Media Musings

Medium is the NEW large...well at Burger King anyway

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:51:00 +0000

I stopped in this morning for a little BK for breakfast....as I was waiting for my meal I was reading the menu board and noticed they'd changed some things on how they label their tots...Medium was the new Large.

It only caught my attention because the gentleman who took my order asked if I wanted a large tot with my large drink...I said yes...duh....but the sign listed it as medium.

A couple years ago we saw McDonald's and some other fast food chains go from 'biggie' and 'super-sized' back to large....well now large is too much.

What's funny is they're not changing the size of anything...just the name. I guess it's to make me feel better? Except...I WANT LARGE!

Neoti Sponsors Three Cars at the Indy 500 this year!

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:43:00 +0000

I can't tell you how exciting this is! We are FINALLY moving toward the direction we've wanted to go for a long time....NATIONALLY!

Check this out...written by yours truly....

Bluffton, IN – May 22, 2009. As racing fever spreads across the country with the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, Neoti is excited to announce their sponsorship of three cars competing this weekend for the trophy of what has been hailed “the greatest spectacle in racing.” Neoti will be sponsoring the #5, #8 & #15 cars all owned by KV Racing Technology.

Neoti's sponsorship in this world-wide event is the first major step the digital signage firm is taking in moving onto the national platform. “Products like the Nomad have received national attention and require a national presence,” said Justin Clupper, Marketing Director for Neoti.

When the opportunity presented itself to become a sponsor for the three cars, Neoti president Derek Myers was eager to sponsor since he is an avid racing fan. “I've always enjoyed everything about the Indianapolis 500 and with so much business being done at the race, I knew it was a great opportunity for us to bring Neoti into the national spotlight,” said Myers.

As part of the agreement, KV Racing Technology has the opportunity to bring more focus to some of their sponsors with advertising space on two of the three Nomads located at the event. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our existing sponsors,” said Brendan McManus Commercial Director for KV Racing Technology. “This program allows us to give added value to sponsors through on-site advertising in close proximity to the Speedway which will reach hundreds of thousands of race fans.”

KV Racing Technology owns three Indy Racing League cars including the #5 KV Racing Technology car driven by Mario Moraes; the #15 GEICO car driven by Paul Tracy; and the #8 Herbalife car driven by Townsend Bell.

About Neoti, LLC Neoti is Indiana's largest community-oriented digital signage firm with community networks located throughout Indiana and Ohio providing local advertising for both businesses and community organizations. Neoti's mobile signage division, reach!, brings both static and digital signage to the world with products like the Nomad, a 9'x12' mobile LED, and reach! blimps, 31' rc-controlled blimps that take your message above the crowd. Neoti was established in 2006 and is headquartered in Bluffton, Indiana with a satellite office in Indianapolis.

About KV Racing Technology KV Racing Technology was established in 2003. The Indianapolis-based team is contesting its seventh open-wheel season and second in the IndyCar Series in 2009. KVRT is owned by successful venture capitalist Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 Series Champion, Jimmy Vasser. Veteran motorsports manager Mark Johnson is the team's General Manager. KVRT has earned two victories the first by Cristiano da Matta in Portland in 2005 and the second by Will Power in Long Beach in 2008. They have captured two poles, Tristan Gommendy at Mont Tremblant in 2007 and Vasser at Milwaukee in 2005 (Will Power captured the pole at the 2008 Surfers Paradise, Australia exhibition race).

Hey! I need you.

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:17:00 +0000

Saturday is the national Great Strides Walk weekend and I'm participating...not because I have to, but because I want to. But, I need your help.

The Great Strides Walk is one of the major fund resources towards research and a cure for Cystic Fibrosis - a disease that is destroying more than 30,000 lives just in the US. It's a genetic disease that has been seen by the pharmaceutical companies as a 'non-profit-generating disease' and so they do not fund research. I do. You do. All through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

I need your help. I set a goal for myself to raise $500 for this cause, I'm more than 60% of the way there, but I still need you.

