourage adults to be more inclined to advocate military service to the young people in their lives." This sort of bothers me. Can't the government spend it's money on other issues that are more important...like the economy and the like?
Planet Swank- some good stuff here.
(From Monday)This morning I caught an ad by Philip Morris which basically was them saying that "yes smoking kills". I think it's some what surprising that a company which is attempting to make a profit on something so harmful would go through with an ad so straight forward about the negatives. Has anyone else seen this?
I think this is the ad here but I can't get it to play on the computer I'm on today so I can't be sure...
"Philip Morris USA, as part of its ongoing efforts to communicate about tobacco issues, will begin airing the first in a series of television ads on Monday, June 23. The ad features information from the health issues section of their Web site, a section which includes information from public health officials and links to their sites. The ad encourages people to visit their Web site for more information."- from the Altria.com site
Monday, June 23, 2003
[ ]
Things
Oracle of Starbucks- Enter your drink order and find out about your personality.
Enjoy some Strongbad cartoons here, here, and here.
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
[ ]
Need to rant on here for a minute. Why is it that people who are in the wrong when driving honk...as if it's not their fault? When there is a sign that says "Yield"...you need to bloody yield to oncoming traffic. If you don't, and end up in an accident, it's your fault for not fucking doing what the sign says to do. Honestly, the people around here are insane. I really can't believe that they all have their licenses! Someone revoke them please! And...where the heck are the cops on traffic duty when you need them? Typical. But, now that I've got that out of my system...Life has been hectic lately. There has been a decided lull in the posting, especially compared to before. But, that's not all bad. I have been trying to keep up a bit, and at least get something up every couple days. There have been days lately where I really don't feel like posting. Since I haven't done one of these in a while, I figured "what the heck" and so here is...This or That Tuesday:
1. Newspapers or magazines? Magazines...I like glossy pages.
2. Books-on-tape or regular books? Regular- actually don't think I've ever done a book on tape.
3. Paperback or hardcover? Paperback...easier to read.
4. Fiction or non-fiction? Fiction...or historical fiction where it's based somewhat on fact.
5. Sci-Fi/Fantasy or romance novels? Sci-Fi/Fantasy
6. Borrow from library or buy books (either new or used)? Both
7. Subscribe to magazines or buy on newsstand? Both
8. Current best-sellers or classic literature? Both
9. Read books once, or re-read favorites every so often? Both
10. Here in the U.S., we have two hot best-sellers...former First Lady Hillary Clinton's memoirs, and the new Harry Potter book (coming out June 21). If you had to read one, which one...Hillary or Harry? Why? Yikes what a choice. I guess Hillary's because it's bound to be filled with some funny stuff.
[ ]
Daily Notes- Or some such thing....
Cog ad spoof- Wish I could view this. Will have to try on another computer I guess.
Some cool 70s audio clips and 70s advertising quiz where you match the tags to the brand. Even though I'm not really a child of the 70s I was able to get quite a few.
Trouble at Cannes- Grand Prix winner disqualified.
Cannes Press Shortlist- follow the link to the shortlists for other media as well.
One Show winners are up at adforum. Check um out.
Saturday, June 14, 2003
[ ]
Last train to Clarksville
Shizzolate your site- It's dang funny. Here's what it does to this site. Try it on your own!
Why Friday the 13th is Unlucky- should have posted this up yesterday but...oh well. ;-)
Wrigley patents anti-impotence gum- I find this to be very amsuing. "Wrigley scored the patent, No. 6,531,114, in March for a chewing gum that delivers a dose of sildenafil citrate, the chemical name for Pfizer Corp.’s Viagra. In the government document which was filed in 2000, Wrigley researchers said the gum would provide “an improved dosage form and method of treating erectile dysfunction.” The gum could be used by patients suffering from weak stomachs or swallowing disorders such as disphagia, according to the patent. Upset stomach is one of the side effects of taking Viagra."
There is something unfunny about this though, and that's that the government is giving funding to this when there are a slew of other things that the money should/needs to be going to. Like education and other more important medical research!
[ ]
Saturday Scruples
1. You own a restaurant and serve fresh rolls with every meal. Often they're returned to the kitchen seemingly untouched. Do you serve them again? No. The cost of them is already take into account so, I'd give them to a shelter or something instead.
2. In a close fight for re-election, you learn that your rival recently had a nervous breakdown. Do you leak this to the media? Yes.
