Funny Friday: Dogs Attacking Leaves
If only attacking leaves would make me this happy. Then again, I've never really tried to attack a pile of leaves. I'll be right back. ~ p
Funny Friday: Cats Fake Getting Shot
Don't worry, PETA. No animals were hurt or shot in the making of this video. But Keanu Reeves should be worried that his next role might go to one of these cats. Play with sound. ~ p
Spooky Time-Traveling Cell Phone User...Real or Fake?
I don't get scared. I'm not bragging, I just literally don't get creeped out by Halloween movies or gory costumes or, well, anything. Heights can sometimes freak me out. And I'll sometimes 'jump' if you can startle me. But that's about it. Knowing this, to get my adrenaline going, I like unusual, interesting stuff that makes me ask questions, like magic tricks. This video falls into that category.
Irish filmmaker George Clarke created a YouTube video that has gone viral this week. It shows a cellphone-using “time traveler” attending the 1928 premiere of Charlie Chaplin’s The Circus.
I watched it, and it's very convincing. Who knows? It could even be 'real'. But, with that time traveler theory, as I often do, I started to ask questions, like 'Who is on the other end of the phone?', 'How does a cell phone work when cell phone towers haven't been invented yet?', and 'Does her cell phone company charge her for long distance minutes?'
Also interesting is the profession of the guy who 'found' this gem. He's a filmmaker. Is it possible this has been fixed? Likely.
Or maybe, in the words of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 'When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.'
Take a look and judge for yourself. ~ p
Irish filmmaker George Clarke created a YouTube video that has gone viral this week. It shows a cellphone-using “time traveler” attending the 1928 premiere of Charlie Chaplin’s The Circus.
I watched it, and it's very convincing. Who knows? It could even be 'real'. But, with that time traveler theory, as I often do, I started to ask questions, like 'Who is on the other end of the phone?', 'How does a cell phone work when cell phone towers haven't been invented yet?', and 'Does her cell phone company charge her for long distance minutes?'
Also interesting is the profession of the guy who 'found' this gem. He's a filmmaker. Is it possible this has been fixed? Likely.
Or maybe, in the words of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 'When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.'
Take a look and judge for yourself. ~ p
Twitter Worth $1.1 Billion. Haven't We Learned Anything?
Twitter was recently evaluated at $1.1 billion. I'm a Tweeter, and I even claimed that one day, Twitter could surpass Facebook in terms of size and revenue. That's because their system is simple and single-focused in an increasingly mobile, short-attention-span world.
But $1.1 billion? THEY DON'T HAVE A REVENUE STREAM!!!!
Isn't this, in part, why Capitalism failed us in 2007-2008? People falsifying markets and companies that have no business (literally in this case) getting valuations as high as they did? Just because it's cool, doesn't make it valuable. It needs to make money first. Doesn't it?
I'm not an economist. There are things that I don't fully understand. But I also think that the complicated systems created by Wall Street got us into the mess we were in and still are fighting through in some parts of the country. This rang true in Michael Moore movie Capitalism: A Love Story, when he asked members of Congress and Wall Street bankers to 'define a dividend', and no one could.
Don't get me wrong. I like money, and I want more of it. I also understand that Capitalism is a great way to get me there. Real Estate investments won't always come through. I am, by definition, pro-Capitalism...but are there limits! Stock, even internally with employees and investors, should not be traded when they company hasn't made a dime. It sounds too close to a trick being performed at the circus. Only time will tell who are the clowns. ~ p
(Source: TechCrunch)
Lebronathon: Epic New Nike Ad for Opening Night
It's time. Opening night in the NBA. I've waited like a kid who, for the first time, fully understands what it means to wake up on Christmas morning.
Awesomeness.
It's been a rough off-season for Lebron fans, as some say. But I think this has been the best off-season since Grant Hill, Tim Duncan and Tracy McGrady flirted with teaming up in Orlando. But, instead, it actually happened.
Lebron's Decision, and I feel like I might get stoned for saying this, was the most exciting moment in sports, outside an actually sporting event, that I've ever seen. Everyone I knew was on the edge of their seats watching him talk about who knows what with Jim Gray. No one knew with absolutely certainty what was going to happen. Sure, sucks to be a Cleveland fan, but how is it really different than when other free agents flee? Chris Bosh told Raptors fans over a streaming internet feed on ESPN with Wade at his side. It wasn't a one-hour special, but frankly, at least that was interesting.
Just by the numbers, most notably ESPN's Player Efficiency Rating, Lebron has been the most dynamic and talented player to ever put on a pair of shorts since Jordan. But when people say that he will be or not be the next Jordan...they're missing the point. He will not be. And that will truly define his greatness. Jordan wasn't the next Magic or Bird. He was the one and only Jordan. Every great person defines himself against no one but himself.
