Sexy & Smart, But Does This Mercedes Ad Sell?
May 9th 2012
Come play ad critic for 30 seconds – this sexy, humorous ad from Mercedes is cinemagraphic and attention catching — but give me your view. Does it sell cars or trash their brand?
Advertising
Get Some Market Research: Having Facts Rocks
March 20th 2012
Some market facts are simply worth knowing with certainty. Besides giving a proprietary knowledge advantage, external research can do wonders to get organizations on the same page. Allow me to introduce, the talented and beautiful Cory Mann, who is a blue chip market researcher with a small agency cost structure.
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. ;>
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Dave Wieneke, Digital Strategist
The future of digital marketing will be built by strategists who grasp the full array of emerging business, social, and technical models. Specialities in user experience, branding, application design, and data are laying the foundation for richer user experiences and business models breakthrough products and revenue based marketing.
UsefulArts is a soapbox to discuss the frontline of digital marketing, and the agencies and platforms that enable it. Marketing today needs a cadre of leaders who can connect c-level enterprise strategy with these new capabilities.