tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320827842024-03-07T00:27:20.332-05:00The Queen's ArmsJuicy Bits of Nothing.lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-2921596026658292922008-06-07T12:26:00.000-05:002008-06-07T13:52:01.175-05:00The Human Element<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPPgVr_Y6VcR0g3Bc0lf-XlSjOf41gRC8Dd8pTM3nt8ytBcVUdaIlg8hz0B68hLqE3yHjKXzup7LTrcDNt94H9zxMHkXcifjpyZOKPAGsN4hnupZwdnLaLRtffy8GweRbrhw_/s1600-h/dow_human-element.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPPgVr_Y6VcR0g3Bc0lf-XlSjOf41gRC8Dd8pTM3nt8ytBcVUdaIlg8hz0B68hLqE3yHjKXzup7LTrcDNt94H9zxMHkXcifjpyZOKPAGsN4hnupZwdnLaLRtffy8GweRbrhw_/s320/dow_human-element.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209214204953302930" /></a><br />In the digital age, the fact that we are human has become a successful brand identity.<br /><br />The Dow Chemical Company launched "The Human Element" campaign in 2006. Offered up by FCB (now DraftFCB), the campaign "showcases individual human profiles and circumstances to communicate the power of harnessing 'The Human Element' to foster solutions to human problems around the world." [<a href="http://http//news.dow.com/corporate/2006/20060619c.htm">dow.com</a>]<br /><br />It's a nice corporate identity piece. Everyone likes the idea of supporting a company 'that really cares'. From a creative perspective, it's a wonderfully dramatic image that quickly links the idea of humanity (the human element) and science (all of Dow's chemicals they want to sell you).<br /><br />But, take a step back. In a world where a growing number of people won't do something because they can't do it online and would have to talk to someone (yes, this happens all the time in the younger generation), the company just sold you, rather overtly, on the idea of human interaction. 'Hey, we're nice people, buy our stuff'. While they might not practice it any longer, people buy into the idea of old fashioned values and business practices.<br /><br />And it's not just Dow that capitalizing on a human brand identity. While not all are as overt as Dow, the human element is a reoccurring theme. Take for example the instant classic UPS Whiteboard. The Martin Agency takes lead agency credit for the campaign, the same agency responsible for the 'what can brown do for you?' slogan. The spots sell UPS in a very human way. It's door to door salesman, face to face. They are talking to their audience as people, not just as profit, and it shows.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/95EeUAvAba4&hl=en"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/95EeUAvAba4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />The next example is an effort from McKinney/Durham for Qwest. The ad was is listed as a "best spot" for November 2006 by AdWeek.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QEUJwOq1NW0&hl=en"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QEUJwOq1NW0&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />And the list goes on. Apple with 'Mac vs. PC'. Hewlett-Packard with 'The Computer is Personal Again'. Cisco with 'The Human Network". And I am sure there are more.<br /><br />I don't know if its a pining for the old days, or people searching for a sunny option in an increasingly cloudy world, but whatever it is, being human is hip.lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-10817309486066170722008-06-03T13:45:00.000-05:002008-06-03T15:31:52.870-05:00America Runs on TerrorismIn America's futile effort to wipe out terrorism, we are searching for terrorism in every corner of the country. And apparently this search includes hidden symbols in advertising.<br /><br />Recently, Dunkin' Donuts pulled one of their national Internet spots because of backlash over a scarf television chef Rachel Ray was wearing while promoting the Massachusetts-based coffee chain. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvx-xJd3kq6JIBcozoVwnRfXNmHJJZe9eVEmlIoQ2xZRHdPE2PtWQQi5nSX4kflbY0tB6JzTcJjg76IHM1S-c6H5L4YpOLKs5oxLrazf9NAHhTKSHeIiceUY2od_La4h_4VMK/s1600-h/rachael_ray.ap.03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvx-xJd3kq6JIBcozoVwnRfXNmHJJZe9eVEmlIoQ2xZRHdPE2PtWQQi5nSX4kflbY0tB6JzTcJjg76IHM1S-c6H5L4YpOLKs5oxLrazf9NAHhTKSHeIiceUY2od_La4h_4VMK/s320/rachael_ray.ap.03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207738374388954674" /></a><br /><br />Apparently the scarf worn above is similar in design to the scarves worn by Muslim men called a kaffiyeh. This scarf, according to those offended by the ad, is often worn by those associated with terrorism. This particular scarf style was probably most notably brought to the world stage by Arafat, seen here:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXroW3bAN3SPwcD8rh6PrSOHTM6G6YxoB-AIsx16j-5mj1OBGoUbDcpTszefHE5iGUdds0dwrdYzMYYOGy5D0u-MmD4d4C6ncLWrjmZBa-s0WloqXQ5BFqY97jTlpekXzB8Lle/s1600-h/arafat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXroW3bAN3SPwcD8rh6PrSOHTM6G6YxoB-AIsx16j-5mj1OBGoUbDcpTszefHE5iGUdds0dwrdYzMYYOGy5D0u-MmD4d4C6ncLWrjmZBa-s0WloqXQ5BFqY97jTlpekXzB8Lle/s320/arafat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207739190432740930" /></a><br /><br />I could go on a long rant about the public overreaction to