Okay, rant over. To cement the awesomeness I was talking about earlier, Nike has launched a new commercial that is an instant epic classic. Enjoy. ~ p
Awesomeness.
It's been a rough off-season for Lebron fans, as some say. But I think this has been the best off-season since Grant Hill, Tim Duncan and Tracy McGrady flirted with teaming up in Orlando. But, instead, it actually happened.
Lebron's Decision, and I feel like I might get stoned for saying this, was the most exciting moment in sports, outside an actually sporting event, that I've ever seen. Everyone I knew was on the edge of their seats watching him talk about who knows what with Jim Gray. No one knew with absolutely certainty what was going to happen. Sure, sucks to be a Cleveland fan, but how is it really different than when other free agents flee? Chris Bosh told Raptors fans over a streaming internet feed on ESPN with Wade at his side. It wasn't a one-hour special, but frankly, at least that was interesting.
Just by the numbers, most notably ESPN's Player Efficiency Rating, Lebron has been the most dynamic and talented player to ever put on a pair of shorts since Jordan. But when people say that he will be or not be the next Jordan...they're missing the point. He will not be. And that will truly define his greatness. Jordan wasn't the next Magic or Bird. He was the one and only Jordan. Every great person defines himself against no one but himself.
Okay, rant over. To cement the awesomeness I was talking about earlier, Nike has launched a new commercial that is an instant epic classic. Enjoy. ~ p
Xbox (Microsoft) Kinect launches $500 million campaign
The ads for Microsoft's new controller-less Xbox stystem, Kinect, have surfaced. AdAge reports that they are rolling it out with a $500 million budget. Yeah, wow. Luckily, I think they're great, so as much as they're bound to get annoying with that many impressions over the media, it will take a while. Plus, it looks like they've done numerous executions to keep interest high. The only suggestion I have for Agency215 (Xbox's AOR) is to end with a big Super of a Microsoft logo.
Yeah...I just suggested to end with a huge client logo. Here's why - these commercials are cool. Not overly hard to do when your product is wicked, but it's also easier than you might think to screw it up. Microsoft, as a brand, has suffered in the last few years. Their commercials and, well, marketing, has kinda stunk. So now, as customers, we don't associate with them as much as we once did. But this product is so good that it can remind us that, 'Hey, these guys were cool and relevant at some point. They were the ones who commercialized this whole personal computer thing. I should like them again.'
Yeah...I just suggested to end with a huge client logo. Here's why - these commercials are cool. Not overly hard to do when your product is wicked, but it's also easier than you might think to screw it up. Microsoft, as a brand, has suffered in the last few years. Their commercials and, well, marketing, has kinda stunk. So now, as customers, we don't associate with them as much as we once did. But this product is so good that it can remind us that, 'Hey, these guys were cool and relevant at some point. They were the ones who commercialized this whole personal computer thing. I should like them again.'
Sony has another opinion on Microsoft's new system. They've softly launched a defense campaign to counter with the benefits of their new Move controller, trying to convince anyone who will listen that it makes for a better gaming experience. I have a PS3 and I love it. But if I had both of these systems at my disposal, there is a good chance that the Kinect might soon become the Swifer to my PS3 mop.
What do you think? Is this something you would buy or want as a gift? ~ p
Starbucks Rolling Out Mobile Payment: Will this Slow Down Service?
Starbucks is brewing up some fresh thinking lately. I wrote about one of their Seattle stores offering craft beer and local wines last week, and I tweeted about their new Starbucks Digital Network, now they're rolling out their Starbucks Card Mobile Payment program into 300 stores in New York and Long Island.
Starbucks Card Mobile for iPhone and BlackBerry lets users pay for their coffee by holding up the 2-D barcode on their smartphone to the scanner at the counter. The application also allows customers to manage and reload their Starbucks Cards.
“We’re seeing more and more customers using their smartphones as their mobile wallets,” says Brady Brewer, vice president Starbucks Card and Loyalty. “We’ve heard from our customers on My Starbucks Idea that they want a faster, more convenient way to pay.”
A mobile payment device is faster? Interesting. In the Quick Service Retail industry, loyalty cards and alternative payment devices tend to fail and/or meet a lot of criticism both internally and externally. There are a few reasons for this, but the main one is that it slows down the line, and the experience. It doesn't traditional speed it up. I haven't tried this Card program yet, but from my 2-D interactions so far, it's not as fast as it often promises to be.
