Random Writings

Automotive Industry As A Subway Map

2010-07-19T13:22:00.000+01:00

"Moaty it's Gazza!"

2010-07-12T15:01:00.000+01:00

GAZZA YOU ABSOLUTE FUCKING LOONY!

The Revolution

2010-05-10T16:19:00.002+01:00

The 'BB hype'

2010-04-19T19:14:00.000+01:00

So, it would seem everyone's on the 'BB hype' these days...

No. 1

2010-04-16T19:38:00.000+01:00

That's how you launch an app on iTunes!

The Boom Of Social Sites

2010-04-11T14:58:00.000+01:00

Nike 'Air'

2010-04-08T13:14:00.002+01:00

The secret behind Nike Air, no really...

Should I Buy an iPad?

2010-04-01T20:37:00.000+01:00

Extra-long Condoms Anyone?

2010-03-30T20:38:00.000+01:00

Q. What can you say about these Publicis India print ads for Adams extra-long condoms?

A. Insane-looking people have sex from a distance in these bizarre ads for extra-long condoms. No, really.

I just wish I had use for them...

The Future of Publishing

2010-03-16T17:24:00.000Z

Awesome video. Great copywriting. Clever concept. Sublime execution. Brilliant deliver. Absolutely divine. And there's nothing else for me to say.

The Mobile Market

2010-03-15T23:43:00.002Z

Internet Addicts 'R' Us

2010-03-13T20:41:00.000Z

VW Art In Motion

2010-03-12T00:39:00.000Z

It looks like something out of a science-fiction movie, but it's real.

This is an actual 20 story car tower that takes up just 20% of the space of a conventional parking garage handling the same number of vehicles. Volkswagen uses the facility in a showy delivery process for its new car customers. Volkswagen's Autotürme, or car towers, are distinguishing features of the Autostadt. The transparent cylindrical buildings rise 150 feet above the grounds, and they're linked by a fully automated delivery system to both the Volkswagen factory and theKundenCenter (where VW customers pick up their new cars).

"In a fully automated procedure, your new car is brought down to you from one of the 20-story Car Towers. Large signboards in the Customer Center show you when your turn has come. Then, you're handed the keys, your picture is taken, the glass doors open and your brand-new car appears. You're all set to go."

More than just a car-park.

The Social Media Effect

2010-02-27T18:10:00.003Z

A very simple and generic visual showing one of many different social media processes (when undertaken correctly).

Via Social Reflexion

A Guide To The Social Media Landscape

2010-02-25T15:33:00.002Z

Social media marketing is expected to dominate this year - so much so that 81% of CMOs plan to link their annual revenues to their social media investment, according to a recent survey by The CMO Club and Bazaarvoice. But the growing list of online social media sites makes choosing the right route complicated. From Facebook to YouTube to Digg and beyond, which media outlets will net the most bang for the buck in terms of customer communication, brand exposure, traffic, and SEO? - cmo.com

A comprehensive guide to social media platforms and what they're good for:

The Unbelievable World of Warcraft

2010-02-24T00:04:00.002Z

Upkeep costs of $136,986 per day! And more users than the population of New York...

The infinite loop of life

2010-02-22T16:58:00.000Z

Photosynth concept to map experience

2010-02-20T16:02:00.001Z

I really don't say this too often, but today I was pleasantly surprised, and amazed by Microsoft. What the boring, yet super clever people at Microsoft have done is infused two different technologies and concepts, and come up with one rather clever piece of kit.

By adding the Photosynth concept to Bing maps, they've created a truly unique map experience. Sometimes visuals speak so much louder than words, so have a look at this...

The Chat Roulette Drinking Game

2010-02-18T13:33:00.006Z

Chat Roulette is either the most awesome, or the most terrible thing ever. It's a place to be free and explore the world around you(in a non-sexual, non-perverse, non-offensive manner, or not), or to test your ability to see how fast and for how long you're able to click the 'Next' tab over and over again. Either way, it's obviously much more fun when you're drinking, so here's a Chat Roulette Drinking Game.

Now you're sure to have a great time no matter what arises from the random interaction...

(Via HolyTaco)

Shocking reality on streets of London

2010-02-17T00:48:00.000Z

A Unicef ambient campaign hit the streets earlier today. The campaign launched in the streets of London, is focusing on generating support for children in Haiti and vulnerable street children around the world. The campaign is not only visually powerful, but also informing. Each cut-out will be accompanied with a 'guardian', providing further information and insight to members of the public on exactly what it represents.

Michael Newsome, Unicef UK's director of individual giving, says: “Through this campaign, we are calling on the public to help Unicef put it right for the children of Haiti, and others around the world.”

The campaign is part of Unicef's 'Put It Right' initiative.

A truly great piece of creative work and inspiring execution; for an even greater cause.

Visualization of Billionaires

2010-02-13T19:47:00.000Z

Via: Online Schools

State Of The Internet: 2009

2010-02-11T21:53:00.001Z

Google Love

2010-02-07T15:35:00.005Z

So, an American finds love in Paris, via Google. If it were a movie, there would be George Clooney, Charlotte Gainsbourg, lots of clichés, some crying, lots of smiles, and a happy ending drenched in Google truffle. And that's exactly what this piece is, without George and Charlotte, obviously.

Due to run very soon (later tonight during the Super Bowl), a lovely bit of story-telling from Google. Conjures up romance, emotion, passion and love; all from that ever so well known place we refer to as the 'Google search bar'.

And now do we get a short film, please.

Adland - The Movie

2010-02-02T15:40:00.000Z

Adland the movie for Circle Creative. How many adverts can you spot within the video? For more information on the show reel you can contact: http://www.coy-com.com

Hitler responds to the iPad

2010-01-28T23:31:00.000Z

Hitler is rightly peeved at Apple for releasing a feminine-hygiene-product-sounding, non-cat-video-supporting, over-sized iPod.

London As A Paper Cut

2010-01-14T00:39:00.000Z

Simply ingenious!

Get a closer look at it...zoom in to appreciate the detail...

Top Twitter Trends of 2009

2009-12-30T17:28:00.003Z

The news as 'we' saw it in 2009.

I'm Sorry From The Future

2009-12-08T19:03:00.004Z

Greenpeace has created a campaign featuring images of world leaders, including Barack Obama and Nicholas Sarkozy saying 'sorry' from the future, for failing to prevent climate change today. The ads will run around Copenhagen airport up to and during the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference, being held at the Copenhagen Summit.

I think we like them, I think we like them a lot.

Where's Rob?

2009-12-04T16:52:00.000Z

This is a great example of how things can so easily, and so simply spread. Bringing people together, and helping you to connect.

IKEA: Facebook Showroom

2009-11-23T15:36:00.002Z

Social Media is a powerful and engaging device, connecting in so many different ways, and accessible to anyone, at anytime. Or atleast that's what we're getting told all the time. It's very easy to suggest something is the future, or a valuable asset to an industry. Social Media is almost like a revolution, the new age, the anticipated and well documented evolution of Marketing. But very rarely have we seen it's true value and potential in a real time situation or campaign. There has been the odd campaign that has worked the benefits of Social Media very successfully, but not enough to show it's true colors and capability. That is until now.

Forsman & Bodenfors are known for some great creative work, and they've recently devised a Facebook campaign for a new Ikea store in Malmo, Sweden. Simplicity of an idea is sometimes it's biggest strength. Some of the best campaign strategies are simple, and none more so than using the simple default “tagging” tool on Facebook to help create a buzz for an online competition.

The agency used the basic tools that were available to them along with a limited budget, combining them effectively into the social space that is Facebook. By merging these features they were able to reach, or in this case, attract thousands and thousands of people to their profile and engage with them in a fun, simple and interactive manner. Even the ad itself of the original idea is now demanded and doing the rounds on the Interweb.

This clearly shows the ability of Social Media and it's uses in a connecting and integrated manner. Facebook was the platform, however with the videos, blogs and countless 'tweets', Social Media became the 'medium'.

A campaign very precisely executed and simply escalated.

When is it NOT OK to Tweet?

2009-11-13T00:18:00.002Z

When visiting the bathroom

Do I have to explain this one? And for god’s sake, NEVER twitpic!

While driving
Just Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!

Spending time with family
Full Disclosure; I’ve been guilty of this. However, after realizing that tweeting while you’re supposed to be spending quality time with family is like wearing a huge neon sign that says “I’d rather be doing almost anything else then be here with you,” I am working hard to break the habit (no one’s perfect).

When teaching children, or doing just about anything with children, unless you are tweeting with them.
Children deserve your full attention. For more info, see “Spending time with family.”

Before sex
Nothing turns off a partner more. See, “I’d rather be doing almost anything else than be here with you.”

During sex
Really? You tweeted during sex? I think you’ve got other issues to worry about.

After sex
Congratulations, you had sex. I’m so impressed (not!).

During a meal
Only if you’re dining alone.

While preparing a meal
Only if you’re not working near an open flame or with sharp utensils. Otherwise, it’s okay, but only if your followers are “foodies.”

During religious ceremonies
Really? Do you want to take that chance?
Actually, it might be okay if it’s for educational purposes or you’re sharing the event with members of the congregation.

During Funerals
You did read the opening paragraphs, right? However, if you’re commemorating the event for those who could not make it to the funeral, then it might be okay, but only if you are not part of the actual funeral procession. I’d also advise not to let anyone see you.

During a Presidential Address to Congress

If you’re a Congressmen: Your Head of State is speaking to you. Show some respect and pay attention or you may find yourself looking for another job.
If you’re the General Public: In this case, you are almost certainly not in the Capitol Building, so tweeting would be perfectly acceptable and would be a great educational use for Twitter.

During Surgery

If you’re the surgeon or an active participant: No.
If you’re a student or observer: Only if you have received written permission from the patient, doctors, hospital, etc. If so, then it’s OK, especially for educational purposes.

While Working
Please consult your company’s Human Resources Department or Employee Handbook, and use your head. You’re there to work, so work. Also, if tweeting could compromise your own or someone else’s safety, then DON’T Tweet! Finally, if you’re involved in sales, marketing, recruiting or similar tasks, then Twitter can be a helpful tool, but get your boss’s permission anyway.

During a Business Meeting
Unless specifically asked to do so, or unless tweeting is required, your job requires you to pay close attention during any meeting. Otherwise, you may miss the part of the conversation where you are being replaced.