Will you consider eating at home this weekend and taking that $20 or $50 and sending it to the Foundation? Think about it, If we all gave up just one night out on the town, we could have a cure in the next few years!

The Foundation has funded every major drug that is moving through testing right now. In the last ten years they have taken the average life expectancy from 18 to 37! WE'RE ALMOST THERE!

I know times are hard right now, but imagine for a moment if you were the parent of a CF kid and on top of all of the financial hardships you're experiencing, your child's life-saving medicine is still the same price it was last summer.

Can you help? Go to http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/JustinClupper to give. Even $5...it makes the difference.

The Digital Signage Show and my reactions

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:43:00 +0000

I'm sitting in the Las Vegas airport at the moment waiting for my 6:15am flight....WHO THOUGHT THIS TIME WAS OK?! (oh yea...me....suck)

Anyway, I wanted to take some time to reflect on The Digital Signage Show that took place this week. In all, it was a class-act conference with the right people in front of the right people.

I spent some time talking to our friends at Blue Pony (a content developer in Fort Wayne) over the last couple days and collected their thoughts as well as from several other friends at the show. They agreed that while it is smaller than the Digital Signage Expo, it's more intimate, and they liked that.

My co-worker and I commented on how the exhibitors weren't very 'in your face', they kept to their booth and were not forceful at all. Brooke at Blue Pony made a good point by reminding us that they don't need to be 'in your face' because the amount of exhibitors allowed for everyone to spend some time at each booth.

The sessions were nicely attended, again smaller, but they covered several topics that should always be at the top of our minds. Covering things like Ad-based networks, measurement and the ever-popular 'How do I get in front of the big companies and on their budget'...

Good times were had by all, I feel, I had the opportunity to meet new faces that I had only ever read and twittered with...it's always a plus to continue to build those relationships. Nate over at digitalsignage.com even asked me to post every once in awhile over there, thanks Nate!

And of course, I was able to meet Lisa at Digital Signage Forum when I received my award for Best Newcomer. I saw Keith Kelsen again from MediaTile and met Jill Miller from The Digital Signage/Group -- a great honor to receive such an award with them.

Alright, well, I'm tired, my feet hurt, my bum is numb and I'm tired....so I'm signing off...

Whitespace....or really cheap graphics?

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:58:00 +0000

I made my regular trek to Indianapolis last night from Fort Wayne down I-69 and took some time to watch billboards and see what was filled....and what wasn't. I've been doing this for awhile, and it's disappointing to see more and more white space show up on these boards. There was one stretch (nearly a mile) where I saw maybe one paid billboard ad.

I spoke of this once before, how billboards seem to be drying up in the Interstate areas....my co-worker (who came from six years at Clear Channel Outdoor) spent our drive this morning to the Indy airport looking at every single billboard....it was interesting to hear how many billboards (with all the companies) were empty, but had filler that made them look filled.

I guess I bring this up in light of a few other posts that have come up in the last week or two....talking about the future of CCO and other billboard divisions of companies. All of them are hurting, everyone's hurting...well except for the affordable advertising options. ;)

We have to stay ahead of the game, network operators need to offer as much to the advertiser as possible. It may come to a point where the company that just owns a network isn't good enough, you need to give your advertiser options.

And billboard companies aren't doing it...and I don't think they will.

Just thoughts from a guy running on 3 hours of sleep sitting at an airport waiting for a 3 hour flight to Vegas.

KFC's crappy ploy...

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:23:00 +0000

So if you tried KFC's new 'grilled chicken' with their 'free piece' and were greatly disappointed...welcome to the club. All you were given was a little itty bitty piece of a wing....barely any meat and NO GRILL MARKS.

Well....apparently if you suck as much as KFC right now you resort to a woman who's weight has fluctuated more than Indiana's weather. Oprah is endorsing the new 'grilled' chicken by working with KFC to give away two-piece meal coupons!*

How sad is it that your product launch sucked so bad that you have to now give away a WHOLE MEAL. Really REALLY?! That should tell something to the marketing people....it's NOT A GOOD IDEA! When you have to give it away....wow.