Regardless of the past, if anyone can figure this hurdle out, it's Starbucks. They recognize that mobile is an increasingly important avenue for them, and other should take note. The company reports that more than 50% of all logons to its free in-store WiFi are made via mobile phone, and that of its smartphone-carrying customer base, 71% have an iPhone or BlackBerry device.
The ultimate goal of the program is to get customers to trade in their physical Starbucks Cards for the digital variety — it’s a time saving exchange for the customer and a cost saving exchange for the company. Already, one in five of all in-store transactions are paid for via Starbucks Card (mobile or physical), and more than $1 billion will have been loaded on to cards by year’s end. ~ p
Starbucks Card Mobile for iPhone and BlackBerry lets users pay for their coffee by holding up the 2-D barcode on their smartphone to the scanner at the counter. The application also allows customers to manage and reload their Starbucks Cards.
“We’re seeing more and more customers using their smartphones as their mobile wallets,” says Brady Brewer, vice president Starbucks Card and Loyalty. “We’ve heard from our customers on My Starbucks Idea that they want a faster, more convenient way to pay.”
A mobile payment device is faster? Interesting. In the Quick Service Retail industry, loyalty cards and alternative payment devices tend to fail and/or meet a lot of criticism both internally and externally. There are a few reasons for this, but the main one is that it slows down the line, and the experience. It doesn't traditional speed it up. I haven't tried this Card program yet, but from my 2-D interactions so far, it's not as fast as it often promises to be.
Regardless of the past, if anyone can figure this hurdle out, it's Starbucks. They recognize that mobile is an increasingly important avenue for them, and other should take note. The company reports that more than 50% of all logons to its free in-store WiFi are made via mobile phone, and that of its smartphone-carrying customer base, 71% have an iPhone or BlackBerry device.
The ultimate goal of the program is to get customers to trade in their physical Starbucks Cards for the digital variety — it’s a time saving exchange for the customer and a cost saving exchange for the company. Already, one in five of all in-store transactions are paid for via Starbucks Card (mobile or physical), and more than $1 billion will have been loaded on to cards by year’s end. ~ p
(Source: Mashable)
Getting Ready
I'm lucky. I don't have to deal with this every morning, or every time we go out for dinner. But I know a lot of men do, and I think it's hilarious. ~ p
Funny Friday: Dancing is for the Birds
Chalk up another pet that can move much, much better than I can. This bird could teach dance lessons. Or at least, I'd pay to watch it move to different songs so I could pick up a few tips here and there. ~ p
The Beatles Are a Bunch of Kooks!
Imagine never listening to Abbey Road. Now imagine being on the cover of Abbey Road and never listening to the album. No, wait...imagine being on the cover of Abbey Road, never listening to the album, and hating the Beatles. One more, imagine being on the cover of Abbey Road, never listening to the album, hating the Beatles, and finding out that Yoko Ono is your daughter. Okay, that last one is fake, but the rest, completely true. This old fart, who was already old when he was mistakenly caught in the Abbey Road cover picture, doesn't like the Beatles, and when he saw them all crossing the road, he thought they were a bunch of 'kooks'! Awesome. Tell it like you see it, Gramps. ~ p
Mad Men Floor Plan. Yeah, for Real.
Speaking of Mad Men, who took the time to do this? It's not just done one way - but three! It's crazy, and it's awesome. My fav is the 'Whiskey Storage'...makes sense. ~ p
Big Shot on Twitter and Facebook? Now You Can Prove it with Klout.
You might have a bunch of followers, but do you have influence with them? You tweet 17 times a day, but does anyone care? Yeah, yeah, we heard you - you're a big shot, 'Mr. Social Media', but I think you just automated your follower list, have a bunch of Facebook friends you don't really know, and tweet from Guy Kawasaki's posts all day.
Does this conversation sound familiar? If it does, you a) need to get out more, b) you need to sign up for Klout.
Klout is a new site that lets you prove your social media mightiness through a ranking system that ranges from 0 to 100. I've been on it for a few weeks, and it's pretty cool. I'd like to move up a few points, but, hey, wouldn't we all.
Your rank doesn't just solely depend on the size of your follower list, but on the content itself - how many times you've been retweeted, and if your links have been clicked on...plus about 25 other variables. They started with just Twitter correlations, but this week, they've introduced Facebook data, as well, and AdAge reported that 'potentially, information from LinkedIn, MySpace, Digg and even YouTube' is in the works.
This is cool. If you're a company, this can be used in a number of ways. One, you can segment people based on their purchases and life (stage/style), and over lay their Klout ranking to tell you who is really worth influencing. If you have a loyalty program, this can be used to create a special segment of your highly ranked Klout members to influence them with exclusive rewards, experiences and points.