When meeting with people (or clients) whom you don’t like or respect
Just remember what your Mom said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything.”

How much you dislike your job, boss, friends, family, etc.
Don’t do it. Once it’s out there, it’s public and you may find that you can’t apologize.

While stuck on an airplane that has not taken off for several hours
I personally support some form of a Passenger’s Bill of Rights, so if you find yourself in such a situation, it may actually help airline personnel learn of your predicament and motivate them to take action, or not.

When it IS OK to tweet.

When planning a crime
Go ahead. The police don’t even know what Twitter is, anyway.

When committing a crime (even if it’s just bananas)
Stealing is Stealing. Didn’t your Mom teach you that either?

Witnessing a crime
Actually, you should report crimes to the appropriate authorities first. Surely you can wait to tweet about it until after you report it. Just don’t mention that you reported it. The perpetrator may be savvy enough to use Twitter’s new geo-location features to find you and thank you.

Contemplating or committing suicide
Please, please, please reach out and speak to someone, anyone. I want you to be around to thank me later.

Traffic updates
We know that no one ever tweets while driving; it’s their passengers. Either way, you can get reports of traffic conditions faster than any other service. Just be sure to check before you start the car (see, item two in “When is it NOT OK to Tweet” above)

Job opportunities
Twitter is filled with people announcing job opportunities. Check out TwitterJobSearch. It’s probably the best tool to search for tweets mentioning jobs based on your search criteria.

Local/National Emergencies
See “Witnessing a crime” above.

During a Commute
Only if you are NOT the person operating the vehicle.

While trapped in an elevator for 41 hours
Be sure to try the emergency phone first. However, if both that phone and your cell phone can’t get a signal; you may be close enough to the Starbucks in the lobby to get their WiFi.

Surely there are many other times when it’s OK, or not OK to tweet, so please leave your ideas in the Comments. I’d love to tweet about them.

(Via twitip.com)

Typography: Visual Communication

2009-11-12T15:40:00.003Z

Typography: The design and use of typefaces as a means of visual communication from calligraphy to the ever-developing use of digital type.

More than just words.

Via wordboner.com

Apple Tribute

2009-11-07T15:54:00.005Z

Every so often you come across a genuinely sublime piece of marketing. It does everything it's set out to do, and it does it effectively, precisely, and in a way that the consumer see's more than just an advert. Very rarely though do you come across a piece of work which is simply not an advert, not a marketing piece, not a brand engagement exercise, but through it's execution, and sheer brilliance it works so effectively, so subliminally, so intelligently.

Michael Jackson was a pioneer in his industry, an idol, a brand with immense value and a brand with love. Michael Jackson was music, he made generation after generation dance, move with him, take his journey from child to an adult, he was more than just a musician, he was revolutionary and a leader. So it's only right for him to be given tributes, personal tributes, private tributes, public tributes and sharing tributes. The latest of these tributes was at the MTV EMA's. A tribute I feel even MJ himself would have loved and enjoyed thoroughly. A tribute to everything he was, everything he gave, everything he believed in, everything he wanted.

Random individuals in the street, breaking out into their favorite MJ tracks, singing along and smiling, enjoying the music and sharing it with friends. Singing without care, singing proud, regardless of their ability or technique. Karaoke like, singing with the assistance of earphones so you can flow with the tune. A very appropriate tribute I feel. Real people, with real lives, loving the music and enjoying it freely.

Just one thing I'd like to bring your attention to, the earphones. Participant after participant, singing, smiling, dancing, all different, and all varied, apart from one thing. All accessorized with earphones, white earphones, leading to a discreet Apple Shuffle. Was it a coincidence? Was it merely random? Was it simply an accessory?

Undoubtedly a powerful and unique tribute to the King of Pop, but I just couldn't help but think that that piece could have as easily been an Apple advert. All it needed was a fade to black with the Apple logo. A highly effective Apple advert too. Although, having done that would have made it exactly that, an advert. However, now it is a tribute, a tribute to someone loving and revolutionary in music, someone valued and followed. And the earphones, well the earphones are merely just an accessory, an association, but maybe the best kind of association they could ask for.

An association with love, a revolutionary, people and music.

Insectvertising

2009-11-05T02:36:00.005Z

This particular insect adverting video has been doing the rounds on the Interweb over the last few days. Adverts attached to flies = flying messages. Why didn't anyone think of this amazingly brilliant idea earlier I hear you ask.

The ads attached to some string (or leash) are light enough for the insects to carry around and are virtually impossible to ignore. This guerrilla tactic could open up a whole new way for marketers to spread their messages, and incorporate a whole new medium into their ever expanding armory.

However, while everyone's been amazed, in awe and pleasantly surprised by these happenings, I couldn't help but stop to think, would I want my 'brand' name on the end of a fly? Using these flies as living commercial space, restricting them, containing them, preventing them from being able to fly, limiting them. Is that something I would want my brand associated with, or moreover, is that something you would like your brand associated with?

The first they may well be, unique and fresh, but sometimes, in certain situations there's reasons why no one else has gone down such a path, why no one has tried that particular approach. If anything I wouldn't be too surprised if it did more damage to a brand than good.

In all honesty I'm not an animal or insect activist, but nor am I willing to accept such ludicrous and utterly sh*t (pardon my French) techniques that can pass as advertising.

The ad industry is built upon creativity, this is not it.

Visualization

2009-11-04T19:21:00.020Z

We have a tendency of storing things based on text, but text is a slow tool for recollection and remembrance. It is far too complex yet static for us to take in and absorb effectively, and then relocate as and when required. Text is flat and monotonous, it has no layers, or dynamic approach to stimulate various parts of our minds.

It is therefore my theory, or a theory, or an adapted past theory, that a visual of thoughts and information would prove a much more effective and valuable resource for understanding and absorbing information, as well as relocating and scanning. Visuals are far more powerful than any body of text; they speak louder, say more and engage deeper. Visuals help break information down into consumable chunks, easily understood and effectively portrayed.

The future of information is visuals, whether that's data infused, complexed, or simply basic. A respected fellow, David McCandless, once said the future is 'a small line and a visual', and thats becoming more and more apparent today. A visual can tell a story, a story which sticks.

Here's a few interesting visuals from David McCandless himself...

Via Information is Beautiful

Don't Tell The Boss

2009-11-03T18:58:00.002Z

The next time you think your having a bad day at work just think of this guy...

Are you happy..?

2009-11-02T18:10:00.002Z

Via Poptimist

Read Between The Lines..Part2

2009-11-02T17:53:00.002Z

Another form of 'reading between the lines'....Soulwax: Nite Versions, Any Minute Now...

Read Between The Lines

2009-11-02T15:57:00.005Z

A notion, an idea, an ability.

Is it so bemusing to suggest that everything we consume is edited, restricted, moulded, curbed, manipulated or limited? Are 140 characters really enough for us to make a valid, well documented and fair point? Or is the 'stuff' between the lines no longer important or relevant due to the level of information available to us and the diversity of it's source's?

There is often a subtext to Digital media and information, even though that subtext may not be very well hidden, or difficult to identify. Not all that matters is glimmering and apparent on the surface. But is it so bizarre to suggest that that in itself is the draw and character of Digital media. Not only is it dynamic and layered in it's meaning and interactions, but it promotes you to think harder, search wider, explore further, connect deeper, and interact across mediums. And is that where it moves from merely being connecting and interactive, to something with more meaning and depth, something to follow, something broader, something propelling and powerful; something almost cult like.

If ever there was a time to 'read between the lines' it is now. However what you learn, or find between the lines is what could change advertising and interaction into something far deeper and more powerful.

The most powerful and connecting of words are always spoken between the lines, the question is not whether you can read those lines, but more importantly, how can you put them there in the first place.

A True Gem

2009-10-28T18:01:00.007Z

There are adverts that are funny, intriguing, connecting, engaging, powerful or dynamic. They simply work in what they are trying to put across, whether that be through humour, visuals, emotion or engagement. But sometimes, there comes an advert which combines all of these facets, all of these qualities, all of these dimensions, and it just simply works, so perfectly.

Maybe I'm being bias, or maybe I can relate to the advert more than others, or maybe I'm being perplexed by what's there, or maybe it just is a sublime piece of 'marketing art'. The new Vodafone advert from Argentina, in my view is truly and deeply epic; perfect in every way I can possibly imagine. It makes me smile, and it makes my day, a true gem. Enjoy.

Size Matters

2009-10-27T18:33:00.023Z

A brand exists entirely in peoples minds. Therefore a brand is whatever they say or think it is. Words can only go so far in emphasizing meaning or substance. However visual aide and simple imagery can help decifer the most complex, or ubiquitous of data.

So here's a few brands to see how well you know your brands...and yes, the most obvious of words have been excluded, but I'm sure it won't be too difficult...

From looking at some of the 'tags', surely certain brands need to look a whole lot closer at their brand image and consumer perception.

Power of Simplicity

2009-10-26T13:20:00.000Z

Internet Speeds and Costs Around the World

2009-10-25T17:19:00.000Z

I couldn't help but look at this information and feel a little irritated, peeved, annoyed and rather jealous. So I thought I should only rightly share it with you.

Kanye West - "See You in My Nightmares"

2009-10-24T15:22:00.001+01:00

The week wouldn't be complete without a mention of this short film slash music video directed by Spike Jonze starring Kanye West, "See You in My Nightmares".

Kanye, again pushing the boundaries, walks the fine line between self-aggrandizement and self-mockery that runs through all of Kanye’s endeavors. But the filmmaking is on point, with cinematography and sound design that authentically portrays that feeling of being really disoriented in a nightclub. One doesn’t need to love Kanye to love the film, but the Jonze short takes what people love and hate about Kanye’s persona and then pushes it into a new, trippy realm.

Kanye West: A true entertainment superstar or a rather bizarre and random child..? Judge for yourself...

Via Adland

Hadouken!

2009-10-23T19:03:00.000+01:00

I couldn't resist...

Hadouken!

In Complete Harmony

2009-10-23T15:05:00.002+01:00

1000 mobile phones, 53 different ringtone alerts, and a whole load of synchronization to reconstruct this amazing classical music piece.

A Digital spin on Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture.

