Random Culture

Quick Links: May 1, 2008

Arnold's R&D Lab
Great article from Creativity on Arnold's new in-house innovation department.

Top 100 Public Intellectuals
I guess it's a cross between thinkers and talking heads... you've probably seen more than a few of these guys and gals on cable news networks.

Starbucks' Customer Ideas
They solicited customers for ideas about how to improve the business, and you can read all of them here!

Quick Links: April 20, 2008

The CW Pulls TV Show from Web
This is a colossal blunder from the CW. In a bid to increase TV ratings, they're forcing the show "Gossip Girl", which already has a large online following, to only air on TV. What do you think their Internet savvy teen audience will think of this? [via YPulse]

New York 2.0: Subway Crush
Great site for single New Yorkers who crush on someone in the Subway, but don't have the will to say hello.

10 Services to Send Text Messages Online
Great list of sites that allow you to send text messages without a phone.

Quick Links: April 2, 2008

Things for Sale that I Will Mail You
Yes, it's that simple... and there are some great things. Check it out! [via ian tait]

Cadbury Gorilla Sequel
No, it doesn't feature a gorilla, but it's still a fun ad. [via InfluxInsights]

2008 Brand Junkies Survey
Who's green... What brand would you like to argue with? Sit next to at a dinner party?

Quick Links: March 17, 2008

Apple iPhone SDK Downloaded 100,000 Times
Enough said... tons of cool applications forthcoming.

How To Think
Straight from MIT, 10 guidelines for how to think creatively, thoughtfully and powerfully.

Flickr Video To Launch in April?
Yahoo announced it's going to launch Flickr video. This is long overdue, in my opinion... get ready for a contender, YouTube.

Quick Links: March 5, 2008

BBC Redesign
The BBC have redesigned the website ala iGoogle and My Yahoo, allowing visitors to customize the content and appearance of the homepage.

Social Networking Around the World
Look at what the most popular social networks are across the globe.

Gaming YouTube
Can a video become the most viewed of all time on YouTube... without getting there legitimately? Looks like maybe it can.

Quick Links: February 20, 2008

SXSW People's Choice Awards
Vote for your favorite sites in the 2008 South by Southwest People's Choice web awards!

What's a Charticle?
Great post from Ian Tait... that's not an infographic, it's a "charticle."

Facebook QR Codes: Add to Friends T-Shirt
Wow... amazing use of QR codes and Facebook. I want one!

Quick Links: February 12, 2008

Shop-Ahead Service for Hotel Guests
Cool online shopping tool that allows hotel guests at a hotel in Dubai pre-order the items they want in their room.

Airplay: Mobile Gaming for Live TV
Company that creates mobile games to be played in conjunction with broadcasts. Examples include games for the NBA, NFL and Deal or No Deal.

Bill Gates Deletes His Facebook Account
What. like 8,000 friend requests is overwhelming? Doesn't he have an assistant or group of assistants to do this for him>

Quick Links: Jan. 27, 2008

Edward Tufte on the iPhone
Waxing poetic on the challenge of touch-screens and how to display large amounts of information. Of course, he's been there, done that. [via Fimoculous]

Old Websites Are Funny
Gizmodo's gallery of old websites from the 90s. Blast from the past! [via Digg]

The Bible According to Google Earth
Creative collective "The Glue Society" creates images from bible stories as if seen through the eyes of Google Earth. [via BoingBoing]

Quick Links: Jan. 14, 2008

Top 50 Web Design Resources of 2007
Highly "bookmarkable" list of articles, tools and other resources on a variety of web design subjects.

Nokia Entertainment Report
Great set of videos being published by Nokia on the future of mobile entertainment. In installments, of course. Via Planning from the Outside.

DailyLit
New website which allows you to "subscribe" to books, getting bite-sized pieces every day via email or RSS.

Back for 2008! Quick Links Jan. 1, 2008

After a few weeks break for the holidays, I'll be back to posting as usual this week. Here are a few links to get the juices flowing for the new year.

In-game advertising for video games builds momentum
Looks like 2008 will be even bigger, great write-up from Clickz.

Sony and Virgin Mobile Facebook applications

Web-Alerts.com
Simple way to subscribe to RSS feeds by text message.

Quick Links: Oct. 4, 2007

TiltViewer
View Flickr photos in a 3-D space. Not sure why, but it sure looks cool.

New Mini UK Site: The Other Lunch Break
Mini encourages you to learn something useful during your lunch break. [via Adverblog]

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award
Penguin and Amazon have teamed up to find the next breakthrough author online. And guess what? The community votes on who wins! [via Fimoculous]

Quick Links: Sept. 12, 2007

Joost Widget API
Looks like Joost has opened up for developers to create widgets. [via Advertising Lab]

IKEA Hacking
The New York Times reports on the rising tide of people using their DIY skills to make new things out of IKEA finds.

Mobile Social Networking
TechCrunch gives a great breakdown of mobile social networks.

Quick Links: Jul. 23, 2007

Al Gore's Cannes Speech
The ad industry's role in dealing with the climate crisis. View part 1, part 2, part 3. [via AdFreak]

National Geographic on "Swarm Theory"
Interesting read, with some great photos that accompany it as well. [via Fimoculous]

I Send to U Copy Crocs
Post from Influx Insights that makes you think about the power of the Internet and the rise of China.

Quick Links: Jul. 16, 2007

The Bloomberg Makeover
Happy Corp, IDEO and Ziba give the Bloomberg interface a redesign. [via Cool Hunting]

London Gets Free Wi-Fi
Yet another city launches free public Wi-Fi... goodbye monthly DSL payments!

Searching for Standards in Downloadable Media
A new industry association has been formed to create podcast, video standards, The ADM, Association of Downloadable Media.

Quick Links: Jun. 26, 2007

Social Networking Near 100% Penetration for Teens
According to an Alloy Media study written about in Advertising Age, it looks like 96% of teens connect to a social network at least once a week.

The Sony "Minisode" Network on MySpace
Your favorite older TV shows... only REALLY short. Silver Spoons, anyone? [via Fimoculous]

The Social Network Class Divide?
Danah Boyd, the Jane Goodall of teenagers, says that Facebook users are more likely to be educated white kids, and MySpace users are more likely to be blue collar.

Quick Links: Jun. 15, 2007

CNN and YouTube Presidential Debates
Forget questions from moderators, I want to know what Hillary Clinton thinks of the Mentos and Coke video! More details at NewTeeVee. [via Fimoculous]

England's National Gallery Puts Art in Unlikely Places
To promote the National Gallery, they hung reproductions of famous paintings in unlikely places. Check out a gallery of the photos at The Guardian. [via Influx Insights]

Pithy eBay/Google Infighting
Google tries to steal eBay's thunder by scheduling a party on the same day as eBay. In reaction, eBay, the largest Google AdWords advertiser, pulls all their ads from Google. Sounds like a lose-lose situation to me.

Quick Links: June 4, 2007

NYT on Google Natural Search
Good insights on how Google is always "tweaking" its search index.

Finally, TED Talks
TED is a great conference about ideas, with some amazing speakers, including folks like Jane Goodall, Malcom Gladwell and more. Now you can see video of their presentations online.

Microsoft Still Playing Catch-Up With Search
Sure, they're touting this search engine on the heels of Google's Universal search... At least we can all see the future of search ahead.

Quick Links: May 31, 2007

Fox buys Photobucket
Right on... we talked about it before, but this has to be one of the most logical acquisitions ever!

CBS buys Last.fm
Anyone who's used Last.fm is giving CBS a pat on the back, but what the heck is CBS going to do with it?

Behind Google "Street View"
Sure, Amazon A9 was the first to do it, but it's still cool.

Quick Links: May 7, 2007

MySpace Might Buy Photobucket!
Right on... this would be the best acquisition, EVER. No need to say anything else.

Website Grader
Great tool that analyzes URL based on a number of criteria, including Google page rank, inbound links, Alexa rankings and more.

Electronic Arts Starts a Record Label: EA Trax
No one can argue the importance of music in video games. Looks like EA has decided to take advantage of it. [via PSFK]

New Advertising Metric for Television: TAM
It stands for "total audience measurement" and includes live, same day and online viewing. Too bad the online advertising is being sold separately. Who dreams this stuff up? [via MIT Convergence Culture]

World's Best Presentation Contest Winners
Guy Kawasaki posted about this great contest... and the winners reveal common elements that make presentations good.

Quick Links: Apr. 19, 2007

Shop Via Text Message
NY Times article on ShopText, a new service that allows you to purchase items instantly via text messaging. [via PSFK]

Goodbye Froogle. Welcome Google Product Search.
It's not gone... just renamed and going through some changes. Most notably, integration with Google Checkout. [via TechCrunch]

Save Net Radio
The Copyright Royalty Board in DC has just tripled the royalty rates for webcasters, which could effectively kill Internet radio. Visit SaveNetRadio.org to find out how to help.

Quick Links: Apr. 9, 2007

Saatchi & Saatchi CEO Kevin Roberts is Blogging
The CEO and author of Lovemarks has entered the blogosphere. Now let's see if he has anything good to say. [via AdPulp]

Wieden + Kennedy 25 Year Bash
When you've been around for 25 years, get the Beastie Boys to play at your party. Of course, they could have used the money to hire some interactive folks. [via Adfreak]

RIP Sol LeWitt
The modern art master has died at the age of 78. Read some more about him here.

Quick Links: Mar. 26, 2007

Viacom Being Sued for Blocking YouTube Parodies
Viacom sues YouTube, users sue Viacom for blocking parodies that are protected as "fair use" under the DMCA.

The Onion Launching Online Video News Network
Interesting WSJ article on the Onion's plans to launch CNN-esque online video programming. Everyone loves some video!

News Corp & NBC "YouTube Killer"
Well, that remains to be seen, but this thing is going to be large, that's for sure.

XBOX 360 Crashes PS3 Launch
Great blog post about an XBOX 360 guerrilla marketing stunt that crashed a PS3 launch party in France.

Quick Links: Mar. 5, 2007

Reuters to Launch Social Network
Ahhh, a "niche" social network aimed at fund managers, traders and analysts. [via MarketingVox]

Kate Spade's "Behind the Curtain"
Great mini-site from Kate Spade that gives you a peek behind the scenes. [via Three Minds @ Organic]

Meraki - Free Wifi in San Francisco
This Google-backed company is wiring up a square mile in San Francisco with free Wifi.

USA Today Launches "social networking" features
You may have a MySpace profile, but do you have a USA Today "personal space?"... umm. [via Micropersuasion]

Quick Links: Feb. 12, 2007

AdJab Closes Shop
Irony? A blog about marketing and advertising can't make enough dough for Weblogs, Inc. to keep it running.

Jeep Launches Interactive Comic Book
Jeep has launched "Jeep Patriot Comics", a website that features an interactive comic for the vehicle. The site is also challenging users to create the end of the story. [via Adverblog]

The Wizards of Buzz
Wall Street Journal article on buzz and social media sites, like Digg. [via Fimoculous]

Quick Links: Jan. 31, 2007

A Wiki for Planners
Plannersphere has recently launched... and it aims to become a resource for planners everywhere. Take a look, add this site! [via ChaosScenario]

Giant Inflatable Insects
Because everything is more fun when it's larger than life and full of air.

2007 Bloggie Nominees
Does anyone care about the bloggies anymore? Seriously, I'm asking. [via Fimoculous]

Quick Links: Jan. 23, 2007

Every Ad In Times Square
Great blog post that catalogs every ad on display in Times Square. [via Fimoculous]

Flash Earth
Google, Yahoo, Ask, Microsoft maps all mashed into one flash interface.

Internet Video & The 2008 Election
That's right... online video is going to change politics, just like blogging has. [via Podcasting News]

Never Use 411 Again
TellMe is a mobile application that lets you find the information you'd normally find by dialing 411.

Quick Links: Jan. 11, 2006

News Corp's MySpace Vision: Don't Screw it Up
Seriously... that's the goal for 2007? Apparently, adding new features is also a goal, but when was the last time that happened?

How Apple Kept the iPhone Secret
Everyone knew it was going to happen, but Apple kept it under the radar for more than 30 months. [via Fimoculous]

Cisco Suing Apple Over "iPhone" Name Trademark
The coolest company on the planet being sued by the least cool company on the planet, that beat them to the punch using the iPhone name by 3 weeks.

MySpace "State of the Union" Video Contest
Just in time for Bush's state of the union address, MySpace is asking users to create videos talking about what's wrong/right with the country. Four winners will be chosen by a panel of political experts. [via PSFK]

Quick Links: Jan 8, 2007

Pew: Social Networking Websites and Teens
New report from Pew Internet & American Life Project. Apparently, the kids are really into MySpace and Facebook... who knew?

Trendwatching: Top 5 Trends to Watch in 2007
Great list of trends from Trendwatching... "Trysumers" is possibly the worst name they have ever come up with, but it's the idea that counts, and the ideas here are GOOD.

Trendmap 2007 (PDF)
NowandNext.com and Future Exploration Network put together this visual map (PDF) of major trends for 2007. [via Fallon Planning Blog]

Quick Links: Dec. 18, 2006

Time's Person of the Year is... You!
Well, maybe not exactly you, but people who are posting videos to YouTube and more. For some interesting ideas on the topic, check out this post on InfluxInsights.

Understanding Mobile 2.0
Great post on the Read/WriteWeb blog... and whether or not you feel disdain for the terminology, it's worth a read. [via Micropersuasion]

Facebook Gets Greedy
With such a tiny market share in the social networking category, what the heck are they thinking turning down a $1 billion buyout?

Quick Links: Dec. 7, 2006

Best Blogs of 2006 You Aren't Reading
Rex at Fimoculous has a great list of 30 blogs you should be reading... and here's a link to him on NPR talking about them.

Influx Insights Predictions for 2007
And it looks like one of them may have already come true!

Toyota Scion Broadband
New video website featuring music, shorts, comedy and more.

Quick Links: Nov. 28, 2006

YouTube Coming to Cellphones
Verizon has made a deal with YouTube to make videos available via Vcast. [via Micropersuasion]

Fantasy League for Celebrities: Fafarazzi
Like fantasy sports, but you get points when celebrities get in trouble with the law or talk smack in the press. [via Fimoculous]

Future of Mobile: Ticketing
Gaze into the crystal ball of what mobile will look like in the US once we get our act together.

Online Video Eroding TV Viewing?
I've heard studies lately that say online video is "complimenting", not competing with television viewing. But this study from the UK has a different take.

Quick Links: Nov. 15, 2006

ABC News Signs Former Rocketboom Host
Amanda Congdon is going to make news more relevant to the "kids" and this "internets" they love so much. [via Micropersuasion]

Seven Strategies for Mobile Ads
Great post from Venture Beat on the effectiveness of different types of mobile advertising.

NY Times: Web 3.0?
That's right... it's now time to start throwing around another term no one can define. [via Convergence Culture Consortium]

Quick Links: Nov. 7, 2006

Google Launches CPG Blog?
Um, yeah... but technically, it's about marketing for consumer packaged goods. [via Threadwatch]

Comcast's YouTube Competitor: Ziddio
Trying to be different by adding contests, and the chance for user submitted content to make it to their on-demand service. [via MarketingVox]

Big Brother in Second Life
Do we really need another story about another brand getting involved in Second Life? [via MIT Advertising Lab]

Quick Links: Oct. 19,2006

Video: Malcolm Gladwell on Engineering Hits
Great video of Gladwell from the New Yorker Festival.

Wal-Mart: Who Didn't Know This Was a Flog?
I'm not sure how this is news... but it's causing quite a ruckus.

Audi Robots in Brazil
New website for Audi in Brazil, with live video of robots making an Audi car sculpture.

NFL Also Asking For User Generated Superbowl Ads
So now the count is up to three major brands doing user generated Superbowl ads. [via MIT Advertising Lab]

Quick Links: Oct. 12, 2006

Mobile Ad Trend Grows
Good article from Clickz about mobile advertising. Keep paying attention to the space!

The Worst Box-Office Grosser of 2005
Great post at Chris Anderson's Long Tail blog about the movie with the worst box office performance in 2005. Would you believe the movie only grossed $423? That's not millions or even thousands... that's less than five hundred bucks.

Our Brain Acts Like a Social Network
Interesting read... thanks to Smart Mobs for the link.

Wal-Mart Launches Another Blog No One Will Read
Wow... have you ever used the term "Wal-Marting" instead of shopping? Do it. [via MarketingVox]

Quick Links: Oct. 10, 2006

Boo Hoo: Wal-Mart and Target Upset at iTunes
Apparently, they don't like the lower price points iTunes is offering for movies. Too bad guys, the times are changing, and so are your customer's expectations.

BP Considered Getting Rid of Their Website in 2002?
Interesting peek inside what some companies think about their websites, and the politics behind them. Be afraid, very afraid.

Symantec Viral: Rock dot Rock
Because what better way to promote anti-virus software than a fake metal band?

Obligatory Google buys YouTube Post
Enough said, right? But listen to what Mark Cuban had to say about YouTube just a few weeks ago. Listen to what he has to say now, and listen to what Charlene Li of Forrester Research has to say.

Get a Phone Call from Dwight Schrute
Maybe he'll talk to you about your resume, or maybe he'll talk to you about werewolves.

Quick Links: Oct. 4, 2006

Websites Designed for Your Mobile
Short list of some good sites designed specifically for your mobile device. [via Micropersuasion]

Portable Podcast Recorder, or Intergalactic Teleportation Device?
I've never podcasted on the run, but I'd use any excuse to try this thing out.

Calculating the ROI of Blogging
Good article from Charlene Li of Forrester Research.

Using MySpace for Charity
Smart Mobs has some details on how Ashton Kutcher is using MySpace to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.

Quick Links: Sept. 26, 2006

.Mobi Domains Available Today
The supposed standard domain for mobile websites, you can begin buying your .mobi domains today, excluding "premium" words, which will be auctioned off.

MySpace TV Show: Project MyWorld
New TV show that follows 3 girls around as they meet their MySpace friends in real life.

Pew Internet Report: Future of the Internet 2
The second installment of the Pew Internet and American Life Project's "Future of the Internet" reports. [via Valleywag]

Facebook Registration Finally Open
Facebook had announced they were opening registration up, but now it's available to the public.

Links: Sept. 14, 2006

IT People 34% More Likely to Have A Pony-Tail
Reinforce all your stereotypes about IT people by checking out this survey from Intermedia. [via AdPulp]

Guy Kawasaki: Why Smart Companies Do Dumb Things
Good read about the reasons why. I think it would be great to understand which of these happens the most.

Check for Wikipedia Articles that Link to You
Steve Rubel points us to a new page on Wikipedia that allows you to input a URL and see what articles are linking to your site. Great tool in monitoring Wikipedia for mentions of a company.

Business Major Markets the Homeless
A business major helps homeless people earn more money hourly by altering sign messages.

Sprint Launches Pay-Per-View Mobile Video Service
In other news, KPMG says 40% of consumers are unwilling to pay for more mobile services. Good luck Sprint!

Quick Links: Video Edition

Budweiser Launches Bud.TV
Comedy, game shows, talk shows and more are being created by Budweiser for their own online TV channel. Online video is allowing companies that aren't content publishers to become content publishers. We're only going to see more of this. [via AdJab]

NBBC: NBC's Digital Video Syndication Marketplace
Rather than focusing on consumers, NBC has launched a business to business video endeavor. Website publishers can make money by putting NBC content on their sites, advertisers can participate in the content NBC is licensing, and content publishers can get a new distribution outlet... But I just want to watch Conan O'Brien online!

T-Mobile Testing Ad Funded Mobile Videos
The test in the UK gives consumers access to free video content, embedded with TV style advertising. This model of subsidizing the cost of mobile content and services through advertising is gaining ground.

Quick Links: Sept. 5, 2006

MySpace to Begin Selling Music
Look out iTunes, MySpace is getting into the music game. MySpace has announced plans to sell music from unsigned bands. This should be interesting.

Starbucks Promotion Backfires
It looks like they underestimated the power of word of mouth referrals, and canceled the promotion because "wider-than-expected redistribution altered the intent of the promotion."

Krups Taps NYU Film Students
Krups has launched a campaign entitled "Espresso Shorts", where they've solicited NYU film students to make short films about "coffee rituals." [via AdPulp]

Quick Links: Aug. 31, 2006

WSJ YouTube Article: 15 Minutes of Fame
Total time spent watching YouTube so far? 9,305 years. [via Micropersuasion]

MTV Trying to Stay Relevant
Looks like MTV is trying to make the Video Music Awards a "multiplatform" effort.

MySpace Alternative Bebo & NBC Strike Deal
NBC is trying to promote its "Friday Night Lights" high school football drama.

Imagining the Tenth Dimension
Only click on this link if you want your MIND BLOWN! [via Zach Klein]

Quick Links: Aug. 28, 2006

Chart of Top 100 Wikipedia Entries
Great chart detailing the most viewed articles in English on Wikipedia. Cover your eyes... more than a few of these are dirty!

Snakes on a MySpace
Be very careful what you post on your MySpace profile... You could have your snake taken away, for instance.

MySpace Users Getting Frustrated with Advertisers?
Despite being a highly speculative article, this story is making the rounds!

Competitive Analysis: How To
Awesome article from Digital Web Magazine on how to conduct a competitive analysis.

Quick Links: Aug. 7, 2006

Tibetan Government Launches Online TV Station
What's an exiled government to do? Use the most effective communication channel ever devised.

Mobile Standards Do Exist?
Great article about meeting the challenge of mobile design.

eBay Sellers Using MySpace
Interesting article about how some eBay sellers are creating MySpace accounts for their shops, and seeing positive results. [via Joseph Laszlo]

Google Video Growing: MTV Signs On
Announcement expected today that Google will be distributing MTV videos later this month, from "SpongeBob" to "Laguna Beach." [via Threadwatch]

Quick Links: Jul. 27, 2006

Facebook Giving Away 10 Million iTunes Samplers
The social networking site is giving away 1 million free 25 song samplers each week for the next 10 weeks.

Real People and Their Avatars
Awesome gallery showing side-by-side photos of real people and the alter egos they use in video games. [via Crackunit.com]

Business Week on The Business of Viral Videos
Great article about the serious business around creating and distributing viral video online.

FlashForward 2006 Finalists
Check out the finalists in all categories for the 2006 FlashForward conference.

Quick Links: Jul. 20, 2006

China's Online Population Hits 123 Million
That makes it second in line behind the US... it's only a matter of time.

Google Video Allows Links Inside Videos
Now you can link to specific parts of a video on Google Video. [via Micropersuasion]

Photoshop Contest: Bad Ads
Worth 1000 challenges users to create truth in advertising... worth a look. [via BoingBoing]

New Pew Study: Bloggers
Great study from Pew Internet and American Life Project that looks specifically at bloggers. Thanks Renee!

Quick Links: Jul. 17, 2006

McDonald's Billboard Using A Sun Dial
This is one of the more clever outdoor ads I've seen in a while. [via Adland]

Mark Cuban Says the Internet is Old and Boring
Stop being so dramatic... and playing semantics.

ATM Spits Out Fake Money Advertising Boob Jobs
Don't you have a heart? This isn't advertising, it's helping a worthy cause.

Yahoo! Redesigned Homepage Launches
If you can't see the new design, click here. [via TechCrunch]

Quick Links: Jul. 14, 2006

I've been in North Carolina on business the last couple days, but I'm back. Here are some quick links to get you started. Amazing how missing a few days of what's happening online is like an eternity.

The Extinction of Mass Culture
Forbes thinks it's a bad thing... I'm not sure I agree.

Dell's Blog on Customer Service
I like how Dell is using their blog to talk about customer service. But is there anyone actually reading it? [via Influx Insights]

Yahoo's Daily Online TV show: The 9
They launched it this week... the format is predictable, but I love seeing more people moving to creating online-only video content.

Quick Links: Jul. 7, 2006

Web 2.0 in Japan
Great article on some of the popular Web 2.0 applications in Japan.

Paramount Shoots Self in Foot
The objective is supposed to be to promote your movies, right? Not start taking down the websites that are promoting them. [via Adrants]

ABC Wants to Stop DVR Commercial Skipping
Just when you thought ABC was being all progressive by airing TV shows online for free...

Mastercard Rebranding: WTF?
If you haven't seen the new logo... take your laptop into the bathroom before you click on the link above.

Quick Links: Jun. 30, 2006

Coca-Cola and iTunes Teaming Up?
The details are slim, but it's being described as a "substantial" promotional campaign. We know at least that it includes Coca-Cola sponsored content and discounts on iTunes. [via Micro Persuasion]

Seventeen Magazine Partners with MySpace
Not sure how much of a real "partnership" this is, but it makes perfect sense. [via AdPulp]

Pre-Roll the Best Online Video Ad Format?
Looks like it did better for brand awareness, but transitional ads better for intent to purchase. [via Zach Klein]

Quick Links: Jun. 27, 2006

Cellfire: Mobile Coupons
Interesting new mobile coupon service that's been getting some buzz. Apparently, mobile coupon conversion rates are REALLY high. [via Mobilecrunch]

Millennials Consume Media Faster
New study says millennials consumer 20 hours of media in 7 hours time! [via Gary Stein's blog]

Say What? 70% of Companies Blogging This Year?
These Jupiter Research numbers are WAAAAYYYY out of wack. They think 70% of large companies will be blogging by the end of the year? Yeah, right... I wish.

Quick Links: Jun. 23, 2006

CNN Makes Big Push Into Video Podcasting
Check out the 6 or so new video podcasts from CNN. [via Podcasting News]

Google Premium Video Tests Advertising
Sponsorships will allow premium videos to be available for free.

Digg Version 3 to Launch on Monday
The folks at TechCrunch have some more screenshots.

Imagining The Internet
Elon University/Pew Internet Project have teamed up to look at the next 150 years of the web.

Quick Links: Jun 19, 2006

RIAA Sets Sights on YouTube and Google Video
Unless you've been trapped in an abandoned mine shaft, you've seen the rise in popularity of "lip-syncing" videos on YouTube. Seems the RIAA doesn't like that one bit... and has already been sending out cease and desist letters. Pick up one of these today.

What College Students Do Online
Check out these presentations from Eszter Hargittai's talk at the Beyond Broadcast conference from last month. Available in audio, video and slides. Great stuff...

The Future of TiVo: Downloads
Looks like TiVo has applied for a patent that hints at future plans to allow on-demand downloads. [via PSFK]

Sony's YouTube: Musicbox Video
Well, it's not really YouTube, but Sony has launched a video site with music videos and behind the scenes content. They want bloggers to link to videos, and there may be plans to allow embedding of videos into websites, ala YouTube.

Quick Links: June 5, 2006

eBay Launching Blogs and Wikis for Sellers
Announcing the new features at the eBay Live conference next week.

Special Interests are Totally Awesome!
The US says music site AllofMP3.com could jeopardize Russia's entry into the World Trade Organization.

Seth Godin: How to Get Traffic to Your Blog
56 ways to get traffic to your blog... my favorite, number 11: "Don't write about your cat, your boyfriend or your kids." Oh yeah, then how do you explain this, Seth?

Here's Where to Register Short Codes for Mobile Marketing
All us marketers will be visiting this website in the future. Why wait?

Quick Links: May 31, 2006

Searching for the Google of Cell Phones
Great article about the opportunity for a search giant in the mobile phone arena. [via Smart Mobs]

Google Mashing Up Their Own Maps
Google has launched a "Green Summer" maps mashup in conjunction with the Earth Day Network. [via Official Google Blog]

Panasonic Teams up with YouTube
Yet another advertiser playing with how to leverage YouTube. [via Micropersuasion]

Google Video Launches Movie Trailer Section
Talk about "no frills", just straight to the trailer watching... [via Fimoculous]

Quick Links: MySpace Edition

Playboy Featuring "Girls of MySpace"
So when are they running the "Girls of Web 2.0" edition? [via MIT Advertising Lab]

Martha Stewart Making Her Own MySpace
Good luck... you'll need it. Can't wait to see Playboy's "Girls of Martha Stewarts' MySpace" edition.

Bebo: Serious MySpace Competitor in the UK
Are they gaining ground in the US as well? They've grown 30% in the last couple months.

What Advertisers Could Best Use MySpace?
The folks at Influx Insights have some great ideas on a few select industries and how they might consider using MySpace.

Quick Links: May 19, 2006

Preview of Yahoo's "YouTube Killer"
Seriously, why don't they just buy YouTube? [via Micropersuasion]

eMarketer: What's Selling Online
Interesting data to look at about the products that are selling the best online. Also includes a graph of the increase/decrease of some products between 2003 and 2005. Some interesting growth in things like home furnishings, prescriptions. etc...

Web 2.0 Conference Registration
One of the best conferences of the year is open for registration. It's by invite only, but you can request an invitation through the site. [via John Battelle]

Quick Links: May 15, 2006

Google Promotion Doubles Sony Pictures Traffic
Wow... impressive stats on the success of this promotion. [via Micropersuasion]

YouTube Enables Mobile Video Uploading
This is huge... anyone tried it yet? [via MobileCrunch]

News Corp to Begin Selling Downloads of "24" Through MySpace
Look out iTunes... there's a new sheriff in town, for the same price, $1.99.

Quick Links: May 11, 2006

NBA fines Mark Cuban for Blogging
Mark Cuban's blog cred just went through the roof!

WESC opens in Soho: Pay Attention
Pay attention, WESC is an awesome store... we'll be seeing more of these in the US. [via Cool Hunting]

AIM Pages Officially Launches
It got sufficiently hyped... now go check it out for yourself. [via Micropersuasion]

Warner Bros. and BitTorrent Team Up
Paid distribution of digital downloads through BitTorrent. So much for just streaming them! [via Lost Remote]

Quick Links: May 9, 2006

2006 Webby Award Winners Announced
See the complete list by clicking the link above, including official winners and people's choice winners. [via Crackunit.com]

Choose Your Own Adventure Books: Back this Spring
Wow... they're bringing them back this year, supposedly.

DHL Viral: Waitin' Woes
Um... ok then. They spent a lot of time on these songs, but is anyone spending a long time on the site? [via AdFreak]

Quick Links: May 3, 2006

USA Today Launches Mobile RSS Feeds
Great step in the right direction from USA Today... Anyone subscribing to mobile RSS feeds?

Wall Street Journal Online Free Access (until May 10)
They're trying to boost interest in subscription by offering free access for 10 days to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the online edition. [via MarketingVox]

Blurb: Create Books Out of Blogs
There are all types of copyright implications for this, but it's an interesting idea. [via TechCrunch]

Ford Creating Online Documentary?
"Bold Moves" is the new brand platform for Ford (whatever that means). As a part of the reportedly $50 million initiative, they're debuting an online documentary series this summer that depicts life behind the scenes of vehicle design and development. Sounds boring. Not bold at all... except for the price tag.

B.L. Ochman: Why Are Companies Hiding Their Blogs?
Great question... and B.L. gives examples that just touch the tip of the iceberg.

Quick Links: Apr. 27, 2006

Nokia Launching US Stores in 2006
Bypassing the carriers altogether, Nokia is launching a flagship store in Chicago in June, and another in New York before the end of the year. [via Influx Insights]

Google Opens Communication With Search Offenders?
This is HUGE news... Google Sitemaps participants may receive email alerts if they do something unfriendly in the search engine's eyes. [via Threadwatch]

New Pew Internet & American Life Project Report
The report, entitled "Internet Penetration & Impact", is a general overview of the evolution of the Internet.

Quick Links: Apr. 18, 2006

TV Execs Still Don't Get It
Steve Rubel's great post about an AdAge panel he attended with TV execs. It seems they still don't understand the power of the Internet.

Clerks 2 Promoted on Youtube
Kevin Smith has created behind the scenes video especially for Youtube.

Mobile Phones Rival PCs for Internet Access
Wow... France and the UK are giving PCs a run for their money in accessing the Internet. And the worldwide growth is coming from older users (35+). [via MarketingVox]

Weblogs, Inc. Launches First "Local" Blog
Blogging Ohio? An unlikely choice, but this local thing is taking off. [via Jason Calacanis]

Yahoo! Testing New Homepage Layout
Some users are seeing a new homepage for Yahoo! Follow the link above and see some screenshots.

Quick Links: Apr. 17, 2006

Fear Factor Marketing Overload
I guess they want to get the kids hooked on Fear Factor at a VERY young age. [via AdJab]

Jeep "Insects"
Cool new marketing campaign from Jeep with photos of the Wrangler Unlimited made to look like insects.

2006 Dutch Interactive Marketing Awards
You don't have to speak Dutch, just surf around and check out the winners of the "Spin Awards." [via Adverblog]

Metroblogging "Azeroth"
Blog network Metroblogging releases a blog centered around World of Warcraft! [via Blogebrity]

Technorati "State of the Blogosphere" Update
The latest quarterly installment of Dave Sifry's "State of the Blogosphere"... still growing strong. [via BoingBoing]

CNET to Deliver Video-on-Demand to TV
What started as online-only video looks like it's going to get distribution to "old school" airwaves. (Note: Some people tell me this is exciting because people actually still believe that Cable TV is a holy grail or something)

Quick Links: Apr. 3, 2006

Record Labels Ignore Podcasting
Interesting article in Billboard about how despite all the podcasting buzz, few major record labels have been embracing it. [via Podcasting News]

Claria Cleans Up Act????
They seem to have given up adware, but that doesn't mean they've stopped selling ads. And oh yeah, now they're competing with the likes of Yahoo, AOL, MSN and Google for consumer eyeballs. [via Silicon Beat]

First UK #1 Song From Online Sales Only
This is an historic event... "Crazy", by Gnarls Barkley, hit #1 on the UK charts based on download sales alone. [via Smart Mobs]

NY Times Has Redesigned!
What do I like about it? Well, the "video" tab at the top is pretty cool. Look out TV networks, new media has allowed the times to spread their wings. [via TechCrunch]

Toyota Launches Site For The New FJ Cruiser
Remember these cars? They've being released all over again.

Quick Links: Mar. 30, 2006

Business 2.0: The Webtop
Interesting article about the migration of desktop applications to the web. [via Business 2.0 Blog]

Facebook.com Turns Down $750 million offer
They're hoping to get $2 billion instead. Is it worth it? They're the 7th highest traffic site. [via John Battelle]

Obopay: Another Mobile Payment Company
We talked about PayPal mobile recently... here's another company looking to get into mobile commerce in the US at an early stage.

Quick Links: Mar. 24, 2006

Spike TV's New Logo & Tag line: Get More Action
Ugh... I don't like that logo one bit, and the new tag line's innuendo is almost like a bad pun. [via AdJab]

Mobile Marketing: US vs. Europe
Are we really that far behind Europe? Check out this great Clickz article on the subject. [via Adverblog]

New Pew Study: Broadband
Another good read, just released Wednesday. For broadband users, the Internet is their primary source of news. [via Micropersuasion]

Vloggercon 2006 is Coming!
If you're in San Francisco, or like traveling there, and are interested in video blogging and video podcasting, Vloggercon is happening June 10th and 11th. [via Podcasting News]

Quick Links: Mar. 20, 2006

VH1 Launches Games Section
Produced with the help of the wonderful Barbarian Group.

Federated Media Launches a "Frankenblog"
It's a blog aggregating tech news from other FM blogs such as Boing Boing, TechCrunch, 43 Folders and more. [via Blogebrity]

Nike Teams up With Google to Launch Joga.com
It's a football (soccer) community site... use your Google login. Available via invite only. [via Netimperative]

Sci-Fi Channel is Revamping to Focus on Video, Podcasting
Kudos to the Sci-Fi channel. If anyone should be tuned into the future, it should be them. [via Podcasting News]

HBO Developing a Blogger Sitcom?
Well, sort of... it's a show based on the novel by Jessica Cutler. She's the lady who wrote about her "exploits" in Washington DC.

Quick Links: Mar. 15, 2006

Toyota Scion Launches Fashion Brand
What better idea to promote the Scion than to launch a sportswear collection? Well, I could think of a couple better ideas.

Northwest Airlines Nickel & Dimes Customers
They're charging a premium for aisle and exit row seats. How about a discount for middle and back of the plane seats? Not likely.

AOL's Email "Blackmail" Proposal Gets Resistance
They call it "Goodmail", but we know what it really is. Lucky for us, a California lawmaker is fighting back.

Jaffe: A World Without Advertising
Jaffe has offered up his recent presentation to the Boston Ad Club Symposium for download. Check it out.

Quick Links: Mar. 14, 2006

Another Agency Opts For A Blog
Hill/Holliday has dropped the traditional portfolio site in favor of a blog. Of course, the portfolio is still there, but the blog is now the face of the company. [via AdPulp]

BBC Launches Online TV Series For Teens
Wannabes will be an exclusive online series with interactive features beyond video. [via Adverblog]

USPS + AKQA = A Better Post Office Site
Four letters in their names... coincidence? I'll be looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

Edelman and Jarvis on CNN Talking About Wal-Mart
Well, not really talking about Wal-Mart, but about PR, bloggers and the media. Looks like they managed to dodge the real point: how well do you sleep at night?

First Rocketboom Ad Is Live!
They got the first advertiser (TRM.com) through eBay, and now the first show with the advertisement has aired. Watch it for yourself. [via MIT Advertising Lab]

Quick Links: Mar. 10, 2006

Podcast Workshops in San Fran This Weekend
Get some podcasting tips from the pros at NPR... If only I lived in SF. [via Boing Boing]

Black Eyed Peas Sell 2 Million Ringtones
"My Humps" is now annoying millions of coworkers.

Depeche Mode Makes a Song for The Sims
The song is even translated into "Simlish", the language of the Sims.

Interview With Alan Moore - Creator of V for Vendetta and The Watchmen
Quite a character, but a very smart, creative guy. Worth checking out.

Quick Links: Mar. 6, 2006

MasterCard "Priceless" Consumer Generated Commercial Launches
The commercials aired last night, and you can submit your lines on Priceless.com today. The funny ones won't get through, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't submit them.

PSFK Launches "Fashion" Site
Check it out... lots of good content here if you're interested in the fashion industry, or style in general.

Castrol Edge 3D Flash Site
Good looking Castrol site from South Africa. It's a little rough around the edges in some places, but the 3D definitely adds a different experience.

Tower Records Planning Free Podcasts
Great article from Forbes about Tower Records' plan to launch a "create your own podcast" effort that's ad supported. They'll be announcing it soon at SXSW. [via Podcasting News]

Quick Links: Mar. 2, 2006

Current TV Solicits Viewer Created Ads
Ads for major sponsors such as Sony and Toyota will have viewer created ads on Current TV. Creators will get some dough, too. [via Adjab]

ABC Turns Down KFC TiVo Ads as "Subliminal"
Ha... ABC's legal team apparently felt KFC's slow motion easter egg is too close to subliminal advertising. [via MIT Advertising Lab]

The State of Newspaper Blogging
Great chart from NYU Journalism students that reviews the top newspapers in the country in terms of their blogging efforts. [via AdPulp]

iMedia Connection Creative Showcase: Kiwi Site
iMediaconnection features the Kiwi site created by the company I work for... Click Here.

Quick Links: Mar. 1, 2006

Podcast Audience Keeps Growing
I still think they're all aiming too low. It was 6 million this time last year, and that was before iTunes adopted podcasting. They had 1 million downloads in the first 2 days... but we're still only at 10 million for 2006? Come on... [via AdJab]

Microsoft Classified Service Launches
What an unfortunate name, "Windows Live Expo." The interface design is about as tasteful as the name.

75 Million US and UK RSS Users
Yet only a few of them actually know what an RSS feed is. We're not doing a very good job educating people.

Apple's Announcement = (crickets chirping)
Yawn... Intel Mac Minis, a $99 leather pouch and an unnecessary hi-fi stereo replacement. Where's the friggin' Intel iBooks and the feature films on iTunes? That's what we want!

AdAge Launches Small Agency Blog
Good to see AdAge hopping on the blog bandwagon. Not what you might expect, though. [via Micropersuasion]

Quick Links: Feb. 28, 2006

Bands Turn Down Hummer Affiliation
More than a couple indie bands don't want their music affiliated with the brand. [via Adfreak]

McDonald's "Shark Bait" Flash Game
These 3D shark games really make me crave some breaded and fried processed shaped fish meat!

MC Hammer is Blogging
No really, MC Hammer is blogging... Just to get it over with: "Please Hammer don't blog this"... and "You can't blog this."

Rupert Murdoch Launches "Mobizzo"
Fo shizzo... at least we can get some cool Family Guy stuff. Money can't make you cool, but Murdoch is trying.

Annual AdAge Data "Factpack"
Lots of good information in here... an annual summary of ad industry data.

Google Mobile News
Mmmm... mobile goodness from Google. Read the Official Google Blog post.

Quick Links: Feb. 27, 2006

Edgeio Launches! Needs More Listings
It looks great, but there aren't many listings, so it's hard to see it as useful. First impressions are everything!

H&R Block's PR Nightmare
Wow... talk about the ultimate PR problem.

Future of Web Apps Conference MP3s
They're getting blasted with traffic today, but worth a look. Hear from the people behind the best of Web 2.0.

Best Video You'll Watch All Week
I guarantee it... this is absolutely the best video you'll watch all week, and you'll feel good about doing it.

Quick Links: Feb. 24, 2006

Windows.com Gets A Redesign
For the better? Maybe not. If you're going to commit to flash, you might as well make it look good.

VW Launches Another GTI Promotion: Un-Pimp My Ride
These commercials are pretty funny... and I'm glad to see someone trashing the "pimp my ride" idea. [via Adrants]

Yahoo! Changes Keyword Trademark Position
No more buying trademarked terms unless you're a reseller or information provider. No more competitor ads... Thanks Ponitac!

Quick Links: Feb. 22, 2006

JCPenney Tries Out "Virtual" Store
In March, JCPenney will open a temporary Times Square store where visitors can shop via interactive kiosks.

Broadband Influencing E-Commerce
51% of people claim broadband is the single largest factor in encouraging multi-channel shopping.

Truly, We're In Another Bubble
Why? When a company that produces web-based polls can get 1 million in funding, we're in a bubble.

Publicis Launches Denuo: New Media Consultancy
The name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but Publicis is hoping this new division will become a digital communications "shepard."

How Does iTunes Select "Featured" Podcasts?
The folks at the PBS Media Shift blog ask this question. The answer... it's complicated.