Thursday, April 8, 2010
Puzzle Me This...
It's been a bit hectic at the office, and a long time since I've blogged, but when I came across a new ad campaign that blew my socks off, I had to share.
I don't know who the client is, or what the product is, or even what the ad looks like! So you may be wondering how interesting can this advertising campaign really be then? Well, the Johannes Leonardo agency hit the nail on the head with this one. Johannes Leonardo is sending New Yorkers on a mass hunt all around the subways of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. There are 40 posters in all that showcase a piece of the advertisement. Johannes Leonardo is encouraging people to take pictures of the subway ads with their mobile devices and then get updates on the posters via their twitter account, #undergroundpuzzle.
The final pieced together ad is said to be so racy that it would have mainstream media racing for censor buttons. The pieced together ad will also finally reveal who the mysterious client is.
So kudos Johannes Leonardo. I mean really, who does'nt like a little mystery in their lives?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
GaGa for Gaga
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Beauty and the Body Beast
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Baby Formula Ban
The reason the UK is giving for the product placement ban is a great one, they are concerned over the looming epidemic of obesity and alcoholism. But if that is the real reason, does product placement really have any effect on that. To tell you the truth, I find product placements obnoxious and so fake that it actually makes me not want to use the product 9 out of 10 times. Not only do I feel that this product placement ban is somewhat pointless, I also believe it is somewhat crazy. Alcohol and junk food are not the only things on the banned list. Other products which program-makers will not be able to feature are prescription medicines, gambling, smoking accessories, over-the-counter medicines and infant and follow-on formula. Formula? Are you kidding me? Why on earth is formula being banned?
Overall I think its a positive step that the UK is attempting to cut down on product placements, like I had mentioned, I find them exceedingly annoying. I would like to add that I think if the UK is going to go with the ban occurring from reasons of concern for the health of their viewers, that they might want to also take a look at what advertisements they are allowing to appear on their networks. I can’t speak for everyone, but I am much more likely to be tempted by a close up shot of breadsticks, soup, and lasagna, then by an actor devouring a piece of pizza all while a well placed Pizza Hut box sits next to him.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
PR Risk or Reward?
Not that there aren’t already enough reality TV shows out there, CBS has decided to introduce “Undercover Boss”, a reality show that takes a CEO undercover to perform ground level tasks. Originally I thought this would be a hilarious show on how upper level management often times do not understand what is going on in their very own companies. After watching the first
two episodes I realized that while intriguing, this show could definitely either help or hurt a companies image.
Episode one featured Waste Management and show cased CEO Larry O’Donnell getting down to the nitty gritty of what his company really entails. It also show cased how caring and down to earth his company really is. Although there were some times where it seemed like workers felt unappreciated overall I believe Waste Management was shown in a positive light.
Episode two was a whole different ballpark. Hooters was the second company featured in “Undercover Boss”. Not only did this episode show just how much the women really are objectified by working there, it also showed that, that is exactly how a majority of people feel about the company. CEO Coby Brooks was the one light of hope of good PR for this company. He showed just how much he cared about this company and the people working for him. He also seemed to have had a change of heart about how the company is currently viewed, but having a revelation of sorts does nothing unless something is really done to create change that will make a difference. The change that Hooters had gotten out of the experience is that they want to highlight all that they do for the community. I think they missed the boat on this one. I understand wanting to keep the Hooter girl image, but what about taking some of the response from people on the street. What about an image update that keeps its sexiness without vulgarity, an image update that really is what their slogan states, “Delightfully tacky, yet unrefined”
Thursday, February 11, 2010
New Decade, New Logos
MTV has always been the image of youth. MTV, which stands for Music Television, is no longer exactly what it seems. The one place where you could go to see the newest videos and interviews of your favorite band, is no longer. Reality TV has now taken the focus at MTV. With popular shows like Jersey Shore, The Hills, and Teen Mom, MTV has viewers flocking to their station each week to tune in. The recent update to the logo is a wise one. One that I feel has been coming for a long time. The new logo no longer focuses on the "M" of MTV but rather the "TV" of MTV. Music is not MTV's top priority. While music is still present for the channel it is clear to see that its focus is going in a bit of a different direction. MTV has also created a logo utilizing "celebrities" seen on their station. I use the term celebrities loosely because as much as I do enjoy trashy TV like the Jersey Shore, I find it hard for me to call Snookie a celebrity.
