The new blue
Scientists at Oregon State U accidentally discovered a new way to make the color blue. While trying to create compounds that had unusual electrical properties, they stumbled across a very bright, durable, non-toxic substance. They're now figuring out how to replace one of the components to make it cheap enough for mass market. Big whoop? Indeed. Blue is America's favorite. (source: NY Times, 11/25/09)
Who's using Facebook best?
According to Slate, the top 10 are:
Coke, Starbucks, Disney, Victoria's Secret, iTunes, Vitaminwater, YouTube, Chick-fil-A, Red Bull, and TGI Friday's. The rest of the top 50 here along with Slate's thinking http://www.thebigmoney.com/ . They also have a Twitter 12.
There's money in germophobia
Americans are clean freaks. We'll take the 2nd package in a display of batteries because it may have been touched less than the first. According to Martin Lindstrom, marketing guru, long before H1N1, our need for sterility started permeating every product category, and affects how we spend our dollars. So, even if you're not selling food, it's smart to keep sanitation in mind. (source: Fast Company, 11/25/09)
Champagne of beers
All of The Bruery's brews are packaged in 750ml champagne bottles, with a traditional metal beer cap. Pop and share.
It's what's for dinner tonight
Think you know who uses food assistance? Wrong. Even 4% of The OC needs help these days. Stats by county
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/11/28/us/20091128-foodstamps.html?hp
Who wants to be a billionaire?
I've been wondering why all the fuss about Oprah leaving daytime network TV. She still has her own cable channel and magazine after all. Then Stuart Elliott of the NY Times asked this question: "When will they figure out that "Oprah" is not really a talk show but rather a reality show about Ms. Winfrey?" From local chat show to international fame and fortune, for 25 years she's been a one-woman "Truman Show" and her fans, including a lot of the uncabled, are heavily invested and want to see how it turns out.
Coke is out
Costco has kicked all Coca-Cola products off its shelves. Something about pricing. Power to the retailer. (source: Ad Age, 11/30/09)
Cleverly designed interactive healthcare graphic
Click away to follow the money http://www.ge.com/visualization/health_costs/index.html
Wanna buy a brewery?
Pabst is looking for a new owner by the end of the year. In fact, about 60 million owners. The brewery is currently held by a not-for-profit that, according to US tax law, isn't eligible to own it. Two ad agencies have set up a campaign to get 60 million Pabst fans to buy $5 each in shares toward the $300 million goal. So far they have $11 million pledged http://www.buyabeercompany.com/ (source: Springwise, 12/3/09)
Shoes are a girl's best friend
Sales of shoes are up 8% for October over last year. Some say they're easier to rationalize than a new purse. Others say it's a sign of "frugal fatigue." Then there's the shoes-are-more-fun-than-clothes-because-they-don't-make-you-feel-fat camp. Zappos has been selling a lot of bright colors. And JC Penney says boots, not just single pairs, but "boot wardrobes" are hot. If anybody sees Santa, I want these, silver, size 4. (source: NY Times, 11/5/09)
$$off.com
Online searches for coupons and offers increased a whopping 58% this year. (source: IPG/e-Commerce Times, 12/4/09)
Million dollar baby
A new Australian study says the current "how much does it cost to raise a child" figure is waaaay off because it doesn't take into account things like adult offspring living with their parents (the old number assumes financial independence at 18), the consumer sophistication of tweens, and all the optionals like digital gizmos, college, and vacations. By their reckoning, a kid born today will leave the nest when she's 24, requiring just over a million Aussie dollars to fledge (that's about $917,000 in current US dollars). (source: Reuters, 11/27/09)
We download
Movies that is. Rochester is #3 in the nation after the Brownsville, TX area and Honolulu. The rest of the top-10 are also warm locales, so it's not the weather. No wonder Time Warner tried to get feisty on us. (source: Scarborough Research)
May the dunk be with you
Adidas storm trooper sneakers coming soon. This is the back of the shoe. (source: Fast Company, 11/25/09)
Wouldn't be Thanksgiving without you
Dorcas Reilly invented the green bean casserole in Campbell's kitchens for a magazine article in 1955.