Just like Quizno's "Tasty Torpedo's" this may be the third email I've received since the product was launched that gives me a 'buy one get one free'. REALLY?! (Guess what...those aren't that great either...Subway...still better...)

*The manager gets to pick the two pieces...I'll bet you get two wings! Oh and You can't use it on Mother's Day...sorry Mom

I need your help...

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:16:00 +0000

Can you live without ten dollars today?

On May 16th I'm walking in the Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis. It's a disease that impacts more than 30,000 Americans. And it's a disease pharmecutical companies aren't willing to fund research for. Because CF impacts, what they consider, a 'low amount of the population' they do not see dollar signs with these patients. They refuse to support any research, instead, we need people like you.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the major funding source for all CF research. I spent some time this week at the state office and can confirm they are getting less than ten cents for every dollar raised to fund the foundation. 90% of all money raised goes to the research - this number is unheard of in similar non-profit organizations.

I know that times are tough right now, but consider how much harder it is for the family with a CF child. Every cough, every sniffle often sends the family to the emergency room worried that this could be their last breath. The research that has been funded by people like you has taken the life expectancy of a CF patient from 18 to 37 in the last ten years. There are new drugs that are being tested now that could cure parts of this horrid disease.

Will you be a part of the story? Take a breath, see how easy that was. It's not that easy for many CF patients. Now, look in your wallet, or look at your bank statement, can you live without ten dollars today? If you can, please, support this cause by going to this website and making a donation. On it, I tell you part of the story of why I am doing this and why it is important to me.

If you don't feel comfortable with online giving, you can make a check out to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and send it to my office at 124 Oak Forest Dr, Bluffton, IN 46714. I will make sure it is forwarded to the CFF office.

Thank you for whatever you can give, with your help we'll make CF stand for Cure Found.

The Digital Signage Show

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:34:00 +0000

Wednesday starts the Digital Signage Show and I've been interested in this expo for awhile. I've been talking to one of the coordinators for the past six or eight months now and I'm intrigued by what they may have to offer.

At one time, we (neoti) were looking at the possibility of having a booth, but I decided I wanted to check out the scene first. I'll be sure to give some updates as I roam the expo floor, should be good. I didn't make it out to DSE this year and I'm looking forward to being around more like-minded industry peeps.

Until then...

Miller Lite's new ad

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:27:00 +0000

I was going through my reader today and came across this little gem from Hoosier Beer Geek

"Unless you've been living under a rock, there's a good chance you've been subject to Miller Lite's newest ad campaign, in which they state that Miller Lite is "triple hops brewed". While the statement is true, it doesn't mean much, and might be a little misleading.

Imagine you're baking up a batch of cookies for sale to the public. You'd like to say you make a quality chocolate chip cookie, but you've only got 3 chocolate chips per cookie. You're starting an ad campaign for your cookies, in which you'd like to differentiate your brand. Your marketing team comes back with the follow options:

1) Don't mention the chocolate chips, and don't try to sell your cookies as chocolate chip cookies. Sell your cookies as a good time with attractive women. This has worked for you in the past, but not well enough to gain the sort of market share you'd like to have.

2) Mention the chocolate chips, but also mention the flour and eggs used in the making of your cookies. Don't mention that everyone uses these ingredients. Also don't mention that in 1982, the Center for Science in the Public Interest reported that your cookies contained propylene glycol alginate (a seaweed extract), water, barley malt, corn syrup, chemically modified hops extracts, yeast, amyloglucosidase, carbon dioxide, papain enzyme, liquid sugar, potassium metabisulfite, and Emka malt (a food coloring). I'm still taking about cookies.

3) Mention that you added chocolate chips to the cookies THREE TIMES. Which you did, technically. You might even say your cookies are "TRIPLE CHIPS BAKED".

So, cookie salesperson, which campaign would you prefer your brand run with?"

This was GREAT! I love beer and love advertising and felt the need to share with you...

