Age Old Adage

If Ben sent you here..... There is nothing to see!!!

2007-09-27T17:22:00.000+01:00

Agency see agency do two

2007-06-08T15:48:00.002+01:00

Following on from an interesting post by Paul I've noticed another trend that has been sweeping through adland of late.

Whether or not it is herd theory or purely coincidental I don't know but as with the penchant for communist iconography that Paul alluded to, the fixation with the boffs down at the lab filmed in retro faux NASA style has reached epidemic proportions (well almost).

Examples include Yakult, Egg and Wrigley's Ice gum and I believe that the source might be the popular and everlasting Lost TV programme. In particular the cult following of the DHARMA Initiative and all the hidden truths, untruths and intrigue that goes along with it.

Perhaps those pesky nerds down at DHARMA have brainwashed me but I'm more inclined to think this is herd planning following an uber trend for pervasive techy behaviour that implies a deeper more knowledgeable set of beliefs behind the brand.

YOU SAY WE PAY

2007-06-07T10:48:00.001+01:00

Two fingers up to middle England and the daytime TV institution that is Richard and Judy. I love the bit about Waffles the cat.

No Logo

2007-06-05T09:31:00.000+01:00

My word, what have they done? Here are some the current suggestions of what the people down at Wolf Olins have produced in their quest to capture the Olympic ideals for the 2012 games:

* A long distance runner on the start line
* Mainland Britain
* Lisa Simpson giving someone a blowjob (my favourite)
* A broken swastika
* Car parks surrounding a small stadium in the middle
* Vicky Pollard in a pink tracksuit getting down with the Elephant Man in a pink tracksuit
* A window I recently kicked a ball through
* A pink Larry Grayson doing the "I'm a little tea pot" dance.

Design by committee me thinks. Surely there were enough people involved in this process to create something really great? To me it appears that one of the key rules of the wisdom of crowds has been broken in that not enough opinions were taken on board (or maybe ignored). Some of that 400K must have been used for market research which would have indicated a little diversity of opinion to say the least.

At the end of the day it reflects poorly on the advertising industry in this country and will cause me untold grief in trying to explain how our ideas and experiences are valuable commodities.

Signing up to the online petition probably won't change anything but it will be interesting to see the scale of beef on this issue.

Missing Pretty Girl

2007-05-25T12:04:00.000+01:00

I've not seen many posts about the find madeleine campaign, perhaps it's a bit of a no go area in the blogoshpere. Having had a debate with some friends about the parents' recent trip to see The Pope it got me thinking about how this (let's be honest) unbelievable situation has arisen.

I don't want to get in to any sort of argument about the nature of how and why they are taking this hugely public route but I think it reflects a lot of the changes in modern communications and mass audience behaviour. This is probably the most obvious case of missing pretty girl syndrome where certain news stories (particularly abduction of young white girls) get disproportionately more coverage than other seemingly more newsworthy stories.

The interesting thing for me is the potential role of the media in creating and sustaining a false consensus effect. Through chatting with my friends I found a whole host of interesting and controversial beliefs about the abduction, beliefs that I had assumed were not widely held.

There has been a constant stream of coverage..PR, blogs, websites, TV, radio, sporting events (the list goes on) that has binded the collective belief that we must keep the search up personally. The perception is therefore of a huge national outpouring of grief and worry.Herd thinking would suggest that there is a more natural behavioural explanation. That there is a need to be part of a general consensus of empathy towards a complete stranger that we would never have otherwise come into contact with.

What fuels this need? What seemingly bonds this virtual herd together? Is it perhaps the collective fear that this could happen to any of us? Is the the vulnerability of the young girl and the herd instinct to protect? Does our relationship with the media and their weighting of new stories have more of an effective than our immediate social network?

These ideas bring into question the effectiveness of a mass publicity campaign such as this where ultimately the parents want people to act and generate an end result... finding Madeleine.

The danger is that the campaign is now so vast that it has perhaps become the real source of news as people buy into this false consensus for the need for action.

Ver e funny

2007-05-23T15:53:00.000+01:00

Check out these e-cards that Rozza enlightened me with. My personal favourite is "Dad, you've always been like a father to me". Get sending now. It's much more personal than mail. Which begs the question, what is the role of mail in this age of instant social networks? Sure, there will still be a need for b2b informational correspondence and delivery but does a simple card still mean a lot more than a well thought out and expressed e-mail or poke?