the scarf (I mean, if you squint they kind of look similar...), but I will spare you in hopes that your own common sense has already informed you that this whole situation is ridiculous. Instead, let's look at the reaction from Dunkin' Donuts. <br /><br />According to CNNMoney.com, Dunkin' pulled the "ad that began appearing online May 7...because 'the possibility of misperception detracted from its original intention to promote our iced coffee.'" <br /><br />From a pure marketing mindset, this was the one and only correct option for Dunkin'. Pull they ad, chalk it up to an accident, reaffirm that it was not done intentionally, and let the issue fade into the ether. There was really no other option. Anything else would have tarnished the Dunkin' brand more than it already has been. <br /><br />At the same time, I would love to see a major company take the risk and push back against the unfounded obsession both with terrorism and political correctness. While the idea that Dunkin' Donuts is a secret terrorist supporter or, even worse, a hidden cell of terror in America is a fairly interesting and perhaps not impossible conspiracy, it is safe to say that this proposition is most unlikely. Why a major U.S. brand would even attempt to show support for Islamic fundamentalism or terrorism is beyond me. And beyond anyone for that matter. They have nothing to gain.<br /><br />With that, what do they have to apologize for? When is someone going to stand up for common sense? Dunkin' had every right to continue running the online ad. It's obvious that Dunkin' did not mean this ad to be a shout out to all of their terrorists friends, its supposed to sell coffee. <br /><br />The sentiment that this whole situation is ridiculous seems to be shared by most, or at least by those I have talked to about it. All advertising is open to being misconstrued, so, if in this particular case, there is a large body of people within Dunkin's target audience that thinks the scarf issue has been blown out of proportion, why not cater to them? Why not leave the ad running and say that the common sense of Americans will overcome whatever misperceptions there are about the ad? Often, we are too quick to concede to the boisterous few while ignoring the silent majority. <br /><br />Ultimately, the strategy of standing up for common sense is shaky at best. But, it would be fun to watch something like that to play out and common sense is an interesting brand quality.lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-17245750575990329112008-05-22T09:40:00.000-05:002008-05-22T10:35:22.086-05:00Me fail English? That's unpossible.While the Babyboomers are rekindling their summer of love spirit as they ease into retirement, Generation Ipod is getting it's first at bat of the real world. The outcome? They struck out swinging in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded.<br /><br />The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans. Unfortunately that generation, myself included, has a huge cliche of a flaw: they are utterly unprepared for the real world, or at least the world our parent's generation is leaving to us. Mostly because we were never allowed to fail. <br /><br /><blockquote>Everybody gets a trophy. First place, last place -- doesn't matter. Everybody is a winner, everybody gets to play and it doesn't really matter what happens as long as you have fun.<br /><br />Go to a Little League game sometime and watch the parents wearing the specially made T-shirts with their kid's name and number on the back. Kids are kids, and adults are kids. Child worship has created a generation of parents who go through life fearing rejection.<br /><br />Our kids can't fail, and they can't be exposed to disappointment. If our kids are disappointed, then we have failed as their keepers.<br /><br />If they do fail, we'll just change the language of failure until it becomes success.<br /><br />And oh, by the way, there's no such thing as a mistake. We now call that a good try.<br /><br />We send them into the world with bellies full of self-esteem and nothing to back it up. Years of being conditioned to feel good about themselves with no accomplishments required eventually breeds a feeling of entitlement.<br /><br />It's a culture of acceptance, and that's why it's an unpopular argument to suggest a guy with carbon-fiber legs shouldn't be allowed to compete in the Olympics. You don't win many points coming down against a legless runner. <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=keown/080520">[read more]</a>[espn.com]</blockquote><br /><br />While that story is written in the context of sports, it's implications are universal. Business and recent culture have what appears to be a very explosive intersection looming in the near future. <br /><br />Don't get me wrong. The members of the rising generation are not complete failures. They seem to be able to compensate what they lack in general work ethic/ life experience with being tech savvy. The intuitiveness this generation has in regards to the digital paradigm allows them to be the lead innovators of the digital age. Facebook, Google, Napster: all created basically by college students. <br /><br />While I agree with author Tim Keown and his