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Beyond Madison Avenue (10 unread)

Moving Advertising Ahead with MobiAd

Posted: August 10th, 2008, 4:40pm CDT by Brian Yalung

Mobile advertising is something that has been deemed the next strategy in marketing and advertising and companies have wasted no time developing their own means of being ready for it. Amman-based company Javna has launched MobiAd, the first mobile ad application that allows users to earn money.

The stressed part here is for users to earn money. Perhaps to Javna this is not the main purpose but it is obviously the catch phrase to get attention. With many mobile phone users and addicts today, it is sure to become a hot topic in the next couple of months.

‘The development of MobiAd meets the growing needs of companies for innovative and out-of-the-box marketing techniques that ensure the achievement of s of the ad campaign goals while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. It was a big challenge as far as our development team is concerned because they had to intelligently combine the two goals.’
(Source) AME Info
Brian Yalung is a Problogger at Talent Zoo mainly contributing to latest news and issues on advertising and marketing. The sites are as follows: www.beyondmadisonavenue.com, Talent Zoo is the #1 site for Ad, Marketing, and Media Professionals. Catch the Buzz at Beyond Madison Avenue!
Technorati Tags: mobile advertising, mobiad, javna, amman, money, mobile, technology
Is Barack Obama Completing Rick Ashley???s Song?

Posted: August 10th, 2008, 1:40pm CDT by Brian Yalung

Some people just have the talent and others the greatest observation in the world. But as far as US candidate Barack Obama is concerned, it does seem like he is dancing to the beat and even depicting the lyrics from Rick Ashley???s hit song of the 80???s ???Never Gonna Give You Up???.

Funny as it may seem but you will be surprised at how you can take out some of the words that he has used in his speeches and the dance steps as well he has shown in television. Could it be just coincidence?
Brian Yalung is a Problogger at Talent Zoo mainly contributing to latest news and issues on advertising and marketing. The sites are as follows: www.beyondmadisonavenue.com, Talent Zoo is the #1 site for Ad, Marketing, and Media Professionals. Catch the Buzz at Beyond Madison Avenue!

Technorati Tags: barack obama, presidency, united states, elections, rick Ashley
United Airlines: Sea Orchestra - Shy The Sun + L.A. Philharmonic

Posted: August 10th, 2008, 11:10am CDT by Doctor Rose

We’re only two days into the Olympics, and already a few impressive spots have dropped. One that has particularly caught my eye is one of the new spots from United Airlines.

Created for United by BD’M and the ever-recognizable animation of Shy The Sun (part of The Black Heart Gang), this spot breaks free from the usual United world of watercolor and friendly skies and takes it to a bizarre yet heartwarming world of musical sea creatures.
The entire series of five spots United released for the Olympics (all viewable in high quality on the New Work page of BD’Ms website) are creative enough to breath a bit of life into the already-successful United campaign, even if the message isn’t quite as lucid. The combination of The Black Heart Gang’s visual interpretation and the L.A. Philharmonic’s amazing rendition of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue is astounding and uplifting.

For a bit more info, you can check out the press release on United’s website.

Doctor Rose is a freelance photographer/designer/writer based out of Portland, OR. He regularly shares his Northwest-biased musings on the advertising and marketing world at Talent Zoo’s Beyond Madison Avenue.Questions/comments/solicitations can be directed to daviddoctorrose@gmail.com
Coca Cola: Birdsnest Stadium

Posted: August 9th, 2008, 10:36am CDT by Doctor Rose

In case you managed to not realize, the Olympics kicked off yesterday with an impressive show. This time ’round, the Olympics bring with them countless tensions and issues from political rights to air pollution, and while it’s wonderful that we’re having another Olympic Games, it can almost be overwhelming at moments, which is why this new Coca-Cola spot, launched yesterday, is so beautiful.

Simple, compassionate, and symbolic, this Olympic spot from Coke & W+K Amsterdam hits the nail on the head. Subtle undertones of the multicultural aspects of the games combined with the eager anticipation and the pure joy that the Olympics bring. It’s a beautiful spot that provides a breath of fresh air from both the Olympic controversies dominating the news and the competition-sport-centric advertising dominating the commercial breaks.

