Physical Manifestation of Digital Media

Lately, I've noticed that major digital media personalities and brands have started to migrate to traditional media. CollegeHumor went from digital content to two tv shows (1&2), Yelp distributes stickers to relevant businesses, etc. Therefore, it's no surprise that Google, in an attempt to (1) take over the world, and (2) gain more audience (to gain more advertisers), has leaked its digital personality into traditional media, with an integrated, cross-platform twist:

Google's Favorite Places is a hybrid of traditional (stickers) and digital (mobile + QR codes), which brings a whole new aspect to the game (and reminds me of this shirt). Expect to see more migrations and hybrids from advertisers thirsty for audience and innovation.

Competitive Media Placement

Apple and Microsoft ("PC") have been at each others' throats for a while. Whenever I hear about their tiffs, though, it's usually through trade pubs, and never through first-hand experience.

This morning, though, after browsing PCMag, I came across this homepage takeover, and realized the extent to which this war raged on.


Kind of ironic for PCMag to accept this buy. I've heard of different sites accepting ads from supposedly credible sources that turned out to be malware, but I'm pretty sure this was done on purpose.

Is losing credibility and selling out worth it?

When I Grow Up

This circulated my community a few years ago. It's interesting to watch it now because I have a much, much better idea of how the industry works than when I first saw it. I understand and appreciate it a lot more, now.


It's also funny because I used to desperately want to be in Account Services (1:53), but now I want to be a Media Director (:24) ... which, please note, is the only position without anything miserable attached to it. Thank goodness.

Fav part (1:07): "When I grow up, I want to be a Copywriter ... and lie awake at night writing the great American novel that will never get published."

Fly By Advertising

A company at a German trade show attached tiny banner advertisements to flies and set them loose on unsuspecting visitors, in a bizarre yet effective marketing stunt.

"One marketing creative's stroke of genius is another person's animal cruelty."

The banners, measuring only centimeters across, seemed weigh the flies down. This forced them to rest more often, which is a stroke of genius on the part of the marketing creatives: the flies end up at about eye level, and whenever a fly is forced to land and recover, the banner is clearly visible. What's more, the zig-zagging of the fly naturally attracts the attention because of its rapid movement. (via Kottke)

Having Fun at nFusion

My question for nFusion is as follows:



How do I get in on this??
Also, please note at 1:43, Longhorn and TAGger Celina Bonugli makes an appearance!

All Digital, All the Time

Southern Comfort has announced that in order to reach its target market of 21-29 year olds, they will be spending all of their budget online.

The ads began airing on Hulu, which allows viewers to choose their method of advertising -- pre-roll, mid-roll and post-roll. Spots are also running on Break.com, CBS.com, Comedy.com, Fox.com, FX.com, MyDamnChannel.com, NBC.com, Playboy.com, TheFader.com and Pitchfork.tv, as well as at Southern Comfort's Facebook fan page. (via AdWeek)



I have a feeling this campaign is directed mostly towards men... (I've never heard of MyDamnChannel, TheFader or Pitchfork...?) I'm also impressed Hulu has given the consumer the choice of how to take their advertisement.

Overall, this shift really excited me because as a Digital Media hopeful, media plans like this mean I will have a job for a very long time. Thank goodness!

UT Speed Networking

Professor Gene Kincaid of The University of Texas, along with his Digital Media Class, is coordinating an Advertising/PR networking event as a fun initiative to connect the Department's alumni and students.


All are welcome to come Thursday, November 12, 6-8p at the Pickle Research Campus - 3925 West Braker Lane in Austin, TX. For more information and to rsvp, please visit the Facebook Page.

Fruits of My Labor ... Sorda

While interning at Mindshare New York this past summer, I worked on several accounts including Lufthansa and Wisk. Even though I left in August, I still feel very much connected to my team when I see the plans we worked on come to fruition and hit the blogosphere.

I'd like to say I had a direct hand in these two campaigns:

Lufthansa-My Sky Status:


Wisk-Scrub Your Facebook Photos:

Both of these are ingenious uses of social media and relevant brand integration, and have gathered a lot of press coverage in the blogosphere. Way to go Mindshare (and specifically, my team on floor 2).

Feed Me!

One of digital media's biggest keypoints is the aggregation and distribution of content. Until recently, in order to get information online, users had to go to specific websites and browse around for new information.

Even though I've only been utilizing this feature for about 4 months, I am a huge advocate of RSS feeds. Basically, it saves you time, energy and patience by bringing web updates to you.