But the greater question that needs to stem from this amusement is whether or not you're doing the same with your brand or brands? How often do you spin a number or two to fit what you are talking about? How many times have you said you offer this, when really you offer that, which is something that could become this. (are you confused yet?)

The truth is, there must be a level of ethics coming back to the marketing stage. I struggle with it just like everyone else. We want our product to appear to be the best, after all we feel like it is, so it must be!

If your product is good enough, it should be able to sell itself right?

Neoti Launches Nomad - our new Mobile Digital Signage!

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Today, Neoti launched NOMAD. It's a 9'x12' mobile LED that rises up out of a trailer and can be placed nearly anywhere, and play anything!

Neoti will have three and is taking them all over the country!

Here is the official release:

Bluffton, IN – April 13, 2009. Today, Neoti introduced Northeast Indiana to it's latest product, Nomad. Nomad is a 9 foot by 12 foot mobile LED screen that raises up 8 feet in the air and is housed and transported in a 20 foot trailer. The Nomad, powered by Neoti, can be taken nearly anywhere and is able to broadcast any type of signal from static images to live video 'crowd cams' at sporting events. Nomad runs on its own diesel powered generator for up to 28 hours.

Neoti owns three Nomads and uses them primarily for major festivals and high-traffic events such as the Three Rivers Festival and the Indianapolis 500. Festivals are encouraged to rent Nomad to highlight their event schedule and key sponsors. Neoti will also rent the Nomads to area businesses for daily rental.

“Nomad is our latest commitment to providing high-quality, low-cost community oriented advertising to our region,” says Matt Murray, Director of Sales. “We're really excited about our partnership this year with the Three Rivers Festival and being able to provide use of the Nomad.”

Neoti is introducing Nomad to the Fort Wayne market in a roaming campaign this week. The Nomad contains a similar level of community commitment providing free advertising for the Red Cross, March of Dimes and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The roaming campaign schedule is as follows:

Monday - Moe's Southwest Grill on Jefferson Blvd
Tuesday - Northeast Indiana Red Cross office on Coliseum Blvd
Wednesday - Connolly's Do It Best on Dupont Rd
Thursday - King Gyros downtown on Jefferson Blvd

The Nomad has already received nationwide recognition and has been booked for events around the country.

Brand Monkeys

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:33:00 +0000

This philosophy grew out of something a college professor talked about multiple times in different classes. The idea was that each student, each staff member, each faculty, each administrator all of us were little PR-engines that carried the image of the university with us wherever we went.

The professors that were presenting at conferences or publishing papers demonstrated that it was an institution full of academic fervor. The students that participated around the community and around the world in missions activities demonstrated that it was also about serving God by serving others. The administrators demonstrated that it is a sound business investment for philanthropists around the world.

Honestly, the PR office of at that school really didn't manage the brand of the university at all! The brand-monkeys did. The students, faculty, staff and administrators carried the image of Taylor University with them wherever they went. It's not the snazzy stuff that the school sends out that attracts new visitors...its everything else.

So how does this equate to a business today? Every employee, from the janitor to the president from the administrative assistant to the chairman of the board...all of them carry the brand of the company on their backs.

Earlier I wrote about my thoughts on hiring interns and how they should clean up their online image. I wrote that as a precursor to this post, that when I hire an intern, they are a brand-monkey. And not just while they work for Neoti, but when they go back to their schools or move on to different jobs they still carry the ability to tear down or lift up the brand of Neoti. THAT is why I seek out who they are.

I can do everything in the world to develop a strong image of who Neoti is. The truth is, as more and more marketing becomes viral the less and less control we have over the mechanics of our brand.

Instead, we have to invest in PEOPLE.*

We invest in our customer service representatives who interact with customers on a daily basis, we invest in our custodians who, if they're happy, will keep the company's interior and exterior shining like new. As we build our brands, we have to realize that it is people that make the difference.

Everyone who works with Neoti is a brand-monkey, honestly you could go so far as to say clients carry a brand-monkey patch on their sleeve. After all, media buyers talk to other media buyers, business owners talk to other business owners...never leave one out in the cold. Chances are you left two or three or even more.

