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The Vagina Billboard Dialogues: Controversy at the University of Cincinnati

The Ohio Egotist — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:43:47 +0000

Local

Twelve billboard-sized photographs of vaginas were placed outside McMicken Hall recently by the UC LGBTQ Alliance and UC Feminists, causing quite a bit of controversy.

The student groups say the "Re-Envisioning the Female Body" project is their way of countering an abortion protest that happened on campus last year.
The groups say The Genocide Project compared abortion and a woman's choice to the holocaust.
"We're using shock as a tactic to start conversation," said Kate Elliot, who helped organize the project.

Isn't Cincinnati used to stuff like this by now though? Larry Flynt grew his Hustler empire in the Queen City, the same town that went apeshit over a Robert Mapplethorpe exhibit in the early 1990s.

From NewsNet5

Diamond Cellar Kicks New Tires With Track Sponsorship

The Ohio Egotist — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:57:58 +0000

Local

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has wrapped up a major sponsorship deal that puts the Diamond Cellar among the auto-racing facility’s three largest corporate partners.
The Columbus-based jeweler has signed on as the title sponsor for Grand-AM Road Racing weekend at Mid-Ohio for the next two years. It also is the official jeweler for the Mid-Ohio race course and driving school in Lexington.

From Columbus Business First

Ohio State Creates New Logo Using MS Paint

The Ohio Egotist — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:14:39 +0000

Local

Did Ohio State fumble this logo re-brand attempt? Or does the fill-in script make the Buckeyes look more Urban (get it)? Eh whatever, it sells more jerseys.

How to Spend $275 Million in 48 Minutes: Three Super Bowl Ad Trends for 2013

joshhogan — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:54:20 +0000

Want to watch $275 Million get spent in 48 minutes? Just tune into CBS at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday to see one of America's greatest primetime displays of violence, debauchery and poor impulse control. And I'm not talking about the Super Bowl…

I'm talking about the Super Bowl ads.

In all seriousness, these days it's no surprise that independent research year after year continues to show that over half of U.S adult viewers plan to watch the Super Bowl as much, or more, for the ads than for the game itself. In fact, social listening measurement findings suggested that in 2012 64% of respondents said that half or more of their conversations online with respect to the Super Bowl were about the commercials themselves.

With the average investment of $4 Million on the line for a 30-second spot, it's no wonder why the CMOs of many of these advertisers are looking to squeeze their investment for every penny.

There are three standout trends that have continued to proliferate the Super Bowl ad space for the last several years (and by all accounts will continue even more in 2013).

01. Online Ad Preview and Teasers

Online Ad Previews and Teasers are becoming more of the norm. VW made the most famous splash last year with its Star Wars parodies that received over 56 Million hits after allwas said and done, largely in part to the pre-release of the spotson YouTube.

This year's early winner goes to the Kate Upton Mercedes spot, which in one week gained over 5 Million views (and counting).

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Humbling news as, by this author's account, this is one of the more ridiculously off-brand spots I've ever seen. Given the fact that the CLA won't even be available for the next 7 months, the brand needs lasting impression and awareness. Regardless of the substance, it's clear that Mercedes knows the value of online traction and will do whatever it takes, no matter how low-brow, to get an early lead among its rivals.

Regarding the idea of Super Bowl teasers, the concept is simple,but the debate still rages on about whether or not the big reveal should be saved for the big game. While we don't promote a "one size fits all" approach to advertising, and I'm sure there are errors to the rule, it's hard to argue with the facts. Mashable reports, "According to YouTube's research, ads that ran online before the Super Bowl last year got 9 Million views, on average. Those that waited? 1.3 Million." With, on average, three times as many views online over broadcast, many could argue that the real winner in all of this is actually YouTube.

02. Ads for Social Democracy

Ads by social democracy are becoming more common in 2013. While Doritos pioneered the concept with their user-generated ads in the past few years, this year we are seeing a greater variety of the concept. For instance, one of the biggest brands in the world, Budweiser, has finally launched a Twitter account in its name. The brand, which had a little more than 600 followers Monday morning, is using the account to promote its upcoming Super Bowl ad, which will feature a Clydesdale foal via their Twitter hashtag campaign. Pepsi is also using their site and Twitterto recruit some of their fans to strike a pose with their can before their half-time show.