Global warming goes thud
Horrible, but sure makes its point. (source Creativity) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Ae__MHG-U
They're ba-ack
Direct mail credit card offers. Up 34% in October vs. September. The 29.99% question: Are we going to accept them? (source: Mintel/Marketing Daily, 11/23/09)
Most interesting old man in the world
The Dos Equis guy is 71, and his name is Jonathan Goldsmith. When he's not convincingly playing a hot-and-cool Latino, he's had bit parts on Matlock, MacGuyver, Murder She Wrote, and a host of other series nobody ever noticed him on. TMIMITW: clearly also his most interesting character. (source: IMDb & MediaPost, 11/23/09)
There's another life
Selling products and keeping people in jobs is an admirable goal, but imagine talking terrorists into defecting? That's what marketers at Lowe Columbia do. They spend weeks hanging out with former members of FARC and other militant groups to understand the lives they lead in the jungles and their motivators for breaking free. The radio and TV spots, which usually feature testimonials from former guerrillas, run during soccer matches and have been quite successful. (source: Ad Age, 11/16/09)
New mindset
Iconoculture sees, emerging from the recession, a desire by consumers to work collectively. Not for the common good, but because working together will gain the most benefit for ME. It's still every man for himself, but all together.
Finance your pants
In India, Levi's jeans are an aspirational product. Something that shows you've made it. To help more Indians realized their denim dreams, Levi's is working with a number of banks to make interest-free microcredit available. Choose your 501s today, pay in 3 installments. (source: The Hindu Business Line, 11/24/09)
I know what you're watching
Researchers at a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience showed they could create a crude reproduction of a movie clip that someone was watching just by viewing their brain activity. Unless, of course, they're watching a SyFy original movie and there is no brain activity. (source: Iconoculture/New Scientist, 10/28/09)
Gobble
Would you like fries with that? Atlanta, you're #3 in the US for eating fast food-behind Birmingham, AL and Lexington, KY. Interestingly, every city on the top-10 is southern. (source: Scarborough Research)
Rube Guinness
Not saying I like this ad, but it's fun to think about what went into producing it. (source: Creativity) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHURiTjidrI
Dirty little bubbles
Method ad, sorta. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_g2vTFert4 (source: don't recall)
Snackreka!
Ok, the likelihood of me ever not finishing a chocolate bar is minute, but this resealable wrap is a great idea all the same. (source: Iconoculture)
Penguins can't swim backwards
That is all.
We bounce
According to Men's Health magazine (October 2009 issue), Rochester is the least accident prone large city in the US. The pub looked at everything from car crashes to workplace mishaps to Band-Aid sales.
High chair
Toshiba mounted an HD camera to a balloon tethered to a chair and sent the whole thing soaring 98K feet above Nevada where the atmospheric pressure blew it up. Fun job, huh. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6PSbUl_68k (source: Creativity)
How awkward
Porsche is suing Crocs over their use of the name "Cayman." Can't wait to see how the court rules, since it seems like such a stretch. Sexy high-performance auto vs. ugly practical foam shoes. How are they competitive for anyone's share of mind? But legal curiosity aside, if I was a Porsche marketing or PR exec, I might have to clock the lawyer who brought that suit. Porsche in the same press clip as Crocs - an association to be avoided at all costs. (source: Ad Age, 11/16/09)
Facebook flopping?
The love affair may be over for the 18-24 set. In September, usage by this group fell for the third straight month. Maybe they're tired of getting friended by Aunt Edna. (source: Mediaweek, 11/15/09)
Glass half full
43% of US adults believes the recession has had a positive impact on their lives. Number's the same no matter what kind of financial or other difficulties (or not) the downturn has caused them. So, there may be fewer gifts under the tree, menorah, what have you, but a lot of us will be merrier. (source: Marketwire, 11/10/09)
When the competition sues
Flip ‘em off. Verizon cranks it up with help from the Misfit Toys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JgrBtn8XdU (source: network TV, sometime 11/14/09 PM)
Influencer moms
Recommendations:
- 94% of moms give advice to other moms in at least one product category
- The average mom gives and gets advice in more than 8 product categories
- 69% recommend specific brands by name to other moms
- 54% have rated or reviewed a brand online
- 37% have posted their opinions about a product in an online forum or blog
Moms are most likely to talk about brands that they feel are:
- A good value
- Trustworthy
- Responsive to moms' needs
- High-quality
- A money-saver
- A time-saver
Where do they get their info, apart from other moms?
- 81% have visited a brand's web site for more information
- 65% have signed up to receive a newsletter from a brand
- 36% have posted a link or joined a fan group on Facebook
(source: MomConnection/Center for Media Research, 11/16/09)
Real men don't...
