New Marketing News On Marktd

Community Radio That Solves Problems

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:00:04 -0700

The big city paradox: the denser the population, the more isolated you feel. This was the case even in hospitality-renowned Thailand’s big city, Bangkok. Then RDCK (Ruam Duay Chuay Kan or “Come Together to Help Each Other”), a community FM station, went on the air and brought everyone a little bit closer together. In its latest [...]

Crazy Days Ahead

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:43 -0700

Hey guys/gals,

Crazy day today, but will have more for you later this afternoon so please stand by.

If you want something funny, check out the post about Alex Bogusky's Brand Morning Timeline. It's two posts below this, so that link probably wansn't necessary.

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

CE Iniatives For Internal Use Only

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:38 -0700

We recently published a post about some new things the kids at Campbell-Ewald are apparently doing to give back to the community. The original article with accompanying video can be found here.

But Jeff Scott gave us the down low (read: info, not snarky blogger).

Here's what Mr. Scott had to say about the situation.

"A bit of confusion here, I think. The video was meant to let staff and prospective staff know about the agency?s internal initiatives to give back to the community. So, in answer to your question about how to get involved...become a Campbell-Ewald employee! Or, do your own good works your own good way, and keep on covering us so well."

So there you have it. I'd recommend heading to a local animal shelter to walk a dog if you want to give back — no amount of community service can erase the sins of advertising.

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

Strawberry Frog Cuts 7 Jrs, Picks Up 3 Srs

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:32 -0700

Happy Monday all, Strawberry Frog joins the list of agencies to layoff a few, but not in the same way others have.

Our investigation started with a tip that SF laid off "25 percent" of its New York staff, and the CFO quit. A quick e-mail to agency Founder and CEO Scott Goodson revealed that seven "junior" staff were "released" to make room for three "senior" staffers.

They include Jon Wall and Barry Smith, meaning they left AKQA. They're set to begin July 1. Enjoy your stay, fellas.

Update: As for (former) CFO Kerry Quinn left SF, as in quit, to work with long-time colleague Steve Hardwick, president Grey New York, says our anonymous spy.

Update: We hear two of the "firings" were not junior people, but change seems to be for the best. Good luck y'all.

More after the jump.

continued...

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

Fiat Says "Our Bad" to China

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:25 -0700

Fiat apologized to China over its commercial in which Richard Gere hops in his Fiat Lancia Delta and drives to Tibet. According to this USA Today article, Fiat says it doesn't endorse Gere's political views.

Olivier Francois, Chief Executive Officer of Lancia, released a statement and in it he says, "Fiat reiterates its neutrality in connection with any political matter, be it on a national or international basis. Fiat Group extends its apologies to the Government of the People's Republic of China and to the Chinese people."

Really?! No one thought that through before they booked Gere as their actor? Are did they realize how much press that would get them?

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

Real Men and Women of Madison Avenue: Their Impact on American Culture

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:19 -0700

Every once in awhile, we like to take a moment and look back to the annuls of addie history, to a time when consumerism was in its infancy and the industry that's become so screwed up today was creating a little thing called "Americana" and forever changing our lives.

To commemorate the men and women behind advertising's great early works, the New York Public library is hosting an exhibition of sorts, which officially begins tomorrow. And being that it's our job to keep you informed on this stuff, we'll be there tonight for the grand opening thing that you have to be invited to. Check back for photos and commentary.

Also, I'm pretty sure anyone that RSVPs can come to tonight's opening (which is like a pre-opening event). To find out more, contact Diane Stefani at diane at rosengrouppr dot com.

Full release after the jump. New York Public Library event page here.

continued...

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

Overheard in the Unemployment Line

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:17 -0700

We hear that there have been 30 layoffs at OMD in the past two weeks. I'm losing count on who is laying folks off. That's pretty surprising since I recently heard that OMD was doing pretty well. Maybe they're just making room? OMD did just recently post these available positions:

*Associate Media Director--Digital (LA)
*Business Intelligence DBA & Data Modeler (NY)
*Business Inteligence Developer/Analyst (NY)
*Media Supervisor - Digital (SF)
*Client Budget Project Manager (NY, SF)
*Traffic/Project Manager (NY)
*Group Director (Hispanic Expertise) (NY)
*Media Buyer / Negotiator (LA)
*Media Reconciliation Specialist (NY)
*Assistant Media Planner/Strategist (NY)
*Assistant Media Planner (LA)

So, good luck if you're looking for a new gig. I hear lots of people are. It's getting pretty sad to have to keep talking about layoffs. I'm gonna start posting who is hiring. Matt told you about Grey's available position. Who else is hiring?

