44 North

Puzzle Me This...

2010-04-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

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?

GaGa for Gaga

2010-03-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

You can call her by her real name, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanott, by her stage name, Lady Gaga or by what the critics say, the new Madonna, but one thing you must call her is a genius. In 2008 Lady Gaga didn't just pop onto the music scene, she burst the scene wide open. Lady Gaga has been able to do what few artists achieve in a lifetime, capture an audience and keep them there.

With such a media saturated world, it is easy for people to become bored with artists. We are constantly searching for the next big song and the new it person. With Lady Gaga's outlandish costumes she has been able to keep people locked into viewing all things Gaga. Whether you need to turn into the MTV Music Awards to see if she will be covered in blood, or if you are one of her almost 1.7 million fans on twitter, or just seeing what ridiculous outfit she has planned for the red carpet, Gaga has figured out how to get everyone saying Gaga, Oooh La La.

This 23 year old blonde firecracker is taking over more than fashion and music, she's taking over quite a few businesses. Set aside the fact that she is the first artist in nearly ten years to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with their first two chart entries, or the fact that she has sold over 7 million albums, she is now having that midas touch on other businesses. Less than a week into its launch, the MAC lipsticks created by Gaga and Cyndi Lauper have outsold any launch in Viva Glam's 16 year history. Gaga also is working on creating a line of headphones for Universal's Beats by Dre and has become the newest creative director for Polaroid.

It's no wonder that this powerful pop star has the power to crash websites from Gaga maniacs needing to get a glimpse into all that is Gaga, and it certainly is no wonder that businesses start realizing that and getting this Fame Monster on their side. You go Gaga!

Beauty and the Body Beast

2010-02-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

Dove may have been on to something when it introduced its "Campaign For Real Beauty" back in 2004. The commercial titled, "Onslaught", is an especially striking one to me. It shows a young girl starring off into the street, then all of a sudden hundreds of ads are flashed before her (and thus our) eyes. These images showcase just how many ads we are bombarded with, and the real message we are sending to those young impressionable minds; be beautiful, be skinny, and in turn be happy. Well, Spain has had enough.

Spain is about to pass a law that will ban marketers from advertising certain beauty products and services "that encourage the cult of body" on TV before 10 p.m. The beauty and hygiene segment of advertisements spent a whopping $708 million in airtime in 2008, according to Advertisement Age. Spain also has banned runway models with a BMI (body mass index) lower than 18. Even further then banning ads and waif like models, Spain is doing a study to calculate the average size female body in Spain and creating mannequins who represent those dimensions.

So what effect will this have on youth as well as the advertising and fashion industry? Are we finally to a point that we are tired of the pressures to have to be perfect, to not age, to not eat? I think we are now left wondering what body image do we look to now? We are tired of the over processed, fake, bean pole, but we are also growing tired of the over indulging, overweight community we have spawned as well. The answer seems obvious to me. Showcase natural people who live HEALTHY lifestyles.

Highlight naturally beautiful women who have aged and are still beautiful, women who range in all body shapes, women who can go grab a cheeseburger but at the same time understands that leading a balanced healthy life means getting to the gym that week if they do devour a cheeseburger or slice of pizza every now and then.

I'm happy to see people, companies, and governments taking a stand against both ends of the unhealthy lifestyles spectrum, but we need to do more than talk about it and take further action. After hearing that model Kate Moss has been voted Teenagers' Top Role Model in a new London poll, (Sixty-eight percent of the 1,032 16-year-olds, who were quizzed, chose the supermodel in the intotheblue.co.uk poll) I look forward to the day when our youth can look to a healthy, beautiful and intelligent role model such as; Michelle Obama, Princess Diana, Natalie Portman or Queen Latifah.

Baby Formula Ban

2010-02-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

I’ve always said that food commercials should be illegal. Especially the excessively tempting ones like Pizza Hut, Olive Garden, and pretty much any kind of burger place. Well, it looks as if my wish is close to being granted. The UK has announced it will have a ban on all product placements that include alcohol, tobacco, and food and drinks which are high in fat, salt or sugar. This seems like it would solve my issue of seeing these items and then craving these foods at odd hours, but really it doesn’t. While product placements are being banned on these items, advertisements for these are still in the clear. Does this even make any sense?

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.

PR Risk or Reward?