At least not in Canada http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKBbgH2AU0Q . 213% sales increase in October alone. (source: Ad Age, 11/117/09)
Hot flavors for 2010
Sweet potato, cardamom, hibiscus, cupaucu (it's a superfruit), rose water, Latin herbs & spices like cilantro. (source: Mintel, 11/18/09)
eHarmony: the wine edition
Answer some non-wine preference questions and 94Wines will pick your magic numbers. No descriptions, no clues. What UPS will deliver is a surprise www.94wines.com (source: Springwise, 11/18/09)
Oh to be a Hobbit
Or just to live in a home built by Roald Gundersen, an architect who specializes in structures that incorporate whole trees. More here http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/11/04/garden/20091105-tree-slideshow_index.html
Smokin' marketing
A sushi chain in Colorado is making the most of the new federal policy that bows to states' rights in medical marijuana. The restaurant's ads show maps of Denver and Boulder featuring its own locations as well as those of registered pot dispensaries. Hapa Sushi figures, if you're gonna get the munchies, you may as well eat something healthy. (source: NY Times, 11/4/09)
Twitter squatters
Just a few of the big names whose"@"s have been swiped: Comcast, Hyundai, Disney, VW, GM, Mastercard, BK, Diageo, Nike. Don't feel too bad if yours has, too. Even Walmart can't get Twitter to call them back. (source: Ad Age, 11/9/09)
How to sell Pampers
Don't run your ad during "CSI" or "Cougar Town." A new ANA study shows that commercials are up to 30% more effective if they match the tone and content of the program they're running on. 10.7% of viewers changed their opinion about purchasing a product based on the show. Brand equity attribute summary scores tanked when viewed in adult content. Even though these are adults watching, crime and Pop Tarts simply don't mix. Another great reason to bring "Chuck" back. As if we needed more. (source: Ad Age, 11/4/09)
Etch my banana
I never thought about those fruit and veggie labels not being green, but these folks have. Done with low-energy carbon dioxide laser. Can marketing messages be far off? (source: Inhabitat, 11/4/09)
True
Nearly ½ of food & beverage shoppers are still buying their favorite brands, even when cheaper alternatives are available. They're just using coupons and promotions to justify the cost. (source: Grocery Manufacturers Assn/Progressive Grocer, 11/4/09)
Efficient retail
It never looks like people at Apple stores are buying anything, yet the stores reap about $4,300 per sq. ft. in sales. Compare that to $872 for Best Buy. Overall, sales at both companies are about the same per year per location ($26 million). Geniuses kick Blue Shirt butt. (source: Gizmodo via Aaron, 11/12/09)
Need a favor? Reach for the Windex
People are unconsciously fairer and more generous in a clean smelling environment. (source: Brigham Young U/Christian Science Monitor, 11/10/09)
Blood and karma
Finding that fear and guilt don't motivate like they used to, the Blood Center of Central TX went with humor to spur donation. (source: MediaDailyNews, 11/12/09)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSUfW1gekS4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF6ZJj7QKH4&NR=1
Accidental footlong
The big idea that rocketed Subway to the top of the fast-food heap started as a way to increase weekend traffic at 2 Miami-area shops. It was huge. The clever franchisee pushed the concept until more franchisees, and finally corporate, got it. And starting next week, Subway will surpass McDonald's for worldwide locations. Full story here http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_46/b4155058815908.htm?campaign_id=rss_innovate (source: Business Week, 11/5/09)
Santa brought me ink cartridges
36% of consumers say they'll be shopping for more practical gifts this year. Whole Foods is promoting organic cotton socks -- 3 pairs for $20 -- as excellent stocking stuffers. (source: National Retail Federation/Marketing Daily, 11/11/09)
Hyperbole
I don't care how much you wear them, those shoes do not equal that butt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDVB4881c2I . (Seen during America's Next Top Model. C'mon, it's hilarious.)
Turning weapons into waffles
10% of US electric power is generated using the radioactive material from decommissioned US and Soviet nuclear warheads. Russian nuke cores make up 45% of the fuel in US reactors. Another 5% comes from our bombs. The energy industry is anxiously awaiting the outcome of new disarmament negotiations. As should consumers be. This recycling project has kept the price of kilowatt hours down vs. new mining and refining. So next time you're groovin' on your favorite tune, remember, it's brought to you by assured mutual destruction. (source: NY Times, 11/9/09)
Shopper seeks older marketers
According to Harris Poll, 71% of consumers think ads that mention a company's longevity make them seem solid and reliable. Women 9% more so than men. 3% said it sounded like the company is trying to hide problems, and 2% thought they seemed old or out of touch. 24% didn't know how to interpret that language. (source: Adweek, 11/9/09)
Are you feelin' lucky?