*At 3:20, the narrator says, "It's addictive, so be careful."

I'll say... My Google Reader subscribes to 68 different feeds... (and that's after narrowing it down).

Happy Birthday, DigiMed!

Today, October 27, is the 15th anniversary of the industry's first digital media / display campaign.

This ad for AT&T:

appeared on this site (Hotwired.com):

...And supposedly got a 78% Click Through Rate. That's incredible, considering nowadays we're lucky if we get a 1% Click Through Rate. We've come a long way since 1994... but in which direction? (via AdAge)

The Danger of Celebrity Endorsements

Recently, Serena Williams got in trouble for an outburst during the US Open, in which she threatened a judge. Word on the blogosphere was that this put her in an unfortunate position, possibly costing her some money in withdrawn celebrity endorsements.

While sports-related products may be weary, Tampax saw her anger as an opportunity:


Looks like she fared better than Michael Phelps, who recently got picked up again after being dropped for the whole pot-smoking fiasco. Apparently, as far as public image goes, being angry is better than being lazy.

Will You Marry Me?

People are always trying to find interesting ways to propose. Although mostly clever and succesfsul, this has lead to a lot of public marriage announcements that have gone horribly, horribly wrong.

In the following cases, these clever guys used advertising, through media both old and new, to publicly pop the quesiton:

Chicagoan Eric Anderson proposed to girlfriend with bus-stop ad [via AdFreak]

Fred Ehrhart used online banner ads to propose to his girlfriend, and asks tweeters to tweet-encourage her to #sayyesd [via AdFreak]

PayPal Expansion

This is the world our children will live in:



Can you imagine saying "In my day, we used to carry around dollars and coins?" Or how intense credit fraud would have to be to keep up?

Exciting/scary.

Social Media Revolution

Interesting stats on social media and web 2.0



40 million people have been Rick Rolled? I know I have been at least 5 times... Crazy that something which started only about 1.5 years ago in a 4chan chat room has affected so many people.

NYC "Graffiti"

Here is another example of CultureJammers trying to make a statement about how advertising is cluttering the environment:

The ironic part? There's a shameless self-promotion piece at the end of the video, urging viewers to check out their site. Can't get away from us - advertising is vital.

Is There an App for That?

"Ad speak."

We've all encountered it. Not all of it is necessarily easy to understand, so this should keep you entertained:

Get this and three more, courtesy of Zach Golden. Also, feel free to go for the slightly less classy WalMart Bingo.

ashfhyhiremeqavasdf

Subliminal advertising really does work, claim scientists

"Subliminal advertising really does work, claim scientists who found that people subconsciously respond to flashed messages - especially if they are negative."

I still don't believe it.

There's a difference between quickly showing a negative image to change someone's mood, vs. the stigma surrounding "subliminal advertising" taking over your brain and convincing you to purchase products you have no desire to own.

Kids These Days

Have you seen that Microsoft commercial where the 4 year old girl creates a pretty impressive slideshow? "I'm a PC and I'm 4 years old." In his writing, Marc Prensky notes that kids these days are not only growing up differently, but they have literally started speaking a different language and thinking differently than we have. They are, what he calls, "Digital Natives," and the older generation is made up of "Digital Immigrants."

Here is the cutest Digital Native.... ever:

Social Media as a Headhunter

Social Media: "The Biggest Shift Since the Industrial Revolution" (via)

Note: at 1:04, 80% of companies use LinkedIn as their primary tool for finding employees. At 45+ million users, it has become an essential networking tool. This is why it is absolutely VITAL to have an impressive, current LinkedIn profile.

"YouTube Moment"

It seems every major pop culture gathering has the "one thing" people will be talking about the next day.

1) Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction at Superbowl XXXVIII
2) For Obama's Health Care speech back in July, it was his "stupid cop" remark
3) For the MTV Movie Awards, it was Bruno's graceful descent onto Eminem

4) And, for tonight's VMA performance, it was Kanye West's rude outburst during Taylor Swift's award for Best Female Video:



Except, interestingly enough, "the next day" has really come to mean "for the next hour on twitter as #teamtaylor becomes a trending topic instantaneously." Thank you, Web 2.0.

Life Becoming a Parody of Itself

So, there was recently a big stir over a very disturbing British PSA regarding Texting while driving:



Which is why I am personally shocked and horrified that this still happens:



It's kind of ironic. The PSA is a mockumentary about the dangers of using a new media while engaged in an "old" activity. The second is candid footage of an old media being used during the old activity... except it is arguable MUCH more dangerous.