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

Critical Mass Layoffs

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:16 -0700

We hear Critical Mass let 13 of our people go this morning. Ouch, fellas, that wasn't cool.

No word so far on the reasons behind the move, but you can bet your fanny pack we'll be letting you know. More to come. As our spy put it, "The hits just keep on coming," for the advertising industry, which has seen dozens of lay-offs in recent months.

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

DraftFCB Healthcare Pharma to Unite with NYC Unit?

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:16 -0700

A commenter on George Parker's AdScam wonders if there's:...

"Any truth to the rumblings that plans are underway to merge the very successful DraftFCB Healthcare pharma unit in NYC with what little is left of the very unsuccessful main agency there and turn the result into a giant pharma shop? Would it mean shipping the small piece of Kraft they still have over to McCann? Or would the new Pharma Agency hold on to it?"

More about possible layoffs after the jump.

continued...

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

Wrath of Cannes Wrap Up

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:11 -0700

Well in case you haven't been to Coney Island in awhile, nothing's changed. Oh, except it still takes 45 minutes to get there from Manhattan.

Nevertheless, Agency Spy was there Thursday night. It's been a long wait for Rob Wenger, the dude who came up with VirtualDrinkingBuddy dot com. Way to go Rob. I'm seriously envious of the Iro, that's a sweet bike.

If you haven't checked out Rob's part of The Knot campaign, that's cool. You can see it here. Thanks to Rob, no one will have to drink whiskey alone ever again. If you haven't seen the Iro Cycle site, you should take a moment and have some fun.

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

Off-Setting the Layoffs with No Wukkas

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:06 -0700

Critical Mass, Grey, Element 79 — these are the names of a few agencies you may not want to send your portfolio anytime soon. But when it comes to interactive/digital, there seems to be a lot more going on.

Who do you think of when digital comes to mind? If you thought Digitas, you were right. And if you're a copywriter in need of direction, check it out.

"As an Integrated Copywriter for Digitas you are responsible for the conception and execution of innovative copy for integrated, cross channel initiatives including large web initiatives, online advertising, digital marketing, print advertising and/or direct mail. You should be able to partner with art directors and designers to ensure the art direction supports the concept.

In addition to being an exceptional writer, you must be able to juggle multiple projects simultaneously, and work closely with clients. You must be able to create a range of concepts for each project, be self-motivated with a positive attitude and have strong communications skills.

Copywriters at Digitas have 4+ years of professional writing experience in an advertising or interactive agency. You must also have strong experience working on large cross channel and/or direct marketing initiatives including rich media, web, direct and print. Experience with online and offline media is preferred."

Good to see they haven't totally written off print as a viable medium yet.

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

America Has Spoken: In Google We Trust

nessa_b — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:23 -0700

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- The most reputable company in America: Google, which toppled Microsoft from the top perch in the 2007 Harris Interactive Reputation Quotient study released today -- and sent it tumbling all the way down to No. 10.

Growing Out-of-Home Video Through Better Metrics

nessa_b — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:16 -0700

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- As DaimlerChrysler's former senior VP-global marketing, George Murphy was charged with reshaping the old-school auto manufacturer's brand message. Now the former auto marketer wants to do the same for out-of-home video advertising.

Miller Lightens Its Load: Will Go National With MGD 64 by Fall

nessa_b — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:11 -0700

CHICAGO (AdAge.com) -- In a note to wholesalers today, Miller Brewing Co. CEO Tom Long said that the brewer, which forms a new U.S. joint venture with Coors Brewing Co. next week, will be going national with its 64-calorie version of Miller Genuine Draft by September.

Yahoo-Google Deal Runs Into Resistance

nessa_b — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:10 -0700

WASHINGTON (AdAge.com) -- After the recent announcement that Yahoo and Google would work together on online search advertising, marketers are worried about higher prices, congressional panels are asking questions about ad targeting and privacy and the Justice Department is concerned about diminished competition.