Watch the making of it here

'Spoilt blonde bimbo wannabe pop/porn star'

2009-10-23T14:05:00.000+01:00

Last night saw a rare insight into the life of a truly global brand. A brand with so many different dimensions and characteristics, so many different personalities and 'faces', a brand so exposed and so public. Or is it actually a brand so aware and so ingenues; a brand in control.

Some call her a blonde bimbo, a wannabe pop-star with no talent, an amateur porn-star, and in some cases even stupid. With a net worth reaching the 100's of millions, you may even have heard her being called a spoilt rich kid, with no value for money and no desire or need to have her own income. However, this 'spoilt blonde bimbo wannabe pop/porn star' has more going for her than what first meets the eye.

Take a few moments to digest the following. Paris Hilton is a astute, intelligent, decisive, confident and very aware young lady. With her own personal net worth of approximately $100 million she's shown her ability as a successful and powerful business women. She's used her perception and public image in ways most wouldn't even dream of. Her imagination and ability to grasp the moment and use it to her advantage is like that of a shrewd business head. She has clothing lines, perfumes, movies, albums, toys, make-up, jewellery and more. Her vision to differentiate, counter and expand her brand is not that of a 'spoilt blonde bimbo', but that of a wise and powerful intellect.

She knows her brand very well, but she knows her audience even better. She knows what they want to consume, and has the ability to play upon it. She has the ability to utilise her nature, and character in growing and pushing her brand forward, while constantly remaining in complete control.

So is it so ludicrous to suggest, she's not misunderstood, she's just very clever.

Brand Barbour Branch Out

2009-10-20T18:53:00.001+01:00

The latest must-have fashion item is the Barbour jacket. They used to be the preserve of outdoor loving aristocrats and rugged farmers but now Barbour jackets have started to pop up in the most unlikely of places; and on the most unlikely of people.

Alex Taylor, lead singer of the Arctic Monkeys and described by the NME as “the coolest man on the planet", wore a Barbour Jacket when the band played at Old Trafford. Kate Moss and Sienna Miller donned the waterproof at the Glastonbury festival and Amy Winehouse, Alexa Chung, The Feeling, Editors and Kasabian, to name but a few have all been seen wearing them.

So why is the Queen’s favourite wax coat suddenly so rock ‘n’ roll?

Part of the appeal for fashion folk is the fact that it’s so functional, comfortable and durable. Made of premium quality materials and fabrics, and stitched to perfection. Barbour Customer Repair Service is always available to their consumers and using this service will ensure their jacket’s life be long and rewarding. And now, there's an added spice to that most traditional of noble brands.

Barbour have now woken up to the potential of their brand, not merely as an aristocrat throw on, but as a fashion essential rooted in values of quality and preserve. A product valued for it's effective functionality, combined with a stringent customer service policy, and now on the shoulders of everything 'cool' and 'trendy'. With a new more fitted, fashion conscious range, Barbour is now finally, slowly and gently, allowing it's wings to spread.

The only thing I sit and wonder is, can Barbour really serve both distinct set of markets successfully, without one behavioral change effecting another...

Online Social Networking Explained

2009-10-18T14:00:00.000+01:00

Advertising: 1980's VS 2009

2009-10-17T14:52:00.002+01:00

A great visualization of how Advertising has changed and developed over the last 20 to 30 years, of which much of that growth and development has only really come in the last 5 to 10 years. And the true potential of Advertising today..? Well we're still learning and exploring it...

Simples

2009-10-15T19:05:00.000+01:00

Is this simply the best site...ever...for all your research needs...

http://www.brandtags.net/

BMW's Joy

2009-10-15T18:46:00.000+01:00

From the big screen and now on the box, defiantly a worthy piece for the wider public. A joyous bit of ad art from BMW. Whether their cars give this much pleasure and 'smiles' is up for debate, but their ad piece most definitely does. Copious amounts of Joy.

Power of Storytelling

2009-10-12T00:12:00.001+01:00

And who said story telling was a dying art form...

VW gets Fun

2009-10-10T13:55:00.000+01:00

Who said stairways can't be fun, or bins can't be intriguing..? Not Volkswagen that's for sure. In a latest campaign themed around the 'Fun Theory', VW has taken a step forward for not just a car manufacturer, but for any kind of brand in any kind of business. The core of their campaign is the notion of 'fun', and when walking up and down the stairs becomes fun, then you know your doing well.

Thefuntheory.com is dedicated to all things fun coming from the overall campaign:

'This site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better.'

The first of these 'ideas' is the 'Piano Staircase'. The piano installation was created to encourage people to make the healthier choice to take the stairs as appose to using an escalator. And the results in usage of the staircase verses the escalator clearly show that fun works.

The next video depicting 'The World's Deepest Bin,' an outdoor public bin that makes a cartoonish sound of something falling very very far, had the effect of getting park-goers and passers-by to not only throw away their own rubbish, but also to clean up the rest of the park just to hear the falling sound again.

This is great ingenuity and 'thinking outside the box' (that sounds like such a prehistoric term, any-who), to truly interact with the public on a mass scale. VW has looked beyond their reach to engage with a variety of audiences in a way that is simple, humorous, clever, unique and most importantly fun. Undoubtedly, with the use of the variety of channels and mediums available for us to share and distribute information and content, this is a campaign that will have 'wings' and spread both offline and online, in a truly viral manner.

Next, they're working on an arcade style recycle bank. And who said Volkswagen were boring...

..and the changing of behaviours has already begun it seems...

Digital Definition by Me

2009-10-08T13:56:00.000+01:00

If your expecting some sort of full blown explanation with deep rooted opinions and facts, then I'm sorry to disappoint, this is not it. This actually started with a paragraph, and now there are only two lines. Sometimes simplicity and directness is what we overlook when trying to be defining and accurate.

'Digital' is simply: 'Interactive Marketing' moving forward with the development of 'Digital Mediums', & not a subsidiary of 'Marketing' itself.

Social Media in a box

2009-10-07T19:42:00.000+01:00

A super, amazing, brilliant, mesmerizing intriguing, provoking Social Media Count I came across. How Social Media has grown, developed and is evolving, at an almost remarkable pace.

The Social Media interspace as we use it, how we use it.

Thanks to Gary Hayes at personalizemedia. Accurate at time of posting.

It's like an addictive disease..but the good kind

2009-10-03T16:29:00.000+01:00

The Cadbury Eyebrows ad has been doing the rounds for a while now, yet it still seems to cause mass panic, humor, and admiration wherever it arises. Child, teenager, and adult alike try to make their eyes do those 'movements' to very little avail, yet it's still darn right funny and pleasing on the eye.

So here's another Cadbury addict at it...the effort has got to be admired...

Make The Difference

2009-09-30T22:15:00.000+01:00

'Fast is good, people take notice. But blistering pace is not enough. This isn't the 100 meters, but 90 minutes. Time to earn total respect, to add to your reputation and that of the shirt. To keep working, harder. To be feared, and loved.' Make The Difference, Nike.

Some truly deep, profound and touching words. A frightfully connecting and passionate script, combined with a powering and dramatic visual, make this new Nike advert a very, very enjoyable piece of 'marketing art'.

Definitely worthy of it's own post.

Apple loves big numbers

2009-09-28T17:40:00.001+01:00

I couldn't help but be intrigued by a few numbers I recently came across in regards to the Superpower that is Apple. So here's a few for you to ponder and digest...

2 Billion Apps downloaded from the Apple App Store

50 Million iPhone and iTouch users

85,000 Apps and counting

125,000 developers creating for Apple

Approx. 3 in 4 Apps paid for

These may merely be a few large numbers with little relative meaning flying above and over our heads, but these behavioral stats have a far larger significance than merely intrigue. Just a minuet snippet of how behavior is changing, how communication is developing, how interaction is evolving, how media is diversifying, how digital is growing, and how Apple is..smiling.

And yes, I am a little Apple bias/loyal, but there you go.

Bye bye for now...

2009-09-10T14:02:00.000+01:00

This blogging business has rather got under my skin. It's become enjoyable, relaxing, comforting and even fulfilling. My own views, my own thoughts, my own opinions and my own style, for me to share and for all to see. It's not forced upon anyone, and no-one is asked to agree. In fact, it's sometimes better when we don't agree, when we like to have our own opinions, our own views, and our own likes, ideas become rich that way.

Well now I must go, go away, a break, a trip, a holiday, a pilgrim, whatever you may wish to call it, but I shall miss this place, this space of mine, where I'm open and honest, and speak my mind.

I sense my riddle like tendencies creeping in, so I shall leave you for now, for a short while, two weeks or so to be exact, and return full, energised, ready, glowing and with a smile.

It's 'our' information and we'll share if we want to

2009-09-03T17:19:00.000+01:00

Social media is undoubtedly changing the shape of how we interact and behave on the internet. And now it seems that those changes are shaping the way we share information and content across the web.

The graph below shows how our behaviors have developed and changed in the way we share content. From traditional Email interaction it is now evident that social media in the way of Facebook and Twitter, is becoming a more prominent force in content and link sharing.

Facebook, which may be of a surprise to us, is used more for sharing information and content than Email. This shows the value of interaction and sharing, and the passing of information from content-sharers, which fulfills our need for 'realtime' information and news.

Twitter is about half as popular as Facebook in third position after Email, with only about one-tenth of users in comparison to Facebook. However, the way in which Twitter interacts with it's users and the ease of content and information sharing, combined with the ease of accessibility, it will most certainly become the number one realtime sharing force in the very near future.

Information we want, when we want it, how we want, where we want it.

DDB Brazil go down a very dark path

2009-09-02T22:53:00.000+01:00

A few blog posts ago I wrote of controversial advertising and it's differences, or similarities with creatively cunning pieces of work. They're put out to be shocking, controversial, boundary pushing and generate interest and attention. There is a definite difference between creatively cunning work, and out right controversial, attention grabbing, shocking work. However, it seems that there is an even more sensitive and far stretching boundary which has now come into contention.

The notion that someone, somewhere will always push that boundary and step over that imaginary line has never been more evident and shocking than a piece of work recently produced by DDB Brazil, for The WWF. The TV and print ad show a large number of planes heading down into lower Manhattan, in which the two tragedies of 9/11 and the Asian tsunami are compared in terms of their devastation. A truly distasteful piece of work, which should never have even passed as a creative idea, let alone approved for publication.

