AdHurl: April 2006 Archives

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Apr30	How to select an agency when you should be running a business! George Parker April 30, 2006 Know More: The Pitch News that H&R Block has opted to keep its $100 million account at incumbent Campbell Mithun following a three-month review shouldn’t come as a big surprise, what with all the problems and bad publicity they’ve been getting of late. What I don’t understand is why they did a review in the first place. I mean apart from the aforementioned crap they’ve been going through, why would they hold a review of a couple dozen agencies with four finalists… In the middle of what must be their busiest time of the year? But then again, if that’s the way they run their business, no wonder they’re in so much trouble! Miss Smith... Get me a decaf, a danish and a dozen agencies! Posted at 6:19 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr30	Playing tag with tag lines... And other advertising mysteries! George Parker April 30, 2006 I always love the way company CEO’s end up getting credit for the tag lines associated with their advertising. I’m tired of reading how Jack Welch came up with “We bring good things to life” I know at least half... Continue Reading Posted at 5:56 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	We don't need no stinkin' rockets! George Parker April 30, 2006 This just in from my Mexico City correspondent. Mexico is about to enter the space race and is looking for an agency to promote the idea to the Mexican people. Politicians there aren't under any illusions that they'll be able... Continue Reading Posted at 5:40 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Can this Pfizer painkiller... Kill me? George Parker April 30, 2006 Dontcha just love the new Celebrex ads? You know, the ones with the big bold warnings on them that say… “Important information: Celebrex may increase the chance of a stroke or heart attack that can lead to death.” I mean... Continue Reading Posted at 3:31 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr29	I may have been a child protégé... But my rich father helped a lot! George Parker April 29, 2006 Loved that bit on Marketing VOX about perennial “I shall survive” Mark Kvamme in his keynote address at this week's Ad:Tech San Francisco tradeshow, Sequoia Capital Partner Mark Kvamme predicted internet advertising would be a $35 billion market in 2008,... Continue Reading Posted at 4:06 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr28	Stand by for more really bad Intel and Microsoft advertising!!! George Parker April 28, 2006 Interesting to read in today’s Silicon Valley News that both Microsoft and Intel are feeling the pressure from the competition and will more than likely ramp up their marketing and advertising budgets. Makes sense to me with Microsoft’s Windows monopoly... Continue Reading Posted at 6:06 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Ford gets real... Isn't it about time? George Parker April 28, 2006 Loved the bit in BrandWeek today about Ford Motor Co. leaping into the snake pit of reality TV. Apparently some genius in Dearborn has produced a “treatment” for a reality TV show. “We showed a group of dealers an idea... Continue Reading Posted at 5:41 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr27	If you like beer... I mean beer... Ignore this post. But if you like Coors, read on!!! George Parker April 27, 2006 OK… Suds drinkers stand by… The Coors Silver Bullet Train rolls in the cold for real Friday, when the mobile marketing vehicle for Coors Light travels to 15 markets during the next six months, starting in Los Angeles. But there’s... Continue Reading Posted at 9:56 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Watch these TV spots ten times a day, then drive your doctor nuts! George Parker April 27, 2006 Seems like the pharmaceutical heavies are getting a little steamed up at the possibility that if the Democratic Party wins the 2008 presidential election and takes the majority in the House and Senate, the going could get tougher for drug... Continue Reading Posted at 9:45 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	How to make a Pile in advertising! George Parker April 27, 2006 The news that Bridgestone Firestone has hired consultant Pile and Co. to handle a review of its $25 million broadcast creative and media planning and buying duties, makes me wonder exactly what these search consultants do? I mean reading the... Continue Reading Posted at 9:25 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	1 + 1 = 2... Unless you're talking media! George Parker April 27, 2006 I was somewhat surprised to read earlier this week that PC Magazine, published by Ziff Davis, is redesigning itself with new sections, columns and original photography. According to Editor-in-Chief Jim Louderback, PC Magazine will offer its 5.1 million monthly readers... Continue Reading Posted at 8:41 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr26	I am Prince Umboola of Nigeria. I would like you to subscribe to Madison & Vine. Kindly send me your bank information! George Parker April 26, 2006 I keep getting bombarded with invitations from AdAge to subscribe to their Madison & Vine Web site. For a mere $299 a year, I can get all the outdated news I’ve already read on numerous other Web sites and blogs... Continue Reading Posted at 6:08 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	The Clio Awards have once again proved they are even dumber than Cannes!!! George Parker April 26, 2006 When I first came to America in the sixties and worked on all kinds of really bad accounts like Old Spice and Mennen after shave, I used to think to myself, “All things will pass” America will grow more sophisticated.... Continue Reading Posted at 4:51 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	I'll have a pint of Draft Interpublic with an FCB chaser! George Parker April 26, 2006 In the never ceasing implosion of big dumb agencies, the latest news is that Interpublic Group is in serious talks to bring together Draft and Foote Cone & Belding. I mean, I always thought that Draft was the kind of... Continue Reading Posted at 4:33 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr25	Sponsorship... Is it as dumb as I know it is? George Parker April 25, 2006 Today’s news that Former Olympian and skiing bad boy Bode Miller has inked a deal with Head, a manufacturer of ski equipment, only solidifies my belief that most sponsorship is either a waste of time, or an ego trip for... Continue Reading Posted at 8:39 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	The eclipse of Scott McNealy at Sun! George