MTV is not the only company to receive a face lift after 20 years. Corona has also jumped on that bandwagon. With the last three years bringing declining sales numbers, Corona decided to update its image. While the beach image it is famous for will still be present, it will have a new focus. Corona wants to make the image more approachable. One potential slogan "Find Your Beach" will showcase couples enjoying Corona in various non-beach places and finally ending at the beach, encouraging viewers to "Find Your Beach". Corona, who is usually known for their relaxing low-key beach advertisements, are also going to a more edgy and humorous commercial type. In the advertisement "Squirt" a woman squirts her significant other with a lime after he is obviously checking out a woman in a little bikini. I have always admired that Corona has stood apart from the rest of the beer pack, it never had to go to scantily dressed women, or macho stereotypes, but I guess after a couple years of declining sales, they decided to follow the pack.
I am interested to see if either campaign will have an effect for the company. I guess I am interested if people will even notice the changes or care to ask why these changes have been made.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Super Bowl, Super Commercials
Do you think these ads could have a negative effect for the companies?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Quality or Content?
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Missing Element
This Sunday the 2010 Super Bowl will be missing one key element. One element it has not been without in 23 years, a Pepsi commercial. In a new marketing effort, Pepsi will pull its ads from this years Super Bowl to focus on a more internet based campaign.
"In 2010, each of our drink brands has a strategy and marketing platform that will be less about a singular event and more about a movement," representative Nicole Bradley said. This movement is the "Pepsi Refresh Project." The project will donate $1,300,000 to help the top ideas in each category receive funding. The categories are $5,000, $25,000,$50,000,$250,000. Ten projects will receive $5,000, ten will receive $25,000, ten will receive $50,000 and two will receive $250,000. So how does it all work? Anyone who has an idea on how they can have an impact on their community or affect a positive cause can submit their idea, and then anyone can vote. You can vote up to ten times everyday. The top projects in each category will receive their funding. You have until the end of the month to vote. Winners are then announced and come the beginning of next month, it starts all over.
Personally I think this is a great idea in helping the community and a huge leap for their public relations side. So does this make you want to buy Pepsi over other soft drinks? I think when it comes down to it, it's going to be about taste. It is not as if you are likely to forget that Pepsi is a great soft drink because they won't be making us laugh with a great commercial come Super Bowl time. This PR move could swing those consumers who may not have a total preference on soft drinks. I know that once I found out how much Target donates to their communities I tried to make sure I shopped their more often then its competitors.
So I guess we will just have to wait to see if this is the beginning of a new trend. While we don’t know the outcome I commend Pepsi on their effort to use the money to get their name out there and make a positive imprint on others, Pepsi, I give you two thumbs up!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Miss America Who?
I am sure many of you who follow my blog may be asking who is writing this. Well briefly, my name is Shana Pawlowicz, I am a recent addition to the 44 North crew and a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Another interesting fact about me is that I am also a contestant in the Miss Oshkosh Pageant. I have been for the last three years. Just call me the little engine that could, "I think I can I think I can". But all laughs aside, I feel as if sometimes people have a view of first the Pageant system as a whole and then two the Miss America Organization. And one question that always seems to pop up is, is the Miss America system still relevant?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Social Media vs Traditional Media?
Last night I was watching the Vikings vs Saints game, at the same time I was also cruising around on Facebook. It occurred to me that I really did not even have to have the game on to know what was happening. In a matter of seconds after certain game turning points occurred there was a new post up. There were opinions on Favre, the refs, specific calls, it was almost as if I was getting a summary of a game that I was watching with my very own eyes. So with that said, it is clear that social media has become a very powerful tool in an advertisers tool box. But with such a powerful tool that is often times much cheaper than advertising through traditional media, does this become a case of social media vs traditional media?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Advertising that really jumps out at you
"After Avatar, movie making will never be the same" I'm not sure who said it, or where I even heard it, but it made me think is that true? I had seen previews and to be honest wasn't overly excited by it. But every single person I have talked to has been in complete awe over it. Is my lack of excitement for the movie because I have yet to experience the 3-D phenomena? Well if 2009 is any indication, the 3-D experience has everything to do with it. In 2009 seventeen movies were released in 3-D with four of them landing in the top 11 grossing movies of '09. So now only one question remains. Will this 3-D experience have any effect on the advertising world?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I'm with CoCo
After hearing so much from Monday's blog, I felt it would be interesting to do a follow up. I have been sent multiple videos of the Conan vs Leno battle and thought that this must be the best coverage NBC has had in months. It is apparent I was not the only one who felt this way. The Today Show did a piece on the battle and found out that in fact NBC has had its highest ratings in months. So with so many digs at NBC's expense is this a smart move on their part or not?