The ad industry is built upon creativity and flair, whether that be cunning or controversial. However, it should never be disrespecting or contemptuous on such a large and far reaching scale, or on issues of such tragedy, particularly in this context.

The WWF have condemned the pieces of work released and stated that they did not authorize the ad's production or publication. Suggestions were made in regards to it's authenticity, whether it's a fake or not, there is a TV version to go with it, and DDB Brazil claim the ad did run just once.

(Update) The WWF and DDB Brazil have both accepted responsibility for both pieces of work, and have apologized for their actions.

'White people stole my car'

2009-09-02T20:43:00.000+01:00

From where I'm sitting, a very humorous prank on Google. And no, trying to get a similar result by searching that phrase will not work, I've already tried. Either Google has made a quick amendment, or it never actually 'existed'.

Whether this is true or not, I hope everyone can see the funny side of it and laugh it off, at the expense of Google.

'Celebalicious'

2009-09-01T22:33:00.000+01:00

Freeviews new TV campaign hit our screens earlier today, with Celebes aplenty, B-movie-like shooting, set to the theme tune from the 1970's cop show The Professionals. And in all honesty, I loved it! It actually worked rather well and whether I should admit this or not, it bought a genuine smile to my face.

Anyone would think having Katie Price, Alan Whicker, Ray Mears, Piers Morgan, Duncan Bannatyne, Miquita Oliver...(pause, breathe)...and Heston Blumenthal, Amanda Holden, Kirstie Allsopp, Phil Spencer and Postman Pat thrown in for good luck would be a little too much for the 60 second spot, but my it's worked out very well. It's a great use of talent from the various channels. Its no mean feat to get such a large cast on board, and them have no obligation to Freeview or fellow cast members. Just wonder whether Sky could manage such a conglomerate of professionals.

Well done Beattie McGuinness Bungay and Freeview.

It's Alive!

2009-09-01T14:13:00.000+01:00

I just stumbled across this very interesting piece of work by EURO RSCG Buenos Aires for the Sony Bravia TV in Argentina. Color like no other? Well it's definitely an Ad print like no other. The colors jumping out at you and engaging you in a trance of interest and intrigue as it becomes alive and mesmerizing...

...but now my eyes hurt.

(Click on image for full effect)

'Brand Bashing'

2009-08-31T14:27:00.000+01:00

Last night, on a dull and dreary evening I decided a good movie was what I needed after quite a hectic and tiring weekend. Having seen the Ad for Funny People, it seemed just right, easy going, relaxed and expectantly funny. However, what I got was brands aplenty and name dropping like it was some kind of competition amongst the cast! Product placement at it's wildest and most direct.

I am a firm advocate of product placement, subtle mentions, quick glimpses, clever infusions into the script, subconscious awakening and thought provoking. When done correctly. This was not done correctly to say the least. Brands forced into the screen, products mentioned, and mentioned again, the script blatantly written around the inclusion of brands, logo's appearing in every shot, and even advert style close-ups, to really see the product in all it's glory. Is the way forward for product placement in movies? I do hope not. It was embarrassing to watch as a 'marketer', and also as a loyal consumer of some of the affiliated brands. Apple, iPod, Myspace, Puma, Adidas, Nike, Sharp are just a few of the names that appeared, and appeared again throughout the movie, or should I say 'advert'. And I always thought product placement was supposed to be active on some kind of subliminal level.

Despite this, according to the Journal of Marketing, a study on product placement suggests it is more effective than ever before. Even when done so blatantly? Well no. The undercover aspect of the placement remains a key factor in it's success and validity. It states, 'when a product is successfully placed in feature films, the company that makes it enjoys a dramatic boost in it's stock prices.' In this case, I can't honestly see the stock prices of any of the brands mentioned above gaining in any manner from this horrific piece of work. In fact, as an avid Apple user and loyalist, I kind of feel embarrassed and ashamed, but whether I blame the 'movie' or the brand is still in doubt, maybe thats loyalty for you.

Product placement can be effective, worthwhile and more emotionally connecting when done right. But it can also be embarrassing, blatant, shameful and brazen when done wrong.

And the movie itself, well it's not too funny, not very good, rather unrooted, and 2 and a half hours for a somewhat funny 'advert' with no climatic ending is disappointing.

8-Bit meets Digital

2009-08-28T14:43:00.000+01:00

Is this the ultimate fusion of old fashioned 8-bit technology with the digital age? Something so simple and straightforward merged with the concepts of viral and new age ambience. Soothing to the eye, therapeutic on the ear, and oddly warming on the inside. Lego will be satisfyingly smug.

Just a thought for the poor little fingers, very sore and very chipped and very achy after 1500 hours of play...but worth it.

Is Microsoft really to blame?

2009-08-26T18:05:00.000+01:00

With the recent revelations of Microsoft playing about with the colour preferences of their marketing photograph and now apologising for the 'mishap', surely the more significant issue is why they feel they needed to make such changes.

Marketing is after all only relevant and correct if aimed precisely at it's given target-market, and is culturally effective. Therefore adaptations of this kind are only a result of what a region or country is willing to accept, or morally adhere to. I would argue Microsoft were merely adapting their marketing photo for a specific region, in this case Poland, to make it more socially and culturally acceptable. Whether that be right or wrong is something we most definitely will discuss in the coming days, but what is evident and concerning, is the level of disintegration that still exists in some parts of the world.

Microsoft has apologized for the incident and taken the offending image down, as well as stating they would be looking further into the matter. A spokesman said: 'The image has been removed. Diversity and inclusion are core values and business imperatives of Microsoft and we apologise for any offence that might have been taken.'

From a marketing viewpoint Microsoft were both right and wrong in adapting their marketing photograph for a sensitive market, and allowing such minorities to manipulate their values and beliefs. What should be taken from this incident is to identify that differences and inequalities still exist in some parts of the world. It should be our aim to overcome these differences for a more unified and equal world, and if mishaps of this kind do nothing but remind us of the single minded minorities that are still among us, then let that be the drive for us to continue in our efforts.

However, one final note, whether Microsoft thought they would be able to integrate and merge the body of an Afro-Caribbean, with the head of a Caucasian and get away with it so easily is still both questionable, and stupid.

Creatively controversial or Creatively cunning

2009-08-25T23:05:00.000+01:00

Creative, if you can call it that or 'boundary pushing' controversial work can help generate more than just an advert. Sometimes, a campaign can become very well known for all the wrong reasons. Publicity is a funny little thing. Is good publicity really good and bad publicity really bad? Or on the other hand, is good publicity really bad, and bad publicity really good? Or is any publicity good publicity, as long as it helps generate more awareness, more exposure and more conversation?

It's clearly evident from past experiences that controversial advertising will get you noticed, it will also help you get pages and pages of free, widespread publicity. Articles in newspapers, mentions on TV, links on websites, discussions in blogs, and tweets on Twitter, all a resulting factor of a 'bad' campaign. What we must ask ourselves though is, if we get that much exposure, that much interaction, and that much interest, then is it really a 'bad' campaign? In some cases you couldn't afford to buy the type of exposure some campaigns get for a controversial piece of advertising. So do agencies and clients alike, put such pieces of work out there for our scouring eyes, knowing full well that a reaction of some kind is very prominent and very likely, and is that reaction, in some cases, what they are looking for?

In all honesty, I don't feel it damages a brand, as long as the campaign is morally, and ethically correct, to an extent. Most recently, the banned Microsoft campaign has not had any positive effects on the brand. It's direct connection with race and colour is something Microsoft would have preferred to strayed well away from. This shows a distinct difference between 'cunningly creative' and boundary pushing work, as appose to discriminating, and socially sensitive work.

Creatively controversial work can have a big impact on a brand and it's presence in the industry, and within the media. However, only when it is executed correctly and precisely will it provide a beneficial outcome. It is also imperative to understand and take into consideration the target market of a brand, and how they may, or may not react or perceive to such 'cunning' creativity.

Whether acts of such 'controversial' or 'cunning' nature are ethically or morally correct for the industry is up for debate, but thats not to say we won't see many more boundary pushing campaigns in the near future. If there's a line, it's always going to get stepped over.

Creativity to a colleague, is not necessarily creativity to a consumer

2009-08-25T18:34:00.000+01:00

Creative, Strategic, Dynamic, Fresh, ROI, Infusing, Digital, User Engagement, Interactive, Mindset, Value Justification, Benchmarking and Social, just a few of the buzz words and terms that fly around any Ad office, and clutter the minds of any Adman. However, as important as they may be in Adland, how relevant or understood are they to the consumer? Or is it even important whether they're relevant or understood by the masses?

Adland is what, if I may, liken to a box. As much as everyone within the box tries and encourages everyone to look 'outside the box', it still remains the sole place for all the words listed above. But with Ad accounts worth millions, and salary paying clients demanding the very best in creative work, the end result from any agency is essentially the best form of marketing for their specific target-market, at that very moment in time, from all the sources currently available to them, right? Well, for a moment I'd like to disagree and look at it from, well from 'outside the box'. It must be stated, Advertising has become more and more creative, there is more emphasis on the idea, the process, the interaction and social integration. However, are these objectives and 'value added' requirements for the fulfillment of a clients brief for the consumer, or merely for the enjoyment, admiration and bragging rights within Adland?

Creativity and Dynamism is undoubtedly rooted in confidence and self ego, it's a key factor in generating belief and passion within the work that you do. However, the distinction that needs to be made is between confident, ego boosting work for the consumer, which they can relate to at every level, interact with and engage in the underlying notions and messages, and the confident, ego boosting work that is done with Adland in mind, for it's appreciation acknowledgment first, and for the consumer second. Some may say it's a two way process, and what happens in Adland, and it's impression and influence on your work is for the benefit of Advertising, and the quality of work produced. However, should the work produced be for the better of Adland or for the benefit of the consumer? I feel I'm asking far more question than I'm actually answering at this stage, and there's some questions which are simply beyond me, as after all, it's all an opinion, and as we all know they vary from one person to the next, and mine seem to change from one hour to the other. One thing I am sure of is, the words at the top of this post are very important, and play a key role in any piece of work. However, yes, those words are for the folk within the so called 'box', and a pleasant box it really is I must admit, yet the work produced from those words should undoubtedly be firstly for the consumer, and then for anyone else you may want to 'advertise' your 'offering' or 'skills' to.