Also, it appears we have found Waldo. Looks like running from the law calls for more reckless behavior.

"Going Green"

Moss as a Media Form:

Chinese Takeout

Along with milk cartons, Chinese Food Takeout containers have been making a comeback as a place to stick a message (via)

Apparently, Cingular utilized Chinese takeout boxes in 2002 (via):


Now, do the advertisements on the boxes offset the cost of delivery at all?

Ice Sculptures: a PSA

"To draw attention to climate change, the World Wildlife Federation had Brazillian artist Nele Azevedo set up 1000 ice sculptures on the steps of the Berlin Concert Hall. [Image via Getty]" - Gawker

This concept is great, but Brazil is hot - I can only imagine how long those little men were around. In terms of effectiveness, if anything, the word of mouth is the real media placement here, as opposed to the hundred of icemen situated on these steps.

Interview Messups, Case Study #4

Okay, this isn't exactly an interview messup case study, but it is hysterical.

Made by FEED Company, an agency that creates branded entertainment viral videos for different agencies and products. This one was produced for Deloitte Consulting.

It's funny, it turns out a lot of the viral videos that I loved specifically for being so unique and strictly amateur were made by the professionals at FEED. These letdowns include Fast Food Folk Song, Bike Hero, and Never Hide.

Milk Cartons: Old Media Turned New

From 1979-1981, Milk Cartons were a way to publicize missing children.

Since, there have been a few parodies, as this phenomenon made its rounds in pop culture.

As of late, the advertising industry has decided that milk cartons, once again, are an effective way to reach its consumers, and have consequently decided to use it as a paid media vehicle.


Here, the music group Plain White T's is featured on milk cartons in a cooperative campaign promoting both milk and the band. These milk cartons in particular are being distributed to schoolchildren during lunchtime.

Wonder what the FDA would have to say about all this...

Infomercial Stopper

Hate infomercials? The infomercial stopper is for you... (via)

Microsoft Photoshopping Ordeal

Earlier this week, Microsoft got in big trouble.

They ran an ad for their services in English and Polish. Their English ad features three figures, one of which is a black man. In the Polish version, they photoshopped a white man's head onto the black man's body, but forgot to photoshop out the original's hand as well.

Since, a few parodies have surfaced, mostly thanks to CollegeHumor. These are "Other Poorly Photoshopped Foreign Microsoft Ads"

India:

Australia:More here.

Interview Messups, Case Study #3

Tip #3 - Make sure you send HR the right documents

Mindshare Interview, Spring '09, Austin, TX

HR: Rebecca, before we start, I noticed your cover letter was addressed to Ogilvy
Me: What??


Turns out I have no idea how to work the Application Website. Whoops.

Long story short, thankfully the interview went well regardless.

Interview Messups, Case Study #2

Another tip from my vault of embarrassing interviews:

Tip #2 - Research the agency thoroughly. No, more thoroughly than that...

JWT Interview, Spring '09, New York, NY

HR: So, Rebecca, your resume looks good and you are qualified. Where do you see yourself fitting into this agency?
Me: Well, as part of the TexasMedia program, I'm really interested in Media Planning
HR: JWT doesn't have a Media department. We outsource everything to Group M.
Me: Ah, I see (foot in mouth).


JWT is very prestigious, so naturally I researched them a lot before the big day. Not enough, apparently... Unbeknownce to me, a lot of the major holding companies (WPP, Omnicom, IPG, Publicis) have a strong Media-Only arm, and the rest of their agencies handle the creative/interactive/planning/etc.

Truth is, even navigating an agencies' website isn't enough to tell you whether or not they have a media department. It's important to also peruse the trade pubs to make sure you know what you're up against. Especially helfpul is the Ad Age Agency Family Tree. It's currently hanging on my wall.

Interview Messups, Case Study #1

You hear a lot of what to do and what not to do when going to an interview. Here are some tips that come from my highly unfortunate experience.


Tip #1: Get a hobby. A real hobby.

EnviroMedia Interview, Spring '09, Austin, TX

Boss: So, Rebecca, what do you do in your spare time?
Me: Well, I really like to cook. I've especially gotten good at "dorm cooking" - frozen vegetables and canned tomatoes. It's delicious!
Boss: Oh. I'm a cook, and I don't exactly consider that cooking...