But, the big pre-game winners in 2013 seem to be the "choose your own adventure" style ads from Audi and Coke. In what Audi says is a Super Bowl first, they recorded separate endings for their "Prom Night"commercial, and are compiling social votes where the audience chooses the ending. Coke created cokechase.comto tease their spots by highlighting three different sets of teams who are all racing to win a giant coke in the desert. The team with the most votes online will get their spot aired right after the game.

03. Second Screen

This year, more viewers than ever will be watching on a second screen. Now in real-time, technology allows brands to engage with the viewing public on their mobile phone or tablet during the event. For instance, Yahoo's Into_Now pioneered app technology that augments the second screen experience by using the unique audio digital signature in a television show topickup, and serve up, content directly related to that show. CBS estimates ad revenue alone from their second screen engagement to be between $10-$12 Million. Being able to interact with stats,player bios, team formations, highlights and social aspects is an essential part of any second screen approach for the sports enthusiast.

Regardless of all of the hype, a few certainties remain. The Super Bowl represents one of the highest risk: reward ratios in advertising. Because of this, marketers are getting smarter by using not only the right tools, but also the right content to get the consumer's attention. Disintermediation is taking effect and the consumer is finally starting to see large-scale control of and connection with their favorite brands. As our society gets more social and mobile, so does the advertising.

Needless to say, as an advertiser, I am thankful for the Super Bowl. If not for any other time during the year - the Super Bowl gives us an annual magnified window into the progress of advertising. With so much attention to the commercials, it almost makes me feel sorry for the guys on the field.

Almost.

Originally posted on the Rodgers Townsend blog.

NCAA Puts The Kibosh on Akron Men's Hoops Social Media Stunt

The Ohio Egotist — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 21:54:07 +0000

Local

Akron plans to make its big home game against Mid-American Conference rival Ohio on Saturday social media night at James A. Rhodes Arena, but NCAA rules prohibit the Zips from wearing the team’s Twitter handle on the backs of their jerseys. The school released a statement Monday about its promotion. The school says it asked the NCAA if it would be permissible for the players to wear jerseys with @ZipsMBB on the back. The NCAA said no.

Some of the less-worldly marketing and advertising people in Ohio seemed to think placing social media handles on athletic jerseys was some novel idea, but foreign soccer clubs and even minor league sports teams in the US have been doing this for years.

The Creative Confessional Blowin' Up The Interwebs

The Ohio Egotist — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 02:55:37 +0000

Local

I wonder if any folks from Ohio-based advertising agencies have submitted tidbits of spite to this deliciously insidious new BLOG

"Delineations" Art Exhibit in Columbus (Video Clip)

The Ohio Egotist — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:36:34 +0000

Local

Delineations is a current site-specific art exhibit featuring works from Brooklyn, New York artist Megan Mosholder. Curated by Amy Leibrand, the exhibit is running at The Ohio Art League Gallery in Columbus until the end of this week.

Check out the feature video on the exhibit HERE

Rocky Goes Chic as Bootmaker Markets to Women

The Ohio Egotist — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:11:56 +0000

Local

For a footwear and apparel company nestled in the rolling hills of Appalachian Ohio, one wouldn't think their female boots would be revered by Manhattan fashionistas.

But with a recent brand revitalization of the Durango line of boots, Rocky Brands was able to successfully tap into the women's shoe marketplace.

From the Columbus Dispatch

New Blog: SWINGSTATEOFMIND

The Ohio Egotist — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:35:44 +0000

Local

Swingstateofmind is a new Ohio-based blog curated by Columbus writer Wes Flexner. A longtime fixture in the Columbus music and arts scene, Flexner has been a trusted source for local trendspotting and talent discovery. If you like rap videos, graffiti and any kind of music news that can be backtracked to Ohio somehow, bookmark this blog.

Weird Ohio Billboard Of The Day: "Workplace Freedom Act Poisons Workers"

The Ohio Egotist — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 01:04:19 +0000

Local

Not a day goes by in Ohio without a poorly photoshopped billboard to witness. This billboard, along with several street kiosks -- appeared recently in Columbus.