Parker April 25, 2006 More on the dumping of Scott McNealy (See my post of yesterday) As the San Jose Mercury put it today… “That long walk off a short board came Monday afternoon for McNealy I don't believe for a minute the polite... Continue Reading Posted at 7:01 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Flying will no longer be a pain in the neck... It will be your legs that are killing you! George Parker April 25, 2006 As a frequent flyer, who would rather go by Greyhound Bus than travel in Economy Class - Not being snobbish here, but if a client won’t pay to fly me business class, then I don’t fly, I’m too bloody old!... Continue Reading Posted at 5:40 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr24	Even AdHurlers have to take a break sometimes! George Parker April 24, 2006 Following on from my earlier post about the billboard laden sheep of the Netherlands, my spies in Amsterdam have been out into the countryside with their cameras and discovered the story behind the story. Apparently early in the morning before... Continue Reading Posted at 5:34 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Stand by for more really bad Sun advertising! George Parker April 24, 2006 Why do I never cease to be amazed by the repetitious stupidity of the Silicon Valley Digerati Dufuses? Today’s announcement that Sun has appointed Jonathan Schwartz as CEO is about time, as Scott McNealy has been screwing up the company... Continue Reading Posted at 4:45 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	The Bo-Peep theory of media buying! George Parker April 24, 2006 While everyone is ranting on and on about how the Internet (which, as you are currently reading this courtesy of the Internet, you must appreciate) and Hi-tech are destroying the advertising business as we used to know and love it,... Continue Reading Posted at 1:34 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr23	Why do advertising agency CEO's talk like idiots? George Parker April 23, 2006 I always love it when a big account moves and people at the winning agency mouth the same old banal, totally meaningless boloney about what they intend to do for the client. This week’s announcement that The Discover Card has... Continue Reading Posted at 9:41 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	I'll have a Guinness float with a Jameson chaser! George Parker April 23, 2006 Further proof that as soon as a smart little business becomes a big dumb business, common sense goes out the window was offered by the news that ice cream makers Ben & Jerry's have had to apologize for causing offence... Continue Reading Posted at 12:41 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	The Internet Duh factor. Otherwise known as research! George Parker April 23, 2006 There’s a very funny piece on The Register about a new piece of research on Internet usage, that as they so profoundly put it… “Should win a Nobel Prize in the category of the Blindingly Obvious!” Conducted by PhD student... Continue Reading Posted at 11:22 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr22	Good journalism can pay off! George Parker April 22, 2006 I have to admit I was somewhat pleased to read Advertising revenues at the Financial Times are up 13% so far this year. After the New York Times and The Economist, the FT is one of my favorite newspapers. And... Continue Reading Posted at 5:33 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr21	If pharmaceutical advertising upsets you, take two pills and go to bed! George Parker April 21, 2006 Interesting piece about how bad pharmaceutical advertising is getting by Dr. Peter Rost in Wednesday’s Huffington Post. He talks about how his first job in the U.S. in 1987 was for a medical advertising agency in L.A. The boss who... Continue Reading Posted at 8:53 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	"The Ugly Agency." Wasn't that a movie? George Parker April 21, 2006 Funny to read in this weeks AdWeek that Paris Hilton won the “Grand Ugly” for her Carl’s Junior car washing spot at the Advertising Women of New York’s “Good, Bad and Ugly Awards” show. As usual, other winners included beer... Continue Reading Posted at 7:41 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr20	Extreme Ironing... Will it replace American Idol? George Parker April 20, 2006 In the excitement of discovering Chess Boxing, (see my post of yesterday) I had completely forgotten the unique British – But now enjoyed all over the world – Sport of “Extreme Ironing!” This is a sport who's devotees like nothing... Continue Reading Posted at 5:51 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Will William Tell? George Parker April 20, 2006 Seems like the land of cuckoo clocks and neutrality has declared war on the World Cup. The Swiss Tourist Board is launching a campaign to lure the wives of Europe’s football hooligans to spend some time in the Alps while... Continue Reading Posted at 12:04 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr19	BBDO take care. Otherwise, the Queen will not be amused! George Parker April 19, 2006 I have to admit, I am not exactly thrilled with today’s news that BBDO has landed U.S. ad duties for the launch of a 24-hour news channel from the BBC. Apparently the assignment came without a review and stemmed from... Continue Reading Posted at 9:28 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Knockout or checkmate... Your choice, mate! George Parker April 19, 2006 A piece in today’s “Madison & Vine,” which is a pathetic attempt by AdAge to combine ad-biz and show-biz, talks about how professional video-game tournaments are growing rapidly, and their increased attendance and popularity make them attractive vehicles with advertisers... Continue Reading Posted at 8:55 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Reality meets Product placement ending in hype!!! George Parker April 19, 2006 News out today that Search engine Ask.com has partnered with the producers of NBC's upcoming "Treasure Hunters" to show off the site's enhanced features and market the revamped brand. Contestants will carry Motorola phones, drive Toyota Tundra trucks and Highlander... Continue Reading Posted at 5:56 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr18	Are you ready for a "Fourthmeal" burrito from the gourmet kitchens of Taco Bell? George Parker April 18, 2006 Loved the bit in today’s BrandWeek Newsletter about Taco Bell’s introduction of “Fourthmeal!” Something specially design for those folks who just don’t think twenty five burritos a day cuts it… You can now eat a “Fourthmeal” at two or three... Continue Reading Posted at 9:35 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Of