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When deceptive ads aren’t so deceptive

By on July 31, 2008 in advertainment, creativity, deceptive marketing

I enjoy marketing that rewards you for paying attention. Ads that leave you guessing. The double entendre. Cultural, historical and sports references meant for the few instead of the many. And I appreciate a well-executed spoof, as long as it’s done responsibly. With that in mind, I’d like to introduce you to Derrie-Air Airlines. +enlarge [...]

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Independence Day advertising that breaks through

By on July 4, 2008 in creativity, fun, message responsible, videos, word of mouth

Independence Day Sale advertising is seldom message responsible. The print ads are crowded and filled with visual cliches. And the television ads can be downright obnoxious. Here’s a simple promotional television ad for retailer that, except for a few red stars, keeps the cliches to a minimum. I appreciate the fact the announcer avoids the [...]

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Keep it simple, smarty.

By on June 10, 2008 in authenticity, creativity, simplicity

Last week, I spoke at the Northwest Career Colleges Federation Annual Convention about Responsible Marketing. It was the third time I’d spoken to the group, and quite frankly I was surprised I was invited back. You see, I’ve prattled on about how poor advertising is in the education category. So often, education marketing falls into [...]

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The “We’re not having a Memorial Day sale” ad

By on May 26, 2008 in message responsible, socially responsible, videos

Happy Memorial Day everyone. Associated Appliance of Stamford, Connecticut is NOT having a Memorial Day Sale. “Instead we are taking the day to spend with our families and honor our service men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to defend the American values and way of life,” says David Pia, owner. Pretend you [...]

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Is MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation going too far?

By on May 14, 2008 in message responsible, sex sells, socially responsible, videos

I am one of the few people that saw the very first video on MTV, “Video Killed the Radio Star.” I loved the channel, and I’d watch Mark Goodman and Nena Blackwood for hours on end. I’m still a big music fan (I love last.fm), but I have to admit, I stopped watching MTV when [...]

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10 ideas to simplify your marketing

By on May 13, 2008 in books, creativity, execution responsible, message responsible, simplicity, usability, word of mouth

1. Communicate fewer ideas. Google’s initial success was due to the fact that they eliminated nearly everything from the search page. Remember what search engines looked like before Google? So often, less is more. Two ideas are better than three. But one idea is best. 2. Don’t use big words when small words will do. [...]

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Love it or hate it? Heineken’s “Share the Good”

By on April 24, 2008 in branding, love it or hate it?, videos, word of mouth

With the title “Share the Good,” Heineken’s new campaign sounds promising. But it’s not about Katrina relief, reducing the company’s carbon footprint or feeding hungry children. Nope. It’s all about the beer, and sharing your Heineken with a stranger. While the ad is visually interesting and the art direction is quite good, something isn’t quite [...]

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Embracing responsibility: It’s gr-r-r-reat! Or is it?

By on March 25, 2008 in corporate responsibility, marketing to kids, socially responsible

Here’s four minutes of junk food advertising aimed at children: Given the above, when cereal maker Kellogg’s proclaims, “We want to be a responsible marketer,” what does that mean? Is their newfound philosophy responsible or reactionary? In Embracing responsibility: It’s gr-r-r-reat! Or is it? my partner, Dan Murphy tackles that question and more. Here’s a [...]

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Life flows better with Visa, especially if you are buck naked

By on March 24, 2008 in advertainment, branding, videos

Visa Europe is rolling out its new “Life flows better with Visa” campaign today. Here’s their first ad: Think it would fly in America? Via MarketingWeek UK

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Easter Bunny hogtied, candy stolen. Story at 11.

By on March 21, 2008 in creativity, love it or hate it?, word of mouth

Rest assured, I understand no bunnies were harmed during the photo shoot for this ad. This is from the following ad for Shaw’s Candies of San Francisco: + enlarge The other ads in the campaign include X-rays of teeth and a belt from folks that couldn’t resist their chocolates. Kind of makes me think of [...]

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Your agency is not your brand

By on March 18, 2008 in branding, execution responsible

Does your website have a link on the bottom giving credit to the web developer? Do your email blasts include a big logo with a link taking your readers to your email marketing company’s promotional page? Why? You’ve paid good money to have your website designed, then your web developer uses it to promote their [...]

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Should I drink a Guinness today?

By on March 17, 2008 in branding, corporate responsibility, polls, socially responsible, videos

St. Patrick’s Day on a Monday? Blasphemy! When in Dublin a few years ago, I visited the Guinness Storehouse and was most impressed by the section dedicated to their advertising archive, most of the second floor. “Guinness is good for you” was a claim made in the company’s adverts after market research revealed people felt [...]

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Responsible or not? Advertising that distracts

By on March 11, 2008 in ads everywhere, information overload, message responsible, responsible or not?

As a marketer, I get frustrated when I see poor targeting, flat creative, lack of personalization, and any number of things one might find wrong when armchair quarterbacking someone else’s work. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve caught myself saying, “If only they could have…” But I also get frustrated as a [...]

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Must buy Spleen-o-Bits!

By on March 5, 2008 in commercialization, fun

IMHO, Doug Savage’s Savage Chickens is the best thing since The Far Side and Bloom County. I love it when he skewers marketing. It hurts so good. Subscribe to his blog so you won’t miss a post.

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Where have you seen advertising today?

By on January 28, 2008 in ads everywhere, information overload, message responsible

My partners and I have been preaching and teaching about the effects of information overload for over a decade now. In speaking engagements, workshops and classes that I’ve instructed, I’ve often asked “Where have you seen advertising today? Here are a few places that have been mentioned: • Direct mail • TV • Radio • [...]

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The Green Effie Award: Call for entries now open

By on January 3, 2008 in creativity, environmentally responsible

In the advertising business, an Effie is the equivalent of an Academy Award. Started in 1968, the award goes to “client and agency teams who tackled a marketplace challenge with a big idea and knew exactly how to communicate their message to their customer.” Now there’s an award green marketers can aspire to: The Green [...]

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