June 23, 2008
World of World of Warcraft
Painfully funny because it is painfully true. I love a good Mage.
June 23, 2008
RIP George Carlin
The Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television got him arrested and made him an Icon. Carlin knew the power of language. The "Stuff" routine can still make me laugh out loud. Thanks for the laughs, sir.
June 17, 2008
Sometimes we're dorky. Okay, most times.
A few of us here at American Copwriter love the show Battlestar Galactica. Love it. A whole fracking lot. We like the show so much that we've created a blog (whoisthe5thcylon.blogspot.com) to help discern who the final Cylon is. We'll post some theories and break each one down with pros and cons. We'll even toss in odds for each one. Yes, it sounds extremely nerdy, but it's fun for us geeks.
There's a submission form on the page where you can send in your own guesses. We'll probably even publish a few of them, too. Check it out and tell us what you think.
June 06, 2008
Mentos & Diet Coke Booby Trap
I've been cheating on Diet Coke with another soda lately (the worst one you can imagine) and feel just awful about it. With the amount of DC I go through, I am sure the Coca-Cola company has noticed. To make up for some of my lost volume, some of you might consider this shenanigan.
Thanks to Paul Jarret.
May 30, 2008
Bushnell: A million bucks for a Bigfoot.
Bushnell makes all kinds of yummy optics and cool electronic gadgets. From binocs, to laser range finders to GPS units to scopes to trail cameras. You know what a trail camera is don't you? You attach it to a tree somewhere deep in the forest and it waits patiently until it senses movement. Then it clicks off a few frames. The idea is to photograph nature without all that human intervention stuff. Sometimes the results are pretty interesting. Like the photo of the raccoon who decided to take a ride on the back of the boar.
Now comes the report that Bushnell seems to be preparing to offer a cool million to the first person who can capture indisputable proof of the Sasquatch with one of their trail cameras. As noted, the Sasquatch is an advertising favorite and probably deserves a spot here.
In any case, a tip of the hat to our friends at Bushnell. The promotion is coming soon. The buzz is starting now.
May 30, 2008
R.I.P. Harvey Korman
Too many of these this week. Here's to you Mr. Korman. Thanks for the laughs.
Sidenote: There's a "thing" in theatre about "breaking character." Sure, Conway is chewing the scenery here. But the real laughs come from Korman going ahead and laughing at him. Korman knew exactly what he was doing.
May 29, 2008
MySpace. The next "Fucking Merlot."
It's sad when the shunning starts. Funny interpretation of Internet brands as your friends and neighbors.
Spotted at the one and only Dear Jane Sample.
April 29, 2008
Marshall, Will and Holly!
Will Ferrel meets Land of the Lost! Pop culture worlds colliding. Delicious.
April 15, 2008
$5 dolla footlooooooooongs.
I want to tell you that I don't like it. That its lack of high concept makes me wince. That it utilizes a jingle. But I can't. I just can't. Dammit, I like the the $5 footlong spots. There I said it. And I am not ashamed. Much.
Oh,Lincoln likes them, too. Wonder what Jared thinks?
March 11, 2008
The Mañata?
It's amazing what kind of team TBWA and MJZ make. Or, maybe what's more amazing is the campaign they're putting together for Skittles. More tasty goodness from them:
February 27, 2008
Gotta Love Those Hitler Metaphors
I usually tire of the YouTube videos friends send me, but this one is pretty damn good. I'd say it's pretty tough to use Hitler in a funny way, so kudos to whoever made this.
February 11, 2008
Will Ferrell smells like a turtle cage.
Will Ferrell + Old Spice + Semi-Pro Co-brand + user participation = pretty fuckin' awesome. Check it. You really gotta hand it Old Spice and WK. This is one helluva brand renovation that's underway. Irrelevant and cheesy to irreverent and, gulp, potentially cool. One can almost drop Old Spice in the shopping cart without shame.
January 03, 2008
Irene Done speaks for the nation.