Creativity to a colleague, is not necessarily creativity to a consumer.

A final point I feel I need to make is that, as much as I've gone one way then the other in terms of the true objectives of any work, I must stress all Creative, Dynamic, Strategic and Interactive work is for the overall benefit of the industry. That may seem like a cop out in relation to what has been stated above, however, as an Adland lover and self-confessed creative geek, the consumer is important, yes, however, the quality of work is just a little teeny weeny bit more. I'm not sure if thats my ego seeping through there, or just the inability to look far enough outside this lovely, rather pleasant and finely brushed box.

Durex get it on...

2009-08-21T17:08:00.000+01:00

I was just browsing the over loaded space that we like to call the World Wide Web when I came across this beauty. We all know that the number one rule in Adland is that sex sells, but the number one sex brand is now..well a while back..using their product to sell sex! Truly viral it may not be, but what a..peculiar treat for our gazing eyes it is.

Enjoy...but not too much...

iPhone set to spread it's wings...

2009-08-20T13:54:00.000+01:00

With the 2 year exclusivity deal with O2 set to come to an end next month, the iPhone is set to yet again spread it's far stretching wings and expand upon it's already fruitful market. With the rights of the iPhone 3G being opened up to both Orange and T-Mobile, the Apple iPhone is set to further it's stronghold within the UK mobile phone market. Already holding a dominant position within the market, the new opportunity for the iPhone to expand and reach even more is one Apple will most definitely be relishing.

The new opportunities for Apple do not merely lie in the consumer markets, with Orange having a stronghold in the corporate side of communications too. This will undoubtedly be a key factor in the continued drive for growth and success for Apple and it's grip on the mobile communications market. In essence this is the second wave of attack from Apple in the UK market. Opening up the exclusivity of the iPhone now increases their relative target market as well as it's presence on the shop floor. By firstly gaining a larger presence in the high street the product is set to interact with more consumers, and benefit from more retail space. Secondly, it will now become a viable and competitive option for network loyal customers, who did not want to move from their respective network providers over to O2.

In addition to this, the new competitiveness within the market will help create new offerings and better value for money for the consumer, which should therefore help reduce the price and costing of the iPhone. This in-turn will make the iPhone gain a larger target market again, with it's lower price attracting more consumers, and therefore the iPhone tapping into more than just the top end of the market.

However, what must be stated, and considered is the fact that it's only the iPhone 3G that is being opened up to Orange and T-Mobile. O2 still remains the sole provider of the iPhone 3GS, the newer, more refined iPhone. This is a very important factor to both O2 and Apple, as this still keeps O2 at the forefront of the iPhone market, and most importantly, the exclusivity of the 3GS allows O2 to maintain it's own pricing strategy, with relatively low concerns in regards to Orange and T-Mobile.

So, after the dust has settled, and the iPhone becomes more freely available, and consumers see prices dropping, and network providers get a more level playing field, there's only one true beneficiary of this, yes, you got it...Apple.

The hmaun mnid...

2009-08-19T00:29:00.000+01:00

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The pmhaonneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but teh wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

How for now radrees...

The Digital Melody

2009-08-18T17:54:00.000+01:00

'Digital' doing a..rather peculiar bit of inspiring on a somewhat mellow Tuesday afternoon...

It's all Digital Digital, so damn Digital

Ladies let me show you how this new flow goes

Sit back and watch it flow, flow flow flow flow

Businesses lets see how low your bottom line can go

Its all Digital Digital, from mobile, TV, and computers too

Never mind the doubters as there are now only a few

TV's Digital, radio's Digital, shopping socializing and talking too

Its time to move, time to change, time to leave that restricted thought

The new era has now been sought

So what is Digital, how is Digital, why is Digital and what do I do

It's like head shoulders knees and toes

Yes head shoulders knees and toes

Watch me and I'll take you slow

All set and off we go

TV, radio, HD too

Screens aplenty and we all have a few

A billion apps, unused tweets, GPS to help us reach

All this and yet we still call it relatively new

It's time to know, time to learn, time to explore and then to teach

Its the way forward and it's definitely begun

So aim up, open your mind, and even now you've already given it a try

Reach up and we'll soon touch the sky

But now it's time for me to go, for me to go and run and hide

But I'll still be here, here in soul

Here in Digital as the world passes us by

And now I have what Digital is, so now I know I'm control.

It's all Digital Digital..Digital Digital...

...hmmm...and I have absolutely no idea where the punctuation should or should not go...

Burgers, chips, kebab and a pizza...

2009-08-18T15:04:00.000+01:00

Are dirty, greasy, cheap fast foods all that we're allowed to eat after a night out of boozing and dancing and well in some cases puking..? Drinking over half your recommended daily calorie intake in 3 hours is all good and well, but that does not mean we want to then line our delicate stomachs with chicken so cheap even the stray cats would leave it behind, and a kebab so greasy it looks worse than my hair did in my teens!

A few nights ago I decided to go against the 'norm', and, rather unwisely decided I would end my night with a healthy, balanced, nutrition filled meal. 1 hour and 45 mins later I decided I'd worked off enough calories walking about in vain looking for that elusive 'good food takeaway' and so walked into the nearest 'burgers, chips, kebab and a pizza' joint.

Is there not a valid profitable market for such places to be open at 3a.m.? Ok maybe not, but surely with the way in which consumer behavior is adapting, and health continuing to become an important aspect of more and more peoples lives, there clearly is a market out there, maybe a niche market for now, but a market nonetheless.

I do think this is more a rant than any form of worthwhile writing, but oh well, I blame the chicken from last night, bad food doesn't feed the brain.

What 'makes' what...?

2009-08-17T18:27:00.000+01:00

Can an advert really 'make' a song? Or does the song 'make' the advert..? Hmmm..just an intriguing thought going through my mind at present. There have been a vast range of incredibly good adverts and campaigns which feature a new and diverse song, or an up and coming artist, or even the use of a past creation which has been bought into the times with a good ad, maybe.

Examples of where this has been immensely successful is the fairly recent Cadbury's piece with"Don't stop the rock" by the Freestylers, and also the not so recent Sony Bravia campaign with "Heartbeats" by Jose Gonzalez, both of which are fine examples of Adland working proficiently. But what intrigues me most is, could those adverts have been as successful with other songs? Or could those songs be as successful with other adverts..hmm.. In all honesty I guess so, looking at it from a creative angel, someone, somewhere would be able to make them as impacting as they we're in their respective ads.

Nevertheless, two fine examples of where each contributer plays a key role, but not quite as an important role as the geniuses who had the creativity, flare and wisdom to infuse the two...

Kerry in final cut...?

2009-08-17T15:09:00.001+01:00

Can anyone remember the talented, happy, vibrant, magazine adorned days of Kerry Katona..? Well nor can I. This once upon a time pop sensation has seen more ups-and-downs than Bill Clintons trousers, but even he's managed to re-emerge with a credible and almost respectable image of late. With new images of Kerry Katona surfacing all over the media showing her undignified and simply unacceptable approach to self medication, I wonder are her days as a 'usuable' public figure finally over?

We've seen Kerry in magazines, billboards and TV at every stage of her rather peculiar journey, from the highs of pop stardom, to the lows of depression, to the highs of her ability to overcome her issues, to the lows of addictions. Throughout that period Kerry's been able to utilise herself effectively, and in both good times and bad she's used that image to sell her brand, whether its for Iceland or MTV. However with the recent images emerging of Kerry snorting copious amounts of cocaine in her bathroom, surely she's put the final nail in her demise as an advertising and branding asset for good. With Icelenad looking to pull out of their contract with Katona, and her shows ratings dwindling by the week it's difficult to see how even another re-brand and freshened approach would help her bounce back once again. No doubt the PR spin will once again be out in force and a new 'makeover' forecast for the coming months, but now it's honestly felt the brand that is Kerry Katona and all it represents has finally hit rock bottom, maybe not so much with this one action alone, but the culmination of everything involved and her ability to repeatedly become the talk of the town, for all the wrong reasons.

Kerry Katona we do wish you well, but from Adland, I think we'd rather just watch from afar.

Why is Adland such a 'blah'?

2009-08-14T18:16:00.002+01:00

There are no set rules, no specifics, no guidelines, no true way, no defined path. Just a conglomerate of information and ideals, which inevitably vary immensely from one person to another, from one hour to the next. Lets just look at the 'simple' issue of employment in this vacuum of creativity and sacredness. Is a degree enough? Is a Masters enough? Is a Phd enough? A years experience? 2 years? 17years? A blog followed by 159,098? Devilishly good looks? A designer suit? A pair of converse? A few good 'tweets'? Well the honest answer is no. Thats not enough. If that was all that was required of us then I guess we'd share our departments with the accountants, not that their a bad species or anything. But Advertising and Marketing, lets get it technically right, ok, Marketing and PR is not based on rigid structure, or defined achievements; nobody knows what is, or is not enough, you only know once you try it and see what results. Like everything in Marketing and PR it's about being fresh, dynamic, infusing your ability with what is required, and not blurting out a mass of creative mess which has no meaning, association, or connection.

Above all else and most importantly, its about passion, creativity and enthusiasm for media. Enjoying all aspects of interaction, and finding it to be a hobby that you love and enjoy, more so than seeing it as work, or a job. It is about having the ability and character to infuse your passion, creativity and ability in a very productive and driven manner in order to utilise your skills and proficiency effectively for your organisation and client.

So why is Adland such a blah? Well it's got a lot to do with everything and everyone involved. Creativity is a blah, it's not defined or structured, getting in is a blah, ones job role is a blah, you might look back and consider this post to have merged into a blah of information. Everything is an opinion and that's what makes Adland such a potent, and diverse being. It's constantly evolving, growing, learning and adapting. It's not merely a 'blah', it is something so much more powerful than that. It is becoming what it wasn't yesterday, which is what makes it what it is.

A good Ad?

2009-08-11T17:42:00.000+01:00

Whats the best ad you've seen on the box over the last few months...? This time last year I could roll a list as long as my arm off in a matter of seconds, but today there just isn't the creativity, oomph and dynamism...or is there...