2010-02-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

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”

New Decade, New Logos

2010-02-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

With the kick off to a new decade some well known companies have decided to give their image a bit of a face lift. Both Corona and MTV have decided to change their 20 year old advertising campaign and designs. So why the change after so many years? Could it be the economy, their target audience or perhaps a bit of both?

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.

Super Bowl, Super Commercials

2010-02-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

It's a well known fact that almost just as many people tune in Super Bowl weekend for the game as they do for the commercials. This weekend was no different. I am sure everyone has their favorites, mine being the Doritos commercial featuring that adorable and spunky little boy, but what was interesting was the theme that seemed prevalent. Manliness sure was on the minds of most advertisers this past Sunday. Yes I get it, men tend to enjoy football, enjoy Super Bowl weekend, and enjoy bonding with other males over beer, junk food and yes again football. But what about the effect those commercials had on the women who were watching. The ones who as the commercials make it seem tend to lay down the law in the house hold. And hello, advertisers, if this is the case, probably are the same ones who are ACTUALLY deciding what items will or will not be purchased.

Do you think these ads could have a negative effect for the companies?

Quality or Content?

2010-02-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

ManCrunch, no it's not a new cereal. It is actually a gay dating site that is center of brewing Super Bowl controversy. The commercial under scrutiny and the same one CBS rejected, showcases two men enjoying the football game, and each other. CBS sited the reason for the rejection of the commercial as low quality and the company's credit history. The 30-second commercial would run the company around $3 million dollars. So if they had the money, should they be able to run the ad?

While I will admit the quality of the commercial is not the best i've seen, it certainly isn't the worst. At first glance I thought CBS must be making a choice based on real core issues such as the ones stated. At second glance I began to question motives behind CBS's choice. It is interesting to note that not only is this advertisement for a gay dating site not being played, but what will be aired during the Super Bowl is a Pro Life commercial.

The Pro Life commercial will feature Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. While that commercial has yet to air, I think it will be interesting to compare the quality of both commercials and see what is really the underlying issue for CBS's choice.

The Missing Element

2010-02-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

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!

Miss America Who?

2010-01-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

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?

You might be wondering why I would asking you this on an advertising blog. But to me it is a great question that those creative minded people should try and tackle. In recent years the Miss America Organization has been shuffled from network to network. Trying to find a home and substantial ratings. While I believe part of the reason the ratings have fallen for Miss America is due to the fact that we bring our children up in a society that glorifies mistakes, tragedy, and bad behavior instead of appropriate role models, healthy choices, and selflessness. I also believe that a large part of ratings declining is the lack of publicity leading up to the event as well as Miss America's year long reign.

In 2006 it began to revamp its new image with a new home, Las Vegas. They also jumped the reality t.v bandwagon, which personally I feel was a huge mistake and am happy they have not continued on that path. But with TLC as its home for the last two years I have felt they have dropped the ball on advertising as well. Rarely have I seen advertisements for this weekends competition. Yes I did say THIS weekend. In order to increase ratings an effort must be taken on the networks part to increase awareness of the televised event and Miss America as a figure herself. Increase advertisements, increase appearances of Miss America with other networks, and get the word out there of all that she does.

So to me the question is not so much is it relevant anymore but are we willing to make it? We need to decide what kind of messages and role models we want to send out to other generations. And while many have their opinions on pageant girls, I challenge you to do some research and see just how much the Miss America Organization does, not only for those who compete, but for their communities in general. While I can not speak for every single contestant within the system I will say that it is a system I believe in and have seen change lives.

So the last question really is, what do you think should be done? What is the best strategy in saving a timeless organization. How do we revamp such an organization?

Social Media vs Traditional Media?

2010-01-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

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?

While more than 50% of all adults use some sort of social media (texting, blogging, Facebook, etc) a whopping 85% of 18-34 year olds say they use some sort of social media. And according to a recent survey conducted by Forrester Research, more than 50 percent of marketers are increasing their spending in social media. But do these statistics mean it should be one form versus the other? I really think if companies were smart they would see social media just as it is, a tool. Albeit it's a great tool, it's still a tool. It is not the whole tool box, merely a part something bigger. Advertising needs to be a well rounded effort to get your message out there most effectively. This includes a wide variety of forms of advertising. Advertising is complex and its important to find which tools will be most effective in getting your message out there. I believe heavily in social media, but I also believe its important to not put all your eggs in one basket.

So with Pepsi announcing its absence from this years Super Bowl in favor of a more social media based campaign it will be interesting to see how they fare. But I guess we will save that discussion for Wednesday.