Easy as 1 2 3....

2007-05-16T17:37:00.000+01:00

There has to be an explanation, but nobody has enlightened me yet. Why during the majority of strategic planning does the phasing of activity or messaging always seem to fall into a 3 stage approach?

Above are some of the recent examples that I have used or seen. I know that for me I always seem to slip into this structure as a default way of ordering my ideas but I was wondering if there was a deeper more interesting theory? Is it simply that all brands need to create awareness, engagement and then add value, surely not?

I can think of a few permutations such as adding a 1a of seeding/guerrilla activity before the big reveal but I can't help thinking that in this era of prosumerism and the masses taking control of the media this formulaic approach is becoming more and more outdated. Will there even be a need for the big all signing all dancing brand launch (other than for marketers to justify themselves to their MDs)in the future?

Some brands are obviously already turning their back on the traditional campaign structures, for example DFT's teen road safety campaign had viral as its central strategy, but I can't help thinking that 3 stage approach or a slight variation has a lot more life left in it yet.

The problem is I've run out of different ways of presenting box 1,2 and 3 so I think it's back to the drawing board for now....

PIXELATOR

2007-05-15T11:21:00.001+01:00

Really good example of urban art/spam and although I'm sure it wouldn't give you any artistic credibility it could work brilliantly for some audio/visual clients!

San Frantastic

2007-05-11T20:32:00.000+01:00

I had to share with you a few snaps from my hols. San Francisco is a brilliant place, full of a variety of different districts each with their own special personality. I've been staying in Telegraph Hill, a quite well to do area full of young professionals with a bit of cash and some old hippies done good. It could probably be compared with a Primrose Hill type district in London.

I had a chance to pop into our offices over here to see how things are done on the west coast and my major observations are:

- It's a lot lot smaller. Only 8 people in the office and the media industry as a whole, it is only really a satellite for the larger LA market (apart from Digital/word of mouth)
- Great emphasis placed on digital and good work being done on virtual marketing and in game marketing (as you might expect with Sega, Sony etc have major offices here)
- Really interesting to see some smaller agency networks dominating while so called giants have little presence or have closed offices
- Agencies are heavily reliant on major clients. Some agencies only have one client and hence lots of fluctuation when accounts change hands
- No media owners to speak of locally, therefore no media lunches BOOOO.
- No after work drinks (again BOOOOO)

Still you are about 30 minutes away from the greatest scenery around and the pace of life is perfectly slow. So if a digital orientation appeals and you are willing to sacrifice some of the hustle and bustle of central London then I strongly recommend an extended stay!

The Next Big Thing......

2007-05-07T04:39:00.000+01:00

Is probably not going to be this lot above. Honeyshot are the brainchild of the folks down at Gum (content wing at S&S). They've caused a recent storm by getting air play on Radio 1 with a song that tries to flog a load of Shockwaves hair product. Not that the title of the song "style, attract, play" or the DJ "Shocka" gave anything way then eh? The sharp shooters down at Radio 1 apparently hadn't noticed that they were playing a cheeky "musicommercial". Sure.

Basically, the band can be bought "off the shelf" to tour and promote products as well as creating content and lyrics within specific songs. Now I'm sorry, but I though the whole idea was to use credible social/cultural properties to forge strong brand associations and help develop useful content. This overt and blatant attempt at manufacturing content is surely ridiculous?

For me this is a prime example of marketing execs being able to run wild with their product centric fantasies, probably being cajoled all the way by the cool dudes down at S&S. It makes me feel dirty to be a comms planner.

So long Sony..... thanks for all the fish

2007-05-03T17:30:00.001+01:00

This is the best user generated piece of content I've seen yet as an example of disillusioned consumers taking control of the media. Brilliantly produced and looks like it is resonating with all those gamers out there. A fiercely loyal and opinionated bunch they are probably some of the most self aware and cock sure consumers out there. Or is this a cleverly disguised marketing ploy from Xbox?

With all the issues facing Sony's music interests the rapidly bombing PS3 brand could easily signal the end for our friends from the land of the rising sun.

Keep on running

2007-05-01T13:21:00.000+01:00

What an experience running the London Marathon is. I truly wasn't prepared for all the thousands of people that lined the course and gave such amazing support!