course Olympic sponsorship is value for money. Have some more caviar and let me top up your Bollinger! George Parker April 18, 2006 Today’s news that Ogilvy & Mather has won creative ad duties on Johnson & Johnson's sponsorship of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, brings to mind the question I have to ask myself every four years… Why do multi-national... Continue Reading Posted at 8:52 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	"Holy Product Placement." Is Gotham City ready for this? George Parker April 18, 2006 This whole product placement thing is getting a little out of hand in my opinion with today’s news that DC Comics is launching "Rush City," a six-part miniseries boasting promotional support from GM’s Pontiac. A new hero known as "The... Continue Reading Posted at 11:39 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr17	AOL in2TV... Another dumb streaming media idea! George Parker April 17, 2006 Is it just me who thinks streaming video of old TV shows that looked bad the first time they ran will only make them look even worse on a 12 inch laptop screen? Apparently AOL thinks there’s a big market... Continue Reading Posted at 5:20 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	If you blog, read blogs, know any bloggers... You should read this!!! George Parker April 17, 2006 Anyone who cares about blogging, whether it be creating them or simply reading them should be paying attention to what’s going on in a San Jose appeals court on Thursday. This is when the 6th District Court of Appeal will... Continue Reading Posted at 4:12 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	We can make your "whatever" a houshold name... For money! George Parker April 17, 2006 Reading in today’s BrandWeek that 3Com Corp., Marlborough, Mass., has appointed two new executives to lead the company's sales and marketing efforts reminded me of when I used to work on the account in the days when they were based... Continue Reading Posted at 3:06 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr16	Why the majority of TV commercials are still an insult to your intelligence George Parker April 16, 2006 So, I just watched another stupid TV spot for Bounty Towels. As usual, there was a kid turning the kitchen and living room into a garbage dump. Spilling juice, jelly, ketchup, quick drying cement, you name it, all over the... Continue Reading Posted at 8:28 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr15	Truth in advertising... Well, maybe! George Parker April 15, 2006 According to this weeks AdAge only “laid-back Baja California locals” were cast as the talent and also used to scout the beach locations just north of Cabo San Lucas for shooting Pacifico Beer's latest print campaign which will break next... Continue Reading Posted at 11:01 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr14	This weeks stinkiest campaign winner! George Parker April 14, 2006 I know most Americans are obsessed by their pets; even my local health food store is now selling homeopathic, organic herbs for dogs and cats! But, I was somewhat taken aback by today’s news of an ad campaign for “aPaws”... Continue Reading Posted at 8:10 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr13	I work in an agency... I live in a tent with a bear! George Parker April 13, 2006 Having lived in the Bay area for a good few years while working for agencies in San Francisco, I know how outrageous some of the commutes are that people put up with for the pleasure of working in Silicon Valley…... Continue Reading Posted at 6:35 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	I have an idea... Seriously... Budding Gold Lion winners, check this out! George Parker April 13, 2006 If any student is dumb enough to read either of my blogs… Listen up. Ihaveanidea.org, the Ad Web site which is a pretty good resource of work, interviews and what’s going on generally from a creative point of view, is... Continue Reading Posted at 9:39 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr12	Now you've done it AdAge!!! George Parker April 12, 2006 So, I go on AdAge’s Web site to vote for whether or not Ron Berger was right to kick the crap out of the Poisoned Dwarf – Sir Martin Sorrell – At last weeks 4A’s fun fest, and I’m half... Continue Reading Posted at 2:21 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr11	How long before the "Alternative Media" becomes the "Mainstream Media?" George Parker April 11, 2006 Woooheee!!! According to a new study released today by research firm PQ Media. Blog, podcast and RSS feed advertising are the fastest-growing segments in alternative media. (Hello, I take exception to the use of the word “Alternative”) It would seem... Continue Reading Posted at 9:10 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	And the Gold Effie for the most angels on the head of a pin goes to... Zippy the Pin Head!!! George Parker April 11, 2006 As a past winner of a GOLD EFFIE – He modestly said - Toot Toot!!! I was interested to read in today’s AdWeek that not only will Leo Burnett and OMD be the top Effie Award winners this year with... Continue Reading Posted at 6:11 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr10	I want the glazed with spreckles... And supersize the caviar! George Parker April 10, 2006 So, Dunkin' Donuts is about to break a campaign that touts its coffees and sandwiches as fuel for busy Americans on the go. Tagged "America runs on Dunkin Donuts," TV ads set otherwise quotidian (what the heck is wrong with... Continue Reading Posted at 5:33 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Where do the suckers moon? Maybe at the New York Times! George Parker April 10, 2006 Following on from my previous post… Am I the only one who feels that “Stuart Elliott’s in advertising” column in the New York Times is increasingly becoming a waste of time? In today’s effort, apart from reporting on the awful... Continue Reading Posted at 4:21 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Is Madison Avenue out of touch? Was Madison Avenue ever in touch? Don't ask the New York Times! George Parker April 10, 2006 Why do I get the feeling that as so called professionals in the advertising business we are more and more ending up as the snake oil merchants and charlatans we have always been perceived to be? Perhaps today’s piece in... Continue Reading Posted at 3:48 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 9	Intelligent Advertising Research... An Oxymoron? George Parker April 9, 2006 Joe Klein has a really beautiful column in today’s issue of Time, you can read it here. Although he’s talking about the effect of consultants