Advertising that really jumps out at you

2010-01-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

"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?

Pepsi seemed to be the first to jump on board to the 3-D trend. During last years Super Bowl Pepsi debuted their SoBe Lifewater and Monsters vs Aliens 3-D commercial. But is this 3-D trend going to be in our everyday lives? The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas thinks so. CES claims the gadget to watch this year are the 3-D TVs. And with ESPN and Discovery announcing 3-D cable networks, these 3-D commercials could be here sooner than you think.

So after all my research I must say I am incredibly concerned. My main issue being, if I already had trouble fighting off cravings of Dominoes pizzas, 3-D is going to make this nearly impossible now. Great...

I'm with CoCo

2010-01-20T10:17:00.000-08:00

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.

Leno vs Conan

2010-01-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

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.

Everyday we are bombarded with news, gossip, video crazes. We can hear it on the radio, google search it, find a clip on youtube, find tweets and facebook statuses, get updates from your phone. We are virtually being overloaded with information. So when the end of the night comes and you are looking to wind down, you no longer want to go to Leno or O'brian for their commentary on todays events, at this point it is old news and usually overkill. And if you did happen to miss something on their show, you can just YouTube it.

So the real question that NBC as well as all of the other networks have to ask themselves is how do we get around the technological factor that could be ruining television advertising? While the older generation are most likely to always have a nice big t.v in their household, I know plenty of college students who opt not to pay for cable and just watch everything online. So perhaps NBC should take a better look at how they can really fix this issue. Leno has a bit of an older following and thus his show probably did look like it had more viewers. But is this truth, or just a skewed set of results that doesn't contain all of the factors?

I will say all of this has really made me interested in seeing what transpires in the next couple of days. As well as wanting to check up on what kind of jokes each will have on each other through it all. I guess only time will tell.

All Dressed Up With Nothing to Wear

2010-01-14T10:56:00.000-08:00

As an add on to yesterdays post I thought it would be interesting to discuss what is appropriate attire in the office setting. After reading multiple articles I have found plenty of contradictions to the black and white dress code of dressy suit and closed toed shoes. As a recent graduate just entering the professional world I can understand the dilemma of what or what not to wear. Here are some tips for dressing to impress in the 21st century.

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.

So those are just some of the do's and don'ts of the professional world. It is a very hard subject to tackle. There are so many categories of what you should or shouldn't do in the professional world. Try to keep things classy with a twist of flavor. You want to stand out but surely not in a bad way With so many once upon a time taboo items becoming common day, this is not an easy task. In the end the best way to fight any feelings of uncertainty is like always, research. While it may be a pain, in these tough economic times, it will pay off.

What Message Are You Sending?

2010-01-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

After meeting with a friend last week she almost exploded with the news that she had to show me a picture of a Barbie she saw. While I thought that was a bit odd since she is 24, I went with it. After seeing the picture she showed me it was no wonder she almost exploded.

The "Back to Basics" Barbie line, while for the most part is not overly shocking, there is one doll in the line who crosses the line. This corporate meets down on the corner Barbie, makes you wonder what kind of message are we promoting and to whom?

As those in the industry who are in charge of sending a message and making sure that our target market not only receives that message but that, that message is ingrained in them, I just have to ask what is our responsibility as advertisers? Should we lose our morals in order to make a buck? I know this has been a dilemma since the dawn of advertising, but it has really made me think.

Now don't get me wrong, while I know the proportions of Barbies are off kilter I don't think all Barbies are bad. I am that little girl who owned just about every Barbie thing imaginable, including the three story house equipped with working lights and elevator. And I was never compelled by the Barbie I played with that I should have her proportions. The clothes however were a different story. I wanted a beautiful red gown or pretty high heels just like Barbie. So now for me to see little girls take their half naked, corporate cleavage Barbie out of the box is appalling to me.

This isn't the first time that Barbie has found herself in the light of controversy and she also isn't the only one receiving flak. Dove's campaign to showcase just how much the media skews advertising images is a very powerful one combating the advertising message of "This is what beautiful looks like". So why not take a note from Dove and as advertising professionals take the responsibility of spreading the message that normal people are beautiful too, and live extraordinary lives.

Its never been so evident to me that our choices make a difference than by hearing my four year old family friend say "Well Barbie likes those clothes she's always smiling"

Who Says Money Can't Buy You Everything?