When the lady is right, the lady is right. God bless Irene for speaking the truth.
November 21, 2007
I live in lovewesandersonawholebunchville.
So, I'm a little behind on blog topics. Wes Anderson just fucking rules doesn't he? I love the concept, too. Really stands out in the category. Christ, I hate giving AT&T credit for anything. Agency credits anyone?
November 20, 2007
Rest in Peace Mr. Whipple.
Dick Wilson, a.k.a. Mr. Whipple, 1916-2007. P&G ran the "Please don't squeeze the Charmin" campaign from 1964 to 1985 and again in 1999. As Steve said, "...Wilson, was a lovable, humorous television advertising icon back in the day when brands didn't change campaigns and agencies at the whim of a here today gone tomorrow CMO."
October 19, 2007
40th Anniversary of Patterson-Gimlin footage
This Saturday marks the 40th anniversary of the film that made the Sasquatch pop culture royalty. So, here's to you Mr. Big and Smelly. Jack Links, Coldstone and Coors (among others) salute you.
October 14, 2007
WWLJD?
I place this in the "homage" category. Am I wrong? What would Leeroy Jenkins do? Either way, it's interesting that this is ad does double duty for two brands. Do you suppose the T-Shirts with, "I am the law giver!" are already printed? Come to think of it, this Toyota campaign must be created by nerds after my own heart. So far, they've worked in Nessie, meteors from space, a mechanized monster and now WOW.
October 09, 2007
Dick Pound. And other manly names.
Dick Pound is a lawyer, author and keeper of one of the 9 manliest names in the world. At least, according to Cracked. My fave? Magnús Ver Magnússon, of course.
October 05, 2007
Arnold exposes the focus group.
Watch this and remember why you get paid to do what you get paid to do. The opening to the 2007 Hatch Show from Arnold.
Spotted at Ernie's blog.
October 01, 2007
Product placement 25 years later.
Last week, Netflix delivered E.T. to our door. The kids had never seen it, and it'd been years since I sat down to watch. I'd even forgotten it was in our queue. When Elliott starts dropping the Reese's Pieces, my oldest asked for some clarification. "Well, he's using the Reese's Pieces to show E.T. how to get to his house," I answered. Nothing much more was said at the time. The next day, however, my wife came home with a big box of the peanut butter treats. Seems the boys simply had to try some. Half an hour later, the colorful shells were being used to lead me all over the house to discover various caches of toys. Subsequently, the candy was officially declared as "our favorite."
25 years later and the M&M's brand is still paying for not listening to Steven Spielberg.
October 01, 2007
When your own brand takes you to task.
Some in the development community are miffed about the current state of affairs with third party apps on the iPhone (Apple has it locked down). There are several sides to the story. We remain confident that Apple will open up the iPhone platform eventually. In the meantime, you just gotta love the pressure applied by the weight of Apple's own brand.
Noted at Scobleizer
September 25, 2007
Dear Apple Media Planners...
Dear Apple Media Planners:
I am clearly in your target audience for the new iPod Nano. I love Apple products. I own two iPods. I'll pop for an iPhone eventually. I work exclusively on Macs. I am a brand zealot. And, demographically I must still fit because, despite the fact I really haven't watched that much TV as of late, I have been exposed to the new Nano TV commercial 98,412 times. And this is the problem. I quite enjoyed the spot the first 78,767 times. But, as of today, I think if I have to listen to that snippet of the hip, mellow vibe that is 1,2,3,4 by Feist again I will throw a brick through my new Vizio. Jesus, peeps. Is it too much to ask that you actually look at your plan and think, "Hmmm, this is a really big buy, lets make sure to let the creatives know that we should make at least a couple of spots." I believe the weight you've put behind this single execution is, in a word, inhumane. The spot has gone from ingratiating to grating and it's all your fault. All I'm asking for is a little bit of variety. A couple of executions. Maybe even three. Really. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
JJ
September 10, 2007
Internet Virals: A Visual History of...