and poll takers on the current state of American politics you could easily substitute advertising... Continue Reading Posted at 10:10 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 8	The end of TV... What does Britain know that we don't? George Parker April 8, 2006 More bad news for the television industry with this out of London today… Surfing the internet has overtaken watching television as the UK's favorite activity, with two thirds of users increasing their time online over the past year, according to... Continue Reading Posted at 6:36 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 7	Welcome to the AAAA Conference... We'll leave the light on for ya! George Parker April 7, 2006 This just in as a follow up to my previous post… After everyone getting “all of a twitter” about what has been described in the trades as a “blunt speech” from Euro RSCG CEO Ron Berger, the one in which... Continue Reading Posted at 4:44 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Ron Berger hates WPP, 'til the stock goes up! George Parker April 7, 2006 Loved all that stuff coming out of Scottsdale yesterday when Euro – Rsc – Ge- XXZZ - whatsit – thingy- The world’s longest agency name – Whatever - Ron Berger concluded his term as chairman of the AAAAs with a... Continue Reading Posted at 4:11 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 6	Cell phone advertising... Will it take off? George Parker April 6, 2006 Is it just me, or does anyone else share my skepticism about the potential for advertising on cell phones? Apparently the subject is center stage at this weeks CTIA Wireless 2006 Conference in Las Vegas. “How to advertise on mobile... Continue Reading Posted at 10:27 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	John Doyle joins McCann... Good luck! George Parker April 6, 2006 With the news from New York that John Doyle has joined McCann Erickson as executive creative director. It would seem to reinforce my contention that McCann is the only part of that whole IPG mess that has its act together.... Continue Reading Posted at 5:30 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 5	I was only obeying orders! George Parker April 5, 2006 In the interests of better communications, which is at the core of the business we are all in… This just in from my EU spies in Brussels… The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the... Continue Reading Posted at 5:32 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Bad TV ads are enough to make you swear! George Parker April 5, 2006 Big stink coming out of London at the moment because the Suzuki Car Company has been rapped by the advertising watchdog for adding in a four-letter swear word to a TV spot after it had been cleared for broadcast, despite... Continue Reading Posted at 4:04 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 4	Spamalot... Not just on Broadway! George Parker April 4, 2006 Elliot Spitzer, New York's attorney general is continuing his one man war on the pop-up up criminals who never stop trying to screw up your computer through the use of previously installed "spyware”. Spitzer said Direct Revenue LLC has installed... Continue Reading Posted at 9:21 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Berlusconi... It's my media... I can say what I like! George Parker April 4, 2006 Isn’t it strange that we in advertising have to be very careful about the language we use and how we describe people we may not be overly fond of, yet if you are a head of state, you can get... Continue Reading Posted at 6:56 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 3	Wanna get yourself supersized? Talk to McDonalds! George Parker April 3, 2006 News today on MSNBC that you can now have your face featured on a McDonald's drink cup or a greasy burger bag if you feel the urge to let 50 million people know this is the reason you’ve put on... Continue Reading Posted at 5:17 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Hey, I have an ad agency... I'm also a masochist! George Parker April 3, 2006 In my never ending belief that the advertising agency business is the most screwed up one in the world, further proof was delivered with today’s news that LG Electronics is reviewing creative chores for its U.S. ad account, and incumbent... Continue Reading Posted at 4:04 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Go West young O&M man! George Parker April 3, 2006 Why does the news today that McCann Worldgroup in San Francisco has hired former OgilvyOne chief operating officer Joe Burton as COO on the global Microsoft account, not surprise me? Possibly ‘cos everyone on the Microsoft account originally came out... Continue Reading Posted at 2:26 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	TV advertising monkey business! George Parker April 3, 2006 Loved the bit in today’s AdAge about TV acting chimps getting an across-the-board, 25% to 30% pay increase last year without so much as a union meeting or strike threat. The reason these guys are on a roll is because... Continue Reading Posted at 7:40 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 1	Google me a gazillion! George Parker April 1, 2006 Today’s story on MSNBC, about Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, as well as CEO Eric Schmidt continuing to receive $1 each in annual salary and forego bonuses in 2006, while holding shares potentially worth gazillions of dollars in... Continue Reading Posted at 9:57 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Steve Jobs... Master of his own universe! George Parker April 1, 2006 There’s a very interesting article about Apple’s impact on mainstream electronic culture in today’s (Sunday) Washington Post. One nit I have to pick though is the credit they give Steve Jobs for making the personal computer revolution possible through his... Continue Reading Posted at 8:30 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Japanese advertising... Very, very precise! George Parker April 1, 2006 I was reading about subway advertising the other day when I remembered something from my last trip to Tokyo a couple of years ago. One of the things on the Ginza line that really stood out was a strobing ad... Continue Reading Posted at 7:54 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Pharmaceutical advertising... Be still my beating heart! George Parker April 1, 2006 This weekend Pfizer is launching a new campaign for Lipitor, the first since they switched agencies in January from Merkley + Partners to The Kaplan Thaler Group. The opening TV spot shows Dr. Robert Jarvik, inventor of the artificial heart,... Continue Reading Posted at 6:41 PM \| Permalink \| Comments