Doctor Rose is a freelance photographer/designer/writer based out of Portland, OR. He regularly shares his Northwest-biased musings on the advertising and marketing world at Talent Zoo’s Beyond Madison Avenue.Questions/comments/solicitations can be directed to daviddoctorrose@gmail.com
Cheating Images for Advertising

Posted: August 9th, 2008, 9:58am CDT by Brian Yalung

The good thing these days about technology is that they make things easier. Perhaps too easy that people look for ways to cheat or alter certain things most notably images. Images are key elements to make an ad click. But the issue of copyright and trying to edit your way towards bluffing people that a picture is authentic and original is something that you cannot always come out cleanly.

Making a person look good through photo editing is common but as far as doing it in advertising just to associate it with the product is another. Harmless as we may see it, there are certain things you have to consider such as perhaps offending the market you are catering to.

Check out this issue regarding the L???Oreal ad that featured Beyonce. The intent was sincere but the outcome may not necessarily be acceptable to the target market.

Whatever the culprit, whitewashing a well-known face in the interest of selling hair color (that is wrong for ‘yoncers anyway) takes the “anything for a great shot” argument a little too far.

What do you think — does the ad offend you, or is this sort of “optimized” commercial image safe in the plasticine land of Fictionarnia we’ve all come to generally accept at this point, and therefore unworthy of a second thought?
(Source) Pop Watch Brian Yalung is a Problogger at Talent Zoo mainly contributing to latest news and issues on advertising and marketing. The sites are as follows: www.beyondmadisonavenue.com, Talent Zoo is the #1 site for Ad, Marketing, and Media Professionals. Catch the Buzz at Beyond Madison Avenue!

Technorati Tags: l???oreal, beyonce, photoshop, editing, offensive, advertising, marketing
Say Goodbye to Steroids

Posted: August 8th, 2008, 10:52pm CDT by Brian Yalung

Steroids are nothing new to us. We often associate them as that added element by athletes to give them additional power and vigor to come out on top in any competition. Normally they were given to help act as a temporary reliever for athletes in pain. But the problem is some people who don???t need it even turn to it to get a decided advantage.

The Olympics has officially started and rest assured that steroid use is not allowed for use. But even if officials of the 2008 Beijing Olympics follow this rule, how sure are we that they do not really use them?

For the United States, campaigning against steroids for use other than medical purposes. With the support of Johnson & Johnson and the United States Olympic Committee and Ad Council, this anti-steroid multi-year awareness campaign against steroids aims to educate and control the continued abuse of using this drug for sports and other events.

“We know athletes and individuals who choose to engage in the destructive behavior of illegal steroid use live in fear of being found out,” said USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr.

“This initiative is geared to show teens and other age groups that illegal steroid use can only lead to a harmful and embarrassing end. Additionally, teens need to fully understand the dangerous health risks associated with steroids and other performance-enhancing substances.”

(Source) Xinhua
Brian Yalung is a Problogger at Talent Zoo mainly contributing to latest news and issues on advertising and marketing. The sites are as follows: www.beyondmadisonavenue.com, Talent Zoo is the #1 site for Ad, Marketing, and Media Professionals. Catch the Buzz at Beyond Madison Avenue!
Technorati Tags: steroids, Olympics, ad campaign, advertising, United States Olympic Committee
M&Ms Premiums

Posted: August 8th, 2008, 7:21pm CDT by Jessica

I recently saw these little guys in??Target??and was intrigued.??M&Ms??in pretty little packaging costing me way??more than 59?? a bag. M&Ms Premiums, a new product featuring a softer shell and delectable new flavors, comes with a new set of ads from??BBDO. I checked out the new spot and love it. I mean, the??M&M characters??are always funny and this one… well anything with a sexual innuendo is generally going to make me laugh. See the newest commercial below, then go buy a bag of the flavor of your choice, that’s probably what I’m going to do.

Jessica is a copywriter in the NJ/NY area working for a sweet little ad agency. In her free time (ha!), she lends her insights to the advertising world through Beyond Madison Avenue, a Talent Zoo blog. Find them at www.beyondmadisonavenue.com and www.talentzoo.com. Questions, comments, criticisms or concerns? Leave a comment or shoot her an email at jessicabma@gmail.com.
Technorati Tags: M&Ms, candy, chocolate, advertising, commercials, spokescreatures, characters, icons
Don’t Be an Asterisk.