Dan Meth, Micah Frank... we salute you for bringing us up to speed on all of the popular internet virals of the past few years. Great stuff.
September 06, 2007
Go mind-to-mind with Manning.
Another NFL season kicks off tonight and that can only mean one thing: a heavy dose of Manning marketing. Here's some from Goodby and Sprint. This sports trivia advergame let's you take on Peyton (though he seems to go pretty easy on you). Last year, we crowned Peyton as the best of the NFL pitchmen. We can expect to see lots of him in the next few months. Think Brand Manning can get overexposed or spread too thin?
August 20, 2007
Clowns, strippers and finger walking.
Seems that Yellow Book made a slight change to the way they categorize entertainers in their latest directory, and it's pissed off some clowns. And mimes. And stilt walkers. Maybe some strippers, too. According to this reg. required story, Yellow Book combined "family entertainers" and "adult entertainers" into one mega "entertainer" category.
This means that if one lets his or her fingers do the walking at 3 a.m., Bubbles the Clown may get a call intended for someone else named Bubbles who is a different kind of entertainer altogether. Send in the clowns, baby.
In a prepared statement, Yellow Book noted that they might reconsider the decision next time. But that doesn't do much for the strange bedfellows until the next directory comes around. One clown lamented that this development probably wasn't good for the overall image of the profession. Of course, given the level of terror clowns can inspire in some people, the overall perception of clowns and clowning may not be exactly sparking anyway. Maybe the World Clown Association should put out an RFP for agencies to research the issue. While the clowns aren't laughing, you do have to wonder who is really going to be tempted to see if a clown pole dances? Oh wait, strike that – seems there are plenty of people with that particular fetish.
July 23, 2007
Hide your Harry Potter Shame.
For those of you who just can't admit in public that you're devouring the new Harry Potter book, there's this nifty user-generated solution. Handier than a Weasley product.
July 02, 2007
Amazing Integration
We've all heard about the bold move that 7-Eleven and Fox agreed on a while back to promote the new Simpsons movie and thought it was cool. But if you haven't seen the level of detail they've gone through to bring the Kwik E Mart to life, then you haven't lived (today). Here's a nice set of Flickr photos covering the entire store.
Mega big-time props go out to Fox, 7-Eleven and FreshWorks (and anyone else that had a hand in this) for pulling off what should be considered the best example of bringing a brand to life.
Can you imagine the brainstorming sessions that went into this? Lovely.
June 27, 2007
The iPhone's most important feature? The Brand.
The iPhone is partly about the features, but kids, it's mostly about the brand. And this is what seems to be lost on many of the folks in technology land. After all, the iPod wasn't the first, and one could argue, never the best MP3 player around. Especially for the dough. Many say the N95 is superior to the iPhone. In terms of the technology that may be true. In terms of the brand, however, the N95 isn't even in the same ballpark. The tech sites will be aflame with debate on Saturday. Few, however, will note that the iPod isn't really a piece of technology. It's a piece of self-expression. And that's why people will part with their money.
June 26, 2007
Can Friday Come Any Sooner?
Oh boy! I can't wait for Friday to arrive. Friday, June 29! You know what that is, right!?! That's right, it's iDay! And that means we can all finally get our hands on an iPhone. Take it home, call people, surf the interlux, etc. etc. etc.
Actually I'm more excited about Friday coming so we can start NOT hearing about the damn iPhone. This thing has almost 69 Million results on Google. In my RSS feeds, specifically TUAW, about 75% of all the posts for the past two weeks have been about the iPhone. Or an iPhone accessory. Or how much it'll cost for the data plans. It's been like Christmas day, every day, for the past month for them.
Seriously. If this isn't the most talked about thing since the supposed Y2k computer crash, I don't know what is. Maybe the Segway before it was called a Segway? Who knows. The sad part about Friday is that it won't be the end of the iPhone discussion. Starting around 7pm on Friday we'll get first hands-on reports. What it's like to un-package it. How well the reception is. If it breaks when dropping or when taking a shower with it. Someone will buy one only to break it open and show us the guts.
