Welcome to Four Eyes for Art Deco weekend. I would include some relevant news and comments from the Art Deco period, but the internet wasn’t actually around then. Who knew?!?
Instead you get the usual wrap up of what’s going on in the Social Media space and my picks of the best ads I’ve seen lately. Enjoy!
The Internet
It really has come a long way. 
It is now recognised as a powerful entity – powerful enough to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. For the way it has revolutionised communication and allowed powerful stories to be told, I presume. Then again, it also allows totally unpeaceful people to communicate and share their stories too. Does freedom of speech = peace?
Much of the information sharing that gives the internet its power now happens through Social Networks. Last week I mentioned Google’s BUZZ – their foray into social media through G-Mail. This week it’s Microsoft getting in on the game, now integrating Facebook and MySpace feeds into its email client Outlook. 
The new Outlook Social Connector is also likely to feature LinkedIn feeds, and probably Twitter in the future. Note both Microsoft has opted to use existing social networks for its platform, while Google are trying to create their own. Meanwhile, Facebook is set to launch a minimal-bandwith, text-only version of its platform to make it easier to use on mobile devices.
What’s Happening in Adland?
HOLDEN NZ have launched a new campaign led by Nathan Rarere and Greg Murphy. Another example of conversing with customers rather than shouting at them – sharing information rather than driving emotion – creating multiple media touch-points rather than relying on a single medium to carry the message. The first TV spot is 2 minutes long, and the ratecard value of the first two spots aired was $88,000!
In the US, an OTC heartburn treatment has also gone down a more social route. Rather than investing $1,000,000 in a single sponsorship, they are aiming to sponsor 1,000 community organisations (recommended by their customers) $1,000 each. The brand is creating emotional and loyal connections with their customers, where previously there was little or none. It seems heartburn is a major industry in the US. Maybe because of the size of their meals?
And I like these ads:
Puma Valentine’s Day effort (internet TV/viral ads)
Drink water is the message from Drug Aware Australia
A funny ad for Jockeys – this version on YouTube has a different soundtrack to the version on the Director’s page (scroll down to the 8th movie). Amazing how a different tune can give an ad quite a different attitude. Which do you prefer?
Finally, you may have seen this ad for Dodge brmm brmm cars amongst the Superbowl selection… now watch the female response. The original ad is being socialised, perhaps not in the way anticipated buy its creators, but its gaining word of mouth for the brand. And let’s face it – the men who want to buy those Dodge gas-guzzlers are probably proud they’re pissing women off.
Is this an advertising win, or a fail? I think a win!
Hope you enjoyed this. And I hope you enjoy your weekend!
Cheers