Media Trackers Ohio

With its text flanked on both sides by skull-and-crossbones “POISON” symbols, the billboard stands as testament to one of the reasons Governor John Kasich and the Ohio General Assembly have expressed no interest in pursuing a workplace freedom law. Visible from SR 315 southbound between Ackerman Road and Lane Avenue, near the campus of The Ohio State University, the sign marks the latest in an already ruthless union campaign against letting Ohioans choose whether to pay a labor union.

This Lumber is Not From China

The Ohio Egotist — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:17:54 +0000

Local

A billboard near Indian Lake, Ohio for Ohio Building Lumber Supply has a peculiar advertising message. The billboard proudly claims that Ohio Building Lumber Supply does not carry lumber from China. So if you are 'Murrican and need wood, this is the place to go.

Greater Akron Chamber Develops Smartphone App

The Ohio Egotist — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:42:15 +0000

Local

The Greater Akron Chamber has launched a smartphone app dubbed Save Local Now, where members can offer deals and promote events to consumers. The mobile app, developed by a company in Chagrin Falls is being used by various chambers nationwide; each chamber localizes the app.

Chad Hamman, vice president of membership for the Greater Akron Chamber, said more than 100 members have signed up to use the app. The app can be downloaded for free from iTunes or the Android market.

Documentary Film Set in Columbus on Kickstarter

The Ohio Egotist — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:30:04 +0000

Local

Transfusión is a full length documentary filmset in Columbus, OH about food, life, immigration, and the exchange of culture in unexpected places. While the west side of the City (the Greater Hilltop Area) struggle to come to terms with how to handle the emergence of taco trucks, a black neighborhood on the East side (the King-Lincoln district) has invited a taco truck into one of the most impoverished areas of Columbus to help revitalize the community. For the City of Columbus the trucks are more than just about food, they're about immigration, race, community acceptance, and the exchange of life in the inner city.

Forbes Dishes Props to Dayton

The Ohio Egotist — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:58:20 +0000

Local

This is kind of surprising. Forbes actually had Dayton, Ohio ranked as #1 on a list of the "Happiest Cities to Work in Right Now."

Designers To Share Instagram Brunch Photos Over Brunch

The Ohio Egotist — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:39:54 +0000

Local

Am I assuming too much to think that brunch attendees at the Ohio Design Centre are above sharing photos of their own magnificent Sunday brunches? Am I using the word "brunch" to much? Is there another word for brunch? Find out this Friday morning (Jan. 11) in Cleveland

Fantastic New Tumblr Site: I'm From Ohio

The Ohio Egotist — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:18:47 +0000

Local

I'm From Ohio looks to be a fairly new Tumblr blog, but so far it really nails the cultural minutia of the Buckeye State. It's funny because it's true.

New Commercial for Sherwin-Williams iPad App Features Columbus Scenery

The Ohio Egotist — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 22:02:11 +0000

Local

ColorSnap Studio is a new iPad application from Sherwin-Williams that allows you to pull colorful inspiration from just about anything. This minute-long spot features some of the more recognizable Columbus landmarks and neighborhoods.

Victoria's Secret Pink + Ohio State University Gear = Sexy Football Time

The Ohio Egotist — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 21:19:50 +0000

Local

This makes perfect sense. Especially for gift-giving challenged men of Ohio who feel sheepish shopping in the delicates for their special lady. And for girls who want to support the Ohio State Buckeyes on the field and off it...during a Lazy Sunday on the couch or in the bed.

The Ohio State University and the Victoria's Secret Pink brand are teaming up in an apparel deal sure to fashionably engulf weekend morning lines at Panera Bread's across Ohio in the foreseeable future.

From The Ohio State University student newspaper, The Lantern

JobsOhio Launches New Marketing Campaign

The Ohio Egotist — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:20:33 +0000

Local

The state of Ohio's private economic development division -- JobsOhio -- has launched a new multimedia campaign called "Thrive in Ohio" designed to highlight Ohio as a hotbed for successful business ventures.

Print ads, online ads and a :30 second television commercial are in the media mix to promote the campaign. Here is a preview of the spot:

The school of life.

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:38:29 +0000

Yesterday a reader asked us "how do you get into advertising?", our knee jerk reaction was to ship them off to the nearest ad school for a year or so.