Think Microsoft is jealous of Apple's marketing genius?
The iPhone craze isn't over. Not for a long while. And if you're like me and tired of all the talk, buckle up, because it's about to get bumpy. Err, bumpier.
June 01, 2007
Seinfeld: At The Movies
For no particular reason at all, here's a list of the ficticous movies mentioned during the 9-year run of "Seinfeld."
Rochelle Rochelle
Prognosis: Negative
Sack Lunch
Chunnel
CheckMate
Agent Zero
Brown-Eyed Girl
Chow Fun
Cupid's Rifle
Firestorm
Mountain High
Death Blow
Cry, Cry Again
The Pain and the Yearning
Blame It On The Rain
Blimp: The Hindenburg Story
Cold Fusion
Means to an End
Muted Heart
The Other Side of Darkness
Ponce de Leon
May 24, 2007
Dead rocker spec work + Web = fired?
The Daily Swarm is reporting that Doc Martens has fired the London arm of Saatchi & Saatchi for unleashing a rejected campaign on the Web earlier this month. The posters have generated a fair amount of controversy.
TDS has also published a response from Saatchi:
“We believe the ads are edgy but not offensive. There has
been blog commentary both for and against the ads, but it is our belief that
they are respectful of both the musicians and the Dr. Martens brand.
We regret that the controversy has led Dr. Martens to terminate the
contract with Saatchi & Saatchi. We are investigating the circumstances and
considering the ongoing employment of the individual who was in breach of
instructions not to distribute the ads further than the original approved
placement in Fact Magazine in the UK..."
There's more than a little "he said, she said" going on. Doc Martens says they did not approve the campaign. Saatchi says the campaign was approved to run in one specific place, but that it was not to be distributed further (which doesn't make a lot of sense). Courtney says she never approved the use of Kurt's image. Whatever the absolute truth of the situation, one thing is irrefutable:
Spec work in the age of instant, global communications can be career-limiting.
Hat tip to: Ben Thoma
UPDATE: More here.
May 22, 2007
Marvel vs. DC.
Conservatives vs. liberals. PCs vs. Macs. DC vs. Marvel. Some tribal skirmishes never grow old. Check out the rest of the series, too.
Side debate: Is Batman really the most Marvelicious of the DC characters? Which characters from which comic universe could or should switch? Let your geek flags fly, people.
May 21, 2007
Finally, e-cards even ad people can love.
Some Ecards is fuh-ney. And, as you can see, they've really got something for every occasion. Check them out. And hit send carefully.
Hat tip to Woolardspeak.
May 15, 2007
Behind-the-scenes with Bruce Campbell.
Here's a "behind-the-scenes" look at Bruce's latest endeavor for Old Spice. I think the original effort was better than the spot that goes with the above. The approach in the new spot itself isn't as refreshingly unexpected. Still, here we are talking about Old Spice again. And this behind-the-scenes thing is certainly a nice way to stretch the campaign. So, I remain a fan. And, truth be told, it's pretty much impossible not to enjoy watching Bruce Campbell sing a Duran Duran song isn't it?
May 14, 2007
Earl does ad people proud.
Ad guy Earl Cole swept all 9 jury votes to take take home a million pre-tax bucks on Survivor Fiji. Earl, who never had his name written down at tribal council, proved that ad people can indeed persuade and manipulate any society (though Earl really does owe his new fortune to Dreamz constant flip-flopping). 
Earl wasn't the only "advertising executive" in this season's show. Edgardo Rivera was also a playa' this season (Edgardo proved that most ad people suck at archery).
I put the "advertising executive" title in quotes because it's just such a goofy, Darren Stephensesque moniker that people outside the industry use to describe what we do. If his beach drawings (and many of his tribal ballots) are any indication, you have to figure that Earl's got an art direction background.