I completely forgot that although to college kids, frozen and canned food is considered cuisine, the "adult world" doesn't share the sentiment. Whoops. Luckily, I made up for this blunder with my experience and positive attitude, and ended up getting the Media Buying Internship. I have since developed a love of traveling, which HR Generalists see as a much more legitimate pastime.

Flash Mobs - A Different Kind of OOH

"Flash mobs," originally from a New York based group called Improv Everywhere, have become an emerging media tool. They are useful because they are unexpected, grab attention, are generally funny, and if they are good enough, become internet sensations and memes. Check out some brands who have recently capitalized on Flash Mob energy:

Monster.com Flash Mob (8/13)



Tyra Banks Show - "Reveal Your Real Hair" (8/17)

Beyonce - 100 Single Ladies for Trident (4/20)

Their Whole is Greater Than the Sum of Their Parts

OMD, Pepsi and CBS will pioneer the convergence of Video and Print on Sept. 18th, as they team team up to place a video in Entertainment Weekly magazine.

"As part of a unique marketing partnership, PepsiCo will join with CBS to promote its Pepsi Max diet cola for men in the print ads and sponsor the fall debut of CBS's Monday-night comedies on Sept. 21.

The intriguing promotion serves to illustrate how TV networks and advertisers are experimenting with new technologies to get their messages out to consumers." - AdAge

As an attempt to save print from an untimely death while correspondingly creating something new and buzzworthy, this is very impressive. Kind of reminds me of Esquire's E-Ink Cover (9/08).

....it also reminds me of Harry Potter.

Advertising and Unemployment

Recenlty, PleaseFeedTheAnimals, a blog for the recenlty unemployed advertising professional, released a trailor for a new movie they are producing, called Lemonade. It's an inspiring documentar of what laid off professionals have done with their time now that they are no longer in the biz:

This, of course, is another way to go about unemployment (note his hat):

Boarding Pass Advertisements

Advertising pays for everything. FM/AM Radio? Advertising. Network TV? Advertising. The Daily Texan? Advertising (and some tuition money). "Selling out" and letting advertisers put their message on your medium is a great way to make money, stay afloat, and ensure your business's future.

So, no surprise that British Airways became the first major European scheduled airline to seek advertisers for its boarding passes, as it seeks new revenue to help reverse losses.

Branded Prom

At my High School prom, there was a girl in a Duct Tape dress. Apparently, Duck Tape holds a contest each year called "Stuck at Prom" to see what male/female pair can create the best enemble completely out of Duct Tape. Why do it? The winners receive $6K scholarship.

Here is my favorite:

See more at the Duck Tape Website.

Illegal Ad Placement

I've always wondered about large posters plastered on the side of buildings... in particular, how does an agency go about buying this media placement?

Well, turns out they are "illegal."
Companies like National Public Advertising Outdoor that put up advertisements in public places typically do not have a proper permit. The city is not getting paid - instead, they pay the landlords of the buildings they use. Citizens are forced to look at advertising all over because these companies have illegally plastered their ads all over town. For whatever reason, the city looks the other way and rarely cracks down on them.

When organizations like The Public Ad Campaign organized a massive grassroots retaliation against the illegal billboards, NPA Outdoor added a new notice to all of their billboard sites. “Coming soon to this location: a chance to win these posters and other prizes inside” is posted because although it’s illegal for a landlord to put an advertisement on the side of his building, but it’s not illegal to put up a sign advertising products that are for sale inside. Doesn't stop the haters, though...

After a Culture Jamming Makeover:

How Far Will They Go?

Last year, Google pulled a few April Fools Jokes on the interactive community:

Google Adsense for Conversations (via TechChrunch):

"Now, in just a few simple steps, you can begin displaying ads that are relevant
to the topics you’re discussing — in an unobtrusive screen above your head.

Anyone taking part in the conversation can hit the ad with their hand to
immediately take advantage of the product or service being offered. With our
new Teleportation Technology(TM), you’ll be transported directly to the site
where the service is available, or have the product appear instantaneously
in your hands.

How do I add Google ads to my conversations?
Once you sign up, we’ll send you an adjustable screen and special AdSense headgear to attach it."

Truth is, though, a concept like this may not be that far off. Advertisers have already found a way to sponsor graudation speeches. Advertising in conversations doesn't seem so foreign, huh?

Internship Checklist

Unfortunately, this list came out a bit late for me, but for those of you still finishing up your internships, this is very, very useful.

The Internship Wrap-Up Checklist (via AdAge):

1) Finish all assigned projects
2) Get a performance assessment or a recommendation letter
3) Update your resume
4) Express gratitude by writing them a thank-you letter
5) Stay in touch. This is where business cards, and looking through trade pubs for information relevant to their accounts comes in handy.