Washington Post Editor Downie to Retire Sept. 8

nessa_b — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:06 -0700

WASHINGTON (AdAge.com) -- Washington Post executive editor Leonard Downie Jr. will step down Sept. 8, ending a 17-year tenure that brought the newspaper 25 Pulitzer Prizes. Mr. Downie will become VP at large for the parent Washington Post Co. A successor is to be named shortly.

Disney's 'Camp Rock' Rocks Friday-Night TV

nessa_b — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:04 -0700

MINNEAPOLIS (AdAge.com) -- Fresh-faced kids entertaining with their athleticism were certain to be the media story of the weekend. But while the perspiring, aspiring gymnasts of NBC's "U.S. Olympic Trials" won Sunday's Nielsen gold, it was a group of actors, not acrobats, who flew highest: The Disney Channel estimates "Camp Rock" was the most-watched show on TV -- broadcast or cable -- Friday night.

The CW's CMO Defends Use of 'OMFG' Promotion

nessa_b — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:03 -0700

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Appearing at the Promax/BDA conference last week, Rick Haskin, chief marketing officer of the CW, defended his network's use of a controversial promotion that revolved around the acronym "OMFG" for the new season of its series "Gossip Girl." He said the CW decided to use the F-word reference in its advertising because its viewers frequently used the same term in their own personal conversations. The panel of TV CMOs also discussed the pros and cons of using of "snipes," or lower-third graphic promotions for in-house content, as advertising space.

Links for 2008-06-23 [del.icio.us]

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:00:07 -0700

Having Fun, Doing Good, (Hopefully) Making Money

Piers Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:11 -0700

Recyclofashion is a quasi PR agency, sometime event planning firm, and occasional design collective whose mission it is to “promote eco-fashion industries, designers and works in Singapore and the rest of the world.” Awe50me, a creative social network of sorts, interviewed the group in what ends up being a quirky Q&A about all things [...]

Magcloud: On Demand Magazine Printing

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:00:10 -0700

Continuing with the idea of 10,000 nichepapers, HP Labs has a new print on demand service in beta. Called Magcloud, it’s an economical way for niche publishers to print small runs of magazines. The setup could not be any easier. Users upload PDF’s of their magazine to the site and set a desired profit on [...]

We Need More Power, Keep Dancing!

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:00:09 -0700

Following in the footsteps of San Francisco’s Temple Nightclub, and Rotterdam’s Watt; London is getting it’s own eco-nightclub this July. The club features a piezoelectric dance floor that will generate 60% of the buildings electricity. The remaining balance of electricity will be bought from renewable sources. Organic drinks are featured and if you can [...]

Festival To Feature Wind-Powered Charging Station

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:16 -0700

The UK’s Glastonbury Music Festival will feature a charging station powered solely by the wind and sun. The French mobile-providing giant, Orange, is the proud parent of the latest edition ? last year they tested out a similar station with then-partner Gotwind (and is talks with them for larger-scaled wind-power generators). The tent itself is [...]

Elegant RFID Designs

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:16 -0700

Who knew that RFID (radio frequency identification) chips could be so interesting? Ping Magazine has compiled a gallery of the latest chips that boast a staggering array of intricate designs. The chips range from simple to complex with varying degrees of memory and functionality. Usage of RFID is growing, with new applications including a wearable [...]

Man Auctions Complete Lifestyle

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:16 -0700

A man in Australia is trying to make a clean break from his past by auctioning off everything he owns in Perth plus an introduction to his friends and a trial at his job. Listed on the site alife4sale.com, the contents of Ian Usher’s life that’s available to the lucky winning bidder include: [...]

Hello Kitty Comes to the Stage in China

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:14 -0700

If you thought the Hello Kitty phenomenon had subsided in Asia, you don’t have to look any farther than the theatrical stages of mainland China. The 30 year old Japanese cartoon character is in the middle of its “Dream Light Fantasy” China tour and tickets are going fast for a series of shows next [...]

No Car? No Problem. Ikea To Rent Trailer Bikes

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:12 -0700

IKEA is rolling out a handy service at their Danish stores. Partnering with bicycle manufacturer Velorbis and the Freetrailer service, they plan to offer low cost rentals of bikes and trailers to shoppers. IKEA of Denmark did a study that reveled 20% of their customers traveled to the store by bike, which prompted the offering. [...]