« March 2006 | Main | May 2006 »

Apr30	How to select an agency when you should be running a business! George Parker April 30, 2006 Know More: The Pitch News that H&R Block has opted to keep its $100 million account at incumbent Campbell Mithun following a three-month review shouldn’t come as a big surprise, what with all the problems and bad publicity they’ve been getting of late. What I don’t understand is why they did a review in the first place. I mean apart from the aforementioned crap they’ve been going through, why would they hold a review of a couple dozen agencies with four finalists… In the middle of what must be their busiest time of the year? But then again, if that’s the way they run their business, no wonder they’re in so much trouble! Miss Smith... Get me a decaf, a danish and a dozen agencies! Posted at 6:19 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr30	Playing tag with tag lines... And other advertising mysteries! George Parker April 30, 2006 I always love the way company CEO’s end up getting credit for the tag lines associated with their advertising. I’m tired of reading how Jack Welch came up with “We bring good things to life” I know at least half... Continue Reading Posted at 5:56 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	We don't need no stinkin' rockets! George Parker April 30, 2006 This just in from my Mexico City correspondent. Mexico is about to enter the space race and is looking for an agency to promote the idea to the Mexican people. Politicians there aren't under any illusions that they'll be able... Continue Reading Posted at 5:40 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Can this Pfizer painkiller... Kill me? George Parker April 30, 2006 Dontcha just love the new Celebrex ads? You know, the ones with the big bold warnings on them that say… “Important information: Celebrex may increase the chance of a stroke or heart attack that can lead to death.” I mean... Continue Reading Posted at 3:31 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr29	I may have been a child protégé... But my rich father helped a lot! George Parker April 29, 2006 Loved that bit on Marketing VOX about perennial “I shall survive” Mark Kvamme in his keynote address at this week's Ad:Tech San Francisco tradeshow, Sequoia Capital Partner Mark Kvamme predicted internet advertising would be a $35 billion market in 2008,... Continue Reading Posted at 4:06 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr28	Stand by for more really bad Intel and Microsoft advertising!!! George Parker April 28, 2006 Interesting to read in today’s Silicon Valley News that both Microsoft and Intel are feeling the pressure from the competition and will more than likely ramp up their marketing and advertising budgets. Makes sense to me with Microsoft’s Windows monopoly... Continue Reading Posted at 6:06 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Ford gets real... Isn't it about time? George Parker April 28, 2006 Loved the bit in BrandWeek today about Ford Motor Co. leaping into the snake pit of reality TV. Apparently some genius in Dearborn has produced a “treatment” for a reality TV show. “We showed a group of dealers an idea... Continue Reading Posted at 5:41 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr27	If you like beer... I mean beer... Ignore this post. But if you like Coors, read on!!! George Parker April 27, 2006 OK… Suds drinkers stand by… The Coors Silver Bullet Train rolls in the cold for real Friday, when the mobile marketing vehicle for Coors Light travels to 15 markets during the next six months, starting in Los Angeles. But there’s... Continue Reading Posted at 9:56 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Watch these TV spots ten times a day, then drive your doctor nuts! George Parker April 27, 2006 Seems like the pharmaceutical heavies are getting a little steamed up at the possibility that if the Democratic Party wins the 2008 presidential election and takes the majority in the House and Senate, the going could get tougher for drug... Continue Reading Posted at 9:45 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	How to make a Pile in advertising! George Parker April 27, 2006 The news that Bridgestone Firestone has hired consultant Pile and Co. to handle a review of its $25 million broadcast creative and media planning and buying duties, makes me wonder exactly what these search consultants do? I mean reading the... Continue Reading Posted at 9:25 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	1 + 1 = 2... Unless you're talking media! George Parker April 27, 2006 I was somewhat surprised to read earlier this week that PC Magazine, published by Ziff Davis, is redesigning itself with new sections, columns and original photography. According to Editor-in-Chief Jim Louderback, PC Magazine will offer its 5.1 million monthly readers... Continue Reading Posted at 8:41 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr26	I am Prince Umboola of Nigeria. I would like you to subscribe to Madison & Vine. Kindly send me your bank information! George Parker April 26, 2006 I keep getting bombarded with invitations from AdAge to subscribe to their Madison & Vine Web site. For a mere $299 a year, I can get all the outdated news I’ve already read on numerous other Web sites and blogs... Continue Reading Posted at 6:08 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	The Clio Awards have once again proved they are even dumber than Cannes!!! George Parker April 26, 2006 When I first came to America in the sixties and worked on all kinds of really bad accounts like Old Spice and Mennen after shave, I used to think to myself, “All things will pass” America will grow more sophisticated.... Continue Reading Posted at 4:51 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	I'll have a pint of Draft Interpublic with an FCB chaser! George Parker April 26, 2006 In the never ceasing implosion of big dumb agencies, the latest news is that Interpublic Group is in serious talks to bring together Draft and Foote Cone & Belding. I mean, I always thought that Draft was the kind of... Continue Reading Posted at 4:33 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr25	Sponsorship... Is it as dumb as I know it is? George Parker April 25, 2006 Today’s news that Former Olympian and skiing bad boy Bode Miller has inked a deal with Head, a manufacturer of ski equipment, only solidifies my belief that most sponsorship is either a waste of time, or an ego trip for... Continue Reading Posted at 8:39 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	The eclipse of Scott McNealy at Sun! George Parker April 25, 2006 More on the dumping of Scott