You should. Interactive unemployment-by-demo tracking tool. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/11/06/business/economy/unemployment-lines.html?hp
Hmmmm
Limited-edition Corona Lime ice cream. Summer events only. Not available at retail. Bloggers say it's good. (source: MediaBistro, 11/12/09)
Final bout of 2009
Roc City Roller Derby double head-header. Saturday night, 6:00 (5:00 doors) at the Dome. Roll on over to support Safe Journey and Day Star, not to mention our girls, Katie and Tanya. Where else can you have so much fun, and do so much good, for only 12 bucks?
Wisk-it
Do something stupid last weekend? Your "friend" put the proof on Facebook? The detergent, Wisk, has an app for that. It won't scrub the offending photo from the internet, but it will make it easy for your friend to remove it from the social net. (source: NY Times, 11/1/09) http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/technology/internet/02wisk.html?_r=1&ref=technology
A spritz of sweetness
Looks like Glade, tastes like whatever Splenda tastes like. It's Splenda Mist. A little larger than a lipstick, I guess the idea is to carry it in your purse so you're never without. Comes in several designs. Doubles as a breath freshener? (source: MarketingDaily, 11/2/09)
Ad folk beware
Spammers and hackers have started using ad networks to spread malware. Gawker Media was recently sold a fake Suzuki banner by a team posing as employees of Spark SMG. The ad didn't infect every computer, so Gawker's testing didn't show any issues. NYTimes.com had a similar problem when a purportedly legitimate Vonage ad took over the Sunday Times with urgent, scary messages about viruses and the need to purchase software to clean them up RIGHT NOW. More info here http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=140121 (source: Ad Age, 11/2/09 and my Macbook, one Sunday, a month or so ago.)
Becoming Human
Clever trailer for new PBS series http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP1erM1v5NA (source: WXXI)
Would you like some fresh ground B12 with that?
Don't like veggies, just sprinkle some Vitamin Spice cinnamon on your buttered toast. One Tbsp has the nutrient equivalent of ½ a multivitamin pill. Why is it that the more obsessed we become with eating healthy, the more ingenious we become at avoiding actually eating healthy. http://vitaminspice.net/cart/index.php?main_page=index
Green Apple
25% of consumers point to Apple as the most environmentally friendly tech company. At the very top of the heap. How is this Nugget-worthy? Greenpeace ranks them 11 out of 17, and the company's on most green advocates' naughty list for their lack of transparency. Another case of pretty = good. Data not available nor required. (source: Ipsos/Center for Media Research, 11/3/09)
Colbert on ice
The Colbert Nation took pity on the US speed skating team after their sponsor, DSB, a Dutch bank, went belly up. Colbert, whose show is also soliciting fan donations for the team, explained his sponsorship decision thusly: "We must ensure that it is America's 38-inch thighs on that medal platform!" I can picture the telethon: Give or Stephen will don tights! (source: MediaDaily, 11/3/09)
A match made in St. Louis
Made me look http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXXgBU_bS7A (source: NFL Live on ESPN)
Ho ching ching
Moms with kids at home expect to spend an average of $672 on gifts this holiday season, or about the same as last year. However, moms with older children plan to spend more than last year. (source: Moms Coalition/MediaPost Engage:Moms, 11/4/09)
Want to save more money?
Ask your bank to remind you. In a new study, when banks sent customers text messages reminding them to save so their goals could be achieved, the average amount saved rose 6%. A little nagging goes a long way. (source: WSJ, 11/4/09)
Stalker mail
An unsolicited birthday card/offer from a bar I've never been to. Just because I know how this works doesn't make it any less creepy. Bad direct mail, bad. (source: my mailbox. Weak photoshopping
courtesy MC Nugget)
Freaky beefy
2,100 calories. 5 inches of meat. For a limited time only in Japan. Could you eat it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCHhWX205bY
(source: Christian Science Monitor, 10/23/09)
Advocate
Anthony Toth loves Pan Am so much he's spent the last 20 years tracking down authentic bits and pieces to recreate a first-class cabin in his garage http://tinyurl.com/yfme7y8 . (source: Wall Street Journal, 10/27/09)
Badvocate
Those are people who say negative things about a brand online. They're about 20% of the world adult population and reach an average of 14 people with their opinions. (source: Weber Schandwick/Forbes, 10/2309)
It's cheap, but is it a good value?