Posted: August 8th, 2008, 7:11pm CDT by Jessica

I??came across this new spot for the Ad Council today on Creativity and almost died when I realized that I know the writer! A fellow alum from college now working for TBWA\Chiat\Day. How could I pass up posting about a damn good ad about athletes caught taking steroids - what the asterisk can stand for today. The website - www.dontbeanasterisk.com - is also awesome. In fact, if you click on Media it takes you to a portion of the site where you can check out the tv/print/radio ads and spots. I’m not going to tell you anymore though, this way, you are enticed enough to check it out for yourself. Leave comments. I’d love to hear thoughts.
Jessica is a copywriter in the NJ/NY area working for a sweet little ad agency. In her free time (ha!), she lends her insights to the advertising world through Beyond Madison Avenue, a Talent Zoo blog. Find them at www.beyondmadisonavenue.com and www.talentzoo.com. Questions, comments, criticisms or concerns? Leave a comment or shoot her an email at jessicabma@gmail.com.
Technorati Tags: Ad Council, PSA, advertising, steroids, sports, athletes, commercials, radio, print
Chevrolet Times Ads During Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Posted: August 7th, 2008, 1:59pm CDT by Brian Yalung

Call it a wise move but as far as profiting from your advertising investments, timing is essential. To get the viewers??? attention, what better way to kick of your ad during the opening ceremonies?

The plan is simply brilliant! It surely cost a lot but it may be a move that can work wonders for the Chevrolet brand. While many are apprehensive on the vehicular considerations today, Chevrolet is placing its money on being one of the best fuel-efficient cars in the market today. Hopefully it will all pay off!

“At a time when consumers are re-evaluating their vehicle needs, there’s never been a better time to consider Chevrolet,” said Kosak. “We’ve got the right products at the right time, including the largest selection of fuel-efficient models and industry-leading quality — all wrapped in stylish designs that make you want to drive them.”
(Source) Street Insider Brian Yalung is a Problogger at Talent Zoo mainly contributing to latest news and issues on advertising and marketing. The sites are as follows: www.beyondmadisonavenue.com, Talent Zoo is the #1 site for Ad, Marketing, and Media Professionals. Catch the Buzz at Beyond Madison Avenue!

Technorati Tags: general motors, Chevrolet, Silverado, Olympics, Beijing, opening ceremonies, ads, advertising
Ruby Tuesday Explosion goes off with a boom… sort of

Posted: August 7th, 2008, 1:32pm CDT by Doctor Rose

So I had mentioned the pending excitement surrounding the “live” promotional explosion of the last of the “old” Ruby Tuesday. Well, if you managed to tune in “live” to the website and got through the variety of connection issues and were actually tuning in at the correct time (not necessarily simulcast “live”), you would have seen something like this:

After a commitment to positive change and people anticipating the symbolic action, Ruby Tuesday supposedly blew up the wrong restaurant. To add to it, there are a smattering of eerily similar filmed video of the event from different angles with appropriately titled videos like ” I Saw Ruby Tuesday’s Blow Up Wrong Building” and ” Ruby Tuesday Blows Up Wrong Restaurant — Funny - Hilarious.” All the videos on YouTube are posted by individual users who all joined three days ago.

To top it all off, Ruby Tuesday issued a letter of apology on their website:

So everyone who was hoping to see a Ruby Tuesday blown up has been disappointed. And in reading around on different food blogs, people aren’t exactly thrilled with the Ruby Tuesday “accident” nor with the fact that they keep propagating the story of the accidental explosion, nor with the fact that their website still has the same bomb splash screen with a countdown timer that is now negative. Will this stunt be good for business or leave a long-lasting bitter taste in the mouths of consumers?

Doctor Rose is a freelance photographer/designer/writer based out of Portland, OR. He regularly shares his Northwest-biased musings on the advertising and marketing world at Talent Zoo’s Beyond Madison Avenue.Questions/comments/solicitations can be directed to daviddoctorrose@gmail.com