Clairol's Herbal Essences, when applied, no longer produces orgasms. The beauty product does lead Jadyn Maria to sing, however. Too bad. Any old shampoo can lead one to sing in the shower. …
Easy On The Beefcake
Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer ads that dramatize the product benefit. Apparently, Outback Steakhouse knows nothing about this time-honored approach. One of their current efforts features three hunks that come to the table to serve three adoring, but rather shy, ladies. No mention of the food at all. What happens when a lonely lady decides to dine at Outback, only to find her server is nasty, or of the same sex? …
Take It Outside Or Have It Taken Away
In four Monterrey, Mexico churches, Israeli-made cell phone jammers the size of paperbacks have been tucked unobtrusively among paintings of the Madonna and statues of the saints. AdBusters seeks to "jam" our pervasive media culture, TiVo helps content hungry viewers jam commercials and now we have priests in Mexico jamming cell phone usage. I applaud the holy men and their quest for sanctity. …
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Conversational Media Goes Big Time
The future just arrived. Welcome to it. AdAge editor, Scott Donaton writing today about how consumers now hold all the cards, not marketers, said, "Make no mistake, it's nothing short of a revolution. Those who don't embrace it -- and resistance to change remains disappointingly strong -- will be crushed by it." Scott Donaton, editor of AdAge Further insights from Donaton's article: Larry Light, global chief …
Lewis Lazare Just Phoned
Sun Times advertising columnist, Lewis Lazare, just phoned to ask me several questions about AdPulp, blogs, my industry experience and whether I wouldn't prefer to be writing the great American novel. Look for his write up next week. It will be interesting to see how he breaks it down. He can be a tough critic, so I'm not exactly expecting a fluff piece. …
Elevators Rarely Go Anywhere Worthwhile
Adweek's Joan Voight published an article today about the importance setting has on an agency. Naturally, she leads with Mike Shine, since Butler Shine and Stern occupy offices in Sausalito …
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Art Or Commerce?
Is advertising art? This question has been there from the beginning. For sure, most advertising has been rendered so poorly, the claims that it might be an art form seem ludicrous. Yet, there are reasons to believe ads do constitute an art form. For one, if anyone could do it, the writers and art directors responsible for making ads would be put out to pasture. Creative endeavors require a leap of faith, no matter …
Every Point of Contact Counts
Rarely are rejection notices considered a marketing opportunity. But everything is marketing when it involves your brand. For instance, these notices often arrive on letterhead, with a big fat logo prominently displayed. That's a marketing opportunity. The other day, I got such a notice from High Country News, where I had applied to be News Editor. This letter thoughtfully detailed the search process, thanked all the …