Using this idea is Social Rewards: a new social media loyalty program that rewards users based on social actions, sales, and their level of influence. They use Klout to determine influence level and customers can be rewarded differently based on their Klout scores. As the CEO, Joseph Morin, said “The premise of Social Rewards is to take existing brand loyalty program members that have social media tendencies and reward them for their loyalty and word of mouth activities.” One company that is currently using Social Rewards is The Venetian.
Klout also offers partner promotions with companies, such as Virgin Airlines. As an example, you could qualify for a free flight if you had enough Klout and posted a review about the experience. Check it out. You could get some free stuff...if you have enough Klout. ~ p
Does this conversation sound familiar? If it does, you a) need to get out more, b) you need to sign up for Klout.
Klout is a new site that lets you prove your social media mightiness through a ranking system that ranges from 0 to 100. I've been on it for a few weeks, and it's pretty cool. I'd like to move up a few points, but, hey, wouldn't we all.
Your rank doesn't just solely depend on the size of your follower list, but on the content itself - how many times you've been retweeted, and if your links have been clicked on...plus about 25 other variables. They started with just Twitter correlations, but this week, they've introduced Facebook data, as well, and AdAge reported that 'potentially, information from LinkedIn, MySpace, Digg and even YouTube' is in the works.
This is cool. If you're a company, this can be used in a number of ways. One, you can segment people based on their purchases and life (stage/style), and over lay their Klout ranking to tell you who is really worth influencing. If you have a loyalty program, this can be used to create a special segment of your highly ranked Klout members to influence them with exclusive rewards, experiences and points.
Using this idea is Social Rewards: a new social media loyalty program that rewards users based on social actions, sales, and their level of influence. They use Klout to determine influence level and customers can be rewarded differently based on their Klout scores. As the CEO, Joseph Morin, said “The premise of Social Rewards is to take existing brand loyalty program members that have social media tendencies and reward them for their loyalty and word of mouth activities.” One company that is currently using Social Rewards is The Venetian.
Klout also offers partner promotions with companies, such as Virgin Airlines. As an example, you could qualify for a free flight if you had enough Klout and posted a review about the experience. Check it out. You could get some free stuff...if you have enough Klout. ~ p
Starbucks Buzz: New Meaning to Venti Brew
The Olive Way store in Seattle reopened Monday is the first under the Starbucks brand to offer alcohol. Craft beer and local wines go on sale after 4 p.m. The idea is to offer drinks and a wider variety of savory food that will attract customers after the morning espresso rush.
As USA Today reports, 'U.S. Starbucks stores see 70 percent of their business before 2 p.m., but the company wants to capture more of the evening customer traffic by offering customers more options.'
The coffee company also wants to foster a greater sense of community and plans to work with local artists to build “community tables” that can sit up to 15 people at a time. Inside the store, colors are muted and the lighting is dimmed, particularly in the evenings. The whole design tenor is low key, and simply doesn’t scream Starbucks when you walk in the door.'
What do you think? Do you want to see beer and wine at your local Starbucks? ~ p
Funny Friday: Sunny D and Rum Original & 4 of the Best Remakes
Imagine. Stairway to Heaven. Johnny B. Goode. Like a Rolling Stone. There have been many amazing songs in modern music. Now this instant classic has been added to the list: Sunny D and Rum. If you haven't seen it, check out the original first, then move onto some of the best/funniest remakes. ~ p
This version is actually very good...
Worst Commute In The World
When you think you've had a bad day at work, or your commute is too long, or too stressful...think again. ~ p
Google You Can Drive My Car
I gotta say, I called this one. Last weekend, the word got out that Google has been, in fact, planning to drive your car. They have been building and road testing (yeah, testing on streets you are also driving on) computer-driven cars for, well, as long as it takes to log 140,000 miles.
Google said on their blog, 'Our goal is to help prevent traffic accidents, free up people’s time and reduce carbon emissions by fundamentally changing car use.
So we have developed technology for cars that can drive themselves. Our automated cars, manned by trained operators, just drove from our Mountain View campus to our Santa Monica office and on to Hollywood Boulevard. They’ve driven down Lombard Street, crossed the Golden Gate bridge, navigated the Pacific Coast Highway, and even made it all the way around Lake Tahoe. All in all, our self-driving cars have logged over 140,000 miles. We think this is a first in robotics research.
Our automated cars use video cameras, radar sensors and a laser range finder to “see” other traffic, as well as detailed maps (which we collect using manually driven vehicles) to navigate the road ahead. This is all made possible by Google’s data centers, which can process the enormous amounts of information gathered by our cars when mapping their terrain.'
They also go on to say that the cars were never 'unmanned' and that a person was always read to take over if something went wrong.