According to a new grocery study, consumers don't care as much about price as about usefulness. "Works well, tastes good." and "Will it be consumed in its entirety by my family?" were criteria #1 and 2 for purchase. Price was #6. They found that people aren't really spending less at grocery, just being more careful about buying things that won't go to waste. For example people thought a multipack of chips where their family would only eat ½ the flavors and wouldn't touch the other ½ wasn't a good value, even though the multipack was really cheap. Waste equals expensive whether it really is expensive or not. (source: MediaPost, 10/23/09)
Show me the shelf talker
A new survey from Miller Zell shows instore marketing kicking ads' butts.
- 32% said instore marketing is very effective; 27% said the same about ads outside of stores
- 69% called the instore experience "make or break"
- 65% make lists, but 60% are still making brand decisions instore
- The most engaging materials? End-aisle (70%), merchandisers (62%), department signs (58%). Ceiling banners and mobiles were least impactful.
- Gen X & Y particularly like shelf strips and blades with lots of info
- Gen Y women were most influenced by instore marketing
(source: ManageSmarter. Com, 10/20/09)
The short list
According to Mintel, the food trend to watch in 2010 will be simplicity. Doesn't matter so much if the ingredients add up to healthy, but the list better not be too long. Items like Häagen-Dazs "Five," which has 5 ingredients, or Starbucks smoothies, now with a mere 4 ingredients. Also hot are more detailed descriptors. Take Triscuits which once were made with "wheat," but now contain "soft white winter wheat." (source: USA Today, 10/28/09)
Novel solution to traffic chaos
In La Paz, Bolivia, there are rules of the road, but there may as well not be for all drivers pay attention to them. Scary place for pedestrians. That's why you're likely to be helped across the street by a zebra. The 100 costumed, at risk youth, who are paid a solid hourly wage plus health insurance, are trained not only in traffic safety but also crowd dynamics and street performance. They've been at it for 8 years, and apparently are far more effective than the fines and coercion police had been plying to get motorists to heed crosswalks. (source: Christian Science Monitor, 10/28/09)
Duracell bunny
You read that right. Duracell had a bunny before Energizer, and he's ba-ack, in Europe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OHY-2bv0vk . (source: MediaPost's Out to Launch, 10/28/09)
Frosty upside your jack-o-lantern
When's it ok to break out holiday-themed ads? Consumers say:
- After Halloween (42%)
- After Labor Day (8%)
- After Thanksgiving (35%)
- Never (12%)
(source: AdweekMedia, 10/23/09)
Do-re-mi-fa...
Swedes make taking the stairs fun http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw . (source: Cori. Hi, Cori!)
Godzilla vs. the hummer
Yup, that's a mantis sucking a hummingbird dry at a sugar-water feeder. The feeder's owner says once the mantis learned the trick, he did it over and over. Smart bug. (source: National Geographic, November 2009)
Consumer finance
If you owe $1K on your credit card at 20%, compounded annually, providing you pay nothing off, how long will it take for your debt to double? If you figured five years, you're one of only 46% of men and a frightening 26% of women who got it right. (source: Harvard Business Review, November 2009)
Happy 15th, banner ads
The first one appeared this week in 1994 on Hotwired.com, the first commercial e-zine, and a division of Wired magazine. (source: Ad Age, 10/27/09)
Novel crowdsourcing
CAPTCHA: Those funny-looking words you have to type in online to prove you're a person. Turns out they have a dual role. 1) Nixing spam. 2) Helping Carnegie Mellon U decipher words from old books that have stumped optical scanners. So far 10 million words have been figured out. That's about 150,000 books-without the need to hire tens of thousands of human workers. Sneaky. (source: Harvard Business Review, October 2009)
Oo-oo that smell...
In a new twist on their annual holiday-time Times Square pop-up potty, Charmin is recruiting bloggers. Applicants "must really, really enjoy going to the bathroom." http://www.charmin.com/en_US/enjoy-the-go/index.php
Are you a total wuss?