Yes, I did make it, although I think I left a piece of my soul out on the course. 3 hours 45 mins was very commendable in temperatures of up to 27 degrees out on the course. Here's a brief overview of my race.

0-5 miles: Great atmosphere at the start of the race although was too nervous to fully appreciate it. Lots of toilet trips before finally getting to my starting pen. What a buzz when the gun started us off and down hill all the way to Woolwich. Kids lined the course giving out high fives to all those runners getting involved in the carnival atmosphere. All the way up to Cutty Sark (although it was being repaired)the crowds we really huge.

5-10 miles: Saw my family and friends at 9 miles, I've seen the pictures and still look remarkably fresh. The heat is starting to take its toll though and I'm relieved to come across the first of the on course showers to run through!

10-15 miles: Crossing Tower Bridge is one of the best moments ever, I was tingling with excitement even if most of my family missed me (must have been running too fast). Then down towards the ominous looking Isle of Dogs. I pass Gordon Ramsey who quite honestly looked knackered.

15-20 mile: Still on a really good pace but fatigue is setting in big time. See an Adidas billboard that tells me I'm smashing through the wall but haven't hit it yet. That occurs at about 19 miles. People are dropping left right and centre as temps sore and lactic acid is king. Almost in a semi hallucinogenic state as I pass a friend handing out jelly babies, there talking to me "stop Greg, you've had enough mate" but I keep going.

20-26.2 miles: I start to go through absolute agony and begin to run like an old man or perhaps more closely resembling a cheating speed walker. Me and Batman are neck and neck. Wishing I had super human powers now. See the family at the Tower of London and that really picks me up. Down onto the embankment where the crowd swells and adrenalin is now talking me along. Don't actually remember breathing just running and running. As I approach Parliament and St James' Park I pick up the pace and make the last mile dash to the line. The line doesn't seem to come quick enough and I'm desperately holding on. Finally I make the last turn into The Mall and see the finish line, as I cross over a Marshall comes to my aid, I wisely side step her and dodge a few more runners before throwing up in front of hundreds of repulsed spectators. When I finally come to my senses I realise that I am still alive and I'm overwhelmed with a great sense of achievement.

I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good challenge and wants to be part of an amazing event. I raised £1,700 for The Connection at St Martins and if anyone else wants to sponsor me please do at www.justgiving.com/gregfuller.

Now, what's next.... New York? I'll wait until I can walk properly first.

This is it.

2007-04-20T10:47:00.000+01:00

3 months of training, hundreds of hours off the booze and numerous blisters and niggles later, I'm ready.... I think. The London Marathon is finally upon me..... Oh and apparently there are 36,000 other people running as well.

I think I've put enough hours in and my girlfriend will be testament to that as I've been a right pain to live with since Christmas. Apparently it's going to be 23 degrees and humid on the day, good I like a challenge.

Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me, there is still time to if you click on www.justgiving.com/gregfuller it would be much appreciated.

Under 4 hours is my aim so I will report back on Monday and let you know how I've got on. Fingers crossed I don't do a Goodie!

Sub-terranean discovery

2007-04-10T12:24:00.000+01:00

This weekend was great wasn't it? I got the sense that it was the first time this year that everyone got that summer vibe and the long suffering of Seasonal Affective Disorder wore off.

I was up at the folks in Wakefield , true home of Robin Hood, to have some good times in the shire. I thought I'd report back to you on the amazing discovery that was made.

While out walking with my brothers, Anna, Rob and girlfriend Alex we discovered what was the remains of a Cold War Nuclear Bunker! Sadly I say remians as it had been badly damaged by vandals but nevertheless an amazing find on your doorstep. There were hundreds of these bunkers scattered across the country and all linked together via a phone network. They usually sleep 3 (the lucky few were important members of the local community) with bunk beds, chemical toilet, periscope and kitchen.

The location of our amazing find shall remain a secret as British Intelligence Services have prevented me from revealing the co-odinates but I'm hoping Ralph will send me the pictures he took to verify my find. To see prestine versions of what we saw check out locations in Aberdeenshire, Derbyshire and Worcestershire

What I think is most interesting is the ability the people in these bunkers had to communicate with each other and the thought that people might have to live down there for months if not years and why only 3 people? Bit harsh on the rest of us plebs. It brings home the reality of cold war paranoia and the clinical preparations that were being made for a nuclear disaster.

Get hunting for your local bunker today, what a great way to spend a bank holiday!