Overseas Readers Turn To British News Sites

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:12 -0700

In an article on British media in the Guardian, Mike Butcher wonders what impact of rising overseas audiences will have on UK newspaper sites. He says that only 27% of the Daily Mail’s readership is British while the telegraph.co.uk had 32.8% of its audience coming from the UK; the Times Online has 35.7%; Sun Online [...]

Solar Textiles

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:12 -0700

MIT’s Sheila Kennedy is changing the way we think about solar energy, designing panels that are flexible and mobile, like common household curtains.? Moving away from the static, flat panels that we’re used to seeing, Kennedy’s “Soft House” (which she exhibited recently at the Vitra Design Museum in Essen, Germany) features energy-harvesting curtains that move [...]

Peep Insights: Mastihashop NY

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:07 -0700

Mintel estimates that the natural and organic personal care product market has grown by 35% since 2005 and is currently valued at $465 million. The success of this burgeoning market has been enjoyed by both major brands like Wal-Mart and smaller boutiques. The latest entry in this marketplace, mastihashop caught our attention. The brand recently opened [...]

Businesses? Dirty Secret: Psychic Consultants

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:05 -0700

Trusting your “gut instinct” when making decisions is a time tested method of creative types and business people alike. Sometimes logic has to be thrown to the wind and you need to go with the option that just feels right. This? tactic is being expanded upon, as major companies are now turning to the services [...]

Montreal?s New Public Bike System

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:05 -0700

We’ve covered a number of public bike share systems in the past.? Montreal is now introducing a system of their own that enables users rent an aesthetically reasonable bike from any station within the network and return it to any other station of their choice. Aptly called the Public Bike System, the setup [...]

Most Popular Articles On PSFK From The Last 7 Days

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:04 -0700

Our top five articles from June 16 - June 22, 2008. Results are based on Google Analytics and in order of overall page views: Nike PhotoiD - Orli Sharaby How Long Can P&G Last? - Piers Fawkes How To Write For The Web (And Not Lose Readers) - Dan Gould Most Liveable Cities - Piers Fawkes [...]

Futurist Syd Mead Envisions Doha,Qatar

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:04 -0700

Qatar Steel Corp. recently commissioned futurist and designer Syd Mead to produce a vision of what the company’s home city of Doha might look like sometime in the future. Mead produced the above painting depicting a city with huge towering sculptural skyscrapers. He also proposes whale shaped airships gliding around the city. A series of [...]

Art Collective Remixes Advertisments

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:04 -0700

CutUp are an anonymous collective of artists based in East London known for experimenting with urban environments. The group’s latest project entailed the removal of large billboards and bus stop posters, which were then cut up into small squares, and then reassembled in the original location using the source material to create entirely new [...]

Urban Tumbleweeds

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:03 -0700

2,663 plastic shopping bags are used every second in America. That’s pretty outrageous. New York based design studio MSLK is creating an art instillation called “Urban Tumbleweeds” that will visualize this rapid fire consumption. The piece will consist of a .5 mile long multicolored chain of bags to represent this brief span of time. [...]

PSFK Conference San Francisco Speaker Charles Ogilvie

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:03 -0700

We’re looking forward to having Charles Ogilvie, Director of Inflight Entertainment & Partnerships at Virgin America, share his insights on interface and interaction at PSFK Conference SF. We asked him to tell us a little bit about himself, Virgin America, and where he finds his inspiration. First, who are you and what do you do? I’m Director [...]

Stealth Wealth & Ugly Bikes

Piers Fawkes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:00:08 -0700

Make Magazine has a special section in their Volume 11 issue about how to hack your expensive bike so that it’s not going to get pinched. Tips include choosing ugly colors like orange, using car wax as an undercoat to make the paint blister, or just adding a sprinkle of rust. Core 77 comments that [...]

Top 100's Ad-Spend Growth Grinds to Halt

nessa_b — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00:42 -0700

CHICAGO (AdAge.com) -- The Top 100 U.S. advertisers last year increased ad spending by just 1.7%, while measured media spending rose a negligible 0.3% for major marketers -- the most sluggish growth since the 2001 recession.

'Butcher' InBev Might Spare Bud From Knife

nessa_b — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00:39 -0700

CHICAGO (AdAge.com) -- InBev's experience with Stella Artois in the U.K. shows it's willing to adapt to the bigger spending requirements of mature brands in developed markets.