You could drink more milk, or buy yourself a pair of chair pants. BC Canada's take on the power of dairy http://www.theweakshop.com/ (source: Creativity)
A different approach to ED from the UK
Not cheesy. Not sleazy. Not clinical. Part of a larger series from problem through, yippee, problem solved. A sampling. (source: Creativity)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpoRnLfWyT8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKXQIlUS51s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IbM-Z5hP6A&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5LVx3TmXQE
Food value
The Affordable Nutrition Index made its debut this week at the American Dietetic Association's Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. The ANI evaluates foods based on their nutritional bang for the buck. Some of the best values they've found are basics like broccoli and apples, as well as Campbell's low-sodium vegetable soups. This could be a huge help for people trying to build a balanced diet on a tight budget. Mayonnaise and sugary need not apply. (source: Progressive Grocer, 10/19/09)
TAFN
5% of Americans have been dumped via text message. (source: Synovate Mobile Phone Survey, October 2009)
Online, coupons matter
30% of adults won't make a purchase at an e-tailer if there's no coupon. 22% will go to a different store that does have a coupon. 8% will wait for a coupon to pop up. 38% don't look for coupons for online stores. (source: HarrisInteractive, 10.19.09)
Peatle
Kia's using doctored animal images to illustrate the traits of its vehicles. In this case the turtle-peacock stands for "safe and stylish." Interesting idea, but I know I've seen this ad and at least one of the others, but I didn't notice there was anything odd about the animals until I saw an article in MediaPost telling me that the animals were odd. And I look for this stuff. Too subtle?
Too lazy to be vegan
Cheese, leather, honey. All easy to identify and avoid. But to be truly vegan, you have to put some serious research time into every product you use. Example: Atayne's sports apparel is pretty green. It's all made from waste cotton and recycled polyester. To keep their green-wear unstinky, however, instead of silver nanoparticles, it's coated in chitosan, a chemical derived from another waste product -- shrimp and other crustacean shells. D'oh. In case you're looking for a planet friendly alternative to Patagonia, and you're not opposed to animal products in your shorts, go here http://www.atayne.com/
Go go, GTO
Volkswagen is introducing its new GTO model via an iPhone app. That is all. There's a car giveaway overlay for people who play the game-app. The game is a modified, licensed, existing game. Est. cost: $500K. Last GTO intro: $60 million. If you're interested in the details http://adage.com/article?article_id=139862 (source: Ad Age, 10/23/09)
Me, when nobody's looking
#7 viral video of the week http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z19zFlPah-o (source: Ad Age, 10/20/09)
I feel pretty
I really like this ad. Not the whole campaign, but this ad. It's been showing up for a few months in my various subscriptions, and I like it every time I see it. Maybe it's his expression. Most people don't really get much money back from Discover, but enough for a nice new shirt and tie. And sometimes, that's all you need to get back out there, feeling good about yourself. (source: National Geographic, November 2009)
The dog couldn't see my homework
Not having electricity is a major hurdle for many kids in the developing world. You just can't study in the dark. IKEA to the rescue. Buy one of these solar-charged desk lamps ($20) and one goes to a student, gratis. (source: Metropolitan Home, November 2009)
What mommies pay attention to
A new survey from Prospectiv says mommy-bloggers may be overrated. Of the moms surveyed, only 1% thought blogs are the most effective way to promote a brand. 47% said product samples offered online and 40% said coupons. (source: eMarketer, 10/12/09)
Say goodbye to the average American
That's what demographic experts are predicting the 2010 census will confirm. We're 309 million individuals without a definition. In 10 of the country's largest cities, no racial or ethic group is the majority. And only 22% of households fit the old-school married-with-children mold. The census will offer 14 household relationship types to choose from. Data to be released spring 2011. (source: Ad Age, 10/12/09)
The North Face is suing
But 18-year-old entrepreneur Jimmy Winklemann of Missouri is sticking to his counter-culture clothier guns. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NKz5XiaMXE (source: Iconoculture)
Merry Christmas, Denver
Colorado's minimum wage is tied to the cost of living, so the state will be lowering it by 4 cents to $7.24 per hour. Before the reduction, assuming a 40-hour week, that's a whopping $291.20. Yes, those folks will miss that extra $1.60. (source: Rochester Business Journal Daily Report, 1013/09)
How to sell work boots
Help workers find jobs so they can afford new boots. Check out the spots and the site http://creativity-online.com/work/timberland-pro-hammer/17568 (source: Creativity)
Tough market
I think this is Romanian duct tape. I sure hope they're joking. (source: Failblog)
ROI
Mint.com, the 2-year-old online personal finance management tool, was just purchased by Intuit for $170 million. Mint says it spent a mere $2 million on marketing from start-up to sale, including the marketing staff's salaries. (source: Brandweek, 10/10/09)
ROC trivia
Did you know that the oldest business in Rochester is Alling & Cory (currently Xpedx). Founded in 1819, the company was the first paper merchant in the US. (source: Rochester Business Journal, 10/9/09)
To recession or not to recession?