This kinda reminds me of the movie Demolition man. Where people never swore, Taco Bell was the best and only restaurant in town, and the bathroom had '3 shells' instead of TP. Cars also drove themselves at a touch of a button. I like to drive, so this new technology would have to be optional, Google. Make a note.
While they technology is said to be 5-8 years away, it's very exciting. We are living in a time when we can visually create and share our 'far-fetched' ideas...and then watch the world turn so quickly that we see them come to life. Now if Google can only figure out how those 3 Shells work. ~ p
Google said on their blog, 'Our goal is to help prevent traffic accidents, free up people’s time and reduce carbon emissions by fundamentally changing car use.
So we have developed technology for cars that can drive themselves. Our automated cars, manned by trained operators, just drove from our Mountain View campus to our Santa Monica office and on to Hollywood Boulevard. They’ve driven down Lombard Street, crossed the Golden Gate bridge, navigated the Pacific Coast Highway, and even made it all the way around Lake Tahoe. All in all, our self-driving cars have logged over 140,000 miles. We think this is a first in robotics research.
Our automated cars use video cameras, radar sensors and a laser range finder to “see” other traffic, as well as detailed maps (which we collect using manually driven vehicles) to navigate the road ahead. This is all made possible by Google’s data centers, which can process the enormous amounts of information gathered by our cars when mapping their terrain.'
They also go on to say that the cars were never 'unmanned' and that a person was always read to take over if something went wrong.
This kinda reminds me of the movie Demolition man. Where people never swore, Taco Bell was the best and only restaurant in town, and the bathroom had '3 shells' instead of TP. Cars also drove themselves at a touch of a button. I like to drive, so this new technology would have to be optional, Google. Make a note.
While they technology is said to be 5-8 years away, it's very exciting. We are living in a time when we can visually create and share our 'far-fetched' ideas...and then watch the world turn so quickly that we see them come to life. Now if Google can only figure out how those 3 Shells work. ~ p
Buy Your Friend a Starbucks on Facebook
Starbucks has done a lot of things right in the past couple years. I credit Howard Schultz for most of this shift, as they went from a possible headliner in Jim Collins book 'How the Mighty Fall', to a powerhouse brand (again) since he took back the CEO position in January of 2008. In that time, I have read and written countless cases on what Starbucks has done as leaders in not just Quick Service Retail, but as a global brand and company.
One of the cases I've talked about the most has been mystarbucksidea.com. This site gives customers and brand advocates a forum to share how they think Starbucks could be an better experience and company. Other site members vote on their favs and then...Starbucks will execute them. Awesome use of transparency, and consumer to brand integration. The latest idea to emerge from mystarbucksidea.com is the new 'Give a Gift' feature on the Starbucks Card Facebook application that lets users in the U.S. and Canada load between $5 and $500 to a friend's registered Starbucks Card.
“It’s great to bring another customer-inspired idea to life that enhances the customer experience in our coffee houses and within our digital communities. The new ‘Give a Gift’ feature on the Starbucks Card App provides a quick, fun gifting solution for our customers who want to surprise a friend on any occasion,” says Chris Bruzzo, Starbucks’s vice president for brand, content and online.
Starbucks has strong FB presence with more than 15 million fans, or 'likes'. Last time I checked, that was the most for any brand on Facebook. ~ p
(Source: mashable.com)
One of the cases I've talked about the most has been mystarbucksidea.com. This site gives customers and brand advocates a forum to share how they think Starbucks could be an better experience and company. Other site members vote on their favs and then...Starbucks will execute them. Awesome use of transparency, and consumer to brand integration. The latest idea to emerge from mystarbucksidea.com is the new 'Give a Gift' feature on the Starbucks Card Facebook application that lets users in the U.S. and Canada load between $5 and $500 to a friend's registered Starbucks Card.
“It’s great to bring another customer-inspired idea to life that enhances the customer experience in our coffee houses and within our digital communities. The new ‘Give a Gift’ feature on the Starbucks Card App provides a quick, fun gifting solution for our customers who want to surprise a friend on any occasion,” says Chris Bruzzo, Starbucks’s vice president for brand, content and online.
Starbucks has strong FB presence with more than 15 million fans, or 'likes'. Last time I checked, that was the most for any brand on Facebook. ~ p
Funny Friday: Best/Worst Wedding Video Ever
I am getting married next year. We are currently in the 'planning' stage of the wedding...which I'm not sure ends until after you say 'I do'. Anyway, through the process, I've been involved, but in no way have I been in charge. This has been intentional, following the advice of many married men that have come before me.
