Back in the days when I used to produce a lot of television spots, I sat through hundreds and hundreds of the most awkward auditions. Some were more like an American Idol outtakes show than you’d like to believe. Why? Because actors are willing to take huge risks to get an opportunity to do something […]

Engagement is a term that has been used so much in the last couple years by marketers it’s starting to loose it’s meaning. It’s become a shorthand for do something “social.” But engagement at it’s best is an emotional involvement or commitment between two parties. Unfortunately, commitment is something many marketers only expect of their […]

I’ve never been a fan of New Years Resolutions. The ideas of self improvement and setting goals are great. But New Years Resolutions are for the most part, doomed for faliure. It’s as if people subconciously say, “I’m going to set a goal that’s slightly out of reach, then attempt it for a month, then […]

Most predictions are either easy, safe, or just wrong. So why not add a few more to the list? I dare you to go on the record on which ones of these are wrong. Mobile Web will become even bigger. The kids will continue to text at an alarming rate – it’s private you know. […]

I noticed a few people arriving here looking for my sister, Rachele, after her tremendous Met Debut. If you did too, I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed. Oh, and she rocked it, take a look. More posted about her performance on Medicine Opera. And why not become a fan? Update: Rachele visited Knoxville. There […]

It’s been a difficult year in advertising and marketing to say the least. The worst in my memory. And the memory of everyone I’ve talked to – even the old timers. Signs point to a recovery in the spring for most businesses but the agency business is always quicker to suffer in downturns and the […]

Today we’re doing our annual white elephant gift exchange. It can be a blast if you end up with a nice bottle of wine or an iTunes gift card. However, the unlucky end up with garden gnomes and REO Speedwagon LP’s. You never know what you’ll end up with in the end which makes it […]

This train wreck that’s been happening on all the gossip sites, new channels, and sports outlets should be driving two things home to everyone who lives in the digital age. There is no privacy and can’t control your personal brand. So what if you’re not Tiger Woods with millions of dollars of endorsements to worry […]

I’m just about over Flash forever. I once heard flash refered to as it as the “flashy gold chain of the internet.” I tend to agree – especially when it’s used for a site intro. But I am guilty of using it on sites in the past, some of which I would still defend. I […]

Today fast enough is the new good enough. Fortunately, this will change and clients will start by asking for quality again, in addition to cheap and fast. The cyclical nature of business will cause them to demand memorable and even entertaining work again. Do you have a plan for this eventual turn back toward quality? […]