Surprising PSA

Earlier, I wrote about Public Service Announcements, and how they seem to get away with everything.

This is a movie capitalizing on PSA's ability to shockvertize:

CollegeHumor - The Little Site that Could

I normally opt for Metro over AMNY, but I walked up a different side of the subway stairs this morning, and happened to be closer to the AMNY.

One of the main articles was about the changing face of New York media, and people who have gotten it right:

"Officials pointed to CollegeHumor.com as a success sotry others could emulate.

"When we started... CollegeHumor was primarily a site featuring all fo the best user-generated content from around the Web," said Josh Abramson, company co-founder. "Since YouTube became popular, it is incredibly difficult to sustain a business around user-generated content."

Now, the site produces more original content."

Parody on Traditional Media

This week, Radio Shack becomes "The Shack."

Following suit, Washington Post also gets a "remake," following the cancellation of its news + comedy video series, Mouthpiece Theater (via Gawker):

Traditional media trying to stay "with it."

You Know You've Made it Big When...

1) You have thick business cards
2) You own wooden hangers
3) There is a serious, legitimate rap song in your honor:

"Hit Me On Twitter" by Mistah F.A.B.

Want some twitter parodies? Here and here.

Consumers Digesting Media

"U.S. consumers last year for the first time spent more time with media that they paid for than with advertising-supported media, according to the annual Communications Industry Forecast." - AdWeek

Hmmm, so what does that mean for us? In my opinion, either:
1) Since branded digital efforts are difficult to trace, their media may have been free, but not free of ads.
2) "Room for growth"
3) Consumers are willing to pay more for something as long as we don't get in the way.

Social Media and Relationships

Communication builds relationships.

Relationships build trust.

As creatures of habit and consistency, we as consumers generally lean towards what we have already experienced - what we trust.

When it comes down to it, that's why social media is so important and influential. It allows the brand to communicate with its fanbase, and ultimately build more trust through communication. It's not about trying to reach more people, it's about trying to form a long, beautiful relationship.

Life of an Intern

CP+B Interns Rap

What are they talking about? I freaking love interning. Being able to absorb company culture, business life lessons, and network like it's your job for a predetermined period of time? I wish I could intern full time...

Entrepreneurship

My big goal, as previously stated, is to reconcile the differences I have with big business and my morals by changing it from the inside. That being said, there are two major paths I see my advertising career taking.

1) Working endlessly in the big media firm world until I climb the corporate ladder and earn a position of importance and and impact.

2) Create my own advertising agency

I recently dabbled in trying number two. Long story short, it was a bit of a failed experiment. I've lost a bit of hope, but after speaking with Ricky Van Veen, and seeing this video, I know it's within my reach.

Business Call

Ricky Van Veen is somewhat of a personal role model. He started CollegeHumor as a college student, and in the past 10 years, has come to build it into a famous brand penetrating different media such as literature, theater, and tv. I met him about a month ago, and have unsuccessfully been trying to sit down and talk with him about entrepreneurship, New York, and life since. That is, until last Sunday.

Weiser and Van Veen at CollegeHumor Live on Thursday, July 30

Long story short, to help him clear his schedule and squeeze in a meeting, I had to go pick up his business cards in Brooklyn, and drop them off at his West Village apartment around 10pm. Even though he was frenzied from packing for his LA trip the next day, he was very personable, genuine and generally good humored. He gave me some great insight and advice, which I have taken to heart.

If everything works out, Texas Ventures will be bringing him to UT to speak in November. Stay tuned!

Choose Your Own Adventure

Remember the choose-your-own adventure books?

Well, now it's in You-Tube form:

"With stabbings on the rise in England, the Metropolitan Police turned to BBDO for help, and the agency produced this pretty interesting "Choose your own adventure" YouTube campaign." - AdFreak

Google + Advertising

Going along with Ricky Van Veen's theory on the future of media, here is an example of a digital company using traditional media to launch an advertising campaign.

Google launches billboards to push its new business software via:

This comes after they launched TV spots to promoted Google Chrome back in May:



Also, want to see spoof ads? Go here.

That's One Way to Recruit...

BBDO Germany uses American gang signs to recruit. Maybe TexasMedia could come up with something like that? Though it would probably involve more than two hands. Via.

Is Someone Missing an Intern?

I knew of a guy who, while pledging a frat, woke up in Mexico with nothing but boxers and a quarter.

