December 4th 2009
Congratulations, and thanks to you, Lindeman, Alvarado, & Frye, the law firm several hundred of you have helped hector, has pulled down the images we called the worst advertising ever. It was amazing to see some of you commenting them on their site with Google Sidewiki, and advocating in social media for what amounts to […]
November 29th 2009
In the Court of Bad Advertising, Can You Plead Insanity? Likely the worst legal advertising ever, along with a taste of the web’s swift response.
November 21st 2009
In April, the FDA sent warning letters to 14 companies, including Eli Lilly and Co and Merck & Co Inc., about their drug marketing online, saying that ads for certain products were misleading and did not contain any risk information. But it’s hard to include risk information when your Twitter post is limited to 140 […]
November 12th 2009
Verizon’s all-3G network makes ATT’s 3G map look spotty at best. However, ATT has tremendous 2G coverage, which means though you may not be able to use an iPhone’s online features, you’re not entirely “out of touch,” as Verizon’s ad states. Engadget is covering this case like a blanket. As Niley Patel notes: All that […]
September 2nd 2009
Dave Wieneke’s mantra for consumer marketing: “Reading is for suckers” Nowhere is this more true than when lawyers sell their own expertise. By nature, lawyers write in legalese. It’s their training. I offer that legal writing and copy writing use opposite muscle groups. However, when lawyers speak, they phrase things in ways that connect with […]
August 2nd 2009
Recently, Starbucks made news by announcing the opening of three coffee stores in Seattle that exhibit no corporate branding. Referred to as “15th Ave. Coffee & Tea,” the new properties feature Starbucks coffee and teas as well as beer, wine, and ice cream, but are devoid of the familiar green-and-black logo. The look and feel of the […]
July 7th 2009
Funny, I thought the United Parcel Service delivered parcels. Vague: Sounds like it was written by a marketing committee. Self centered: No suggestion of a benefit to their clients. Immodest: “we are the sun in the solar system of commerce” Hard to read: Long words + moving vehicle = missed opportunity. Al Ries said good […]
June 16th 2009
Capgemini and the “Big Reveal” Professional services is a staple of airport advertising. But having seen this one at least one thousand times I still don’t understand how it sells Capgemini. Is the blue-suited lady the consultant, and is she inspiring her clients to disrobe? Or are the super hero-suited businessmen the consultants, and she’s […]
April 16th 2009
Disruption of Technology = Growth of Journalism I’m holding something cool in my hands this morning: the first weekly edition of The Christian Science Monitor. They publish the news online daily, free for all, and print a weekly review with some print-only content just for subscribers. In it you’ll find an editorial about the return […]
March 27th 2009
Around Inauguration Day I featured Pepsi’s logo aping the Obama brand, as well as some tasteless products, such as Yes We Can perfume and the Obama thong. Apparently, this enthusiasm and questionable judgment isn’t confined to Americans. Here are a spate of foreign ads, which are sure to get you thinking. Racist or Ridiculous? “Black in White” […]
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