sentiments on a philosophical flaw on how this generation was raised, I do think most are quick to label the America's newest workforce as sub-par. Perhaps they are entitled and lazy, but the Internet throws a wrench into any judgment made about Gen Ipod-- perhaps their latest performance in the real world is not a "failure", but the origins of a major shift in American culture. And I think most would agree that American's cultural fabric is being rewoven. So why are we expecting that our thinking, our ideals, the way we do business, any every other aspect of our society are not going to change along with it? It seems we are judging a new generation on an antiquated scale.lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-62456393059245829512008-05-20T10:44:00.000-05:002008-05-20T12:25:00.289-05:00Political StrategeryAmidst jaunting words from Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Hill-dawg grasping at every last straw there is, and a clear-cut division within the democratic party, John McCain is using one of the oldest tricks in the book to secure his spot in the oval office: poking fun at himself, and doing it quite well. <br /><br />While the democrats have not had much time to sling mud at the republican hopeful, McCain does have some dirt on his face that will question his ability to take the rains come next January- mainly the fact that he is old enough to have known my great great grandmother. Other than being considered Bush Jr., the largest public criticism of the long-time politician is his age. America just withstood Cheney's dodgy heart and Bush almost went down from a pretzel, they are weary of another president being on their last leg. That and the generation gap creates quite a cultural division between McCain and the bulk of the voting public.<br /><br />The issue of McCain's age exploded a week or so ago when Obama dropped the line that McCain had "lost his bearings" on an issue. Thought to be a dig on McCain's age in addition to a disagreement over policy, the McCain camp responded with a rather terse statement. It seemed that the election was beginning a downward spiral into a personal, bitter and, let's admit, entertaining campaign war. <br /><br />At the time, it seemed surprising that McCain would jump so quickly and so emphatically over a short quip that was not a direct attack. Much like the issue of race, the more your make a big deal over it and talk about it, the more of an issue it becomes, when in reality it should be a non-issue. It seems a strategic mis-step for the McCain camp to really address the issue of age, rather than ignore it, claim it as being irrelevant, and letting the issue fade into the background. <br /><br />McCain, wisely, took another route. He addressed the issue in a serious manner first and this past weekend appeared on Saturday Night Live to make fun of himself for being old:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/umSoZaoWeEU&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/umSoZaoWeEU&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />McCain, I think, accomplished three important things through this appearance. First, by making fun of himself for being old he made the issue of him being old less important. People seem to be accepting of perceived negative qualities if the person admits to having those qualities. The line "but at least they know they are [insert negative adjective here]" is commonplace. McCain should embrace his age and make it his own unique quality. It's all about spinning the issues. <br /><br />Second, the appearance is endearing and humbling. With the republican brand in trouble, McCain's character and image are extremely critical in terms of him garnering support from a deteriorating voter base. America likes a humble president. Part of Bush's appeal to the blue collar vote was that he was someone they would want to have over for dinner. This appearance connected McCain with the people, obviously. <br /><br />Lastly, the people McCain connected with are the younger generation. Think about the issue of age and then think about the generation that watches Saturday Night Live. He not only made fun of his age, but did it to a younger audience that is probably most concerned about his age. McCain is winning strategically right now with the democrats still locked in the primary race.lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-3316694523300278302008-05-02T09:33:00.000-05:002008-05-02T09:42:38.640-05:00Chocolate-coated, Freaky and Habit Forming<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ol_2z3AcSbA&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ol_2z3AcSbA&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Well, it's about time I posted something on here that I like. This one comes from the merry land of England and was pointed out to me by Jen (spot on, Jen, spot on). <br /><br />Short and simple, this is a great ad. First, the premise of commercial is hilarious. Who doesn't want to see a gorilla rocking out to Phil Collins. But going beyond that, the commercial does a great job of dragging you in. The first time you watch it, you want to keep watching it just to see what it is for. The fact that it is Cadbury may furrow a few brows, but the commercials fit the tagline a glass and a half of joy. They found a great, unexpected way to sell you on that line. Well played Cadbury.lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-71469320453413400542008-03-12T12:44:00.003-05:002008-03-12T14:37:51.950-05:00Just look to the heavens, and then buy some beer.Well, when you run out of things to exploit on Earth, I guess the next logical place to go is the moon. <br /><br />We can't move there yet and create our very own Jetsonian society, but Rolling Rock is going to project its logo on the moon during the next full moon come March 21. <a href="http://www.moonvertising.com">Moonvertising</a>, the way of the future. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX20baGDmb0i9Bh8U9TTRRghyphenhyphen1rWd0_d3BAQPxh2EwUcSJzbUwfRTRbLa4i3SkZcc4ZNcsKKc7hfvOXKQ1YCK4im6SglnerNxcGj5ZIJCKFiMlL8S5qNQNvZWgbof8iZaFByb/s1600-h/rr_moon.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX20baGDmb0i9Bh8U9TTRRghyphenhyphen1rWd0_d3BAQPxh2EwUcSJzbUwfRTRbLa4i3SkZcc4ZNcsKKc7hfvOXKQ1YCK4im6SglnerNxcGj5ZIJCKFiMlL8S5qNQNvZWgbof8iZaFByb/s320/rr_moon.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176918689296898482" /></a><br /><br /><br />Where to begin with this one. First, from what is flying around the internet, it's a hoax. No laser is strong enough to put an image on the moon, not to mention numerous other factors that makes this currently impossible. A nice PR stunt, either way. It has garnered a lot of attention and a lot of word of mouth just discussing the advertising before it is even happening. It's a nice tounge-in-cheek campaign. <br /><br />It's a creative idea and guess someone had to do it sometime. If society is going to accept anyone defacing the moon, beer seems like a logical choice. I think its going to be fairly easy to get a bunch of drunks to stare at a logo on the moon. But why Rolling Rock? Sure, the moon is a large, rolling rock, but this style seems more consistent with the branding of RR's other green-bottled competitor- Heineken. <br /><br />I love the idea of projecting things on the moon, but RR seemed to stop the creativity there. They are relying solely on the publicity of projecting on image on the moon to sell there product. Very much to their credit, the cross-platform thinking is there. The Web site allows visitors to see the videos on the background of the project, write their own messages on a virtual moon, and see a calendar listing of full moon parties for that night. Kudos, kids. <br /><br />But other than name recognition, what is RR gaining? I could not even tell you their current tagline or, really, a solid brand positioning for RR. Given that, RR can only exploit the publicity of the event and not their own USP or branding. From what I can tell, RR already has brand recognition, but perhaps not the brand affinity that competitors have. This latest stunt will only help the former. There is no tie-in back to their brand. Yet, even with that potential set-back, the publicity of the event should still be enough to throw this latest stab-in-the-dark advertising attempt into the success column. <br /><br />Given this, I am not as interested in this initial test run of advertising on the moon (which is undoubtedly cool), but more interested in seeing where moonvertising goes from here as a medium. There is creativity beyond just using the moon as a medium that has yet to be discovered.<br /><br />One last thing. Moonvertising? That's what you went with. All the creativity that went into coming up with this project and you call it an obvious moonvertising? From a creative stand-point, bit of a let down there.lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-75084628145001779832008-02-28T23:07:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:42:06.200-05:00Every Second, Brain Cells Die.<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_ANn6Z1iKxc"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_ANn6Z1iKxc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />This is by far the oddest, catchiest, funniest, worst/best PSA I have ever seen. It is supposed to teach people the early warning signs of stroke and how important it is to get help quick. Pretty noble a quest, indeed. <br /><br />What we got was a cartoon that just makes the inner kid chuckle. Whether its the guys face drooping or the horrible rhyming, I can't help but laugh [funniest- check]. That laughter, however is shadowed a bit when you think about how creepily chipper the characters are and how upbeat the song is. [odd- check]<br /><br />But the larger question is how did this get passed? I mean who signed off on this and thought, yeah this is the right way to teach people about the early warning signs of stroke. Cartoons? Upbeat about a serious issue? Elementary production? A fucking jingle? None of it, theoretically or strategically works. [worst- check]<br /><br />Yet, what happens is they do such a horrible job at producing this commercial, it becomes funny enough that people pay attention to it. Read the comments under it on YouTube. People saying that they were looking for the commercial because they loved it so much. A friend ripped the song from the commercial to my iPod [catchiest- check]. It's