Advertising

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Did Herman Cain Make the Worst (and Funniest) Ad in Political History?

October 26th 2011

Herman Cain’s smoking gums political ad is all the things political ads hope to avoid. Come take a look, see how this is a perfect application of Poe’s law, and join our somewhat informed discussion. ;>

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Bad Advertising at Sea: Join the Navy and Endure Sorrow

October 4th 2011

Would you start a military recruiting discussion with a picture of a chaplain giving last rites to a child? The Navy’s reported $800 million multi-year contract does just that. It introduces a new brand tag line which I’d love your comment on. Not only does this represent those of us in the US, we’re paying for it. So, let me know what you think.

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Beer, Bikers and Brands: Why Stunt Marketing Should Be in Your Video Content Strategy

September 30th 2011

Carlsberg Beer packed a theater with tough-looking biker types, with just two seats remaining, in the middle of the crowd. Would you go for the seats? If so – “then that deserves a Carlsberg”. Its a case where stunt marketing and viral video create a real brand experience.

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QR Codes and Giant Rats: My Article in AdAge Stirs Debate & Approval

June 9th 2011

My article in this week’s Advertising Age takes on the over-use of QR-codes in advertising — and suggests that sometimes giant stuffed rats just work better than QR codes.

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The Most Powerful Words in Marketing: I Am NOT the Target Market

May 31st 2011

Sometimes “not getting it” is the exactly right viewer experience for those who are “out of segment”. Witness Axe body spray, Friskies iPad app for cats, and the wisdom of Phil Johnson.

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Witness Lebron James, Betty White, and More Bad Advertising at the Airport

May 10th 2011

Airports are like islands of bad advertising. Lebron James, who happens to be playing against my hometown Celtics this week is the subject of some unusual airport advertising in Cleveland.

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Beyond Advertising: Facebook For Peace Meets Julia Ward Howe

May 8th 2011

As some on the net bemoan that “the best minds of our generation are thinking about how to make people click on Facebook ads”, I’d invite you to question the premise. Perhaps the best minds are using ideas to change the World, and those who specialize at monetizing the the medium are just their elite infrastructure.

Funny Video: The Smart Kids Want to Be In New Jersey’s Advertising Biz

August 9th 2010

When you were a kid, did you want to be in advertising? These kids already get the business at a deep level, and they want to win a Jersey Award.

Update: Kellogg’s False Health Claims on Rice Krispies and Frosted Mini-Wheats Earn FTC Rebuke

June 5th 2010

When Good Brands Behave Unethically Back in February, I pointed out Kellogg’s false health claims on Rice Krispies and Froot Loops.  Specifically, during the worst flu scare in 50 years, Kellogg’s claimed Rice Krispies boosted immunity. They also claimed that Froot Loops were a good source of fiber. This was something I saw in the [...]

Viral, Sort of Funny, Personal Injury Lawyer Advertising

June 3rd 2010

If you’re a personal injury lawyer in New York City, how do you cut through the clutter of competition? How about slightly self-conscious humor? Trolman Glaser & Lichtman did. It sounds like they’d do it again, too. Apparently, funny can get a personal injury law firm coverage in the New York Times. And funny can [...]