*I should note that I am not suggesting only investing your people, only that we need to invest more.

Tips to college students wanting a summer job...

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:46:00 +0000

I now accept all internship applications and coordinate our efforts to grow that part of the company. And I've taken in about 40 applications and a few have interested me enough to seek them out online.

Now, some might argue this isn't totally kosher. A friend who is a recruiting specialist feels that it's not ethical to seek out this information, I disagree. I believe everything you put online, you put online for the world to see. Resumes are no longer just sheets of paper, but they are your facebook, your twitter, blogs etc. Social media has opened up the hiring process to really find out who you are.

Sure, people may worry about discrimination and such, but the truth is as a hiring professional, I am looking for people who not only can do the job they're hired for, but someone who will fit into the company's environment, who will offer a great deal to the company and who I trust with being one of my little brand-monkeys. (Yea, anyone that works for the company is a brand-monkey...they are your brand so make sure they're good....a post on that later).

So on to the tips!

- Change your profile pictures. Employers don't want to see your latest binge drinking weekend with your frat buddies. We don't want to know that you are not quite 21 and drinking...we don't want to see you grinding up with a member of the opposite sex. That's not appealing to us. Put something up you would be happy to show your grandma or your priest.

- Clean up your 'About Me'. You can't modify what your friends say on your wall, but you can modify what you say about yourself. In the off-chance the employer can see your full profile (which should really be protected) you need to rework your profile to be good. Nothing profane, nothing that would make grandma shriek into the night.

- Other pictures. Maybe you should un-tag yourself from pictures that may not be the most flattering. Maybe that picture of you partying on spring break should be taken down for a little bit. I'm not saying get rid of it...but don't connect it with you.

- Spelling. Finally...the things that you choose to leave up...make sure you spell them correctly. I will already assume you can use text speak...show me you know how to use the English language. Oh, and its Sophomore, not sophmore, not Soft more, and definitely not south more.

I'm finished with my rant. Next, we'll talk about brand-monkeys...stay tuned.

some high-flyin advertising!

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:17:00 +0000

Have you heard of this company JetAngel? I hadn't either, someone recently directed me to their website because of my interest in advertising.
As far as I can tell, they have travelling aviation museums designed for both children and adults and they sell advertising space throughout the museums - even on the backs of the employees.

In their vision section they write:

"Create a Mobile Aviation Museum offering an experience completely different from any traditional museum. Advertisers and sponsors will become nationally known providers of free Aviation Fun Days for hospital kids (in the Jets4Kids program) or the supporters of aviation history and the promoters of American pride and patriotism (in the FighterMedia program). Both are clear win-win situations: getting the best in public relations by providing excitement while introducing or solidifying their product and/or service awareness."

Oh and at the bottom of the page they write this, which makes no sense to me...

"Turning American air superiority, our swords and spears, into an innovative way to advertise, while providing enjoyable experience for children of all ages as it says in Isaiah 2:4: "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks."

Overall, I think it's a great program. The 'Jets4Kids' program going to hospitals for kids is a great idea. I appreciate that and am thankful for them doing that...but to be honest...I don't know that I would see this as a great advertising medium. Not sure how much the ROI would be for this...

It's very creative, I give them that!

Sci-Fi get's renamed SyFy

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Hey did you hear NBC Universal has re-branded the Sci-Fi network...to SyFy. wow.

In other news, Spike will change it's name to Spyke, NBC Universal-owned USA will change to America's Channel, and TLC to the 2nd HGTV.

Oh and my name will now be Jason.

My co-worker made one remark about all of this...."You gotta wonder how much money the guy makes who made this decision"

Another report showing newspapers suck

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:55:00 +0000

I don't know about anyone else, but my Ad Age, I swear, comes a different day each week...so who knows how old this news is, but hey...it's new to me.

Page 4 has a listing of the top 25 newspapers in the US and their readership between 1990 and 2008. Five papers have an increase in readership....Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, Houston Chronicle and the Arizona Republic. The rest average 31.47% decline...with some papers losing as much as 50% and 60% of their readership.