Well there is one that stands out, for it's uniqueness, dynamism, ability to generate wide spread interest, with gallons of creativiey and an 'oomph so powerful that it can be felt in the dark valleys of..well Liverpool St. station..yes you got it, it is the T-Mobile – Life's for Sharing campaign.

The T-Mobile campaign stands out more so than any other due to its ability to be fresh and dynamic and capture the imagination of not only their target market but a larger audience, while maintaining the core elements of a successful campaign. The 'Liverpool Street Station dance' showed how advertising and marketing can still push the boundaries in being creatively dynamic and generating interest on a huge scale due to its fresh and unique approach.

However, for me the most important factor of this campaign is how it infused that creativity and dynamism into a successful and connecting marketing 'idea' for T-Mobile. The campaign held the core values of sharing, enjoyment, people and emotion, together with this fresh, dynamic, inspiring idea to produce a campaign which connected to T-Mobile very successfully. Credit should also be giving to the creative edge of the campaign, as over night it became more than an 'advert', it transformed into an internet phenomena, and the talk on everyone's lips.

I believe this was a very successful campaign due to its ability in every way to be fresh, connecting and interactive, while constantly relating to the brand in question. Looking back at it, each element of the campaign worked immensely well with everything involved, from the wide spread interest generated, to the fusion of values and ideas, to the idea of sharing, down to the simplicity of the overall idea itself.

A campaign very precisely put together, and perfectly executed.

Are b2b supply chain issues as significant in the service industry?

2009-08-11T17:21:00.000+01:00

The internet has developed immensely sine it began in 1957 with the formation of the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) by the US, which was no more than a connection of two computers, up until 1992 when the World Wide Web was released by CERN, (Hobbes Internet Timeline, 2003), up until today, where we see internet as the best technological advancement since, well since time began. The Internet has ‘enabled’ many businesses in many different ways; one of the key contributions it has made to all types of firms is in restructuring and developing the supply chain. The Internet has changed the ways in which businesses operate and work with suppliers and distributors; this has occurred and affected the B2B market considerably. E-commerce has become an essential tool for any kind of business, it is regarded by many as the way forward in survival and gaining sustainable competitive advantage, whether that be offline or online, or both. The largest segment of e-commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services by the businesses to the other businesses, (Forrester Research, 2004).

‘E-commerce is the use of the Internet and the Web to transact business. More formally, digitally enabled commercial transactions between and among organizations and individuals’, Laudon and Traver, (2003).

Essentially e-commerce is the more than just the buying and selling of products electronically, involving all pre-sale and post-sale activities, panning across the whole supply chain of a firm. E-commerce has impacted firms in many different ways, it’s affected the ways in which firms trade, purchase, sell, build relationships, interact with customers and suppliers, and how they transfer goods and money.

On a broad level e-commerce can be split in to two sub-sections, business to business, and business to consumer, these two different approaches stimulate different methods and requirements from firms, (Madlberger and Kotzab, 2001). In undertaking e-commerce in the different groups different concepts and requirements are exercised, in this report e-commerce will be looked at in relation to B2B organizations, and the role it plays in them.

E-commerce has enabled firms through seven unique features it possess:

Ubiquity – available everywhere, work, home, school, at anytime

Global reach

Universal standards

Richness – Video, audio, and text is possible

Interactivity

Information density – technology reduces information costs and increase quality

Personalization/customization

Source: Laudon and Traver (2003)

However e-commerce is not a process whereby all these factors must be utilized or used in some way in order for it to be successful. They are he benefits of e-commerce, and some of those benefits will out way others to certain firms.

‘B2B: Business transactions conducted over public or private networks, including public and private transactions that se the Internet as a delivery vehicle. These transactions include financial transfers, online exchanges, auctions, delivery of products and services, supply-chain activities and integrated business networks.’ (Cunningham, 2001)

The subject of B2B e-commerce can be very detailed, and stretch far and wide to all the links a business may have with other businesses, and external sources. Where e-commerce has become its own, and been utilized successfully, and where it is most valuable is in the changing process of activity and supply chain management.

Supply chain issues have existed in all types of businesses for many years, and it’s pretty certain that they will continue to exist in the future. However, the level of significance these issues may have on certain types of businesses may be debatable or varying accordingly to the type of business. What the Internet as enabled is the development and adaptation of the Procurement process, essentially changing ‘the way firms purchase the goods they need to produce goods for consumers’, (Laudon and Traver, 2003; pp.709).

Business to business activity is seen to be more complex and multifaceted than that of business to consumer, the B2B supply issues are therefore directly related to the activity between suppliers and the organization, primarily on the Buy-side. The Buy-side(Upstream supply chain), (Chaffey, 2004), relates to and involves all the interaction between the firm and is supplier(s), it is the full process of engaging with suppliers in obtaining the end product or service, which can then be moved along to the Sell-side and to your customers.

Upstream supply chain – B2B

The B2B supply chain issues that have emerged are that:

B2B activities are conducted with companies and partners through supply chains or distribution networks

It is primarily a Buy-side issue

The chains have increased in their complexity and now the Internet extends the reach, and potentially the rate of exchange

These three issues can relate to any form of organization, whether it is service based or product, the implications and resulting factors are the same. However the importance of B2B e-commerce between service-orientated and profit centered organizations is something that may have different orientations.

In restructuring the supply chain in relation to e-commerce a B2B firm can gain many opportunities that can benefit them in their market. Disintermediation is a key factor that e-commerce allows firm to adapt and utilize. This is basically the ‘removal of intermediaries such as distributors or brokers that formally linked the company’ to its primary suppliers (Chaffey, 2004; pp.37). This offers firms the opportunity to buy directly from the supplier with reduced costs and shorter cycle times, therefore making the firm more efficient and effective. The other side of this is Re-intermediation (‘the creation of new intermediaries between customers and suppliers providing services such as supplier search and product evolution’, Chaffey, 2004; pp.39). This offers the business the chance to use B2B exchanges to source products or services at lower costs. This can all be utilized to accomplish the changes that e-commerce can bring to the firm, without any restructuring of the supply chain technologies such as email, web-based ordering, EDI and order tracking can be used to reduce costs and cycle times. And both disintermediation and re-intermediation options can be facilitated through email, web-sites EDI and e-commerce.

But the question B2B e-commerce in the service industry needs to address is whether it’s really essential for a not-for-profit organization to be fully integrated in B2B e-commerce activity? Or can they cope without it? Or is it more important for a not-for-profit organization as they have no income directly?

The adoption of e-commerce has occurred predominantly in the manufacturing and product based industries, however more and more service based organizations are adapting their strategies and implementing e-commerce strategies. One of the most successful and domineering companies to implement e-commerce has been Direct line. By adapting their whole organization, and stakeholders’ to a new and revolutionary strategy and way of ‘doing’ things they were able to completely change the market and become a market leader. The insurance industry may not look to be the best suited in adding value to the supply chain or the Buy side of a firm through e-commerce or e-procurement, however this clearly shows it can have monumental effects on any type of organization.

The ways in which Direct line, and many other financial companies have benefited from such implementations are through:

Reduced purchasing cycle time and cost

Enhanced budgetary control (achieved through rules to limit pending and improved reporting facilities)

Elimination of admin errors

Increasing buyer’s productivity

Lowering prices through product/service standardization and consolidation of buys

Improving information management

Improving the payment process

Source: Turban et al. 2000

These factors clearly have immense effects on the companies running costs and roles in their respective markets. By increasing efficiency, lowering costs, and increasing the effectiveness of working with other organizations in providing the service to consumers many firms have seen the benefits of e-commerce. These effects re not only in financial value, but also relate to productivity and organizational structure. Better interaction between companies and suppliers have helped improve products and services for consumers, it has also benefited in achieving substantial growth, not only for you, but key stakeholders.

This can also be looked at in the not-for profit organizations. It is apparent from the outset that profit or sales are not the key issues for such service providers; however, e-commerce can assist such firms in many other areas. Not-for-profit organizations are primarily there to provide a service or project awareness of some kind across to consumers or the public; they do however still have the same supply chains as other firms. These supply chains work and are in place in order to gain or obtain key data or information, in order to provide it to an end user, so fundamentally they are intermediaries for others, or protocol for certain organizations or societies in providing a service to stimulate respective targets, i.e. charities. Obviously the exchange of ‘goods’ is different and the interaction, along with the goals of both the firm and its suppliers or distributors. However, e-commerce can assist and help the firm in its procurement process in providing the systems to make such organizations efficient, and work better with its stakeholders. This can assist the overall service to the consumer, and help implement the ‘pull’ strategy for the firm, but also for the services it provides. An example of this is the ‘portal’ (Chaffey, 2004) site 2wm.co.uk which provides information and support to all aspects within the west midlands. By implementing e-commerce with its strategic partners and stakeholders 2wm.co.uk have been able to provide a service that would be very difficult to duplicate offline. 2wm.co.uk have utilized B2B e-commerce by working directly with its ‘suppliers’ and restructuring the supply chain into an interactive ongoing relationship to whom consumers have access to through the portal. This has been very effective as data and information has been communicated both back and forth, and is continuously updated through the procurement process. This allows ‘suppliers’ of information or data to supply it as and when they feel the need to do so, or when requested.

Another example of where B2B e-commerce has worked very well is through auction sites. Auction sites at the bare minimum are places to trade or market, they aim to bring two sets of individuals together to a place where they can trade. Various auction site offer one-to-many markets, providing the seller with buyers and the buyers with products; this can be seen in the business orientated DoveBid.com site. The site provides the service; there is no cost at all to post your products on the site, although it is only done through an invitation process and items are not common ‘consumer’ use products. The site has developed its supply chain by implementing supply chain management from the seller, through themselves and down to the consumer, at no stage does the site see or hold the product, however, it holds all the key links in the supply chain and manages them.

This shows the importance e-commerce can have within an organization and how it can help improve the quality of the service being provided. E-commerce is not specifically one item or one element of the process; it enables and aids firms in many different ways and in many different areas.

Yes e-commerce is new way of doing business, yes e-commerce is beneficial to any type of firm, yes e-commerce is something all firms are looking to utilize in the future if they’ve not already done so. However it must also be noted that e-commerce is the next stage in a log running process. Firms and organizations have for many years now been using various systems or structures in order to communicate effectively with trade partners and stakeholders. E-commerce did not originate with the Internet, it merely took a step further and was taken to new level or stage.