2010-01-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and of course don't forget the newest addition to Mount Rushmore's important figures- ABSOLUT VODKA! Well no I'm not really serious about ABSOLUT VODKA being carved into Mount Rushmore, but it has achieved a star on the walk of fame.

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!

I Love Money

2010-01-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

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.

While I'm sure this topic has been debated before, the topic was brought to me by an article a colleague had read by Bob Burg. In my opinion, Bob made a great argument for why someone would say that it is not possible to love money. But where I disagree with Bob is that while he believes it is impossible to love an idea, I believe it is possible.

Not only do I believe that it is possible to love the idea of money. I believe that is what the majority of people actually fall in love with, as opposed to the physical cold hard cash. How many times have you seen people who did everything in their power to become wealthy thinking that it would boost their social standing and thus their happiness? While I am sure some people are tickled pink that they have a nice new Corvette or a house that they could get lost in, I do believe a lot of it is rooted in the idea that being of a higher class will make you happy, and to achieve that higher class means more money.

As for Mr. Burgs philosophy that you can not be in love with an idea. I give him the argument of love itself. I know plenty of people who are actually in love with the idea of love. They are blind to the fact that the person they are in a relationship with is an egotistical, selfish, manipulative liar. They do however thrive on the idea that being with a person, any person, means that they are no longer alone. It perpetuates their idea that they will now be able to get married and live happily ever after, even if that won't be the case, the idea of it all is like a drug to them. They are in love with the idea of love.

So to me yes I guess it is possible to be in love with an idea and in this discussions case with money. The idea of money and what it may bring is what keeps people moving ahead day after day hoping to catch their big break, hoping to find the pot of gold, hoping for that lucky day when they can say "We're moving on up..."

Who's Yours?

2009-12-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

So don't be shy everyone has one... or least would like to have one. And while mine my never come true. In the spirit of New Years I will share mine with you. Mine is...... drum roll please... Brad Pitt. While I would like to think he would, I'm not sure if he would have the time. I of course am talking about designated drivers. What were you thinking?

Everyone loves to celebrate the New Year but I hope all of you will remember to do so responsibly. And incase I wasn't persuasive enough, and you feel it's not "cool", even the celebrities are doing it.

Happy New Years. See you in 2010.

Best of the Decade

2009-12-28T07:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over and soon it will be time to ring in a new year. But this New Years Eve marks the end of the first decade in the new millennium. There were some highs and yes some major lows in all aspects of advertising and media culture. I ran across in article in Advertising Age magazine naming their top ten favorite magazine covers. I thought it was interesting being that each year there are more than 7000 magazines printed in the US alone. Here are just some of the magazine covers that made it into the top ten.

Texas Monthly: January 2007

Rolling Stone: July 2008

New York: March 2008

The Economist: July 2006

The New Yorker: September 2001

And although Nat Ives from Ad Age did not put this last magazine cover in to his top ten best of the decade I felt it needed to be shown and definitely should have made the cut.

New York: March 2009

Christmas Confusion

2009-12-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

With all of the holiday cheer that is jammed into one month its no wonder that people can feel overwhelmed by commercials and songs dictating to us on what we should buy and how we should feel when it comes to the holiday season. Now don't get me wrong I do love Christmas and this time of year in general. But I do believe some companies use this "Christmas Spirit" we are suppose to hold as an excuse to shove their product down our throats. This is the reason I decided to post some of the most negative holiday commercials I've seen this holiday season. Aren't the holidays suppose to be about giving not receiving? Isn't Christmas about spending more on others because it makes you feel better? The commercials posted range from brattishness to frugal all the way to disturbing . This is not the message we should be sending this time of year. Stop the confusion. Christmas is a time of selflessness, lets not forget that.

Merry Christmas from 44 North!

GAP- Talk to the Moose
Explosive holiday cheer mixed in with children who are bratty and spoiled.

Target- Not There Yet
Letting someone you care about think that you have spent a lot of money on them because they mean a lot to you but realistically you are frugal and selfish. Holiday spirit?

Boost Mobile- Naught Mrs. Clause
Since when is adultery funny? This is not only disturbing but it makes me want to not purchase the product.

Best Holiday Commericials

2009-12-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas will be here in four short days. To get you in the Christmas spirit 44 North would like to share some great holiday commercials with you. Some of them are new and some of them are old but all bring in the Christmas spirit. Now sit back and take in some holiday spirit!