Then I watched this video earlier in the week. And now I think that I'm going to take over the entire show. I mean, I'm going to pick the flowers (I only know of two types - easy), write the invitations (I would create a stamp that told people where to be and when, put it on old newspaper, and mail - genius), pick the music (I know a guy), and select the food (burritos go great with beer). I say this because no one, and I mean no one, can screw something up as much as these two did with their wedding video. The only thing they could've have done to make this more ridiculous is jump into matching Pocahontas outfits and danced with a squirrel. I do need to point out that this is the second terrible thing I've seen come out of Russia this week. I wrote earlier about the Twitter Booth...and I think this tops it.
Aside, this is the first Funny Friday that hasn't featured a very talented or overweight animal. But I still have a few more up my sleeve. ~ p
Then I watched this video earlier in the week. And now I think that I'm going to take over the entire show. I mean, I'm going to pick the flowers (I only know of two types - easy), write the invitations (I would create a stamp that told people where to be and when, put it on old newspaper, and mail - genius), pick the music (I know a guy), and select the food (burritos go great with beer). I say this because no one, and I mean no one, can screw something up as much as these two did with their wedding video. The only thing they could've have done to make this more ridiculous is jump into matching Pocahontas outfits and danced with a squirrel. I do need to point out that this is the second terrible thing I've seen come out of Russia this week. I wrote earlier about the Twitter Booth...and I think this tops it.
Aside, this is the first Funny Friday that hasn't featured a very talented or overweight animal. But I still have a few more up my sleeve. ~ p
You've Been Michael Bay-ified
Someone has created a site that turns your photos into a Michael Bay action scene. You know, I couldn't decide if this was cool or not...and then I put a Shial Bouf head on a cat and I laughed to myself. You can also upload your own pics. But you really need to try it and judge for yourself. I mean, if you're a Michael Bay fan, or if you hate Michael Bay, I think you could waste at least 2 hours on this site. That has to be worth something. Click here to check it out. ~ p
It Takes a Twit to Invent a Twitter Booth
This is so hilarious, I barely know where to go with it. Oh wait. I got it.
So, in Russia, there was this guy who was way ahead of his time. He envisioned a world where people would tell other people what they were doing all across the land. And this magnificent invention would come to life through a 'Sharing Booth'. Unfortunately, his angel investor died, he went insane, and has been locked away for 20 years. But know he's back, and with the help of some Corporate funding, his vision has been realized. I bring you...The Twitter Booth!
That story was, of course, a lie. But seriously, what the hell is going on over there in Russia? How did people, and presumably some form of Government official, think this was a good idea? If someone in Russia is being chased, are they going to stop and Tweet '#911 I'm screwed' on this thing? Is this an issue over there? Or is there that much of an interest in Social Media in Russia with limited access to computers or cell phones? If that's the case, buy some old school computers and put them in the Library. Not only that, but look closely at the screen - can you even see a profile on there? I don't think so. Is this inventor the town hero, or the town joker? Really, I have too many questions, and not many answers. At least I know if I ever get stuck in Russia without a phone or communication to the outside world...I can let my followers know. I have followers in Russia. Maybe one of them will eventually send help. ~ p
So, in Russia, there was this guy who was way ahead of his time. He envisioned a world where people would tell other people what they were doing all across the land. And this magnificent invention would come to life through a 'Sharing Booth'. Unfortunately, his angel investor died, he went insane, and has been locked away for 20 years. But know he's back, and with the help of some Corporate funding, his vision has been realized. I bring you...The Twitter Booth!
That story was, of course, a lie. But seriously, what the hell is going on over there in Russia? How did people, and presumably some form of Government official, think this was a good idea? If someone in Russia is being chased, are they going to stop and Tweet '#911 I'm screwed' on this thing? Is this an issue over there? Or is there that much of an interest in Social Media in Russia with limited access to computers or cell phones? If that's the case, buy some old school computers and put them in the Library. Not only that, but look closely at the screen - can you even see a profile on there? I don't think so. Is this inventor the town hero, or the town joker? Really, I have too many questions, and not many answers. At least I know if I ever get stuck in Russia without a phone or communication to the outside world...I can let my followers know. I have followers in Russia. Maybe one of them will eventually send help. ~ p
When Online Advertising Goes Wrong
More and more, when advertising products, we have to think of new ways to grab people's attention. The logical move is to 'be where the people are'. This has led to an increasing amount of digital media replacing more traditional print and TV media over the past decade. It's how Google made and continues to make its money. The next step will be a sweeping digital convergence of those more 'traditional' mass channels...that will lead to a resurgence in those spaces. That's really the motivation behind Google launching into the TV space. As Google says, 'Not only are TVs the center of our living rooms, but 5 billion of us use them. That's more than the number of people who use cell phones or computers.' We will see digital advertising pick up more cues from its better looking TV advertising brother...but now those good-looking ads will be trackable and measurable. Hmm...I wonder how that will affect creativity when clients can justifiably say that the funniest commercials don't always convert into the most sales. Uh oh.