His bio says Earl's an ex-KCK kid transplanted in Santa Monica. Way to go Earl. All of us in Adland are happy for you. Winning the million is at least as good as Gold Pencil, eh?
P.S. If you ever make your way back to KC, look us up.
May 07, 2007
Destroying a classic. For no good reason.
No, no, no, no, no, no. Hey Tootsie Roll people, you have one of the most iconic and beloved spots ever created. Don't screw with it. Seriously.
Hat tip to Transbuddha.
May 02, 2007
Thanks for the memories, Tom
Tom Poston. October 21, 1921 — April 30, 2007.
On TV and advertising:
"When I started out, I was sorry I'd missed vaudeville,'' Poston told New York magazine. "I was sorry I'd missed silent movies. At the time, it didn't occur to me that I was participating in the beginnings of television. TV was a weird option because of the advertising. When it first started, I said, `I don't want to have anything to do with promoting beer and cigarettes and cars. I don't want to peddle snake oil.' I had studied to be a classicist.''
On his famous, bumbling characters:
"In ways I don't like to admit, I'm a
goof-up myself. It's an essential part of my character. When these guys
screw up it reminds me of my own incompetence with the small
frustrations of life."
April 30, 2007
Starburst gets all Skittles on us.
Which makes some sense in that TBWA/Chiat/Day is working both brands.
In a spot that's almost as weird as Skittle's Prehensile Beard or Singing Bunny, Starburst and TBWA/Chiat/Day, New York bring us Little Lad and his jig for Berries & Cream Starburst. With views, responses and mash-ups rising steadily in the last couple of weeks on multiple YouTube posts, it's plain to see that Little Lad is a sensation. Unpleasant for some, perhaps. Strangely appealing for others. Either way, once you've witnessed Little Lad's jig, it is difficult to get berries & cream out of your mind. Maybe it's the well-timed "octave switch."
There are times I would have paid good money just to watch someone pitch an idea. This is one of them.
Tip of the hat to Adrants.
April 25, 2007
Spinal Tap is back.
If you happen to do some work on a green brand (or a brand that wants to go green), now may be the time to strike a deal with the lads from Spinal Tap. Since we've been so nice to them, maybe the fine folk at W+K London will see fit to fly us over the pond for the show at Wembley?
April 05, 2007
Have You Ever?
Some people call it, "Never Have I Ever." Others call it, "I've Never." A few call it, "Well, I Never." And, I think, four people call it, "I Have Never." Whatever it's called in your neck of the woods, I'm talking about the drinking game called, "I Never." This is a game where a statement is made about never having done something, and for those who HAVE done said deed, they take a drink. For example, if the statement "I never hated on a commercial," were made, we all (yes all of us) would have to take a drink.
Usually the game takes place in a bar, basement or campground. But now you can play "I Never" online with your friends who live across the street, or far, far away. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Courtesy of your friends here at Sullivan Higdon & Sink and Houlihan's Restaurants.
April 04, 2007
Where's our art direction idol?
How is it possible that the number one TV show in the known universe continues to get away with having the cheesiest, most horrific graphic design and motion graphics known to man? Seriously.
Come on Bill and Kyle. Can't you and your tasteful compatriots do something about this?
March 16, 2007
Have a magically delicious St. Patrick's Day.
For something even more magically delicious, go here.
March 13, 2007
Oh, you mean you were serious about that copyright thing?
But we thought the law was just so analog.
March 06, 2007
Not the feel good song of the day.
But kick ass just the same. Happy Tuesday.
Son come running better come quick
This rot gut moonshine is making me sick
Your mama called the law and they gonna take me away
Down so far even the devil won’t stay
February 26, 2007
After the all the hoopla, edited GM spot is better.
I missed it on air, but Sethy G. pointed out that The edited version of the GM Robot spot ran last night on the Oscars. Found it, watched it and, it's just one guy's opinion, but this is a better cut. The additional jokes and the new, more conceptual ending make the spot more charming than before.