I think this may be an example of fraternity hazing, grown-up edition:

Taken earlier this morning on Wall Street. Via.

Mash-Ups

Obama endorses Kwikfit. Funny (and fake):



...Reminds me of this:

Man, I love Mash-Ups

Product Placement: Missed Advertunities

Colbert roasts Black Eyed Peas for missing "Advertunities" in their new video, "I Got A Feelin'."

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
MeTunes - Hit of the Summer
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Tasers

Definitely not the first song to feature products, see Pass The Courvoisier, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and Wanna Be a Balla.

Traditional, But Not Dead

Ricky Van Veen, founder of CollegeHumor, on the future of TV:


It's funny. On the advertisers' and clients' side, we all want to go from old media to new... but on the production side, all the viral stars want to make it big in TV.

Media Bloopers

There are a lot of things to look out for when buying media. You have to make sure the environment in which you are placing your message is conducive to positive feelings about the brand. In other words, you don't want to send mixed messages. Here are some examples of when the vendors and the buyers got it wrong (via CollegeHumor and CollegeCandy):

My hands really aren't that cold

It's summer. Our hands are not that cold, and there is little to no reason for these products to be coming out. Interesting concepts, though.

Tickle Me Elmo Hands, which "laugh" when you tickle someone:
Handerpants. The underpants for your hands:

I Love You, Jake Minor!

In Los Angeles's Alexander Hamilton High School, Valedictorian Kenya Mejia ended her graduation speech with, "I cannot let this opportunity just pass by... I love you, Jake Minor!"

That's cute and everything, but apparently it was a guerrilla marketing effort by the folks promoting the new movie, "I Love You Beth Cooper." After her speech, Mejia cashed in a check for $1,800

What's genius about this "media placement" is not that it reached the several hundred kids sitting in the audience. It's that the trade publications, word of motuh, and viral video scene all picked up on it and spread it out. Good job.

Art out of Beverages

How much coffee I drink in a month week:

Coffee Cup Art: A pixelated Mona Lisa, constructed using 3,604 individual cups of coffee with varying amounts of cream, set up in Sydney. Via.

Another beverage tribute this week - The Michael Jordan Gatorade Mosaic:

The Upfronts

The "big thing" going on in the industry world: The Upfronts.

Basically, all of the TV networks get together and say, "Here are all of the really great programs we have coming up this year. You should really buy all of your spots for these programs upfront, because we can guarantee the impressions and GRPs. Sure, it will be much more expensive than if you were to buy it during the year, but I will GUARANTEE your audience."

....then afterward, all the industry people (media reps and planners alike) go and party/dance/drink/hang out with celebs/shmooze.

That's the great thing about the upfronts. Usually, the parties and giveaways are absurd. However, this year, there have been a lot of budget cuts and the celebrations to rub elbows with media agencies have been significantly downsized. Also, because of massive client budget cuts, very, very few agencies are actually buying their TV spots up front this year. Generally, there's a lot of negotiation and whatnot, but no one seems to be budging. It's closing in two weeks, though, so they better make up their mind...

Web 3.0

Last year, the big "it" word was "Web 2.0," which is essentially social media. Great. The innovators and early adopters have already hopped on that train and have authored blogs/twitterstreams for over a year now, while the older brands and less tech savvy users are struggling to "figure out this social networking thing."

Considering how quickly the web evolves and transforms, it seems Web 3.0 is well on its way.

So, here it is. Web 3.0. "BT," or "Behavioral Targeting" is basically the next big thing. Thanks largely in part to the blogosphere, the web has gotten SO big, with SO many sources for different types of information, that there it is overwhelming users. In order to make advertising and content more relevant, cookies and behavioral tracking essentially hyper monitor users' movements and activity on the web in order to serve up relevant ads. So each ad you'll see will be based on all of your online activity, making sure the messages are relevant and your time/advertisers' money isn't wasted.

A small indicator of how big this is getting, is that the government is trying to limit advertisers' use of cookies and behavioral targeting, by giving the consumer the ability to opt-in. My opinion? I'm partial, being in the industry and all, but I'd rather not waste consumers' time with ads that are not relevant or relatable.

Jill and Kevin: Before and After

You know you've made the web celeb hall of fame when 1) your video has over 10 million hits in two weeks, and 2) parody videos start popping up.

I bring you Jill and Kevin's wedding AND divorce. Definitely worth a watch. Enjoy!

Anytime, Anywhere

I saw this at work, and have not been able to stop laughing for 1 minute straight. No lie.

