Thursday, May 21, 2009

Just because advertising is interactive doesn't mean it's on your computer.

Here's an ever-changing electronic outdoor board for McDonald's in London's Piccadilly Circus that engages all those tourists with cameras and digital camcorders.

Not only is it fun, it's smart, because those little Golden Arches in the bottom right corner are going home with every one of those folks.

As they might say in London: Good show!



Monday, May 18, 2009

The meeting we've all been in one too many times.




Of course, with the economy in shambles, who can afford to go to out-of-town meetings? But when it turns around, this could indeed be what we've been missing.

Thanks to the
Advertising Is Good For You blog where I stole these ads (see the link on this site), and to Vancouver for feeling our pain.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Carolina Hurricanes beat the Boston Bruins in OT. Hahahahaha!

I'm laughing because these Bruins commercials are funny. Much better than anything the Hurricanes have produced. Have a look.







Wednesday, May 13, 2009

At least in the Nike commercial, they puked OUTSIDE their mouth.

Let's see...a video that's about two minutes too long, yet another white "rapper," fake bling (only $50!) bad acting, and a useless product with a really bad name.

It makes me want to...well, you know...



Tuesday, May 12, 2009

So sorry...we're losing our readership.



With newspapers folding (pun intended) left and right, the Evening Standard of London is trying a campaign of apologies to woo back readers. It also promises a slightly less conservative viewpoint, to appeal to a broader audience.

It began as a "teaser" campaign to get heads scratching, though the type is from their masthead. They eventually added a small logo to make it clear just who was sorry.

Not sure if it'll work long term, but they certainly got people's attention.

Wonder if they ran any newspaper ads...?




Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Starbucks hopes for "good coffee karma" vs. McDonald's.


The recession makes companies do strange things.
First Harley wings a desperate Hail Mary ad (see April's posting), and now Starbucks is feeling the heat of an aggressive McDonald's and their McCafe offerings.

So, here's a full page ad from The Wall Street Journal where Starbucks reminds folks just why their coffee is a little more expensive.


It's a thoughtful, well-written piece, but there are two problems: one, Starbucks' core audience already knows the company's commitment to "fair trade" practices, health insurance, and cozy atmospheres. It could be a good reminder, but I think they're preaching to the choir.


Secondly, will anyone in
Attention Deficit Disordered America take time to read all these words? I doubt it. Even with a good cup of joe in hand.

Finally, let me say that Starbucks gets a lot of grief in the media for selling a $4 cup of coffee to the public. But the truth is, if you just want coffee (not a cappuccino or such), you can get a big cup for under 2 bucks. And it's good, too.

Not a bad deal for saving the planet, promoting health care, and hearing good music...

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Now that's a commercial!

It's two minutes long, and I'm not normally a fan of crazy fast editing, but this football (aka "soccer") spot for Nike rocks the house. Titled "The Next Level," it shows a player getting there--entirely through his POV, which is what makes it so damn unique. Would love to see an American football (aka "football") spot using the exact same concept.

Excellent filming, editing, and music score.

Enjoy.

I sure did.