The word on the street is Ask

2007-04-04T19:08:00.000+01:00

It was been nagging at me for a couple of weeks but Rozza's post the word on the street got me thinking I'd seen that use of language recently. It finally dawned on me during my walk to work that the very pavement is right outside the Ask.com offices. Apart from smelling of urine from the tramps that seem to have designated the area as their personal lavatory, the street is as good a place as any to start their "guerrilla" freedom of information campaign.

Problem is the activity is about as guerrilla as a CGI King Kong. While I commend their approach and sentiment going on the website only confirmed my fears that this was a bit too corporate to gain any real credibility. I'm not talking P Diddy in Burger King bad but some of the testaments on there are a bit cringe worthy.

Anyway at least Ask are doing their bit to tackle the global onslaught of Google, I reckon if they hang in there for another year or so then there might be a consumer backlash against the Internet giant that seem to be expanding their remit by the hour, now forcing their way into TV and Radio advertising. The problem for Ask is that Google keep offering people new and interesting products (Google maps, blogger, Google analytics) that continue to enhance their brand credentials and tie stronger bonds with all those pro-sumers out there.

It's a big Ask!

Turbo pitching

2007-03-23T12:45:00.000Z

I'm sure I've been extremely noticeable in my absence but this is due to the fact that I was "speed pitching" this week. I didn't even have enough time to give you Doug style updates via Twitter but I'm back to tell my story.

The basic task was to turn around a pitch from brief in 2.5 days given the prospective client's nature for super fast turn around times. The whole process was tough, to say the least, but what really surprised me was the quality of work we could produce in such a short space of time (even if I do say so myself).

It lead us to think about Malcolm Gladwell's brilliantly perceptive book Blink on snap judgements and the power of first impressions. I think there is a tendency to over analyse ideas and processes needed to provide work for clients when often our initial thoughts often bear fruition.

Obviously there is a degree of detail and thought that needs to go into pitch and client presentations but we found that working under extreme time constraints meant we had to focus more on gut instinct and "thin slice" our presentation.

My thinking was that this might have brought us closer to the subject matter and target audience in a way that couldn't be achieved through a more drawn out pitch process that might have over complicated the communication ideas. The quicker we had to think the more straight forward the solutions became. If you think about it, the best ideas often occur at the last minute of pitch preparation anyway and the early stages are spent in a more cyclical manner shall we shay!

Definitely one to consider when weighing up the time and resources spent on pitching vs relative reward, something that affects us all in this age of procurement and ever reducing margins of profit.

Post Ethical Consumerism?

2007-03-09T09:20:00.000Z

A couple of weeks ago I started in earnest in my quest to save the planet by reducing my carbon footprint. Along with all my other green friends we are attempting to help tackle global warming by cutting our excess emissions of co2.

I've been recycling all my household waste, turning off every power switch (to the point of OCD extremes) and was even planning on driving to my summer holiday in the north of Spain! Until, that is, I watched The Great Global Warming Swindle last night on Channel 4. Not sure if anyone has 4OD yet but I would definitely purchase this program to watch again.

O.K, I'm a bit of a geography geek anyway, but the basic crux of the argument was this:

1) Global warming is happening
2) Global warming is not caused by a rise in co2 levels
3) Global warming is caused by changes in the temperature of the sun

Reasons against co2: climate has been fluctuating dramatically for hundreds of thousands of years (600 years ago it was much hotter than the present day), co2 is a tiny percent of greenhouse gases 0.54% (even less is human related), water vapour is the biggest greenhouse gas, it takes thousands of years for sea levels to rise the main cause being thermal expansion of the water not ice caps melting, levels of co2 have been much higher in our past and we are still here, if global warming was happening then it would be felt greatest in the troposphere - temperatures remain constant here.

There are more arguments but you get my point. What was even more shocking was the evidence to suggest rises in co2 follow hot periods. The evidence that some of these scientists believe shows that is is in fact the Sun itself that is causing global warming:

Reasons for the sun causing global warming: The Sun is highly unstable and fluctuates in temperature widely. Weather patterns have been accurately predicted by modelling them with sun spots over the past 100 years. The Sun heats the oceans and the evaporation of water is the biggest producer of greenhouse gases, an increase in solar wind cuts out cosmic rays that are needed to form clouds that in turn reduce temperatures.