Since the early 1980’s firms have been implementing communication systems, the most effective being EDI (Electronic Data Exchange). Over the years EDI has developed from simply a system for document automation, to document elimination and finally continuous replenishment. EDI is a specialized system and used for interaction, and supports direct commercial transactions among strategically related firms. However, unlike e-commerce, EDI has the weakness of being unable to support vast amounts of suppliers and distributors meeting in one virtual network. In essence this has helped e-commerce in taking the role of an electronic system to the next level, and becoming the most successful tool to implement, which has been enabled through web technologies.

E-commerce has a very broad and drawn out definition, however implementing all such functions is not always necessary. E-commerce to one firm may involve all aspects of e-commerce from buying to selling, and eCRM to post sale servicing. An example of this s Dell, there entire network has been enabled by e-commerce and this has changed there whole supply chain systems and management, from supplier interaction to customer contact, to delver and post sale services. On the other side of the argument, many firms have only utilized certain areas of e-commerce, in relation to their business and the products or services they offer. An example of this is various shopping mall sites, one of which is the Bullring site. It has utilized e-commerce in providing the service of information, knowledge, and data by working with suppliers of this information, the council, retailers, consumers, in order to provide a service with improved quality and better access abilities to all aspects of the Bullring through one, portal to an extent.

As it’s evident from the various sites discussed, and from personal experience e-commerce has completely changed the market and the organizational structures of firms and its stakeholders.

The key implications that B2B e-commerce has had is that it has created the virtual organization, giving firms the ability to exist virtually with virtual links to one or many suppliers, distributors and customers. It has also helped in creating new distribution channels from both suppliers to firms, and from firms to customers. This impact has overall improved the distribution channel support by allowing stakeholders to work together, and compliment each others abilities and strategies in providing the product or service from one end, the beginning, through the supply chain, to the end user.

This has allowed firms to implement supply chain management, increasing efficiency and effectiveness of their firm, but also improvement of the overall process for customers. Another factor that e-commerce has impacted strongly is customer relationship management. It has enabled and developed a firms’ ability to acquire customers, retain existing customers through supply chain management, improve the quality of service, and employ strategies to extend and selectively target certain customer segments. In doing so, eCRM has been able to be implemented within any type of business, whether it’s a product or service based company, for-profit or not.

E-commerce is a process, and it is unique to each and every business or situation. The end result of the process is dependant upon the type of firm or organization in question; however the importance of e-commerce is as valid for any type of firm.

One of the most important aspects that need to be identified and related to e-commerce in recognizing the potential for e-commerce is the objectives of the firm or organization. Varying objectives will cause different uses of e-commerce, however the importance of reaching ones objectives are as equally as important to any type of firm, from profit based, to not-for-profit. Therefore it is essential to note that e-commerce is applied in many different forms, and for many different motives, however the importance of it will be directly related to ones objectives, which are they key priority to every firm.

Fashion Consumption - Burberry

2009-08-10T19:45:00.000+01:00

In today’s competitive and strategic markets companies are having to use the most diverse and effective marketing strategies in order to gain an advantage over their rivals, and stimulate consumption in a vast number of ways. Clothing has become more than just ‘wear’; it integrates into an individual’s life and has become an extension of ones self and their beliefs and values. In doing so, the consumption of clothing, in particular segments and groups, has developed into an act of propelling yourself into the environment through the garments you chose to wear, or more importantly, the ‘names’ you chose to associate with. This is, in most cases controlled by the designers and manufacturers of such clothing, however, in some cases the consumer influence has overwhelmed certain brands affecting the brands meanings, values and standings.

The clothing industry has grown immensely in the past few years, and a large proportion of that growth has been within the designer clothing industry. It is expected the designer clothing industry will slow down in future, however strong luxury brands will continue to prosper in an economy where disposable income continues to rise. With designer clothing for ever occasion and event, and designs to fulfil any individuals’ desire and taste, this market has become a very volatile and turbulent place of trade.

The designer clothing market is worth an estimated £1.5billion in the UK, (Mintel, 2005) with Burberry, Calvin Klein and Paul Smith dominating the store presence, due to their wider market and lower exclusiveness. The structure of the overall market is in the form of a pyramid shape, the higher upon the pyramid you stand, the higher your price and the higher your exclusivity:

Haute couture – exclusive designs, made to measure services mainly for women £10,000+

Semi-couture – limited editions, customised, not bespoke

Mainline designer ready to wear

Second line designer – sub-brands or diffusions

Lower sub-brands, high street designer lines

Designer lines exclusive to certain retailers – Debenhams, H&M, oasis, at mainstream prices

The designer clothing industry has seen a slight downturn in the past year, however with continuing growth in PDI within the UK (Mintel, 2005); it is obvious that there is more disposable income available, however only the strongest, and most desirable brands will reap the benefits of such changes. Therefore the market is becoming ever more competitive and challenging, with consumers moving towards one brand over another. This will significantly affect the dynamics of the market; fortunes of designers will depend largely on whether they hold the ‘must have’ items consumers desire. This is an area largely influenced by the media; with the strongest consumer base for designers now being the 15 – 24 year olds (Mintel, 2005), who are highly fashion conscious and highly interested in designer clothing, the media message projected by designers is the key area in order to influence and bring about awareness, and also gain positive ratings amongst the ‘fashion elite’, over advertising itself.

Growth in such a market is very difficult, the balance of maintaining exclusivity and uniqueness, with the desire to grow and expand conflict immensely in a niche market. One of the turning points within the industry was the utilisation of accessories. Accessories, such as sunglasses, handbags and shoes enabled designers brands to develop and expand their market, while maintaining their exclusivity and limited but highly attractive market. Designer accessories account for almost over a third of all designer brand sales, this shows the importance of brand or product extension, while minimising, or limiting market extension.

However, the consumption of designer goods is changing everything about the designer industry. Exclusive designs and brands are becoming ever more accessible, and they are in no way exclusive to the ‘traditional smart, high-earning core customers’ (Brooke, 2005). With more and more individuals consuming luxury brands, and familiarity breeding contempt, are luxury brands really that luxury and desirable? This is the predicament facing all designer brands, who aim to grow their markets and expand their businesses, yet maintain their exclusivity and niche appeal.

With sales climbing after huge declines in profits over the past few years in the UK market, Burberry is a prime example of a designer brand being affected in this whirlwind of a market. Internal upheaval, and consumer associations, fuelled by media cataclysm Burberry has seen its high end British appeal brand scorn and transformed from right under their noses. Whether Burberry were in a process to expand their market or stimulate growth in existing markets, their story is one every designer brand should assess and ponder upon. Having seen Gucci go through similar fate in the 80’s and 90’s (Brooke, 2005), and Hugo Boss and Paul Smith still trying to climb back up after their extension strategy misfortunes (Rogers, 2003), Burberry is a designer brand that could well be eaten up by the dynamics of such a market, or claw back to more stronger and superior position. As a result of Burberry’s very present and current happenings it is valuable and beneficial to look closer at the designer brand and its market in order to, not only understand the industry better but to also gain a better understanding into the interaction of designer brands with consumers, and the roles consumers play for designer brands.

In order to understand and put value to the knowledge of how the brand is operating and change today, it is essential to gain understanding on Burberry, and its values and principals from when, and how it began.

1856 – Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21 year old Thomas Burberry, a former apprentice to a country draper, opened an outfitters shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England

1870 – Business thrived and by 1870 Burberry became known as an ‘emporium’ with an increased focus on the development of outdoor wear for local residents and visiting sportsmen who frequented the store

1880 – Thomas Burberry invented gabardine – a breathable fabric made using an innovative process where the yarn was waterproof before weaving. This fabric was not only waterproof but also extremely durable. A patent was taken out in 1888

1891 – Thomas Burberry opened his first shop at the Haymarket, now the site of Burberrys corporate headquarters

1895 – The officers Tielocken Coat, designed by Burberry in 1890’s, was the forerunner to today’s trench coat

1911 – The Norwegian explorer, Captain Roald Amundsen was outfitted in Burberry when he became the first man to reach the South Pole on December 14^th 1911. Amundsen left a Burberry gabardine tent to inform Captain Scott of his successful mission

1914 – In 1914 Burberry was commissioned by the War Office to adapt their earlier design of the service uniform for British Officers to the military needs and equipment of the time

1920 – The Burberry Check, registered as a trademark, was introduced as a lining to the trench coat in the 1920’s. Soon the red, camel, black and white check became synonymous with Burberry

1955 – Burberry was first awarded Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen in 1955

1989 – A further Royal Warrant was awarded 1989 by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales

2002 – Burberry launched its exclusive ‘Art of the Trench’ made to order trench coat service

2006 – Burberry celebrates its 150year anniversary

Source: Burberry.com

Over Burberrys 150 year history, it has seen itself become an integral part of British society and heritage. Its relations with the monarchy, and historic associations, have helped build a luxury brand which thrives on its distinct British sensibility, strong international recognition and differentiating brand values that resonate across a multi-generational and dual-gender audience, (Burberry, 2006).

Having made its mark in 1880 with the development of the revolutionary fabric, the Gabordine, Burberry soon enhanced its image and brand qualities with valuable associations with explorers and the military. This led to Burberry gaining a reputation for high quality, and a prestigious reflection on its brand. This exclusiveness and high-status recognition helped Burberry open a store in London and Paris, taking the Brand to an international audience. At this time Burberry was in a very unique and niche market, there was very little competition, and the brand Burberry was seen as being the utmost quality and status. This was reflected in its target market and the folk who consumed such a product. Having high associations with the British royal family and the British autocracy it was evident that one had to be ‘someone’ in order to be dressed in such clothing. The target market was very well established, high-status consumers, with wealth and desire to project their standing within society, put simply it was the Rolls-Royce of the clothing industry.

Burberry soon progressed into the global market having seen the opportunities available, and the rewards of having such a niche, high end product. Soon Burberry span across Europe, Asia and the US through supply chains and wholesale agreements. This internationalisation of a niche brand, which began as a small shop in Basingstoke, took one very large step in order to become truly global. In 1955 Burberry was taken over allowing the expansion of retail networks in the UK and abroad, this gave way to licensing to third parties for products and designs. However, this delegation of rights and control had considerable implications for the brand and its image. As a result of the licensing, inconsistencies become more and more apparent in design, quality, and pricing throughout Europe, and the world. This damaged Burberry’s image and brand qualities resulting in sharp falls in profits, sales, reputation, and their stronghold in the designer goods market (Strategic Direction, 2005).

