Tom Asacker, points to a new book by Lucas Conley. He does so after venting about Laura Ries' poorly constructed advice to brand managers. Here's the heart of her demented argument: Burning the consumer’s mind is the key detail many companies miss. They think branding is putting their name and logo on the package. But that is only half the answer. Making a branding iron is the easy part. Holding the consumer down …
Denver Elevates Their Award Show
Karsh\Hagan senior copywriter, Matt Ingwalson, sent me an innaugural copy of The 50, Denver's new awards annual (as a way to promote 2008's show). I'm glad he did. I rarely look at award show books these days, but this one pulled me in. First off, there's no Best of Show, just 50 big ideas, one after the next. And there are no categories, which I appreciate. A big idea is a big idea. Who cares what media it's …
I Pity The Fool That Yanked Mr. T Off The Air
The Mr. T Snickers ad that caused a stir this week has been taken off the air. The AP says Mars Inc., which makes the candy bars, meant the ad to be funny, not offensive, and that's why they decided to pull it. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation said the ad used stereotypes of gay men. Readers may recall that this is actually the second time Mars has pulled a Snickers ad because of accusations that it was …
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Sierra Mist Tries Fake News
"On The Bubble" is an animated newscast put on by group of fictional cash-strapped 20-something students in a dorm room at the equally fictional Middle Town Community College. According to Ad Age, it's also a content play from PepsiCo's Sierra Mist, although there is no brand presence on the site or in the fake newscasts. …
Recent work from Saatchis in London
[via Adliterate] …
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This Is Gonna Cost A Lot More Than 99 Cent
Taco Bell got a bit too cute for its own good when it asked 50 Cent to change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent, in deference to the prices on its new value menu. Now the lawyers for both sides will have to make it right. According to Ad Age, the rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell for using his name and likeness without permission. Mr. Jackson claims trademark dilution, …
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Outstanding Mission Statements: 12th in a Series
North is a Portland agency with a quirky web presence full of stellar communications like their mission statement pictured above. North also has a blog, as if I need to add that tidbit any longer. An agency with no blog is ____________. Please use our comments to fill in the blank. By the way, a gentleman named Steve, who works at North, takes amazing photos. …
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How to Appeal to the Deadhead Turned Ad Guy Within
Creative courtesy of HMH. …
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