My other question involves the support that surrounds Conan, or CoCo as he's known to his followers. You can find rallies to attend to save him, polls, and even Facebook pages adoring his beloved flaming orange hair. What happens now with Conan. He is getting paid to leave his time spot and has made it clear he will not stick with NBC. I wonder if another station will be smart enough to pick him up or if this will really be the end of a comedic genius? In any case I felt it would brighten every ones day to see some of the best digs surrounding the controversy. So sit back enjoy and pray that this is not the last we see of CoCo.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Leno vs Conan
I'm sure that by now most of you have heard about the NBC's big blunder involving Jay Leno and Conan O'Brian. And for a while I took Conan's side of the ordeal. First because I felt for him, thinking he would be moving on up and then to have it ripped away. Second because due to my generation I find his comedy more to my taste. Finally, I mean aside from my odd sense of attraction for red heads, how could you not just fall in love with his antics and glorious locks. Anyways I digress, so until recently I have been on Conan's side. This was until I ran across an article in The New York Times. David Carr brought up an interesting point. This whole ordeal is over ratings issues, and advertisers upset about getting their moneys worth. Well its not Conan's, Leno's, or even NBC's fault. Its ours.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
All Dressed Up With Nothing to Wear
- Practicality- If you are working on Wall Street expect to be dressed a bit different than someone doing outdoor sales. You want to make sure that while you follow your companies dress code that it is also functional. Especially if you will be doing a lot of running around.
- Know Your Company- With many creative jobs opting for casual attire to express individuality its important to know what your company expects. While its better to be overdressed in comparison to underdressed, you want to make sure you fit the culture/environment of the company you are applying for. Try to do a bit of researching of the company dress code before you interview for a company and before you start work there. Its important to get off on a right foot.
- Rules of Thumb- No matter how relaxed your company is unless it is a strip club or bar do not show any body parts you would be embarrassed for your grandma to see. Ladies put away those low rise pants, miniskirts and plunging neck lines. Men stay away from showing any chest hair, no one and I mean know one wants to have questions of if you are part werewolf running in through their mind.
- Grey Area- Here are some items that have become normalized in today's business attire, but are also ones that should always be double checked with each companies dress code. Shoes seem to be a big grey area. While for the most part closed toed shoes are a must, recent trends have made question marks in many female minds. Peep toed shoes show a tiny bit of the foot, and are neither open or closed completely. Also women it is important to keep note of the height of your shoe 4 1/2 inch stilettos may not send the right message at work. Sleeveless shirts are also a question for females. Men, again with the hair issue, lets not go there. My last grey area are shorts. It has become more common for women to wear shorts in the work place. Make sure those shorts are to the knee and of a dressier fabric. And men, do I even have to bring it up again? I think you know my answer on that one guys.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
What Message Are You Sending?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Who Says Money Can't Buy You Everything?
In a recent attempt for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to finance renovations and upkeep to the walk of fame it has decided to get corporate sponsors in on the action. For about $1 million your company can have its very own star. While even the celebrities who are nominated must pay $25,ooo for their stars production and upkeep I can't help but think that this beloved tourist attraction has become something taken over by companies and may no longer be apart of American culture. So far L'OREAL and ABSOLUT VODKA have become "Friends of the walk of fame" but with the Chambers goal of $5 million in funds to renovate the walk of fame, you can be sure there will be more companies eager to get their star.
So has corporate America gone too far this time? Has it taken away a little bit of the prestige of having a star? I guess as someone in the Advertising field I can see both sides to this story. While the all American girl in me says that no way should a company be listed among the greats like Frank Sinatra or Bette Davis, the advertising side of me says why not?
In order to obtain a star on the walk of fame a nominee must meet one of five criteria in order to even be considered in the running. The criteria for receiving a star consists of the following: professional achievement, longevity of five years or more, contributions to the community and the guarantee that the celebrity will attend the dedication ceremony if selected. I can sure think of some well known companies that could very well fall under some or all of those criteria. So why then you may ask am I still upset that a company can have a star? I guess it is just a bit disheartening to think that an American tourist attraction would sell itself out. If this really is about helping to restore the famous tourist attraction I just don't see why the Chamber didn't decide to pursue other avenues in raising revenue. I mean think about it, it is the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Tons of stars and starlets are at their disposal to come help out in the effort to raise money and not only help to restore their own star but perhaps make an appearance, sign some autographs and promote a new film or CD.
The bottom line, as it always should be I guess, is don't be surprised by anything and of course there is a price tag on everything. So next time you are in New York don't be surprised to see the Statue of Liberty wearing a new dress Sponsored by DKNY, or Lincoln to be wearing a pair of new Nike's in the Lincoln Memorial. Oh yes corporate America... the sky's the limit!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
I Love Money
After the holiday season which has become more glorified by spending and what you are receiving then by its religious origination, the question my colleague brought up "Can you love money?" is a quite valid one I thought.