I’ve been saving stories about a couple notable marketing missteps for a few days now, wondering what, if anything I should write about them. In quick succession, Marvel both announced and then ended a promotional partnership with Northrop Grumman, drawing criticism for working with a military contractor. At about the same time, McDonald’s came under … Continue reading Let’s Not Beat Up on Bad Ideas
The Boundaries of R-Rated Advertising
The past two weekends have seen the release of two big, R-rated comedies, first Pineapple Express and then Tropic Thunder. Both featured stars who have, at least occasionally, dipped their toes into family friendly film waters and who have developed big followings across all age groups. Both movies marketing campaigns also featured red-band trailers. Others … Continue reading The Boundaries of R-Rated Advertising
Using and abusing the Wikipedia
I've been sitting on this one for a while but still wanted to address it. Chris Abraham wondered whether the Wikipedia would be the next front for promoting new TV shows, movies or other popular culture. For anyone who may have read Abraham's post and thought it sounded like a good idea I have one … Continue reading Using and abusing the Wikipedia
Trust is a good thing
Beyond PR points us to this survey on journalism and trust. I think it's good that journalists have a healthy distrust of blogs and corporations. We need more of that skepticism to be brought to all aspects of reporting, especially on TV, in order to see the king has no clothes. Reporters and writers should … Continue reading Trust is a good thing
Using blogs for corporate PR
There is nothing scary about a blog. Blogs are not a super-virus that will destroy everything on the planet. They're not like the engine of a 747 where all anyone lacking years of education and on the job experience can do is stand back and jiggle the wires. Blogs are just another tool. So why … Continue reading Using blogs for corporate PR
MediaPost comments on shoddy blog data
The main problem with this commentary by George Simpson is that it relies on the Pew survey showing blogs had no real influence in the 2004 presidential election. The incredibly low number of blogs used in the survey has already been picked apart. In addition to that, some of the "blogs" used in the survey … Continue reading MediaPost comments on shoddy blog data