So what is going on with the paper? Ad Age discusses the 'Sunday Focus' which is basically the understanding that more and more people are just getting the Sunday paper...it has the most deals, the most 'guck' as my parents put it, the most info. Everything is moving to the Sunday paper...

I don't subscribe to a paper, if I want a paper, I'll go out Sunday morning and buy one. And I'm not getting it for the news, I go online for that. I can get it a lot faster! I buy it for coupons, and 'extras' like reviews from people I know and trust. But that's it.

Sure the newspaper industry is trying to move online, and that is helping a lot - I think. Nationally, I think we'll see a real funnel down to only a couple news sources, because it will be where everyone goes. Locally...the info isn't in the newspapers. It's in blogs.

Two communities near me have bloggers who are going out and writing their own news.

Jennifer Zartman-Romano used to work (maybe she still does, not sure...never met her just read the blog) for the local paper. She now hosts 'Talk of the Town' - a blog for Columbia City, Indiana. She reports news, takes pictures does everything. She even has people helping her! It's a great tool and even older folks are chiming in - my grandpa is a regular reader.

Seth Anderson over at HuntingtonDaily.com is starting his own news blog. It's neat to watch both blogs grow and see where they lead.

It is in sites like these that the real news will begin to come out. It's faster, cheaper and interactive. Something that newspaper business has never had. Kudos to Jennifer and Seth, thank you for doing what you do and for working to keep the local news fresh for all of us!

Ask.com is taking over your TV!!!

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:41:00 +0000

They have been doing it for awhile, but this is the first weekend I've been home and watched TV and therefore noticed.

Ask.com has started buying space during movies and tv shows...not commercials...instead they're taking up the small space in the lower fifth of the screen and asking questions pertaining to the movie, show or scene. The intent of the ad is to send people straight to ask.com to find the answer to said question. Sometimes, they'll list the answer, but normally not.

It's a unique idea, when I heard about it a month or two ago, I was skeptical, but having seen it, I don't believe it is very intrusive. People can't DVR through it...unless they want to skip their program.

I've had local advertisers tell me they do similar ploys to stay visible for the DVR watcher. One keeps their logo visible during the evening news as a part of the ticker, another is always a bumper to the news....almost becoming a part of the news itself.

Personally...I think they should be advertising on a digital medium that doesn't allow for DVR...*cough*digital signage*cough*...oh did I say that? hmm....

On a different note, I recently found out that my cousin's husband who has been fighting in Iraq for the last several months has been reading my blog. It meant a lot to know he is and that he's enjoying it. Jordan, know I'm praying for you and everyone over there. Thank you for everything you are doing.

Readers, I invite you to send a kind word as well via the comments of this post.

Jordan...this post is for you!

Is Facebook Killing the Conversation?

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:12:00 +0000

I visited with some friends over the weekend and went to tell them about the happenings of my life, but they already knew about it. I'd been excited at the time and tweeted it, which in turn, placed it on Facebook. So what did I have to talk about? After all, much of their news, I'd read on Facebook.

Thus the question...Is Facebook Killing the Conversation?

Or is it creating it...by forcing us to bring more to the table?

Maybe Facebook has simply removed (not killed) the small-talk of life. Maybe this is forcing us to do what we should have always done with our relationships, delve deeper into what really matters. Stop talking so much about what is going on on the outside of our lives, and what is happening inside.

Facebook isn't killing the conversation, it's removing small talk from our close friends. It's something that should have been taken care of a long time ago.

thoughts?

Life without advertising

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:38:00 +0000

What would life be like without advertising? Think about it, what if you never saw a billboard, or a commercial...nothing...

How would you discover what is new? What if we became a society that could only rely on word-of-mouth. Would your product survive?

Would your company?

Would you?

Advertising has become expected in our society, and yet, we're continually seeking out new ways to bypass it. DVR, Satellite Radio, Ad Blockers online, etc. But we still do it. The funniest part is when and advertising executive uses his DVR to skip a client's commercial. You know it happens, because at the end of the day...you're just tired of it.