These arguments are controversial I know but when you add this to the political and economic reasoning behind how the co2 global environmental movement began things get very interesting. The fall of communism, the miner's strikes in the 80's, the rise of an industrial 3rd world all fuel the ethical debate that today shapes our views on everything from transport to tea time. It was particularly hard hitting to see a 1970's program called "The Weather Machine" predicting that we were entering an ice age only 30 years ago!

So where does it leave the rise of the conscious consumer and the host of ethical brands that have ridden the wave of this eco hysteria. If some of the thinking from the channel 4 show was ever to infiltrate mainstream culture could we see the beginning of a post ethical consumerism?

I doubt it. Having worked on the launch of a global ethical campaign I'm testament to the thousands of jobs that are now tied up in the industry both on the commercial side of things and the researchers and experts in the field. Too much has been invested in the movement to go back now. Besides, the feel good factor of giving something back to your planet is a strong emotion and the idea that there might not be something to stop just doesn't make good commercial sense.

Personally I think the rise in profile of the environmental issues is only a positive thing as the world does have a finite amount of natural resources and we shouldn't take them for granted. If ethical consumerism promotes better relationships between people and brands this is a benefit to us all.

What the program taught me more than anything was the power of popular culture and the media in defining our belief systems. Congrats to C4 on such a though provoking program even if it was quite unsettling to watch. I'm now starting to leave light switch on again.

Conservapedia

2007-03-08T16:36:00.000Z

I love this from Media Guardian. If this doesn't sum up the right wing numpties of middle America I don't know what does.

It has been attacked many times in its short life, most notably by a former aide to Robert F Kennedy and the editor of Encyclopaedia Britannica. But now the online reference site Wikipedia has a new foe: evangelical Christians.
A website founded by US religious activists aims to counter what they claim is "liberal bias" on Wikipedia, the open encyclopaedia which has become one of the most popular sites on the web. The founders of Conservapedia.com say their site offers a "much-needed alternative" to Wikipedia, which they say is "increasingly anti-Christian and anti-American".

Although entries on Wikipedia are open for anyone to edit, conservative campaigners say they are unable to make changes to articles on the site because of "inherent bias" by its global team of volunteer editors. Instead they have chosen to build a clone which they hope will promote Christian values.

"I've tried editing Wikipedia, and found that the biased editors who dominate it censor or change facts to suit their views," Andy Schlafly, the founder of Conservapedia, told the Guardian. "In one case my factual edits were removed within 60 seconds"

Looking at some of the early Conservapedia entries you can see why other 'more liberal' users amended them......

Dinosaurs

Wikipedia"Vertebrate animals that dominated terrestrial ecosystems for over 160m years, first appearing approximately 230m years ago."

Conservapedia "They are mentioned in numerous places throughout the Good Book. For example, the behemoth in Job and the leviathan in Isaiah are almost certainly references to dinosaurs."

US Democratic party - (now unfortunately amended)

Wikipedia "The party advocates civil liberties, social freedoms, equal rights, equal opportunity, fiscal responsibility, and a free enterprise system tempered by government intervention."

Conservapedia "The Democrat voting record reveals a true agenda of cowering to terrorism, treasonous anti-Americanism, and contempt for America's founding principles."

http://www.conservapedia.com/Main_Page

46 days and counting.....

2007-03-07T16:27:00.000Z

Right, I was too scared to write about my attempt at completing the London Marathon before because I felt too unfit and feared the mockery that would follow if I bottled it.

But as soon as I felt fit and strong enough to start to talk about it the fear has now set in at how close it is!!! For all those that I have bored with my training chat I'm truly sorry but I'm hoping the endless runs to and from work will pay off. Not to mention the Parker Tower challenge that I completed in a world record 1.23mins.

Wimbledon 10K this weekend then Kingston 16 miler on April 1st. I'm also going to attempt 20 miles when I go home for Easter. There is a great devise to measure how far you run at Nikerunlondon site. Another great piece of engaging marketing from the 10K champions which I hope is accurate or I've not done half the miles I think I have.

I also need some short of chart to put my running into as I near the big day to keep me focused. Any ideas? Graeme?

My running has been a kind of meditation and it really does help to relax you when you get your breathing sorted. I somehow don't think I'll be picturing myself running down a beach with water splashing against my feet as I pound the tarmac down The Mall but I'm hoping the crowds will see me through!

Please sponsor me at www.justgiving.com/gregfuller if you can. I'm up to £700 but need loads more.