February 26, 2007
iPhone and the Oscars.
The iPhone push began in earnest last night with one of the best spots on the Oscars. I don't think I'm making up the fact that the word "hello" and the brand "Apple" have a long history. None more relevant than this use. Even if that's lost on most of the world, it's a nice spot.
February 21, 2007
Second Life is So 2006
What's your Second Life name? How many hours have you logged? How many islands have you been to? How many stores have you shopped at? How many political speeches have you heard? How many musical shows have you attended?
Never mind, I don't really care that much. I say why run around in a made up virtual world, when you can start to experience your own real world, albeit virtually? That's why we at Sullivan Higdon & Sink say Second Life is so 2006.
Back in April of '06, Google released their free 3D modeling tool called SketchUp (there's also a Pro version, too, but that costs money). When SketchUp went gold, Google also opened up their 3D Wharehouse -- a place where users can share their 3D creations made with SketchUp. Not only that, but Google also released the 3D Warehouse Network Link (read more about the Network Link), which allows users to see placed models of real buildings inside of Google Earth. Remember those ugly gray box buildings? Well, if there's a shared model that can replace said ugliness, it'll show up in Google Earth. And the best of all, with the release of Google Earth 4, some of these placed models show up automatically in some cities.
That's why we went ahead and made a virtual model of the Kansas City office of Sullivan Higdon & Sink (yes, we took the liberty of putting a huge sheep head on the roof, but everything else is anatomically correct). Currently, you can only see it inside of Google Earth if you download the KMZ file or use the 3D Warehouse Network Link.
Second Life? Pssshaw. Welcome to 2007.
February 13, 2007
Blame Sid & Marty Kroft.
I have now come to believe that advertising's problems arise from the fact that there are still too many active practitioners who grew up watching either first runs or repeats of televison shows created by Sid and Marty Kroft. They screwed us up, man. They flat screwed us up.
(Bigfoot and Wildboy started out as part of the Kroft Supershow. For a fix of all of your old Saturday morning favorites go here.)
February 12, 2007
Pontiac MySpacing the Right Way?
It's not enough to just have a MySpace profile anymore. In fact, I believe it's almost expected that you do, if you're a company. But it's not enough, in my opinion, to JUST have a profile. It needs something more than coupons and "insider information," (which isn't really insider information). There needs to be a bigger hook.
I think someone has finally figured out a good spin to a MySpace profile. Yesterday, while on AdPulp, I ran across this post about Pontiac's new MySpace profile. The profile/program is called "Friends with Benefits." Aside from the obvious joke in the title (as pointed out in the comments section on the AdPulp post), I think that this program shows promise.
The premise is this, when/if you buy a new Pontiac G5, go to the MySpace page and register the car. When you do that, you'll get a "Friends with Benefits" debit card. The more people that buy a car and register, the more money is put onto the card (up to $1,000, which would be 1,000 people).
The G5 is already being marketed to the younger crowd, so a MySpace presence is a must. In addition, they're speaking to a crowd that likes the incentive of extra money. I know, doesn't anyone like extra money? Sure. But I think this crowd likes the extra money, especially when all they have to do is tell their friends about it. And in the end, if they really do get 1,000 buyers registered, that's a $1,000,000 promotion right there (plus the costs of any extra marketing they do).
Is that a number that's just outrageous? No. Is it in line with marketing budgets of other car manufacturers? Yes, maybe less-than. Is the idea more appealing than $1,000 off the purchase of a new car? To me, it is. Nice work, Mark-Hans Richer (Pontiac's Director of Marketing) and whoever your agency is, kudos.
February 01, 2007
When it all blows up in your face.
I am of two minds this morning on the whole Boston/Cartoon Network fiasco which you've already read about here, here and here or maybe you saw it as the lead story on the Today Show and nearly every other major news outlet this morning.
