6.26.2009

MJ Died -- And Thanks to Burger King, So Did Subtlety


Image courtesy of http://gawker.com/5301856/burger-king-shuns-subtlety-in-ads-for-super-seven-incher-sandwich

The awe-struck woman with an open mouth... the large, oblong sandwich situated directly in front of that open mouth... ohh, and lest we forget the ever so creative use of the word "blow"? Hmm, I wonder what Burger King is hinting at here?

In case you can't read the fine print, there is also use tasteful use of "Fill your desire for something long, juicy and grilled," "yourn for more" and "mind-blowing." Those ad execs must have scoured the pages of Cosmo in order to get this verbage... and no, that's not a compliment.

Yes, this ad will definitely get people talking... but will it make us (read: women) want to order up a "seven-incher"? Hell nawwww.

Burger King, with this ad you have been officially dethroned.

6.19.2009

Can't Find a Date? There is Hope...

Ahh, the perils of dating. It seems everyone has a great story to share about that date that just shoulda never happened -- mine involved the guy renting Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle and passing out on the couch about 15 minutes in. And wouldn't wake up. On the first date. Needless to say, it was also the last. Oh, and he wasn't tired, per se; he smoked himself to sleep... if you get my drift. I was not impressed. :)

If you don't have the fortune to have a story such as this in your arsenal, have no fear; I get the feeling you could gain one reallllll quickkkk if you employ the services of any of these sites. I decided it was time to unearth an oldie but a goodie with I came across this gem (I was reading articles on Mashable -- NOT looking for an online dating site, mind you!): The Most Unusual and Unique Online Dating Sites.



Stuff like this cracks me up... and after checking out some of these sites, I expect you to be laughing, too.



Darwin Dating: When you think of Darwin, you think of survival of the fittest right? Well if you feel the godforsaken need to register with this site, you better be fit -- and by fit, I mean hot. With the mantra "Online Dating Minus Ugly People," this site has some strict rules that include:

-no out of proportion noses
-no out of date fashions
-no uncared for fingernails
-no ski jump noses
-no small jaws (men)

And how about that "Are you Beautiful? Click here" button? Yes you might be beautiful, but you sure as heck are vain, too. It's called confidence in moderation, people!



Women Behind Bars: Because locked-up women need some lovin' too, this site was created to match incarcerated women with, well, free men and women. The inmates don't have access to the internet, so interested parties must find the lady of their dreams via a photo and a shirt description, pay a nominal fee and are then mailed a postal address.

As the site says (punctuation errors included), "A great many of these girls are looking to becomes brides, turning from an inmate to a bride is a dream a number of them express in letters they send with their applications." Touting 38 marriages in the past three years (but who knows when the copy was last updated!), this site is not messing around. I just love the photo they selected to be featured on the home page.



AgeMatch: If you're a young girl looking for a sugar daddy, a young man searching for a cougar or any variation of those dating preferences, hit up AgeMatch.com. Apparently age ain't nothing but a number is not applicable here -- it's the most imporant differentiator when finding a mate! The site itself is hugely outdated and pretty sparse... which is only fitting, if you think about it. ;)

ScientificMatch: If all else fails, how about using science to find love? This site will analyze your DNA to match your with likeminded individuals. And if you choose to go this route, check out some of the benefits, according to the site:

-Chances are increased that you’ll love the natural body fragrance of your matches.
-You have a greater chance of a more satisfying sex life.
-Couples tend to have higher rates of fertility.
-All other things being equal, couples have a greater chance of having healthier children with more robust immune systems.

Because that's what it's all about, right?

6.15.2009

My Fave Google Logo Designs

Nothing like coming to your homepage to see Google decided to do something fun with its logo. Yes, the Internet powerhouse is currently in the hot seat with some designers who feel they deserve to be compensated for providing creative graphics such as these, but all controversy aside, check out the various way some designers flexed their design muscle -- all for our viewing pleasure. Happy Monday, ya'll.



Celebrating Veteran's Day
Image courtesy of http://www.google.com/holidaylogos.html


Election Day
http://www.google.com/holidaylogos.html


MLK, Jr. Day
http://www.google.com/holidaylogos.html


Dr. Seuss' birthday
http://www.google.com/holidaylogos.html


Paying homage to Sam Morse, inventor of Morse Code
http://www.seroundtable.com/archives/019887.html


Ode to the invention of the first laser
http://www.google-logos.com/page/3


125th Birthday of architect Walter Gropius
http://www.google-logos.com/page/3



Earth Day
http://www.google-logos.com/page/2

Lego Logo on Google's Germang Google page
http://www.google-logos.com/google-lego-logo-on-google-germany-page.html

6.03.2009

Get In or Get Lost: New(ish) SoNet Sites

I think it's pretty much a given these days that social networking is an integral part of most marketing strategies. We definitely have our strategy down as far as how to use Facebook, Twitter, viral Web, etc. to reach target audiences, but staying current can be overwhelming -- there are new sites popping up constantly. The following are some I think are worth checking out (aka I did the hard work for you), as they really can add to your company's online presence.



1. Involver. I really think this company is on to something. Many of the apps are free (but I hear that might only be temporary), and they are cool. You can bulk up your company's FB page by adding things such as coupons, a carousel-style photo gallery, Power Point presentations and polls. Obviously their premium services offer more, but jumping on these apps while they are still complimentary can really make your page stand out -- and show others you are up on the latest and greatest. Us Weekly, American Apparel, Time magazine and numerous others have already jumped onboard. I just wish you could add these to personal profiles...


Photo courtesy of www.uxrefresh.com

2. Get Satisfaction. This site is a hub where both companies and customers can interact and get some action going. Customers voice their praises/concerns/complaints, while companies are given the opportunity to address them head-on and give a personalized approach to customer service. See what people really think about the services you provide -- then take the time to show you care.


3. BzzScapes. Another way to scope out what others are saying about your company is through this site. People congregate here simply to share info about their favorite brands. Whether it be through coupons, blog posts or simply comments, users know they can get updated info on the brands they love. Companies can harness the power of this site creating relationships with top influencers -- establishing the brand advocacy we all want.