Joost me up

2007-03-06T11:59:00.000Z

It was only when reading the latest edition of Wired magazine that it struck me how close we are to getting really good TV content online. Although there are various models out there to get hold of TV content (Google Video, Yahoo movies etc) most are either pay as you watch or limited by being in bed with one of the major distributor.

Joost are busy working away to provide us with what should be the first independent ad funded online station, it's free to download and needs no special hardware. I think this is really exciting for us in the media world as there is a chance to target users by demographic, geography and event behaviour. The potential would be for the targeted benefits of online advertising reaching a community of viewers with shared experiences. The development of open source technology through Joost will mean recommendation and influence from viewers in a long tail extravaganza!

The bright duo of Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis who most recently bought us Skype are busy working away round the corner in Covent Garden to link up with production companies (Endemol and Warner to name a couple) and also consult marketeers on the best use of this ad funded model (Joost will take a cut of the ad revenue). Let's hope they get the right people on board and we can get a new source of unadulterated independent programming.

What strikes me as exciting for brands interested in this new TV age is the willingness of new pioneers like Joost embracing ad funded models. Projects like Joost will certainly help to unite audiences in this age of "media atomisation" so it should be a very attractive proposition. Hopefully sooner rather than later

I have a dream

2007-03-06T11:25:00.000Z

The reaction to Honda's F1 team stripping off all its logos from its cars and instead covering each one with a giant image of the earth has been predictable cynical. See Rozza's comments.

Most will agree that this is a genius marketing/PR ploy and I'm sure the £200 million lost in ad revenue will be easily paid back and then some. I think the green positioning, although blatantly contradictory, can only send out positive vibes and hopefully generate engagement with the debate in one of the only truly global sports.

Another clever step by Simon Fuller (no relation) is the website myearthdream.com where images of the distinctive F1 car are being licensed for use by partner companies to promote the association with the team. Universal Music, Gatorade, Seiko, Fila, IBM and Ray Ban have all signed up to associate with Honda this season.

It's a pity they're going to be so far back in the grid! The campaign might turn out to be a big a flop as the last time Jenson Button and his dad were out on the town.

The Bad Boy GRL

2007-02-22T15:38:00.000Z

Check out this laser show from Rotterdam's finest Graffiti Research Lab. The use of open source technology in the hands of some creative little beggers is certainly one to consider for future communications.

The attention is in the detail

2007-01-25T16:44:00.000Z

All the debate of the rise in PVRs, ad clutter and the fragmented TV market has not seemed to lead to many innovative solutions to hold the attention of the channel hopping masses. Sure, there is an increasing emphasis on program sponsorship and product placement, but how else can we stem the flow of ad avoidance? The most effective interactive ads generally take you away from the ad stream to provide a personal brand experience but this doesn't benefit the many and isn't a long term solution to increase investment in TV.

Having been working on a project where we have tried to look "beyond the 30" spot", examples of 24 seeding stories and competitions within the breaks on Sky One seems an innovative way of retaining attention or how about Sky Sports split screen as they show football results around the advertiser messages.

Giving us the incentives to interact while still being exposed to ad content is a model that might have some legs. As split screen technology develops and home information hubs becomes more popular, an era when we are encouraged to activate a pop up of pro evolution soccer on our HD TVs while still being exposed to the latest Gillette mach 50 razor ad might be the way forward?

Shilpa Snipers

2007-01-18T09:24:00.000Z

All this hoo ha about Shilpa being racial abused by Jade Goodie and her cronies has got me thinking. Not about how I can improve race relation between GB and India but how people and more importantly brands represent certain countries in a particular light.

It can be frustrating watching a bunch of talentless amoeba disgrace your nation with little you can do about it but spend thousands trying to single handedly vote them out. But what about those countries whose identities are shaped by the brands that we all consume. How do they feel?

For example would all Jamaicans be happily stereotyped into RED Stripe drinking "chilled out" beach bums, would Sri Lankans be content within the image of Dilmah tea, peacefully picking leaves all day long or perhaps Italians might see red at the thought of being labeled a fiery Fiat driver!

Obviously the wealth and employment the companies bring to their mother nation will appease many but I think there is a point when brands become the custodian of national identity and when this happens they have more of a responsibility to protect their citizens. Certainly when the brand direction is placed in the hands of multinational agencies the need for CSR is heightened.