My first mind says that this tactic should never have seen the light of day. Part of our job is to be culturally aware. We're the ones who are supposed to know what everyday people are thinking and feeling. The country, as a whole, is jumpy as hell about terrorism. 24 has built its new season around nukes going off in L.A. Entertainment reflects culture. The country is living with some fear. Read any consumer study and it'll confirm it. So, right now, placing plastic stuff with batteries and wires under bridges and in public places is just a dumb thing to do. Even if it just looks like a big Lite Brite. Every political leader, every canned airport voice and even other ad campaigns tell us to be aware and report anything suspicious. And the cops have no choice but to respond to a possible bomb on a major commuter route. Responsible people within the approval chain should have had some light bulbs go off in their heads. Packages of any sort left under bridges, on Subways or buses, are just begging to misinterpreted no matter how well art directed they are.
That said, my second mind feels awful for all the creative people involved. Dumb idea or not, I know all they wanted to do was provide a little theatre for bored rat-racers. And, as many commenter's on other blogs have noted, the target audience sure didn't run screaming from it. In fact, the target seems to be rallying for the advertiser. Some say there's no such thing as bad press. I don't believe that. One guy is in jail. The agency yanked its Web site down. No one is sitting around with big smiles are their faces. Least of all Ted Turner. We've all had lapses in judgment. Most times though, those don't end up the talk of the country. It has got to be a real nightmare for those involved.
Still, there are consequences to our actions, and the consequences here have a ripple effect on you and me. Everyone in the industry get whacked with the same bat when something like this goes down. "Look at them! How far will they go to push their brain-washing techniques on us!" If governors or mayors are talking about a campaign that doesn't have something to do with tourism you know someone has really stepped in it. That's where we stand today.
Update: Looks like I'm wrong about the nightmare part for those involved. These guys don't seem to be concerned at all.
January 31, 2007
Super Disengaged?
I'm just not worked up about Super Sunday. Maybe it's the fact that I've been too busy to preview the Bud snippets or go see the Snickers teaser or dig around for more on Coke's efforts. Maybe I'm bored with Bob Parson's censor games. Maybe I'm still lamenting the money the Saints lost me.
Maybe it's those things.
It's more likely that my lack of interest comes from the dread of Stupid Monday. You know Stupid Monday. That's the day everyone comes back to work and says how stupid the ads were, how they used to be so much better, how the industry is suffering from a dearth of creativity. Where's 1984? Where's Mean Joe Green? Hell, where are the dancing bears?
I'm wondering if I can partially avoid Stupid Monday by keeping myself away from the pre-hype. If I stay off the grid long enough, maybe I'll be surprised by something. Maybe I'll find an argument that creativity is not dead come Stupid Monday morning. At least, that's what I'm hoping for. Because, whether I like it or not, I'll be part of the stupid. Tug and I will join the chorus of people who didn't create a Super Bowl spot bragging and ragging on those who did with our annual Super Bowl wrap-up podcast. Available around 10 a.m. on Monday. You can be part of the stupid, too. Point your browser here and record your thoughts after the game Sunday night with our handy Mobatalk comment system (found on the right hand side of the page). Or just record an MP3 and email it to us. Be pithy.
Of course, many people like to be prepared for Super Sunday. Here's a great post about Super Bowl XLI essentials from Friend of AC Warren Johnston.
January 08, 2007
Now You'll Listen to the Kids
A while back MSNBC posted a story about new cell phone ring tones for kids that adults couldn't hear. I didn't believe it. Then I saw several news stations reporting on the same thing, with real life examples. I still didn't believe it.
I was chatting with a friend last week and he mentioned that he was trying to figure out some way to work it into a marketing message for one of his clients. Sadly, he was too late to the punch. Sony is releasing a new movie in February called The Messengers and has a mobile strategy that goes along with it. The synopsis: there are some things only kids can see...and hear. On the web site, you can test to see if you can hear the kiddy noises, or not (I could hear some of the first one, but none of the second one).