McNealy (See my post of yesterday) As the San Jose Mercury put it today… “That long walk off a short board came Monday afternoon for McNealy I don't believe for a minute the polite... Continue Reading Posted at 7:01 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Flying will no longer be a pain in the neck... It will be your legs that are killing you! George Parker April 25, 2006 As a frequent flyer, who would rather go by Greyhound Bus than travel in Economy Class - Not being snobbish here, but if a client won’t pay to fly me business class, then I don’t fly, I’m too bloody old!... Continue Reading Posted at 5:40 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr24	Even AdHurlers have to take a break sometimes! George Parker April 24, 2006 Following on from my earlier post about the billboard laden sheep of the Netherlands, my spies in Amsterdam have been out into the countryside with their cameras and discovered the story behind the story. Apparently early in the morning before... Continue Reading Posted at 5:34 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Stand by for more really bad Sun advertising! George Parker April 24, 2006 Why do I never cease to be amazed by the repetitious stupidity of the Silicon Valley Digerati Dufuses? Today’s announcement that Sun has appointed Jonathan Schwartz as CEO is about time, as Scott McNealy has been screwing up the company... Continue Reading Posted at 4:45 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	The Bo-Peep theory of media buying! George Parker April 24, 2006 While everyone is ranting on and on about how the Internet (which, as you are currently reading this courtesy of the Internet, you must appreciate) and Hi-tech are destroying the advertising business as we used to know and love it,... Continue Reading Posted at 1:34 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr23	Why do advertising agency CEO's talk like idiots? George Parker April 23, 2006 I always love it when a big account moves and people at the winning agency mouth the same old banal, totally meaningless boloney about what they intend to do for the client. This week’s announcement that The Discover Card has... Continue Reading Posted at 9:41 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	I'll have a Guinness float with a Jameson chaser! George Parker April 23, 2006 Further proof that as soon as a smart little business becomes a big dumb business, common sense goes out the window was offered by the news that ice cream makers Ben & Jerry's have had to apologize for causing offence... Continue Reading Posted at 12:41 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	The Internet Duh factor. Otherwise known as research! George Parker April 23, 2006 There’s a very funny piece on The Register about a new piece of research on Internet usage, that as they so profoundly put it… “Should win a Nobel Prize in the category of the Blindingly Obvious!” Conducted by PhD student... Continue Reading Posted at 11:22 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr22	Good journalism can pay off! George Parker April 22, 2006 I have to admit I was somewhat pleased to read Advertising revenues at the Financial Times are up 13% so far this year. After the New York Times and The Economist, the FT is one of my favorite newspapers. And... Continue Reading Posted at 5:33 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr21	If pharmaceutical advertising upsets you, take two pills and go to bed! George Parker April 21, 2006 Interesting piece about how bad pharmaceutical advertising is getting by Dr. Peter Rost in Wednesday’s Huffington Post. He talks about how his first job in the U.S. in 1987 was for a medical advertising agency in L.A. The boss who... Continue Reading Posted at 8:53 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	"The Ugly Agency." Wasn't that a movie? George Parker April 21, 2006 Funny to read in this weeks AdWeek that Paris Hilton won the “Grand Ugly” for her Carl’s Junior car washing spot at the Advertising Women of New York’s “Good, Bad and Ugly Awards” show. As usual, other winners included beer... Continue Reading Posted at 7:41 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr20	Extreme Ironing... Will it replace American Idol? George Parker April 20, 2006 In the excitement of discovering Chess Boxing, (see my post of yesterday) I had completely forgotten the unique British – But now enjoyed all over the world – Sport of “Extreme Ironing!” This is a sport who's devotees like nothing... Continue Reading Posted at 5:51 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Will William Tell? George Parker April 20, 2006 Seems like the land of cuckoo clocks and neutrality has declared war on the World Cup. The Swiss Tourist Board is launching a campaign to lure the wives of Europe’s football hooligans to spend some time in the Alps while... Continue Reading Posted at 12:04 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr19	BBDO take care. Otherwise, the Queen will not be amused! George Parker April 19, 2006 I have to admit, I am not exactly thrilled with today’s news that BBDO has landed U.S. ad duties for the launch of a 24-hour news channel from the BBC. Apparently the assignment came without a review and stemmed from... Continue Reading Posted at 9:28 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Knockout or checkmate... Your choice, mate! George Parker April 19, 2006 A piece in today’s “Madison & Vine,” which is a pathetic attempt by AdAge to combine ad-biz and show-biz, talks about how professional video-game tournaments are growing rapidly, and their increased attendance and popularity make them attractive vehicles with advertisers... Continue Reading Posted at 8:55 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Reality meets Product placement ending in hype!!! George Parker April 19, 2006 News out today that Search engine Ask.com has partnered with the producers of NBC's upcoming "Treasure Hunters" to show off the site's enhanced features and market the revamped brand. Contestants will carry Motorola phones, drive Toyota Tundra trucks and Highlander... Continue Reading Posted at 5:56 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr18	Are you ready for a "Fourthmeal" burrito from the gourmet kitchens of Taco Bell? George Parker April 18, 2006 Loved the bit in today’s BrandWeek Newsletter about Taco Bell’s introduction of “Fourthmeal!” Something specially design for those folks who just don’t think twenty five burritos a day cuts it… You can now eat a “Fourthmeal” at two or three... Continue Reading Posted at 9:35 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Of course Olympic sponsorship is