hysterical, but I do know the warning signs of the stroke. Give it a week, you will too. [best- check] <br /><br />Well. Enjoy... <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />does it droop when you ask him to smile???.....lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-61804616140849141252007-10-08T15:37:00.000-05:002007-10-08T16:28:46.826-05:00Hijacked.Well, Jen starting writing in a blog again and while we do not know how long she will keep up with it, it has inspired me to start blogging again, so please blame her. And Colleen, who keeps up with her blog. Oh, and my strong desire not to do work and the fact that they are doing construction on my balcony, causing them to put a tarp over my windows, which has cast a blue eerie glow in my crap apartment, causing it to be transformed into a creepy set from the X-files, making me hide in my room. Keep up. <br /><br />So with that being said, I have henceforth hijacked the The Queen's Arms and hope to post on it.. lets say at least bi-monthly. I think that is a reasonable goal, and one that I will surely fall short of given time. <br /><br />The reason for blogging? The futile hope that writing for fun will allow me to enjoy writing for work-purposes more. Class started again and I am taking portfolio development for, well, the third time. Not because I failed it twice, but because I have taken it in undergrad and now port dev I and port dev II on the grad level. Yeah I have grown pretty tired of the class. And when I have to be creative all day at work and then come home and do it for class, burnout gets close and wine consumption goes way up, which my liver and wallet are opposed to. Hopefully with the new job, which should be effective at the end of October, I will have more time to enjoy writing again. Oh the poor, troubled life of a burnt-out creative whose career hasn't even started yet. Wah.lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-1155235601234245012006-08-10T13:41:00.000-05:002006-08-10T14:29:50.076-05:00Dr. Z: Awesome commercial or strange German Man?The new ads by Diamler-Chrysler are, well, odd. <br /><br />I get that they want you to convey that the German Engineering has bettered the American-made cars/trucks.... but is that really in line with the branding efforts of some of their lines? Dodge for example is very much about power and has a very rugged brand image (grab life by the horns) which doesn't really mix with the charming but uppity Mr. Z. Don't get me wrong. I think Dr. Z is a cool guy, especially since he is the chairman of the company. But no middle-america trailer trash is going to be woo-ed by the stuck-up German. <br /><br />Even if you could convince someone that the German connection was a good idea and the commercials were different enough from v-dub, is that direction going to alienate the people that already buying your product. They have a commercial with a redneck director yelling at our dear friend Dr. Z hwo is messing up another line. It's just too forced. The only way this scene works is if you replace Dr. Z with Dr. I need another beer because I wrecked my truck, my dog died, and my wife left me. <br /><br />Chrysler is too weak of a company to be having an identity crisis.lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-1154960116143880442006-08-07T08:14:00.000-05:002006-08-07T09:21:19.193-05:00FX: A Crafty Network?FX is doing something brilliant - I think. Otherwise, it is I who is brilliant.<br /><br />About a week ago, I discovered the show <a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/">30 Days</a> was a free iTunes download, and being a free iTunes download junkie, I watched it and concluded it was an interesting show. Not something I would probably purchase for $1.99 a piece, but something I would set TiVO to record and watch at my leisure.<br /><br />So, I set the TiVO and checked for upcoming episodes. They were infrequent. Strange, for a new show, I thought. Many of the commercials I'd seen promoted episodes of the show that were not set to air, apparently, for several weeks. Forward thinking, I think.<br /><br />Then last night, I was watching <a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/">Always Sunny in Philadelphia</a>, also on FX, and a commercial came on telling me, nay, <span style="font-style: italic;">teaching me</span>, about the first season DVDs of 30 Days, which are available for purchase.<br /><br />First, I thought that FX was being tricky and innovative. They launch the show on iTunes with a free download. Then, the shows start to play on FX at the announced time slot, and commercial promotion hypes the forthcoming episodes. BUT if you don't want to wait every other week for a new show, conveniently, you can already purchase a full DVD of the current season. No waiting week after week; no cursing TiVO for cutting off the last important 3 minutes, and most importantly, instant gratification, something people will often pay dearly for.<br /><br />But apparently, it is I who is brilliant, as a quick check on <a href="http://www.epguides.com/30days">EPGuides</a> (a great place to get episode titles and air dates without worry of confronting "spoilers") tells me that we are actually in Season 2 of this show, which airs only 6 episodes per season. This explains the infrequent showings and the DVD promotion of Season 1. Huh. Not so out of theordinary afterall.