February 17, 2009

Top Star Wars lines improved by adding the word "pants."

I find your lack of pants disturbing.

Posted by John on February 17, 2009 at 07:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: Pop Culture

February 16, 2009

When Collapsing Ads Goes Bad

Picture 1 If you're not a big sports fan, and/or don't visit sports news web sites that often, ESPN.go.com (why do they still use that url anyway?) recently underwent an overhaul. They did quite a bit of re-vamping to the site to accommodate more imagery, video and columns. The changes, in my opinion, are nice and do a good job of showcasing the news they want to highlight.

As someone that has worked on extensive web redesigns in the past, I know that when you're re-tooling a site that contains more than content, like advertising, you're planning for a LOT more than just your own infrastructure. It appears that ESPN did that, to some degree.

The homepage now features an area where an expandable flash ad can be placed almost seamlessly with the page design. To further that notion, ESPN has also included users the ability to expand/collapse the ad before it plays through and collapses on its own. The problem is that ESPN either didn't give the advertiser, Sprint, the banner specs -- or Sprint didn't abide by them. Because I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't want my company's logo covered up for whatever price I'm paying to be on ESPN's web site.

Has anyone encountered something like this with their banner advertising and was it fixed in your favor?

Posted by SethyG on February 16, 2009 at 08:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: Advertising , Sports , Web/Tech

February 12, 2009

We love the WTF blanket.

Genius.

Posted by John on February 12, 2009 at 08:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: Advertising , Current Affairs , Entertainment , Pop Culture , Television

February 10, 2009

Hugh McTighe 1941 - 2009

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In the interest of complete transparency -- which is my gift (or burden) after all -- I want to let the AC community know that my father passed away peacefully on Sunday. He had a bad heart for years and had fought lung cancer for the past 10 months and it was just his time. Fortunately, I was there with him in Texas when he passed, so that, in its own way, provides some relief. I am sad, and in the  cold, cruel light of mortality, advertising doesn't seem so important right now.

So stop worrying about it for me, for him – at least for today.

Because as you guys know – there's always another deadline, always another project, always another thing. But there isn't always going to be another father, mother, brother, sister or loved one.

Hug somebody you love today. Worry about the next headline tomorrow.

tug

Posted by Tug McTighe on February 10, 2009 at 08:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)
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February 05, 2009

60's book designs done EXACTLY right just a couple days ago.

Highlander spacesick

These are so good I almost peed my pants. "Highlander" is my fave but "Vacation" ain't far behind. Great design, mmmmm, I love it.

See them all thanks to Spacesick.

Posted by Tug McTighe on February 05, 2009 at 09:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: Design

February 02, 2009

#AC 61 Now Available

AC 61 The Super Bowl 43 Listen In Edition

Tug and John sit down with their families to take in the spectacle of Super Bowl 43. Listen in to real time reactions, loads of baby cooing and sharp-tongued post-beer analysis.

Chapter 1: Preamble

Chapter 2: Faith & John (5:37)

Chapter 3: First Half Listen-in (6:50)

Chapter 4: First Half Analysis (14:12)

Chapter 5: Second Half Listen-in (18:22)

Chapter 6: Second Half Analysis (25:54)

Chapter 7: Post Script (31:19)

How did you thoughts match with ours? Find out now.

Posted by John on February 02, 2009 at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: AC News , Branding , Current Affairs , Entertainment , Food and Drink , Podcasting , Pop Culture , Super Bowl Stuff , The Creative Life

February 01, 2009

Waving a Terrible Towel™ from Christmas '72 to now.

I will be watching for the ads, yes. But also for the score. My mom is from Pittsburgh. My dad is from Pittsburgh. I lived there until I was eight. So go Big Ben, go Hines, go Steel Curtain 2K9. It's not even going to be close.

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Posted by Tug McTighe on February 01, 2009 at 03:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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February 01, 2009

Two ways to be part of our Super Bowl podcast

Sb43_mark Although our opinion on the Super Bowl is really the final word (I mean, come on), we do truly welcome your thoughts on this year's Super Bowl spots. Tug and I will be recording the podcast during the game. You can play along two ways. If you Twitter you can get a message to us with an @americopywriter reply or direct message. Or you can use the handy/dandy Mobasoft audio comment system. This year, we're considering more than just simple liked it/didn't like it. We're going to also consider "is it Super Bowl worthy?" A spot may be good, but fail to shine brightly enough for advertising's biggest stage. Our motto is, go big or go home. Our guess? Coke or Bud will win the day. But, like they say, this is why we play the game. Both Tug and I have strived to remain spoiler-free refraining from viewing pre-released spots in order to give you our virgin opinions.  So, hunker down, get your snack on and enjoy advertising's biggest day. Cheers.

Posted by John on February 01, 2009 at 01:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Categories: Advertising , Branding , Brands , Food and Drink , Games , Pop Culture , Sports , Super Bowl Stuff

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