The brand began to lose is prestigious qualities as well as its core customers, who no longer saw Burberry as an ‘elite’ brand for the wealthy ‘honourable’ folk. Competition from the Gucci group, and Versace became more and more intense, they were consistent, high quality and very much design led and customer focused, therefore redefining the designer brand and taking the term ‘elite’ to a new forefront.

Today Burberry is essentially a middle-of-the-road designer brand (Ritson, 2005); it is not the elite brand such as Gucci or Versace. This is primarily due to its limited design led clothing lines and lack of presence of the global catwalks (Ritson, 2005). There core customer today differ from those in their early years.

Burberry offer designer clothing at a lower strategic level of those from Gucci and Versace (Strategic Direction, 2005), this is obviously reflected in their target market, and is positioned towards the middle of the designer market pyramid (Mintel, 2005). Their target market are still wealthy affluent consumers, however it runs through many socio-economic groups from ABC1’s, 2’s and D, making it a less exclusive and admirable brand. However over the past few years Burberry has addressed this factor are in a process of adapting and changing their brand and move to a more exclusive and elite nature. This change in their appeal and offering has been a direct reaction to the recent consumption patters of their products, and the association of their brand and products with less desirable consumers. This has seen direct effects on Burberry’s overall sales, with global underlying sales up by 10% to £715.5 million, and operating profits increasing further by 16% to £165.5 million in 2005. in terms of product categories, Burberry’s strongest division is womenswear with 34% of total sales, and not surprisingly menswear and accessories take up and even 27% each, representing the importance of accessories to Burberry, and all designer brands. The remaining sales are split between licensing (11%) and other (1%) (Mintel, 2005). It is essential to state that these figures represent the overall picture for Burberry, however, within the UK, Burberry have suffered and have seen a slowdown due to environmental factors and the market.

In the UK market, the iconic Burberry check and some items of clothing/accessories have been consumed by a style tribe called the ‘Chavs’. This demographic is young, male and female, working class, and widely publicized in the media as wearing designer labels but with little taste, and allegedly causing trouble. The influence that these groups of individuals have had on Burberry is immense, they have undoubtedly changed the brands image and meaning in ways Burberry never imagined possible. This has obviously affected Burberry’s core customers, who to some degree find it undesirable to consume the brand which is now visibly worn by such individuals, and therefore are disassociating themselves with the famous check’. The effect can be very negative and some UK retailers dropped the brand as their up-market customers do not want to be associated with Chavs.

“Yes it negatively affected Burberry sales across the UK – just like Hackett was affected when it started being worn by (alleged) football hooligans. But Hackett has come back and Burberry will be fine because they are downplaying the check and moving the collection on.”

– Director, department store

“I don’t think it has really affected Burberry. There is the working class/nouveau riche market and the aficionados market. Burberry has a strong business in its own market that transcends a lot of barriers. Ralph Lauren is worn by loads of middle-aged overweight Americans but it still has designer associations and doesn’t put off young fashionable people buying it.”

– Menswear consultant (Source: Mintel 2005)

The key fundamental problems and weaknesses that Burberry had were that it was a very visible brand. The Burberry check is recognizable all over the world, and yes it may be a great asset, however, the check is instantly recognizable; and visibility of the brand led to a direct association with chavs. A more subtle and intimate feature would play a stronger and more intelligent role as a communicative device with its core customers. The second weakness is that due to Burberry’s positioning it is very much accessible in the high-street, and has a low couture presence. This makes Burberry a middle of the tier in the luxury market. The final weakness Burberry failed to address is their relations with the media. They failed to counter any threat chavs had on the brand, or comfort existing customers who were well aware of the chav phenomenon taking place. They let the ‘phenomenon’ runaway with itself, and by the time they wanted to react, some would say it was too late (Ritson, 2005).

At present Burberry is in the process of re-inventing their brand and image through a more design led focus, and developing a more up-market, elite brand. This has been complimented by Burberry stopping production of certain products which are predominantly consumed by ‘chavs’, and the decrease in the use of the visible check on their clothing. New advertising campaigns and distribution networks are allowing Burberry to evolve their brand into what they feel is best for the brand, with the use of certain celebrities, and the imagery and meanings they depict.

This is being led by the arrival of a new leading designer, a bespoke range for the ultra exclusive clientele, and the introduction of Burberry to the catwalk. They are hoping these changes will help develop a brand that will attract premium buying consumers through an elite brand and design-led portfolio, and also a somewhat price diffused range to help maintain a level of growth while sustaining exclusivity.

“It was definitely a negative influence on Burberry and now it is affecting Dior that the Chavs are also wearing (the J’adore Dior T-shirt and logo prints). It has a negative effect on retailers selling the mainline because, rather like an item being counterfeited, it will have less appeal to the up market shopper. Having said that, Louis Vuitton bags are copied everywhere but they still sell. Burberry is getting over it now because the brand is about a lot more than just checks.”

– Consumer fashion journalist (Source: Mintel 2005)

From looking at the designer industry and the changes it has gone through recently, and the influences and overriding dynamics facing the designer brands it is clear to see that this is a volatile market, and one in which the dynamics of the market are very different to any other. Changes in demand can have obscure results for an organization in this market, to an extent one could argue it is very much a niche market, and most consumers of this market would like for it to be kept that way. However, changing consumer behavior and shifting consumption patterns constantly transform and alter the market, but more importantly, they effect the positions and perceptions of the designer brands themselves. This has been clearly seen and identified in many brands over the past 20 to 30 years, and most recently in the case of Burberry. A high quality, sought after brand has seen its image transformed by the association of their brand and products with certain social groups within the UK, whether their able to move on from this problem as a designer brand will be determined in their ability to regain their elite consumer, and distinctiveness as an exclusive, limited designer brand.

The most important element to understand is that growth in such a market may not be the most valuable or attractive proposition or strategy to move the designer brand forward, exclusivity and uniqueness are key to maintain the notion of a ‘designer brand’.

Doctor doesn't lie

2009-03-31T19:05:00.000+01:00

Earlier today I had the privilege of an appointment with my GP. I had a head injury a few days ago so I was hoping for my kind, caring, considerate doctor to give me some sound advice, and a quick check over to see everything was running smoothly. But what I got was more like a rude awakening...

I suffered a head injury last week on the football field, not overly severe, but not minor either. A few seconds of unconsciousness, 7 hours of memory loss, and 2 nights in the capable hands of the nurses at my local hospital. A CT scan, 231 blood pressure checks, 172 pills and several horrific meals later they deemed me fit enough to continue my recovery at home, which I was ecstatic about. As stated there were the after effects, the tiredness, memory loss, confusion, irritable mood, drowsiness, and throbbing headaches. Over the past few days these have simmered and I'm once agin slowly becoming my 'charming' old self. So as a advised precaution I made an appointment to see my local GP and just make sure everything is as it should be...but maybe I should have just passed on that encounter...

I walk in to take a comfortable seat in the doctors office, a pleasant looking chap, late 40's, smartly dressed, a welcoming smile, and then a glance at the wall clock. Was I late? No, I'd been there 20 minutes early. Was he in hurry? Surely not, I thought. Catching up on my injury as fast as he could with the electronic notes I was astonished to hear him dismiss it as a mere light head bump, I'm sorry? I asked, clearly he didn't have half a clue as to the happenings or the hospital report. But after a quick explanation we seemed to be on the same page, frighteningly. After a few regular questions he continued to advise me as to what may, or may not occur in the coming days and weeks, and boy was I in for a shock! 'I see they did a CT scan, which is good, however, I should say at this point that if there was very little internal bleeding it would not have shown up on the scan.' Hmm, OK, go on, he continued to explain that if there was any small amount of internal bleeding then it could well become a severe issue and lead to a more complexed and life threatening situation. In some respects I wanted for him to repeat himself, but in others I'd heard quite enough. 'Vigilance is key', a phrase he seemed to repeat every 15 seconds. Surely I'm being vigilant by coming to see him, as a professional, for him to asses how well I was recovering! 'It's a possibility, you have to be vigilant, I'm not saying it will happen, just be aware'. He continued to ask me some more questions, 'does your head hurt?', it suddenly began to hurt more than it had earlier in the day, 'do you feel weary at all?', I was sitting on a chair, but I was now feeling like the floor was moving, 'is your memory better now?', I couldn't remember anything from when the door closed behind me as I entered his office.

I'd come here to get reassurance, advice, and help, and I was leaving even worse than before, more confused, more anxious, more on edge, more worried, and less well, this wasn't right. I accept the truth can be hurtful, and we need to hear it at times, but surely there is an easier, and slightly more pleasant way in which a doctor can 'inform' a patient.

I love my Mac!!

2009-03-30T21:02:00.000+01:00

I recently made the 'big switch'..from PC to the new world that is Mac, and I must admit, its one of the best things I've done!

I did the initial reading and research into the world of Apple, and considered all the flaws and disadvantages against the benefits and advantages. I had a number of individuals to assist me too, a good friend telling me to definitely switch over, my brother telling me its a marketing ploy, my sister pointing out the facts of price VS spec..and all I really wanted was to buy into the brand...

Being sucked into the whole branding of Apple was absolutely fine for me, it is a better product after all (not sure if thats me talking or the marketing I've bought into), but value for money was also a concern, albeit for a very small amount of time. The only other major concern I had was for the compatibility of existing documents and files, as well as softwares, and the ease of transition. But that I found was extremely easy, even for a rather novice light user of the computer like myself. My new Apple iMac is absolutely amazing!! I love everything about it, from how it looks, to the screen quality, to the desktop and beyond. If anything I find it far easier to use than any PC I've owned, without all of that virus and spyware nonsense, it's an absolute dream.

Having initially wanting to merely buy into the brand, and the glossy feel of an Apple computer, I can now confidently say it is a worthy, and yes, better product than any PC. Yes I accept some of the specs are limited, and the price is a little inflated, but what you get is a high quality, efficient, precise bit of kit, which works effortlessly within itself.

If you buy into the brand, you'll definitely more than enjoy your product.