This is obviously most prominent when brands really do carry their nations image on their shoulders. Can you think of any such brands? How about Ikea and Sweden? Any more?

Santa's ghetto

2006-12-21T10:52:00.000Z

If you haven't already been down to Santa's Ghetto on Oxford Street get yourself down there. Loads of thought provoking art from the likes of Banksy, Kelsey Brooks, Chris Cunningham. These "failed" artists have been doing this for a few years now e.g. find unused retail outlet then create a juxtaposition of consumerism and anti establishment art.

I think it still looks great and this year they have some cool and thought provoking new pieces but I'm not paying £100 for a Banksy print.....sort of defeats the point me thinks, I'll let Brad and Angelina dip into their pockets for now. Anyway check it out, if anything you'll escape the hell of the crowds for a couple of minutes!

The Eternal City and Bob

2006-12-13T18:40:00.000Z

Sorry, for the lack of activity (Graeme). I have been in Rome for the last week or so soaking up 3000 years of history. What an awesome place and not a billboard in sight! Everything is within walking distance so you get a lot of exercise as well (I did nearly pass out walking to the top of St Peters though)

Did you know that a homeless man named Bob made up to €150 a day by dangling a magnet into the Trevi fountain to collect coins thrown by thousands of unknowingly smug couples. Apparently up to €30,000 a week is thrown in the waters and Bob made a decent wedge out of his cunning activities (rumour has it he distributed his wealth to other homeless people).

Anyway, he eventually got apprehended and taken to court but they actually couldn't prosecute him as the judge ruled that because the money had been thrown away it didn't belong to the tourists anymore! Bob, can still be seen trying to thieve all the coppers he can with his specially adapted money magnet. It's not a happy ending though as the Rome council has now changed the law so it is illegal to go in the water in any way shape or form and therefore Bob gets into more than his fair share of scraps with the local Rome constabulary.

You have to hand it to him, although blatantly stealing he had great initiative to carve out his niche in the economic landscape of Rome. Not sure the Pope would approve though!

To Beeb or not to Beeb

2006-12-01T11:54:00.000Z

Michael Grade leaving the Beeb has obviously put a few noses out of joint. He has seemingly left the broadcaster in it's strongest position for years having just renegotiated the Royal Charter on what most believe will be terms very favourable to ol Auntie.

The BBC, as we all know, has embraced the digital revolution and often lead the way in some cases. However there is a bigger picture that needs much more thought on how it will act as a PSB in the future.

With convergence of media channels now upon us and choice for everyone to prosume until their hearts content, how will a PSB like the Beeb deliver it's broadcasts to the license fee payers and fore fill it's remit?

The future of media and communication will be about "opting in" but the BBC's history has been built on a nanny state approach of 'what's best for us'. Lord Reith the first director general felt the BBC needed "the brute force of a monopoly in its mission to inform, educate and entertain".

Those who will renew the Royal Charter obviously feel there is still a need to provide programming in a top down approach, but with the power shifting from the few to the many I wonder how long PSB will last in its current embodiment of the BBC.

In reality if viewers continue to turn on or tune in and the BBC continue to produce outstanding work such as Planet Earth then I for one would like them to keep telling me what to watch!

Digital Overload?

2006-11-27T13:26:00.000Z

I've just been down to the Viacom Beck centre in Camden to take a look at what they are proposing to do with their whopping £72 million tube investment. On the surface the new technology, digital 6 sheets, cross track projections, new alternatives to paper and paste and general clean up of the underground environment seem great. Some of the old barriers to advertisers (poor reproduction quality, opportunities for vandalism and lack of creative flexibility seem to have been met. There are also more opportunities to tailor campaigns to specific audience and dayparts.

My major concern was that there might be a danger of digital overload. Viacom's current finite site portfolio will be massively increased as up to 6 advertisers a day share the same sites on very short time loops. While this will massively increase Viacom revenues I can imagine that the clammer for eye balls will be quite overwhelming at times (particularly at the iconic stations).

Is Viacom's attempt to embrace digital technology compromised by the their financial interests or will this all singing all dancing pixelated paradise be a dream environment to showcase (and broadcast) brands?

Ionisation

2006-11-20T13:59:00.000Z

Check this great piece of work by Flat-E out. Advertising droids at work. Ionisation.

I have arrived

2006-11-09T13:45:00.000Z

Hello