Ogilvy Brazil has gathered pictures of babies making their "poop face" from parents of flickr, and have used them in these new ads:

See more here.

"Media as the new Creative"

It has been said that "media is the new creative." To clarify, the idea is that in this age of hyper-audience fragmentation, the "who" you're speaking to is now as important as the "what" that's being said. -Media Post

Upon entering UT's advertising program, I (along with many, many others) had the great "creative dream." Upon entering Maria Rivera's ADV 325 class, I knew I was clearly destined to become the genius behind world-renown ads. Long story short, the copy of Photoshop I bought that semester (SP 07) is still sitting in its plastic on my desk.

So, I'm not going to be spending endless hours racking my brain for catchy phrases, or cursing the blur tool on CS4. It's true. However, the truth is, Media is where the real creative comes to play. Media strategies and vehicle choices truly shape the entire campaign as well as the creative messaging.

Need proof? Some of the greatest campaign ideas were started at media agencies. See Breyer's Smooth and Dreamy, Sprint/Suave's In The Motherhood, and BMW films - The Hire.

Blah Blah Recession Blah

Surprise surprise, "the recession" is a hot topic right now. I would say it pops up or in at least 2 conversations a day... probably I'm about to graduate and desperately crawl on my hands and knees for a job.

Truth is, though, I don't necessarily think this ominous recession is such a bad thing.

Yes, growing unemployment lines are unfortunate, and it's sad to see desolate malls. However, I think this has been a bit of a wake up call, forcing big to become more efficient and competitive. When behemoth companies stop caring about micro-efficiency, their business model lose their efficacy, and they become flawed. I honestly see this as plague that is ravaging those who have become to lax. Those who work to develop immunities towards it will be better off in the long run. Those who work harder to develop their skill sets will get hired, and those who provide a better product will stay in business.

It's about time.

If advertising on bodies isn't big enough

First, they put a man on the moon. Now, they're putting brands.

"With a patent pending for what it dubs "Shadow Shaping" technology, Utah-based firm Moon Publicity is anxious to use roving robots to "create small ridges in the lunar dust over large areas that capture shadows and shape them to form logos, domains names or memorials."

Bidding for lunar messaging, which began this week and will last through October 20th, starts at $46,000. Soon, 12 billion+ eyeballs could be susceptible to branded moonlight because after all, nothing spruces up an evening more than a ginormous Walmart logo."
- AgencySpy.com

Very clever, yet slightly disturbing. A few things to consider:
1) Misspellings
2) Offensive brands and ads
3) Environmentalist FREAK OUT
4) Cheesy taglines such as "Out Of This World!"

Twitter and the Libel Lawsuit

A lot of what we take for granted nowadays in advertising only started to exist after there was a major supreme court hearing on the subject (including ads for legal services, etc).

To some extent, meriting a lawsuit is an indicator of how much weight a medium can throw around. I guess the lawsuit Horizon Realty issued against Twitter user Amanda Bonnen means the social network has finally reached the tipping point. Read the story here.

Japs

The Japanese have created a high-tech tombstone, allowing mourners to get pictures of the deceased through a barcode and their cell phones.

The Real "Mobile"

Nowadays, brands get all sorts of crazy exposure through guerrilla marketing. Some brands become lovemarks, so near and dear to their consumers, that they get tattoos of said brands.

Other brands, however, have to pay for the space the occupy on peoples' skin. Examples:

Parissa Wax Strips paid this man to walk the Vacouver beach, handing out free samples. Via

In 2001, Air New Zealand bought ad space on peoples' to display temporary tattoos on their shaven heads. Via

Also, see "Spankvertising" and eyelid advertisements.

What's the point?

Why blog? Good question.

"Social Media" and "Web 2.0" are big buzz terms both in the agency and client side of the biz. A lot of the bigger, more conservative clients still hold on dearly to their safe, traditional :30 and :15 spots. Thanks to the infamous recession, though, many are trying to optimize their budgets and funnel their money into more traceable, accountable media channels. Namely, digital.

Since, for the most part, social media manifested is free, it makes sense, right? So why has it taken so long for behemoth companies to hop on board? Well, it's unfamiliar, difficult to maintain, and the content needs to attract a large audience in order to be effective. So why all the trouble?