<br /><br />But I think I'm on to something. Make a series, every episode, give 'em the first taste for free and watch as they come running back for more. Or is that crack?... Either way, a good strategy, yes?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-1154751313606824692006-08-04T23:10:00.000-05:002006-08-04T23:17:07.420-05:00Some Inspiration<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7206/3499/1600/blogging.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7206/3499/320/blogging.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Jen was talking today that we need to form and audience for our blog, but before we did, we needed to get more content on here. So, here is our inspiration. Ah... look what a dilligent little blogger we have here. <br /><br />PIP PIP!lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-1154705133462702262006-08-04T10:25:00.000-05:002006-08-04T10:25:33.573-05:00Oh To Work at BravoTV.com<span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Copywriter/Editor - Bravotv.com</b></span><br /><hr /> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td> <span style=""><b> staffingcenter@nbcuni.com <enterprise@trm.brassring.com> </enterprise@trm.brassring.com></b></span> </td> <td align="right"> <span style=""><b> Thu, Aug 3, 2006 at 8:06 PM </b></span> </td></tr><tr> <td colspan="2"> <span style=""> <div> Reply-To: staffingcenter@nbcuni.com </div> <div> To: cvlayman@gmail.com </div> </span> </td></tr><tr> <td colspan="2"> <table border="0" cellpadding="12" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td> <span style="">Thank you for your interest in opportunities with NBC Universal. Unfortunately, Copywriter/Editor - <a href="http://bravotv.com/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">Bravotv.com</a> position has been put on hold at this time. It is unknown when this position will become active again. Should there be an interest at that time, you will be contacted.<br /><br />We encourage you to continue to visit our website.<br /><br />We wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of your career objectives.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />NBC Universal Staffing CoE<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-1154701226777850442006-08-04T09:19:00.000-05:002006-08-04T09:20:27.036-05:00Episodes of Office LifeOur heroine is seated at her desk, checking email and listening to music. Two large stacks of files sit untouched on her desk from Boss #1. This is her project for the day. It should take her "awhile." She makes her tea. She eats some oatmeal. Enter Boss #2.<br /><br />In all seriousness, he says, "Could you do me a quick favor? I know you're busy with the files..."<br /><br />"Yes, very busy, I say." Humor, sarcasm remain lost.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-1154663064470357712006-08-03T22:26:00.000-05:002006-08-04T08:57:29.613-05:00Mike's in the closet.Well, it seems as though someone is in denial. The new Mike's Hard Lemoade commericals are promoting the brand and their new drink-- the Mike-arita. The worst. The ads show girls trying out to be the spokesperon that are breast size z and wearing very little clothing. The ads try to be hip and tries to be witty-you know let's have sasquash try out, won't that be funny. This is a horrible ad and let me tell you why. <br /><br />One. Mike. You're gay. You are trying to hard to be straight. As my good friend Willie says in the cover song "Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other" : "Well, a cowboy may brag about things that he does with his women,<br />But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer." Give it up Mike. Don't try to advertise to younger guys. They don't like you because you are gay. I know it's sad they can't accept you the way you are, but that's how society is these days. Stick with the women and gays. Nothing bad about the gays here, just that they are the ones are most likely to drink "Mike-aritas". More power to them (or in British, fair play to the gays). <br /><br />Second. When you try to be witty, you suck at being witty. The ads are obviously written by some washed-up copywriter (or younger dude that thought it up while high) that is trying to relive his past by writing these edgy ads. Get over the fact that you are old and stop making me watch these ads. <br /><br />Third. The ad shows older and younger mexicans dancing in the street enjoying their libations. No way in hell you got a mexican- who grew up in the best tequila producing country in the world- to drink whatever mix a malt liquor company came up with that supposedly tastes like tequila. <br /><br />Craptacular.lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-1154546817225333962006-08-02T14:26:00.000-05:002006-08-02T14:26:57.236-05:00better than a dry runUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32082784.post-1154546585375593542006-08-02T14:22:00.000-05:002006-08-02T14:23:05.376-05:00Here it is folks. Run free.lgibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07746094989800100227noreply@blogger.com0