Anyway, we have some time before this is all figured out. The algorithms, for example, that serve up digital advertising based on what is relevant to the web site or page you're viewing is not yet a perfect science. Actually, as we can see in the examples below, it's anything but. Enjoy the laugh. Unless you've just pumped most of your budget into online ads...then I'd be calling my media planner to check EXACTLY where they're going to appear. ~ p
Anyway, we have some time before this is all figured out. The algorithms, for example, that serve up digital advertising based on what is relevant to the web site or page you're viewing is not yet a perfect science. Actually, as we can see in the examples below, it's anything but. Enjoy the laugh. Unless you've just pumped most of your budget into online ads...then I'd be calling my media planner to check EXACTLY where they're going to appear. ~ p
Mini-break in Greece
Evian baby...mmm...
Dad, what would happen...
Toyota!
We've got you under our wing
Samsung Blast (for real)
Free Food Poisoning for Two
Hooray Beer!
Want to Grill like an Expert?
FBG takes on BBM...OMG.
Want to share something on Facebook, but you can't because your boss or your girlfriend's mother somehow became your friend along the way? Yeah, I think we've all been there. This has no doubt slowed down the amount of social sharing that could be taking place. Even though, social sharing is still on the rise, and social creation has plateaued, there be could more freedom to do both if you could filter the people you're sharing with. Zuck called this, 'The greatest social networking problem'. That's why he has introduced: New Groups for Facebook.
I've seen something like this before. Oh yeah. On Blackberry Messenger. I can chat, post pics, comment on them within a pre-determined 'group' of people. It's cool and, in fact, BBM is why I'm still a Blackberry Loyalist. Actually, it's why a lot of Blackberry users haven't converted to the iPhone or other devices. If Facebook can create a similar and possibly better experience for me on a Mobile App, I might have to reconsider my options. In solving the greatest social networking problem...Facebook might have just created a huge problem for RIM's Blackberry.
One thing that BBM has on their side, which will be hard to beat, is their 'push' functionality. Meaning, you don't need to click 'refresh' to pull emails, texts, or chat messages to your phone. They just appear. For Facebook, iPhone, or anyone else, to really compete with this requires an investment in infrastructure, not just an cool app feature. ~ p
I've seen something like this before. Oh yeah. On Blackberry Messenger. I can chat, post pics, comment on them within a pre-determined 'group' of people. It's cool and, in fact, BBM is why I'm still a Blackberry Loyalist. Actually, it's why a lot of Blackberry users haven't converted to the iPhone or other devices. If Facebook can create a similar and possibly better experience for me on a Mobile App, I might have to reconsider my options. In solving the greatest social networking problem...Facebook might have just created a huge problem for RIM's Blackberry.
One thing that BBM has on their side, which will be hard to beat, is their 'push' functionality. Meaning, you don't need to click 'refresh' to pull emails, texts, or chat messages to your phone. They just appear. For Facebook, iPhone, or anyone else, to really compete with this requires an investment in infrastructure, not just an cool app feature. ~ p
I Like it in My Fiance's Hand
'It' is for 'purse' or 'my purse' (or, in my case, 'my fiance's purse'). October is breast cancer awareness month and this viral status trend is aimed to bring women together around the world for the cause. This isn't the first time we've seen this tactic. Last year, the bra color Facebook status went viral, also in support of raising breast cancer awareness.
My mom had breast cancer, so I am in full support of anything to bring attention to the cause. Putting aside my personal association with the disease, and not being a woman, I can still honestly say this is a great use of social media, and looks good on all women who join together for a common cause. ~ p
Apple, meet Microsoft, your new mall-mate. Oh, you already know each other? Awkward...
When I was in school, my business Professor asked me, 'If you lived on the beach, and in the middle of that beach, there was a hotdog stand that had a line-up of consumers 50-yards long every day...where would you put your hotdog stand to cash in on his market?'
Interesting question. I thought about it for a minute, mostly wondering if my beach-bum-self would be more like Tom Hanks in Castaway or Matthew McConaughey in, well, real life. Then I said, 'I wouldn't open a hotdog stand,' which, of course, made my teacher's lip furl, eyebrows cringe, and nostrils flare, 'I would open a water stand. I mean, have you even seen a hotdog eating contest? They're on a ratio of like 1 dog to 1 glass of water, easy!'
The correct answer was mine. But it was also to open a stand right beside the other guy - not down the road, not on another beach, right beside the poor guy who busted his butt and took the risk to create a market of hotdog eaters on a beach somewhere. This would create competition and, more importantly, give consumers an option.