Most consumers don't want hear about it anymore, at least not in advertising. 23% said it made the ads seem more realistic, but...
- 12% found it "depressing"
- 25% "manipulative"
- 39% had "no opinion"
(source: Harris Poll/Adweek, 10/12/09)
Sidebar: I saw a spot for a local GM dealer that pointed out that we, the consumer/tax payer, are their owner now, so they'll be sure to treat us right. They also mentioned that they were confident GM would be able to pay us all back soon. Didn't make me feel warm & fuzzy. You? (source: probably YNN, 10/13/09)
Banned in China
Liu Bolin's photos are crazy. Please excuse all the other non-artistic junk on this site. (source: Very Short List, 1014/09) http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/meet-the-real-life-invisible-man.html
Site graffiti
For good or ill, Google Sidewiki is up and running. I'm sure all comments will be as cheery and helpful as these ladies' at left.
iAm
A U.S. teen's average daily media consumption consists of 200 minutes of television, 52 minutes of computer use, 6 minutes of mobile voice activity, 96 text messages (sent or received), and 25 minutes of console gaming. (source: Nielsen/Iconoculture)
Can you say "mesothelioma"?
It's the most expensive keyword on both Google ($99.44 per click) and Yahoo! (source: MediaPost, 10/14/09)
Counterfeit Corn Flakes
To fight fakes, and the perception that Kellogg's makes cereal for store brands, the company will laser cut their logo into their flakes. Accept no substitutes; inspect your spoon. (source: Brand Republic, 10/14/09)
New product name of the week
Minute Maid Pulpy Super Milky. OJ, milk powder, coconut bits. (source: Shanghai Daily, 10/13/09)
For my next trick...
I will make it louder. You don't have to be Hermione to magically change channels. This wand can be programmed to control anything that uses IR technology-TV, stereo, the Jumbotron in our conference room. Oooooooo. 50₤. http://www.thewandcompany.com/ (source: Springwise, 10/15/09)
Titillate me, Elmo
American Apparel has announced a limited-edition, 40th anniversary line of Sesame Street T-shirts. Adult and kid sizes. Sing along with Cookie: "One of these things is not like the others. One of these things just doesn't belong..." (source: Marketing Daily, 10/7/09)
"Real" beauty
Nobody needs more free makeup totes. Instead Estee Lauder is offering a makeover and photo for your Facebook page or blog or dating profile. There is a logo in the background, but Estee's hoping you'll pay back the favor by not retouching. (source: Ad Age , 10/8 /09)
Sorry, Rush
The US brand is #1 again, up from #7 in 2008. France is holding steady at #2. (source: Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brands IndexSM)
Olé
Best part? Nary a disclaimer in sight. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy_qMuWgPQA
Plastics, you're dismissed
US Canteen: now that's a product I never thought I'd see advertised in the NY Times. But all the stink about Sigg and BPA opened up a golden opportunity. This model hasn't been used by the military since the end of the Vietnam War, but it could be coming soon to a yoga studio near you.
Here today...
Kraft only just introduced Vegemite iSnack 2.0 -- a reformulated version of the original spread with a new, crowd-sourced name. But it seems that people who create and vote for product names online have little in common with people who buy salty-yeasty stuff in stores. So iSnack no more. (source: Brandchannel, 10/2/09)
Cool vs. stupid
Things don't always play out in the real world the way they do in creative reviews. Case in point, Toyota thought it would be a cool idea to send people emails from a fictional drunken English soccer hooligan saying he was coming to stay, with his pit bull, at their place to hide from the police. Send them his bills for hotel damage. And a link to his MySpace page with info about "the riot." After nine such emails, they finally sent a video showing them they'd been punked and that it was all just publicity for the Matrix car model. Ha ha. Well, one woman was so freaked out by this that she couldn't eat or sleep and kept a machete with her in case the aggressive weirdo showed up. She's suing Toyota. Something about terrorism. (source: Ad Age, 10/2/09)
One more time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZIvgQ9ik48
Buffalo's on the rise
Unfortunately, not the city, but the flavor. In the last 2 years, 75 new food products have appeared with the word Buffalo in their names. Why? Boomers. a) tastebuds lose sensitivity with time and want stronger stimulation. b) Buffalo flavor, though not the products it's usually on, of course, doesn't have a lot of fat, salt, or calories, so you can get a lot of yum without clogging your arteries. (source: USA Today, 10/8/09)
Crowd-sourced cell network