So what do you do?

You think outside the box. Create advertising that is no longer advertising, but a story. Create campaigns that drive people to other pieces so they can continue the story. After all...when you think about it...how often do you hear a story behind word-of-mouth?

Just my thoughts...

I'll be better...

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:17:00 +0000

It seems like I've been apologizing a lot lately on here about not blogging as much as I used to...I'm now building it into my daily routine to see if that works...but we'll see.

The truth is, I haven't forgotten about you...See I was named Newcomer of the Year and as such, I've been traveling the country opening grocery stores, kissing hands and shaking babies in the name of our industry. I've been touring with the new Miss America - who is from Indiana and highly attractive.

So what have I learned in my travels? The economy sucks. But you really didn't need me to tell you that did you.

Still, companies are finding new ways to stay innovative and ahead of the competition. The truth is I haven't been on here as much because we've got a lot of things happening at Neoti right now and I am waiting for the right time to tell you all about it. Lets just say it's big...

In other news...I'm guest lecturing to two classes on Monday at my Alma mater - Taylor University. (And now because I've written that eight of their PR people are reading this post...Hi Jim! I love google alerts...) The lectures will focus around the impact social media is having on PR today and the tools available to the savvy user.

If you have any thoughts that you think I should remind them of...feel free to post them here!

In digital signage news the Digital Signage Expo announced it was down in numbers this year (which is to be expected) but up in exhibitors...really?! wow. I didn't make it, wanted to, but I have enough happening at Neoti right now, I don't need to get sidetracked. Kudos to the DSE folks! I'm sorry I didn't get to see everyone, but hopefully you will be attending the Digital Signage Show in May...I'll be there...accepting my award and opening more grocery stores....actually I think I've been booked to do a stage show as well.

Well that's all from me...see you soon!

Schools can't get money from anyone else...so why not sell advertising!

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:11:00 +0000

Bill Gerba over at Wirespring pointed me to an article this morning on twitter. (which if you're not following me...why not? I want to follow you! Let's learn from each other and be happy friends.)

Rhode Island is looking for more ways to raise funds for schools...one politician's idea is to follow the example of a few other states and sell advertising on the side of buses. BRANDWEEK has a full article about the situation and has the politician, Al Gemma, as saying “I don’t expect Playboy centerfold ads,” he said. “I mean discreet ads for philanthropists, stuff that’s appropriate for school buses.”

Makes sense...save the taxpayers some money...oh wait...no they'll continue to take from taxpayers (as they should...we need to fund the education of our kids)...this may mean more funding for programs like the arts. (which sadly tend to be the first programs to be cut)

The article goes on to talk about a company, Media Advertising in Motion, that has raised over $3 million for school districts in Arizona and Colorado.

Honestly, if my state legislature proposed this idea, I would support it. We're obviously not getting more funds from the Fed and not from the State of Indiana...so we need to find our own money. Districts who have had success doing this report bringing in an extra $2,000/bus/month. They've been doing it on public transportation for a long time, school buses could be considered another form of public transportation...

Who knows, maybe one day the districts in Indiana will ask me about putting small screens in each of the seats...sell advertising and play Nickelodeon. Hey, it could happen!

The Digital Billboard...a worthwhile expense at the moment?

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:25:00 +0000

My apologies for not blogging the last few days, I made an emergency trip to visit a friend in the hospital.

The trip is actually what spurred this post about digital billboards.

Are they worthwhile right now? I can't believe how many billboards I see empty right now, think about it the next time you drive down the interstate, how many have been replaced with phone numbers to call...or have ads that are from August. Driving back and forth from Chicago this weekend made me realize how different areas are being impacted by the lack of advertising. (I know this is a little 180-ish compared to another recent post, but I'll give my reasons)

I've been keeping track of the amount of advertising being done in a local trade paper, and it's gone down quite a bit. As has the thickness of the paper itself. It's hurting.

I've seen billboards that have always been full, in great locations...that are now empty.