I think someone at Microsoft had the same Professor.
The new Microsoft store will open in the Mall of America in Minneapolis and sit directly opposite the Apple store. One of the few store-fronts that Microsoft has in market, this one looks to be twice as big as their Apple rivals across the hall. With other Microsoft stores, they make no secret about trying to steal and copy Apple's strategies, and have even included their own version of the Genius Bar, called the Answer Desk.
Some might call this move cheap. I think it will keep Apple on their toes, and should result in a battle of best customer service between the two. Plus, if you're an Apple employee and you ever go bananas, you could have a job waiting for you right across the hall. ~ p
(Source: http://www.electronista.com)
Interesting question. I thought about it for a minute, mostly wondering if my beach-bum-self would be more like Tom Hanks in Castaway or Matthew McConaughey in, well, real life. Then I said, 'I wouldn't open a hotdog stand,' which, of course, made my teacher's lip furl, eyebrows cringe, and nostrils flare, 'I would open a water stand. I mean, have you even seen a hotdog eating contest? They're on a ratio of like 1 dog to 1 glass of water, easy!'
The correct answer was mine. But it was also to open a stand right beside the other guy - not down the road, not on another beach, right beside the poor guy who busted his butt and took the risk to create a market of hotdog eaters on a beach somewhere. This would create competition and, more importantly, give consumers an option.
I think someone at Microsoft had the same Professor.
The new Microsoft store will open in the Mall of America in Minneapolis and sit directly opposite the Apple store. One of the few store-fronts that Microsoft has in market, this one looks to be twice as big as their Apple rivals across the hall. With other Microsoft stores, they make no secret about trying to steal and copy Apple's strategies, and have even included their own version of the Genius Bar, called the Answer Desk.
Some might call this move cheap. I think it will keep Apple on their toes, and should result in a battle of best customer service between the two. Plus, if you're an Apple employee and you ever go bananas, you could have a job waiting for you right across the hall. ~ p
(Source: http://www.electronista.com)
Google vs My Cable Company
I have my beef with Google. They are arrogant, too powerful, and have seemingly ranked customer support as a zero on their importance scale. But here's the thing: My beef with my Cable Company is bigger. Like, feed-a-whole-town-and-an-animal-safari bigger. If Google can give me a way to screw my Cable Company without screwing up my TV watching, sign me up. Well, yesterday, Google gave me hope with the launch of their Google TV mini-site. Here is a video to give you a sense of what to expect with Google TV.
Beside screwing with my Cable Company, there are a lot of things cool about this. Google TV will follow the same format as the Android. Meaning, everyone and their brother can write for it through an open software platform. This will lead to cool apps being developed, like one that will turn your TV into a video phone using devices like Logitech’s Google TV box, the Revue. Other cool features that I can see are:
Beside screwing with my Cable Company, there are a lot of things cool about this. Google TV will follow the same format as the Android. Meaning, everyone and their brother can write for it through an open software platform. This will lead to cool apps being developed, like one that will turn your TV into a video phone using devices like Logitech’s Google TV box, the Revue. Other cool features that I can see are:
- Apps for Pandora, Chrome, Twitter, Amazon, Android Gallery
- Major TV networks such as HBO, TNT, TBS, CNN will have a video portal.
- Fling, play audio or video on your phone on Google TV “with the press of the button.”
- Picture-in-Picture TV watching and web surfing.
- DVR for video podcasts, and YouTube videos (hopefully TV shows, too)
All I need to see is a Google TV app that will let me watch live sporting events and the deal is done. ~ p
I Hate Shopping. But I Love this Shopping App.
Here’s the thing. I don’t like shopping. I’m a ‘know what I want before I get there, get it quickly and run the other way’ kind of shopper. Sometimes, though, I am pulled into a shopping bonanza with my sister or my mom. Plus, there is always my once-a-year power-shop in the 24 hours before December 25th. As much as I hate shopping…I can’t completely avoid it. But now, at least my pain and suffering has a kickback.
With a new loyalty app called ‘ShopKick’, I can get relevant offers and earn points to redeem for cool stuff…just for walking into a store. That’s right, you don’t need to buy anything – just walk in. So whether I’m running in to grab something, or I’ve been dragged along with someone else, I will get rewarded. Oh yeah, and if you actually like to shop and do so frequently, this is probably the coolest thing ever.
ShopKick is still in its infancy, and admit they have ‘a lot of work to do,' but they already have some big brands signed on, like Best Buy, Macy’s, and American Eagle. Their founders/employees also seem to have great creds in the mobile space. With enough buzz, this could be a company to look out for. ~ p
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)