Merry Christmas!

Verizon: Misfit toys

Wii: Holiday

M&M's: Meeting with Santa

Coca Cola: Polar bear holiday series

Oreo: 1987 Santa

McDonald's: Runaway

Campbell's Soup: 1995 Winter

Social Media With a Bit of Holiday Sparkle

2009-12-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

This holiday retailers are jumping on the social media bandwagon. With Facebook topping 300 million users and Twitter climbing to over 13 million users in a little less than two years, it's no wonder that these retailers are beginning to invest so much time and money this holiday season into social media sites.

Retailers have used this season to not only persuade users to visit their site but to visit their store. Retailers have enticed users with promotional coupons, interactive games, gift finders, as well as fun holiday cheer. Not only are these sites fun and helpful but the are also charitable. Sites such as Toys 'R' Us and Sears are getting in the spirit by helping families in need of gifts this time of year. You can also make a wish to Santa as well as help the Make A Wish foundation at Macys.

So spread some holiday cheer, find a gift for a loved one, save some money doing it so you can buy one for yourself, and help others in need. Check out some of my favorite Facebook social media retailers to explore the festivities.

Best Buy

Hint Dropper: Have you been wanting that special something but that special someone is maybe not the most perceptive person? well Hint Dropper can you help your loved one finally get the hint!

Walmart

List Creator: Create that special list so that you get everything you want this holiday

Macy's

Santa's Post Office: Send a letter to Santa with the special Macy's holiday stationary. For each letter sent through Macy's will donate $1 to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Sears

Heroes At Home: Help to give a gift to military families this holiday season. Pick out items online or send gift cards online to families helping to serve and protect.

Cheer Factory: Send cheers and custom greeting to friends and family members all while receiving a nice promotional offer for doing so.

Happy Holidays from 44 Degrees North!

Tired of Snow and Cold Already?

2009-12-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

After waking up this morning to temperatures below zero I couldn't help but dream of somewhere tropical. While I do love the festivities of the holiday season, I could do without the cold temperatures. And just when I didn't think it was possible to have one without the other I ran across an ad campaign from Orange (a french telecom company) that made me want to call up a travel agent and leave Wisconsin for good.

Enjoy the snow... and if you can't, you can join Orange and I in dreaming...

"What if Christmas lasted all year?"

Orange Campaign Ads from Ads of the World

The Best a Man Can Get?

2009-12-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

Gillette may be in for some hard times as their three main spokesmen all have found themselves the center of media controversy in the last couple of months. Rodger Federer's embarrassing temper tantrum at the U.S. Open finals this past September could mark the beginning of the "Champions" downfall. Two months later an illegal hand-ball from Thierry Henry in the World Cup qualifying match would send fans over the edge. So much perhaps that Gillette decided to change an add featuring Thierry holding a soccer ball in the previous running Gillette ads, post hand-ball incident the advertisement is ball free. And if Gillette wasn't feeling enough pressure from their failing "Champions" Tiger Woods makes his good boy behavior go sour with a public display of adultery.

While it is probably safe to say that Tiger or the rest of the gang won't be getting the boot anytime soon, you have to wonder will there be consequences for Gillette? If anything this may work as just the opposite. People will still love these three men. These three men are and may always be the best their sport has to offer. So soon after the dust settles these tribulations may just be forgotten to the public and Gillette could perhaps use the events as leverage to gain a cheaper endorsement price. David Schwab, VP for the athlete representation for Octagon says, "For the entire celebrity area, when issues like this happen,brands and their legal counsel tighten a lot of legal language- termination, morals and yes, pricing"

Although we place these celebrities on pedestals we have to remember at the end of the day everyone is human and everyone makes mistakes. Hopefully these public human mistakes don't cost these men too much in financial or personal ways.

Where do design ideas come from?

2009-12-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

It seems as though an idea can come from out of no where. But if you look back far enough the idea was sparked from something. So what does make a good design idea pop out of no where. Here are a couple of thoughts...

A) Client input- its important that the designer not only keeps their style on the project but keeps in mind what the client is looking for

B) Brainstorming as a group- if two heads are better than one, well you may have hit a gold mine with a group

C) Other things we see in the market place- Sometimes a spark comes from improvement not invention

D) Things in nature- Seek beauty and inspiration from that which is around you

E) Research- Its important that your "creative" idea is one that was "borrowed" from another. Make sure your idea is truly YOUR idea