Chicago, along the Ryan Expressway I was stupefied that there were empty spots...I bet there were close to 10. I know everyone is saying that digital signage is going to boom this year...and I agree. But when you are a Burkhart, or Lamar or whomever...you have to be asking yourself. Is it so worth it at the moment to make this large of an investment to switch a board to a screen?

You have two schools of thought right now, tighten your belts and buckle down, or strategically let loose. I'm one to do the latter...the key word is strategically.

A billboard company will be able to make their change, but they must do it strategically...and not go crazy.

Thank You

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:49:00 +0000

I debated how I would write this post. See, I woke up this morning with an email from Lisa Jachimowicz, President of the Digital Signage Forum, and to my complete surprise, found that I have received the Digital Signage Newcomer of the Year Award.

I am both honored and humbled by this award, because this industry has so many wonderful people who pour their heart and soul into it. It is a real privilege to stand next to Keith Kelsen and Jill Miller who won the Man and Woman of the Year awards.

Thank you to all of my readers, while I haven't always said the most popular things, I have said what I believe. They are my musings.

So, I dedicate this award to you, my readers. Thank you.

How to sell a car today

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:50:00 +0000

Radio is probably one of the biggest winners for auto advertising (at least it is in my market)...but that's beside the point...I've been noticing recently a lot of different tactics to get people in the door to sell them a car.

Thus far I've heard (and my commentary):

We'll pay half your payments for the first six months - ok, not a bad offer. Something I could expect to come from a car dealer. Nothing really weird about it...

We'll give you a small pathetic car for free when you buy a big expensive POS - really? You're going to do a Buy One Get One Free deal? REALLY?! Are you that well off in those crap cars? Or do you just want to get them off your lot?

We'll give you 0% interest - Good deal. Nothing weird...except the way they butchered that song.

If you lose your job, we'll take the car back no questions - I've got a better idea...you give me a job and I'll keep the car!

We'll give you the recession discount - you don't pay for your car until the recession is over (up to one year) - Wow. So how much extra in interest am I going to pay after not keeping up on payments after a year? Three times the amount the car is worth? Really?! Well, here's my kidney, take that too and see what you can get for it.

Makes me want to buy a car! I'm still waiting to see coupons come through in the Sunday Paper.

AdAge's analysis of a new FCC Chairman

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:42:00 +0000

A new Obama regime brings changes to all levels of government including the FCC. Those who read this on a regular basis know my past and my passion for radio and, therefore, I have an interest in the FCC and their control of communications in general.

Ad Age's weekly print arrived earlier this week and it's been such a busy week I'm finally sitting down to read it!

What to expect from FCC under new Obama Chair

For better or for worse, the Federal Communications Commission has been defined of late by public-decency battles, from Janet Jackson's Super Bowl nipple slip to Bono's F bomb at the Golden Globes to an underage sex party on CBS's "NCIS." It was also in the news for its 18-month review of the merger of two failing satellite-radio companies.

Now, outgoing Republican chairman Kevin Martin is headed to the Aspen Institute, and Julius Genachowski, a close friend of President-elect Barack Obama, is expected to take the helm.
(Read On)

The article is a pretty good analysis of the difference between a republican-led and a democrat-led FCC...little less strict on decency rules, more open to net-neutrality etc. etc. I'll be honest I like some of what Genachowski has said in his 'Obama Reports', but I don't agree with being less-strict on indecency, I like cable companies having 'packages' (article believes Gena would probably nix the packages rule and push for more usage of the v-chip).

Overall, I think we're ready for change in a lot of different areas, and the FCC is one of them. Kudos to Gena (I don't feel like trying to spell his whole name) I hope you do well!

I'll punch you in the face

justinclupper@gmail.com (Justin Clupper) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:18:00 +0000

I found Brad Ruggles and his blog this week and wanted to post a comic he had posted...

This is just great! This is something that advertisers and marketing gurus need to hear more often. Stop looking at me like a buying body and look at me like a person. Advertising shouldn't be about selling something or someone...it should be about letting them feel comfortable with the product allowing them to make their own decision to buy.