Great, just what we need is more kids running around telling us they're better than we are. Only at hearing! Brats.
January 07, 2007
Bruce Campbell. Old Spice. Holy Shit.
Dear Old Spice: You put Bruce Campbell in a new commercial that broke (I think) this weekend. You'll be happy to know the spot jumps off the screen. The ship gag is great and will demand Tivo rewinds. Campbell is effortlessly cool which has to be good for the brand. A big AC shout out to you and the agency for the effort (and if anyone knows who the agency is let us know). I couldn't believe the spot was for you. I really wanted to learn more, and I wasn't alone. Every Bruce Campbell fan in the universe started googling the spot this weekend. Blogs like this one already have a substantial conversation going on. But the video isn't featured on your Web site. And, as of this writing, it's nowhere to be found online. Pony up and pay Bruce so you can take advantage of the free eyeballs and pass along. Fast. You don't want to miss out on the, gulp, buzz about Old Spice?! Someone hand me a chainsaw.
P.S. If anyone locates a video link let us know.
Update: AC reader DJ_Lovecraft alerts us that the magnificent bastards are behind the effort. The manly microsite is here. Still awaiting a video link. Cheers to W+K and P&G.
Update #2: Tom and Jeremy have located a new YouTube link here.
December 12, 2006
Forrester says iTunes sales suck.
iPods are selling like water. iTunes library gets bigger and better each day. But this report from The Register says iTunes sales are "collapsing." Interesting reading to say the least.
November 29, 2006
Fake but real product placement.
On this week's episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, NBC cross-promoted Deal or No Deal by having the real Howie Mandel host the fictional show (within the show) and then turning his fictional monologue on the fictional show into a fictional skit that was, in reality, a real promotion for Mandel's real show. Fake but real cross-promotion seamlessly integrated into the flow of the real episode (and, I thought, it was entertaining enough not to be glaring).
Last week, the staff (of the fake show) discussed a new set that would be made up of the kinds of billboards that one spys on the real Sunset Strip. They (the characters) decided they'd sell those fake billboards (on the fictional show's fictional set) to fictional sponsors to save the fictional show's (and the fictional network's) budget. So, now I'm wondering if we'll see that new set on a future episode of the real show featuring fictional sponsors for the fictional show that are, in actuality, real sponsors for the real show. In other words, real product placement within the fake show for the benefit real show and real network which has, of late, talked about its own real budget-cutting measures.
Sheesh, it's getting hard to keep track.
Updated for additional content.
November 29, 2006
Bad news for one of the world's power brands.
If you don't (or haven't) had small children in your life, you may not have even heard of The Wiggles. However, they are a powerhouse global brand that straddles all media and an incredible array of merchandise. They are Australia's top-earning entertainers, banking more in '05 than Nicole Kidman and AC/DC combined. Now there are reports that the yellow Wiggle, Greg, may have to quit the band because an illness. Children all over the world are crying. Have some fruit salad and get well, soon Greg.
November 02, 2006
Nike scoffs at BALCO, Juices up.
Nike Golf has a new golf ball on the market, the Juice 312. If you care, it has a 312 Dimple Pattern which was designed for more carry and distance. Whatever, fine. But the most alluring thing about the Juice campaign are the online spots where they shoot a golf ball into objects and completely destroy them.
It's vaguely similar to the Milwaukee's Best Light beer gun montage, but it's different enough to be fun. Or maybe it doesn't matter how similar it is at all... maybe I just like seeing stuff blown up. Not all the time, though, having Gallagher as a co-worker might be a bit too much.
October 22, 2006
Tetris UGC?
I'm not sure exactly who Mega 64 is. Is this gen-u-wine user-generated content? Visit the Web site, and you'll find more a great podcast focused on games, TV and pop culture and lots more vids for games. In any case, the whole thing feels like a great example of how things really ought to work in this social media world of ours.