Then they told us more about their experiences to date and what a fascinating life they had lived. And as all of us forget from time to time, education is just a base foundation, life is what moulds you into an interesting creative person, ultimately making you more employable than the next guy or gal.

This trending video from Mondo Endruo below seemed an appropriate fit for this editorial.

Akron-Canton Airport Thrives With Keen Marketing Approach

The Ohio Egotist — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:01:30 +0000

Local

It's not the sexiest gig in the world, marketing a regional airport in a Midwest Rust Belt city. But despite the unglamorous location, the Akron-Canton Airport is growing its customer base through savvy social media techniques and an emphasis on relationship marketing.

First-time visitors may be surprised at the effort a regional airport would put into delighting its customers — for example, furnishing new guests with gift bags upon arrival, filled with handy items such as ChapStick, Purell and a personal note from McQueen — or offering complimentary Cinnabon coupons on customer appreciation days and free shirts on “T-shirt Tuesdays.”

The Smart Business article has an in-depth Q&A with Rick McQueen and Kristie VanAuken, who spearhead the airport marketing efforts and carry on the vision of the late Fred Krum to modernize the airport and better accommodate customers.

Fifty Years of "Fun" Business for Fahlgren Mortine

The Ohio Egotist — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 17:30:54 +0000

Local

Good article from the Columbus Dispatch today about advertising and PR firm Fahlgren Mortine.

Fahlgren Mortine has a large office in Columbus and is one of the biggest independent agencies in the country. Keeping it lighthearted and whimsical is an integral part of the company culture:

As Fahlgren Mortine celebrates 50 years in business, the firm is happy to credit its continuing cycle of pranks, events and festivals (including Squirrel Appreciation Day in January and Pie-Eating Day in June) for helping it endure and prosper.

The Most Poorly Photoshopped Ohio Political Billboard Yet

The Ohio Egotist — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:51:47 +0000

Local

Ohio's 13th Congressional District in the Northeast part of the state is in the midst of a hotly contested race between Democrat Tim Ryan and Republican Dr. Marisha Agana, a political spat complete with terribly cartoonish billboards.

Agana paid about $1,500 for a billboard featuring Ryan's head on the body of a dog, with prominent Democrats (including President Obama) holding leashes on Ryan's dog collar.

From Plunderbund

The Nerdery Launches The Nerd Drive: A Recruiting Campaign to Hire 100 Nerds in 100 Days

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:44:35 +0000

National

The Nerdery has its headquarters in Minnesota, where the unemployment rate is two percent below the national average — but the jobless rate is miniscule everywhere among skilled web professionals. Bottom line: The Nerdery needs more Nerds — and eventually, maybe all of them. For now, The Nerdery is rallying the community at-large to support its Nerd Drive to hire 100 Nerds in 100 days.

Anyone referring a nerd they know will earn $100 if their referral gets an interview — and their referral bonus grows to $500 after their nerd has worked 90 days for The Nerdery. Much like a PBS member drive, thank-you gifts for supporters will escalate in value. Anyone who simply refers a nerd will be sent an “I Love Nerds” pocket protector; they’ll be rewarded with a mug if their referral follows through and applies for a Nerdery job.

With offices in Minneapolis, Chicago and Kansas City, The Nerdery has made Inc. magazine’s list of fastest growing private companies in its first five years of eligibility, and has roughly doubled its staff and revenue almost every year since its founding by three programmers in 2003.

We do indeed love our Nerds locally, but this seems like a genuine opportunity for Nerd bliss — or at least for you to get some shiny swag out of referring a Nerd The Nerdy's way. Give it a look.

Ohio Advertising, Marketing and Design News

The Ohio Egotist — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:48:05 +0000

Local

Here is a roundup of recent tidbits regarding design, advertising, marketing and media from across the state of Ohio:

Columbus has the third-highest concentration of fashion designers in the country and is an industry leader for design, according to this article from The Columbus Dispatch.

TWIST Creative, a branding firm based in the Cleveland area, is trying to lead a creative renaissance in city. Check out the article from Freshwatercleveland.com

From the Toledofreepress.com, idea maven Jim Link will be the featured keynote speaker at The AdWORKS 2012 conference being held this week in Perrysburg.