In my opinion, the internet is more of a communication platform and than an information platform. Connecting people in order to share information has become its main purpose. I check my email and facebook at least three times an hour (no joke). Also, blogging is a hybrid between Advertising and Public Relations. It has the potential to be highly branded content, but can still be organic and natural. Bloggers share their own opinions and are more trustworthy than paid content. I trust CafeMom's opinion on Cheerios much more than that bee they have in their commercials.

In short, it's word of mouth, 2.0, and we've already passed the "early majority" stage. Get on it already!

Mad Men Yourself

A lot of digital promotion nowadays has a user-generated online component. For instance, Elf Yourself from OfficeMax, Jib Jab sendables promoting different events, etc.

As such, Mad Men has been promoting its new season with a fun little "Mad Men Yourself" microsite. Even though I'm an ad junkie, I've only watched 1 episode of this show, as well as only 1 episode of Trust Me, which has been canceled. Still, I generally appreciate all things Madison Avenue.

What was interesting about this application is that it seemed to promote smoking... several times in the "choose your outfit/accessories/etc" realm, there were cigarettes and other smoking related options from which to choose. Granted, it was the 50's, and smoking was an integral part of the working world (especially advertising). Still, it gives the slight intonation of promoting that life choice.


Regardless, I think it's pretty accurate.

15 Minutes, Take 2

Last semester, I was a Media Buying Intern at EnviroMedia Social Marketing. They put together an agency tour video, and I make a cameo appearance around 1:03 in the "brainstorming room."

It's kind of adorable.

15 Minutes-Take 1

So, I went to CollegeHumor Live last month. Jake called me up on stage for Amir and Sam and to serenade me. Pinnacle of my summer? Probably.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Yo quería Taco Bell

So, big news. The Taco Bell Dog? Yeah, it was a girl.

Oh, and she ("Gidget") passed today. Sad.

Turns out, even though this Chihuahua was an icon of the 90's and my generation, sales actually slipped during the "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" era. Who knew?



Also: Today, 10 years ago, David Ogilvy passed. Two legends, one unfortunate date.

The Ultimate Moral Dilemma

The advertising industry is seen as one of the most morally objectionable professions in the world... with good reason. Liquor advertising, hyper-consumerism, deception and lead way to America distrusting the practitioners.

Which leads me to my main goal in life: to reconcile the moral differences I have with big business.

The biggest question I've faced deals with clientele. Can I refuse to work on a client? Do I even have a say in the matter? What if it costs me my job? Is there any kind of client I absolutely could not work for? Should I even apply to an agency that works with questionable clients? etc etc.

I think this video outlines every adman/adwoman's dilemma nicely:

What's Next... an Edible Milky Way?

First, they put a man on the moon. Now, they're putting brands.

"With a patent pending for what it dubs "Shadow Shaping" technology, Utah-based firm Moon Publicity is anxious to use roving robots to "create small ridges in the lunar dust over large areas that capture shadows and shape them to form logos, domains names or memorials."

Bidding for lunar messaging, which began this week and will last through October 20th, starts at $46,000. Soon, 12 billion+ eyeballs could be susceptible to branded moonlight because after all, nothing spruces up an evening more than a ginormous Walmart logo."
- AgencySpy.com

Very clever, yet slightly disturbing. A few things to consider:
1) Misspellings
2) Offensive brands and ads
3) Environmentalist FREAK OUT
4) Cheesy taglines such as "Out Of This World!"
5) I hope my husband proposes to me this way.

Look Who's Calling The Kettle Vicious

As of late, Microsoft has been running "Laptop Hunter" ads in which they give a family has $1,000 to find their ideal laptop. Inevitably, their choice always ends up being a PC of some sort, because they can get all the programs etc they need, for less. "Apple" or "Mac" generally isn't mentioned in these ads - just the glory that is cheap PC-dom.

Apparently, this ad campaign really worked. Earlier last week, Apple angrily asked Microsoft to stop running the ads, as they dropped their prices (by about $100 or so). Keep in mind that there has been little to no word from Microsoft's end asking Macs to stop running their "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" attack ads.

I see this move as a huge indicator of the stereotyped personalities of Macs vs PCs. Correct me if I'm wrong, but "Macs" tend to be younger, hipper, more carefree, less corporate, and more fun. Basically, that guy you had a crush on freshman year of college. On the other hand, "PCs" tend to be older, more corporate, more business-minded, colder, dorkier... basically, your parents after they've given you a curfew.

How fitting that when the Macs directly attack the PCs, they take it like grown men. However, when PCs allude to the fact that Macs are legitimately overpriced, Mac whines to get its way.

Grow up, Steve, and learn how to swallow your own medicine: