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LOTW: www.corpwatch.org
This Link Of The Week (LOTW) is about fostering democratic control over corporations.
For the past five years San Francisco Bay Area-based CorpWatch has been educating and mobilizing people through www.CorpWatch.org and various campaigns, including the Climate Justice Initiative and the UN and Corporations Project. In addition to the vast array of resources available at CorpWatch, the organization's accomplishments are many. They include playing a role in pressuring Nike to improve conditions at its overseas sweatshops by releasing a confidential independent audit that exposed the conditions at a Vietnamese sweatshop. The release of the audit garnered significant media attention, including a front-page story the New York Times.
posted by BlogFonk: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 [#]
Fonk for Thoughts: Peter McHugh
180 Amsterdam's Executive Creative Director Peter McHugh will be leaving the agency. BlogFonk asked his 'Fonk for Thoughts'.
Photo Peter McHugh: '180 is a unique place, full of passionate, talented people. It's been a true experience working here, three unforgettable years. I know I'm going to miss it.' BlogFonk: Who is Peter McHugh? McHugh: Peter McHugh is a 5 foot 10 inch, 170 pound copywriter who throws right, bats left and has 9.5 fingers. BlogFonk: Why do you leave 180 Amsterdam? McHugh: A combination of reasons, really. Some are practical, like family stuff back in the US. Some are work-related; the agency I'm going to (Carmichael Lynch) has some interesting, fun, high-profile accounts like Porsche and Harley Davidson. Hopefully, I'll be able to get work out of them the way we have with adidas at 180. And I think it's good for me to continue to give myself new challenges. BlogFonk: What brought you to Amsterdam in the first place? McHugh: The opportunity to work in the Netherlands with a great group of people. The opportunity to help define a great global brand (adidas) that really hadn't been defined. The opportunity to brush-up on my bicycling skills. BlogFonk: Do you love your work? Why? McHugh: Is it love? Or just an addiction? I think I keep doing it because I don't know what else to do, and it feels pretty good on those rare occasions when you get the work right. BlogFonk: Is there difference in mentality of creatives in the countries you've worked? McHugh: I've worked in three countries; the US, Canada and The Netherlands. At the risk of over-generalizing, here are my observations: In the US, the mentality of creatives varies from region to region -- the East Coast is very wired and intense. The West Coast is more laid-back, but still intense, and because of their proximity to Hollywood, seem to be more attuned to the possibilities the broader entertainment industry offers. The Midwest is dependable and hard-working. In Canada, the people were nice, but there's so much emphasis socially on fitting in and getting along, it was difficult to get them to fight for their ideas. As for The Netherlands, I should first point out that 180 was founded in Amsterdam, but it is an international agency; there are 80 people from 25 countries here. Our creative department alone has people from Finland, Wales, England, Sweden, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, China and the US. And I don't know if it's the mix of people, or something in the water, but I've never seen a group who fights harder for their ideas. They're more passionate, for some reason, and don't take a 'no' without a fight. BlogFonk: What are the latest important developments you've noticed in advertising? McHugh: I noticed at Cannes that Nike stopped winning awards for press and poster, and started winning Lions for their websites and interactive work; probably a trend other agencies will follow. I've noticed too many 'mass of humanity' commercials; a trend I hope has run it's course. I've noticed that too many people still approach marketing problems too predictably. BlogFonk: Which project/work for a client are you most proud of? McHugh: Probably the body of work we've done for adidas -- from the Women's World Cup 'Wake Up Call', to our Rugby World Cup campaign that incorporated performance art, an art exhibit and, finally, advertising, to our 'Impossible Is Nothing' global TV campaign. Different briefs, different challenges, different demands, but it helped put adidas back on the map, and restored their confidence. BlogFonk: If you'd be given the chance to do something over again, what would that be? McHugh: Fire people who aren't going to work out sooner rather than later. BlogFonk: Finally, what is your motto, your 'Fonk for Thoughts' (inspiration to be creative)? McHugh: Always do work that will make you look good if you die in the middle of making it.
posted by BlogFonk: Monday, August 30, 2004 [#]
New York, New York!
This week, New York City offers the Bush campaign a chance to remind voters of the days immediately following September 11, 2001.
The U.S. Coast Guard, the nation's largest police department, will be on full alert during the first Republican National Convention in New York, starting September 30, 2004. The Democrats have held five in the Democratic 'bastion', the last in 1992, when Bill Clinton went on to win the White House. Expensive presidential campaigns are in contrast with low budget underground political posters, which are suddenly filling the streets of New York. A trend of new political awareness and expression. 
Poster: Not the Democratic Donkey, but the Republican Elephant is noticed in New York during these days. If your ad can make it their, it will make it anywhere, New York, New York! Isn't that right, Frank?
posted by BlogFonk: Sunday, August 29, 2004 [#]
SideNews week 35 update
Interesting newslinks...
Greeks Spitting Chips Greek Australians are threatening a boycott of products made by the Smith's Snackfood Company to protest against TV advertising during the Olympic Games they claim is insulting to them and to Greece. The Age Vogue's Web Strategy An advertiser stampede to participate in Vogue's shop-the-Web experiment produced the fattest issue in the magazine's 112-year-history. Lexington Herald-Leader 'Smart' Women Drivers Ford's Mercury brand reportedly hopes to change its image with new US advertising geared towards the smart woman driver. just-auto.com Bush Campaign Ignores USOC Complaint The ad flashes the flags of Iraq and Afghanistan over a stadium and a swimming pool as an announcer says: 'At this Olympics there will be two more free nations.' Reuters Search-Based Advertising Newspaper giants are signing up to place search-based advertising on their Web sites. ZDNet UK News Microsoft U.K. Ad Found Misleading A Microsoft advertisement claiming that the Linux operating system is much more expensive to operate than its own Windows was found to be misleading. CBS MarketWatch In hip-hop, it's all about droppin' the right name The brand categories most likely to end up in songs are automotive, fashion and beverages. In the fashion world, Gucci has taken the top spot with 35 song mentions this year. Newsday Cost Of War Billboard Project Billboard and the Center for American Progress unveiled an anti-war billboard in New York's Times Square featuring a constantly updated clock counting the cost of the Iraq war. 123ABC.com Bush Hails Kerry, Slams Ads US President George W Bush has praised the military record of his election rival, John Kerry, and called a halt to unofficial negative advertising. BBC News Nabbed By The Logo Police Each logo has its place right down to the millimetre in the stringent rules set out for the Olympic Games in Athens 2004. And exceptions will not be tolerated. The Star Director Dismisses McDonald's Ads Morgan Spurlock, director of fast food film Super Size Me, has dismissed as 'laughable' newspaper adverts taken out by McDonald's to defend their food. BBC News
posted by BlogFonk: Sunday, August 29, 2004 [#]
Robert Literair is respected
What's this all about? Robert Literair from Belgium has acne ons his forehead. His blind grandmother discovered it was braille...
Robert has a weblog in Dutch. He tells that his acne made him world-famous, after his family discovered that it actually spelled a whole story. In braille. 
Photo: Several witnesses are very excited about Robert and his 'talent'. One even adviced to get acne! More than 10.000 people have read his story. But what's the story all about? That's not clear, here you can have a try (click with your mouse on his forehead). Anyway, Robert's merchandise made him and his family wealthy! Robert reveals his secret to have acne for a longer period: just eat pizza, chocolate with olive oil and mayonnaise with chips (instead of chips with mayonnaise). Robert's weblog shows a line that he's sponsored by Axion bank (here more Axion TV commercials). Their pay off is 'Respecting Youth'. Robert's campaign is made by Belgium agency Duval Guillaume. What's more to say about Robert? He's respected. The campaign has a viral character and a rather remarkable subject for a bank. Will customers 'respect' that?
posted by BlogFonk: Saturday, August 28, 2004 [#]
Creative Converse
Converse is not only focusing on their core business, shoes, but also on 'creativity'.
For over 90 years, Converse have been worn by originals - individuals - who have broken the mold with creativity and invention. And according to their website, they wanted to do something in return for them: an invitation via the Converse Gallery to bring everyone's originality to life in art, film, sports and music. But there is more. According to Surfersvillage, Yoko Ono has granted Nike and its Converse subsidiary permission to make shoes named after John Lennon. Profits from the sales of the shoe, will go to charity. In the 80's Nike used The Beatles with 'Revolution' in this ad, which shook up the advertising industry. 
Photo: The All Stars shoes, which are in the same style as those worn by Lennon on the cover of the Abbey Road album, have lyrics from the hit Imagine printed around the toe area, a self-portrait of the legendary musician on the side, and Lennon's autograph on the heel. Nice online 'creativity' campaign and product development!
posted by BlogFonk: Friday, August 27, 2004 [#]
Jane Talks Back
Grab your camera phone and take pictures of ads in the September issue of Jane: a new strategy towards advertisers? Pictures of any full page ad should be sent to jane@mobot.com, and 'JANE Talks Back'...
In The New York Times (registration required), vice president and publisher at Jane, Eva Dillon, said that people use picture and texting functions on their cellphones almost more frequently than they talk. 'We were brainstorming what we could do that would make them get involved in our programs in a way that's fun and speaks to them in a way that they speak to each other.' The 'Jane Talks Back' promotion is intended to connect readers with marketers according to their individual interests. It is also part of a broad push by magazine publishers to strengthen their central selling proposition: the interaction with readers. 
Photo: Jane, a magazine for young women. Advertisers who are participating in Jane Talks Back include Kmart, which will give users USD 5 gift cards; Calvin Klein Jeans, which will give away 25 jean jackets; and Guess, which is offering 10 percent discounts to readers who snap and send pictures of its ads. Nice and creative form of experiential marketing, but could it really add value towards advertisers?
posted by BlogFonk: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 [#]
LOTW: www.commercialsihate.com
This Link Of The Week (LOTW) is about 'ugly stereotypes' commercials, according to video editor Nathan Alexander.
He started www.commercialsihate.com in 1997: 'The ad industry thinks we're are stupid. Commercials assume the worst about us. Commercials use ugly stereotypes to appeal to the lowest common denominator. That's nasty and insulting. Lucky for you, my reader, so am I.' There is a checklist of crimes committed by advertising firms called 'The List of Advertising Offenses'. And also print ads are criticized. Alexander's diatribe is interesting and might create some awareness about 'bad' advertising...
posted by BlogFonk: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 [#]
BlogFonk restyled!
To develop BlogFonk as a creative weblog, the design has been restyled! Here you can see BlogFonk's design when it all started, May 13, 2004.
We, the people at Fonkstra, share with BlogFonk input for ideas and concepts in the field of creativity, advertising, design, marketing, communication and other related areas. Almost all of our ideas for corporate communication are born here at BlogFonk. We believe that companies should focus on their core business activities, but also should recognize social issues which may have impact on these activities in the future. Our SideNews items, as shown on the left sideline of BlogFonk, will point out relevant issues.
posted by BlogFonk: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 [#]
Why are you creative?
"Why are you creative?" - this simple, and at the same time difficult, question which Hermann Vaske has been asking creative people. It is also the leitmotif of all of his documentaries and books.
And logically of his website, created by German agency Jung von Matt. Wim Wenders and Dennis Hopper, alongside Hermann Vaske, lead through the site as hosts. Using this Web presence, other, not (yet) famous creative individuals can become part of the so called Emotional Network through the 'Why are you creative?' Web awards. 
Photo: Any visitor can give his or her personal answer to this pivotal question; an international jury gives out awards to the most creative answers. Vaske's book 'Why Are You Creative?' also explores the genius behind some of the world's most creative people. They were invited to express the roots of their creative drive, by answering this question through interviews and graphic representation. 
Photo: 'If we are to be creative and employ our intelligence in a benficial way then compassion, and concern for others, is invaluable.' - The Dalai Lama. In the book their answers are accompanied by a brief biography and then are analyzed by Dr Jeffery Zeig. 
Photo: Tony Kay is a controversial conceptual artist whose specialty in what he terms 'hype art' includes hiring the homeless to wander world-class museums as pieces of art themselves, and taking out prominent newspaper advertisements proclaiming in no uncertain terms that. The multimedia website really shows different views of being creative: a must see for every creative! The graphical design functionally supports the creative message. Very nice work, Jung von Matt!
posted by BlogFonk: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 [#]
Meow Mix Café
August 17, 2004, the first 'customers' are to dine at the new Meow Mix Café and get their first taste of Meow Mix Wet Food Pouches. The menu at the Meow Mix Café will showcase the highest-quality ingredients for patrons of both the two-and four-legged variety.
Photo: The 3,500 square-foot Meow Mix Café will be located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, at 489 5th Avenue (between 41st and 42nd Street). Beyond a unique culinary experience for cats, the Meow Mix Café will offer fully-interactive games for both cats and owners, themed to a host of the featured entrees. 'Cats are such a key part of so many people's lives, yet there are very few public places that are cat friendly,' said Richard Thompson, CEO and Top Cat of The Meow Mix Company. 'With the Meow Mix Café, we've turned this situation on its head, with the creation of the world's first café that literally caters to felines and, incidentally, is owner friendly as well!' 
Photo: Leah Thompson and Simba. The flagship Meow Mix Café in New York City is an experimental concept slated for expansion around the country. Unique concept to position your products and services! Go, cat, go! Meowwwww!!!
posted by BlogFonk: Tuesday, August 17, 2004 [#]
LOTW: www.globalideasbank.org
This Link Of The Week (LOTW) is of The Global Ideas Bank, which aims to promote and disseminate good creative ideas to improve society. It further aims to encourage the public to generate these ideas, to participate in the problem-solving process.
Very inspiring and creative writing!
posted by BlogFonk: Monday, August 16, 2004 [#]
SideNews week 33 update
Interesting newslinks...
Emap Buys Cannes Media group Emap announced the GBP 52.5m acquisition of the world's largest advertising festival, the Cannes Lions, in a deal that will almost double its revenues in the sector. Guardian Unlimited Athens 2004: the advertising Olympics If Paula Radcliffe wins a medal, she will be forced to whip off the Nike shoes and change into Adidas trainers before she ascends the podium. Scotsman.com News Qantas Pays Up To Be First At Games Seven and Qantas are banking on a record-breaking number of eyeballs to set the pace for the Olympic fortnight in their commercial. The Sydney Morning Herald Olympic Pin Madness Sweeps Athens The shiny pins are showing up just about everywhere. Police officers and soldiers patrolling Athens have decorated the straps of their automatic rifles with gaily colored ones. SFGate Opening Ceremony Concept Creator and Artistic Director of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Athens Olympic Games is Dimitris Papaioannou. Besides Dutch DJ Tiesto, the Olympic mascots Athena and Phevos are part of the opening. Athens 2004
posted by BlogFonk: Sunday, August 15, 2004 [#]
Onitsuka Tiger
StrawberryFrog, unveils a pan-European pre-Olympics push for ASICS' premium heritage sneaker brand, Onitsuka Tiger.
The international advertising agency based in Amsterdam won a Lion at the Cannes Festival with a unique direct mail piece: an invitation to view a short film on the world's first upside down website. The Running Fish Gutter tells the story that if you dedicate your entire existence to achieving your goal, all expectations will eventually be exceeded. You too can be a winner even if you're a loser. 
Photo: The web film sees leading man Kenshi training and preparing himself to 'run' every Olympic Games for the past 30 years, but ultimately failing along the way. Kenshi's sport is that of running on his hands and the majority of the movie is filmed upside down, hence the topsy turvey website. The mail out (or 'hand held ad') is a drinks can containing 'Hero Breath', the genuine breath of members of Japan's gold medal-winning squad from the country's hugely successful 1964 Olympics. Each can contains the breath of a gold medal-winning Japanese athlete from the 1964 Olympic games in Tokyo. 
Photo: The 'Hero Breath' cans are being sent to 'sneaker heads', sneaker collectors and fashionistas who influence what's cool in the sneaker world, across Europe plus leading sneaker stores across Europe, and fashion and lifestyle media. The Fish Gutter website also links to an Onitsuka Tiger brand site, which features secret footage of Japanese Olympiad, Yukio Endo, having his breath captured for the 'Hero Breath' cans. Endo-san was a three times Gold Medalist at the Games and encapsulates the dynamic 'Spirit of 64'. 
Photo: Onitsuka Tiger is entering the movie into short film festivals around the world and was recently previewed by director Quentin Tarantino at VIP celebrity screenings of Kill Bill Vol. 2 in California and Rome. Kill Bill saw Uma Thurman sport a pair of Onitsuka Tiger sneakers as part of Tarantino's homage to martial arts master, Bruce Lee. Mark Chalmers, creative director of StrawberryFrog: 'Onitsuka Tiger is a challenger brand in a market dominated by multi-million dollar sports marketing. We've designed this guerrilla and buzz campaign to be a unique and refreshing alternative. The Hero Breath cans are a hand-held advertisement while the online work reflects the story of the short film. All executions hold masses of water cooler talkability yet tap into the Japanese heritage of the brand, while demonstrating the product benefits in a memorable way.' The unique flip movie is really funny: the Onitsuka Tiger campaign is a true creative, distinguishing and entertaining concept!
posted by BlogFonk: Friday, August 13, 2004 [#]
Adidas Impossible Is Nothing
Adidas recently launched part two of its global advertising campaign 'Impossible Is Nothing' produced by Adidas' global ad agency 180\TBWA. The new 30sec spots are entitled 'Haile', 'Nadia' and 'Jesse'.