3. You have a clear view of an attractive neighbor who does yoga in the nude. Do you ask this person to draw the curtains? No. If they don't care enough to close the curtains, that's their fault. ;-)
[ ]
This and that and the other thing
Ads to watch for at Cannes Lions this year, according to Shoot Magazine.
Origin of the Aflack Duck- The AFLAC duck now ranks as one of the most successful advertising icons of the last decade. So the next task is keeping it that way. You know, ducky. (via clay at adtothebone.com)
Will Woody bring peace between the US and France? - In an advert for the French Tourist Board he asks his fellow Americans to "forget about our differences."
Anyone else think Woody is an odd choice? It would be one thing if the ads were running in France, but Stateside, he's not all that popular or as respected since marrying his adopted daughter.
Tooheys cops a lickin' - "The Advertising Standards Board has received complaints about the new television commercial for Lion Nathan brand Tooheys Extra Dry which features a beer-fetching disembodied tongue. The ASB would not disclose how many complaints it had received about the ad, nor when the board would meet to discuss the complaints."
Lego Astronauts- an astrobot diary- "A new breed of explorer is on board the two Mars Exploration Rover spacecraft—Astrobots Biff Starling and SandyMoondust are part of The Planetary Society Astrobot Corps. Biff and Sandy are LEGO® minifigure representations suited up for space. They appear on each of the DVDs on the MER spacecraft. Their job: tell their stories to the world through a series of entertaining, fun, online communications. (On the site you'll find) e-mails between Astrobot explorers on board the Mars Exploration Rover mission. We rejoin the story a little over four minutes after Biff Starling's launch, with Biff Starling on board and Sandy Moondust in mission control waiting her turn two and a half weeks later."
Barq's brings out a new product - The article also takes an interesting look at launching regional products that play off the strength of an existing brand,which is what Barq will be doing.
Aquatris - It's like Tetris, but underwater. (via milkandcookies.com)
Can you find these people a job? - A silly game where you fling people at a building to get them a job. I like when you miss and they go kerspat! hehe. (via milkandcookies.com)
Monday, June 09, 2003
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Looting- Little Flash movie about looting and politilcs and stuff.
Friday, June 06, 2003
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As the Ad World Spins
"A controversial monorail along the Las Vegas Strip is about to give new meaning to the term "advertising vehicle." Imagine hurtling from casino to casino, for example, in a giant can of Monster Energy drink. The monorail, due to open next year, is Las Vegas's latest attempt to relieve traffic congestion along gambling's main thoroughfare. But its route isn't exactly convenient for travelers, who won't be able to catch it at the airport and must hike through casinos to reach it. Once aboard, they will be trapped in a wall-to-wall marketing blitz."
Ad "puffery"? - After the Tampax/Playtex case, this article takes a look at the past legal battles that have insued over false advertising, puffery and other "better than" claims made in ads.
Cox shoes ad gets banned - Advertising watchdogs have banned a magazine advert for Patrick Cox shoes after a reader complained it appeared to depict an "act of buggery". Also see more here.
"Diners at local Chinese restaurants will get a taste of a new form of advertising when they crack open their fortune cookies next month. Ads promoting a contest for a new reality TV show will be hiding on the backs of the fortunes inside the desserts. It's a unique alternative to the bombarding ad messages that consumers face, said Mark Hughes, founder of Buzzmarketing, the 8-month-old marketing company in Media, Pa., that is pushing the medium. "People are getting a little more daring, and the tide is beginning to! turn" away from traditional advertising, Mr. Hughes said."
Virgin Mobile USA hopes to jump-start its cellphone business among teenage and young adult customers with a campaign beginning during the MTV Movie Awards. The spots, which carry the theme "Live without a plan," will seek to demonstrate that the company truly understands young people, down to the kind of billing plans that they prefer. Brand and telecommunications analysts say they think the effort will be a winner because the youth market feels underserved by the big companies like Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless. But they cautioned that Virgin would have to speak consistently and carefully to maintain the loyalty of young people, who are considered fickle. And after committing itself so thoroughly to youth, any expansion into the general market would be difficult.
Snuggle Bear gets an image makeover - Follow the link for the print ads and for link to the NY Times story.
Female Superstar Aside, Men Still Rule Madison Ave.- This article takes an interesting look at the gender slant in the biz of advertising.
Wednesday, June 04, 2003
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Carmella, April 1988- June 2, 2003, R.I.P.
For 15 years you were my little girl.The sweetest cat in the entire world and I was lucky to have you in my life. I'll never ever forget you.
Cup of Java © 2002-2011
keep on using that brain.