value for money. Have some more caviar and let me top up your Bollinger! George Parker April 18, 2006 Today’s news that Ogilvy & Mather has won creative ad duties on Johnson & Johnson's sponsorship of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, brings to mind the question I have to ask myself every four years… Why do multi-national... Continue Reading Posted at 8:52 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	"Holy Product Placement." Is Gotham City ready for this? George Parker April 18, 2006 This whole product placement thing is getting a little out of hand in my opinion with today’s news that DC Comics is launching "Rush City," a six-part miniseries boasting promotional support from GM’s Pontiac. A new hero known as "The... Continue Reading Posted at 11:39 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr17	AOL in2TV... Another dumb streaming media idea! George Parker April 17, 2006 Is it just me who thinks streaming video of old TV shows that looked bad the first time they ran will only make them look even worse on a 12 inch laptop screen? Apparently AOL thinks there’s a big market... Continue Reading Posted at 5:20 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	If you blog, read blogs, know any bloggers... You should read this!!! George Parker April 17, 2006 Anyone who cares about blogging, whether it be creating them or simply reading them should be paying attention to what’s going on in a San Jose appeals court on Thursday. This is when the 6th District Court of Appeal will... Continue Reading Posted at 4:12 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	We can make your "whatever" a houshold name... For money! George Parker April 17, 2006 Reading in today’s BrandWeek that 3Com Corp., Marlborough, Mass., has appointed two new executives to lead the company's sales and marketing efforts reminded me of when I used to work on the account in the days when they were based... Continue Reading Posted at 3:06 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr16	Why the majority of TV commercials are still an insult to your intelligence George Parker April 16, 2006 So, I just watched another stupid TV spot for Bounty Towels. As usual, there was a kid turning the kitchen and living room into a garbage dump. Spilling juice, jelly, ketchup, quick drying cement, you name it, all over the... Continue Reading Posted at 8:28 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr15	Truth in advertising... Well, maybe! George Parker April 15, 2006 According to this weeks AdAge only “laid-back Baja California locals” were cast as the talent and also used to scout the beach locations just north of Cabo San Lucas for shooting Pacifico Beer's latest print campaign which will break next... Continue Reading Posted at 11:01 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr14	This weeks stinkiest campaign winner! George Parker April 14, 2006 I know most Americans are obsessed by their pets; even my local health food store is now selling homeopathic, organic herbs for dogs and cats! But, I was somewhat taken aback by today’s news of an ad campaign for “aPaws”... Continue Reading Posted at 8:10 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr13	I work in an agency... I live in a tent with a bear! George Parker April 13, 2006 Having lived in the Bay area for a good few years while working for agencies in San Francisco, I know how outrageous some of the commutes are that people put up with for the pleasure of working in Silicon Valley…... Continue Reading Posted at 6:35 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	I have an idea... Seriously... Budding Gold Lion winners, check this out! George Parker April 13, 2006 If any student is dumb enough to read either of my blogs… Listen up. Ihaveanidea.org, the Ad Web site which is a pretty good resource of work, interviews and what’s going on generally from a creative point of view, is... Continue Reading Posted at 9:39 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr12	Now you've done it AdAge!!! George Parker April 12, 2006 So, I go on AdAge’s Web site to vote for whether or not Ron Berger was right to kick the crap out of the Poisoned Dwarf – Sir Martin Sorrell – At last weeks 4A’s fun fest, and I’m half... Continue Reading Posted at 2:21 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr11	How long before the "Alternative Media" becomes the "Mainstream Media?" George Parker April 11, 2006 Woooheee!!! According to a new study released today by research firm PQ Media. Blog, podcast and RSS feed advertising are the fastest-growing segments in alternative media. (Hello, I take exception to the use of the word “Alternative”) It would seem... Continue Reading Posted at 9:10 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	And the Gold Effie for the most angels on the head of a pin goes to... Zippy the Pin Head!!! George Parker April 11, 2006 As a past winner of a GOLD EFFIE – He modestly said - Toot Toot!!! I was interested to read in today’s AdWeek that not only will Leo Burnett and OMD be the top Effie Award winners this year with... Continue Reading Posted at 6:11 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr10	I want the glazed with spreckles... And supersize the caviar! George Parker April 10, 2006 So, Dunkin' Donuts is about to break a campaign that touts its coffees and sandwiches as fuel for busy Americans on the go. Tagged "America runs on Dunkin Donuts," TV ads set otherwise quotidian (what the heck is wrong with... Continue Reading Posted at 5:33 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Where do the suckers moon? Maybe at the New York Times! George Parker April 10, 2006 Following on from my previous post… Am I the only one who feels that “Stuart Elliott’s in advertising” column in the New York Times is increasingly becoming a waste of time? In today’s effort, apart from reporting on the awful... Continue Reading Posted at 4:21 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Is Madison Avenue out of touch? Was Madison Avenue ever in touch? Don't ask the New York Times! George Parker April 10, 2006 Why do I get the feeling that as so called professionals in the advertising business we are more and more ending up as the snake oil merchants and charlatans we have always been perceived to be? Perhaps today’s piece in... Continue Reading Posted at 3:48 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 9	Intelligent Advertising Research... An Oxymoron? George Parker April 9, 2006 Joe Klein has a really beautiful column in today’s issue of Time, you can read it here. Although he’s talking about the effect of consultants and poll takers on the current state of American