'Haile' Haile Gebrselassie takes on the seemingly impossible challenge of beating himself. In Athens, Haile will represent Ethiopia in the Adidas ClimaCool® singlet and short, as well as the adiSTAR Competition footwear with heat-reflecting film inserts to enhance the open mesh and ventilation in the shoes. 'Nadia' Nadia Comaneci in a choreographed routine on the uneven bars with 13 year old Nastia Liukin. Nastia was actually born in Russia, and both her parents are former gymnasts at Olympic and world championship level. 
Photo: Nastia's father, two time gold medalist Valeri Liukin, flew in from Texas to spend two days making Nastia's first television commercial. Valeri's knowledge and creative choreography was invaluable in devising believable moves around Nadia's famous perfect ten routine. 'Jesse' St. Kitts and Nevis world 100m champion Kim Collins playing the role of the latest sprinter who goes out there to attempt the impossible: the 1936 quadruple Gold medal winner Jesse Owens takes on the current World 100m champion, who is also featured on the campaign website. The commercials (also to be seen at 180's website, follow link: recent work>Adidas>INN Olympics>TV) creatively focusses on the theme that 'nothing is impossible'. Nice concepts and productions!
posted by BlogFonk: Thursday, August 12, 2004 [#]
Sportlife's Akaduro
Sportlife's latest Red Cinnamon campaign has been developed by Lode Schaeffer en Erik Wünsch of S-W-H. The Dutch ad agency wanted the chewing gum to be a brand which is ahead of the mass, aiming at youngsters and using 'unexpected freshness' as leading theme.
S-W-H created new extreme sports to underline this concept, like Yetiball: snowbording as a snowball. Communication was focussed on commercials, interviews, a lot of fake websites, a MTV documentary, a press conference and even G-Sus t-shirts. 
Photo: Although Japan is the 'natural habitat' of Red Cinnamon, Dutch chewing gum producer Maple Leaf is not planning to introduce it in the Japanese market (yet). In line with this concept is Akaduro, a sport developed to introduce Sportlife's Red Cinnamon. The Akaduro myth tells that it has been refined by Japanese martial arts fighters, which was spotted by Sportlife who wanted to develop a special chewing gum in this context. 
Photo: Commercials of a red Japanese ninja running and jumping through busy streets are followed up by a website. The Akaduro campaign is a viral campaign which combines mass and online media, causing discussions in webblogs and creating a buzz towards the target group: youngsters. According to Mark Aink, account director S-W-H, Sportlife's market share rose significantly after the campaign. Retailers even asked permission to sell Red Cinnamon. 
Photo: Running and jumping youngsters, a popular trend. Akaduro creatively implements the 'unexpected freshness' concept: giving it an international flavour by using martial arts. Furthermore Akaduro shows influences of popular subcultures like Parkour or Urban FreeFlow (or plain old PK) created by David Belle and Sebastien Foucan - the real Spidermen! - who also acted in the awards winning Nike commercials 'Young Love' and 'Angry Chicken', filmed by Traktor. Akaduro is a very nice and distinguishing campaign!
posted by BlogFonk: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 [#]
UltimateTV
UltimateTV service from Microsoft digitally records satellite television so that you can watch what you want when you want.
These 4-screen ads - using Windows Media Player - (1, 2, 3) show nicely the possibilities: a functional way of showing the unique selling points of a product!
posted by BlogFonk: Tuesday, August 10, 2004 [#]
LOTW: www.comedycentral.com
The Link Of The Week (LOTW) is 'The Daily Show', a program of Comedy Central which shows daily newsfacts analysed by Jon Stewart. They poke fun at how cheesy the regular news shows are.
Here some movies.
posted by BlogFonk: Monday, August 09, 2004 [#]
Diesel Dreams
In a print and poster campaign of thirty different images we see individuals wearing clothing from the 2004 Fall/Winter Diesel collection.
With their eyes closed, peacefully daydreami |
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