O2 in UK has launched a cell service called GiffGaff that has no customer service and offers users free calls and texts based on their answering fellow users' queries and selling the service to their friends and family. "Service reps" will be user rated like eBay sellers. The biggest contributors to sales and service will receive rebates, like profit-sharing, twice a year. The only thing the company has full control of is billing. http://www.giffgaff.com/ (source: Ad Age, 10/5/09)
Hi, I'm a PC
Microsoft says this wasn't meant to be viral (d'uh). In case you're not one of the million or so people who've already laughed at it, here ya go http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cX4t5-YpHQ
Stop making sense
It'll make you smarter. Humans are wired to find patterns. A new study says that when we're confronted with something wacky, our logic sensors kick into high gear and we're likely to notice something we hadn't before. Disorientation begets creativity. So the next time you're totally stumped, try some David Lynch, or maybe Sarah Palin. (source: NYTimes, 10/5/09)
Only in a women's world
Remember the cartoon Frito-Lay ladies? Now the winner of their "Inspire Us" story contest, a mom from Boise, gets to be one, too, in an animated webisode of her winning story. She also won a trip for her and her daughter to NYC to see how the webisode is made. How fun is that? In case you don't remember them, here they are again http://www.awomansworld.com/ (source: PromoXtra, 9/29/09)
Tagline co-opted
Nice, subtle way to make the point, and save on copywriting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiOKmKXbacA (source: NBC, last Friday night)
Want to get ahead?
Shave. Gillette is touting a study (theirs) of HR professionals that shows beard-free men move up the corporate ladder more quickly and have a major advantage at job interviews. For style and career advice, http://www.gillette.com/en-US/#/grooming/careeradvantage/en-US/index.shtml/ (DrugStoreNews.com)
It's on special, but is it good?
http://www.goodguide.com/ began as a side project by a Berkley scientist and his buds, but is now a full-fledged start-up employing nutritionist, toxicologists, and the like to help you make better buying decisions. Is Pantene safe? Should my kids eat Yoplait? Ask GoodGuide. Based on a ton of data points from nutrient and heavy metal content to water use and labor standards, they'll give you a broken-out rating and let you compare to other brands. They've just started helping companies like Clorox learn how to improve their ratings. Also available in a mobile app.
Low-budget, huge impact
A UK car insurance aggregator couldn't afford the keyword "market." Not to worry, their agency went with the much cheaper near-homonym "meerkat" and created a Russian-accented spokescritter. He's not only hugely boosted web traffic to http://www.comparethemarket.com/ , which most people access by searching "meerkat," but he's become a cultural phenomenon, much like a certain green somebody. What is it about car insurance and clever animals? Check out Alexandr Orlov here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0mXUC0cUPg (source: Ad Age, 9/28/09)
Some groovy billboards
http://10steps.sg/inspirations/artworks/50-extraordinary-and-attractive-billboards/ (source: Very Short List, 9/29/09)
The waffle
My sweetie (guy, urban, 50ish) doesn't like commercials, shopping for consumer electronics, or Brett Favre, but he stops TiVo to watch this ad. That's one ringing endorsement. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9enj55iSwk
Raise a zipper to Donald Fisher, founder of The Gap
In 1969 at the age of 41, the real-estate developer bought a San Francisco store that sold jeans and records because he couldn't find a pair of Levis that fit him decently. His wife, Doris, named the business. The couple made a ton of money, and gave a ton away. They even bought the SF Giants to keep the team from being moved to FL. They filled a gap in the casual wear market and are currently filling the SF Museum of Modern Art with their vast personal collection, since he won't be needing it anymore. Mr. Fisher passed this week at the age of 81. (source: SFGate.com, 9/28/09)
Live from Ramallah
Palestinian State TV started airing its first social/political satire show. The writers and actors were nervous at first about mocking topics that journalists get scary phone calls for broaching, but according to one actor they're willing to take their chances because: "If you make people laugh at difficult topics, you force them to look at things with a different point of view." So far, only a few cuss words and sexual innuendo have been bleeped. (source: Christian Science Monitor, 9/28/09)
While on the theme of government control...
The Chinese government had Beijing cellphone users' ring-back tones changed to the national anthem to get them in the mood for the 60th anniversary of communist rule. They called it "a gift." I'm sure those folks are feeling something, but patriotic might not be it. (source: StLouisToday.com, 9/29/09)
Cool music
Cheap. Tonight and Saturday night. All over the Wedge. Go. http://www.rochesterindiefest.com/