politics you could easily substitute advertising... Continue Reading Posted at 10:10 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 8	The end of TV... What does Britain know that we don't? George Parker April 8, 2006 More bad news for the television industry with this out of London today… Surfing the internet has overtaken watching television as the UK's favorite activity, with two thirds of users increasing their time online over the past year, according to... Continue Reading Posted at 6:36 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 7	Welcome to the AAAA Conference... We'll leave the light on for ya! George Parker April 7, 2006 This just in as a follow up to my previous post… After everyone getting “all of a twitter” about what has been described in the trades as a “blunt speech” from Euro RSCG CEO Ron Berger, the one in which... Continue Reading Posted at 4:44 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Ron Berger hates WPP, 'til the stock goes up! George Parker April 7, 2006 Loved all that stuff coming out of Scottsdale yesterday when Euro – Rsc – Ge- XXZZ - whatsit – thingy- The world’s longest agency name – Whatever - Ron Berger concluded his term as chairman of the AAAAs with a... Continue Reading Posted at 4:11 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 6	Cell phone advertising... Will it take off? George Parker April 6, 2006 Is it just me, or does anyone else share my skepticism about the potential for advertising on cell phones? Apparently the subject is center stage at this weeks CTIA Wireless 2006 Conference in Las Vegas. “How to advertise on mobile... Continue Reading Posted at 10:27 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	John Doyle joins McCann... Good luck! George Parker April 6, 2006 With the news from New York that John Doyle has joined McCann Erickson as executive creative director. It would seem to reinforce my contention that McCann is the only part of that whole IPG mess that has its act together.... Continue Reading Posted at 5:30 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 5	I was only obeying orders! George Parker April 5, 2006 In the interests of better communications, which is at the core of the business we are all in… This just in from my EU spies in Brussels… The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the... Continue Reading Posted at 5:32 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Bad TV ads are enough to make you swear! George Parker April 5, 2006 Big stink coming out of London at the moment because the Suzuki Car Company has been rapped by the advertising watchdog for adding in a four-letter swear word to a TV spot after it had been cleared for broadcast, despite... Continue Reading Posted at 4:04 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 4	Spamalot... Not just on Broadway! George Parker April 4, 2006 Elliot Spitzer, New York's attorney general is continuing his one man war on the pop-up up criminals who never stop trying to screw up your computer through the use of previously installed "spyware”. Spitzer said Direct Revenue LLC has installed... Continue Reading Posted at 9:21 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Berlusconi... It's my media... I can say what I like! George Parker April 4, 2006 Isn’t it strange that we in advertising have to be very careful about the language we use and how we describe people we may not be overly fond of, yet if you are a head of state, you can get... Continue Reading Posted at 6:56 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 3	Wanna get yourself supersized? Talk to McDonalds! George Parker April 3, 2006 News today on MSNBC that you can now have your face featured on a McDonald's drink cup or a greasy burger bag if you feel the urge to let 50 million people know this is the reason you’ve put on... Continue Reading Posted at 5:17 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Hey, I have an ad agency... I'm also a masochist! George Parker April 3, 2006 In my never ending belief that the advertising agency business is the most screwed up one in the world, further proof was delivered with today’s news that LG Electronics is reviewing creative chores for its U.S. ad account, and incumbent... Continue Reading Posted at 4:04 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Go West young O&M man! George Parker April 3, 2006 Why does the news today that McCann Worldgroup in San Francisco has hired former OgilvyOne chief operating officer Joe Burton as COO on the global Microsoft account, not surprise me? Possibly ‘cos everyone on the Microsoft account originally came out... Continue Reading Posted at 2:26 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	TV advertising monkey business! George Parker April 3, 2006 Loved the bit in today’s AdAge about TV acting chimps getting an across-the-board, 25% to 30% pay increase last year without so much as a union meeting or strike threat. The reason these guys are on a roll is because... Continue Reading Posted at 7:40 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Apr 1	Google me a gazillion! George Parker April 1, 2006 Today’s story on MSNBC, about Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, as well as CEO Eric Schmidt continuing to receive $1 each in annual salary and forego bonuses in 2006, while holding shares potentially worth gazillions of dollars in... Continue Reading Posted at 9:57 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Steve Jobs... Master of his own universe! George Parker April 1, 2006 There’s a very interesting article about Apple’s impact on mainstream electronic culture in today’s (Sunday) Washington Post. One nit I have to pick though is the credit they give Steve Jobs for making the personal computer revolution possible through his... Continue Reading Posted at 8:30 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Japanese advertising... Very, very precise! George Parker April 1, 2006 I was reading about subway advertising the other day when I remembered something from my last trip to Tokyo a couple of years ago. One of the things on the Ginza line that really stood out was a strobing ad... Continue Reading Posted at 7:54 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Pharmaceutical advertising... Be still my beating heart! George Parker April 1, 2006 This weekend Pfizer is launching a new campaign for Lipitor, the first since they switched agencies in January from Merkley + Partners to The Kaplan Thaler Group. The opening TV spot shows Dr. Robert Jarvik, inventor of the artificial heart,... Continue Reading Posted at 6:41 PM \| Permalink \| Comments

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