Weekly Wrapup #30
News Flash: Sunday is Mother’s Day! (hint: quickly order flowers). And in honor, we’re featuring one of Twitter’s most popular athletes talking about his mom. Plus, we’re talking lunchtime raving in Sweden. How could you not want to read more?
Weekly Wrapup #29
This week has seen some pretty interesting things, LinkedIn plans to buy Slideshare, Pinterest’s traffic starts mellowing out, and much more. Amongst other news here are your top 5 articles for this week! More »
Weekly Wrap Up #28
As the week comes to an end and the sweet smell of weekend bliss fills the office, take a moment to reminisce on this week’s hottest stories!
Incredibly Detailed Ink Illustrations
What is doodling? Maybe, it’s what happens when both your mind and pen begin to wander during a less-than exciting meeting. Perhaps, doodling is a form of relaxation when the work day is beginning to wind down and you’re brain switches into hibernation mode. Latvia-based artist Alex Konahin is putting doodlers to shame with his series of three-dimensional drawings, created through the simple tools of a black pen and hard work. Take a look!
Advertising in the A.M.
Have you ever stopped and thought about the amount of advertising you are exposed to on a daily basis? Probably not. Thankfully, Talent Zoo is breaking down our daily routines and opening our eyes to the constant flow of advertising being pumped into our minds. They’re examining everything from your morning cup of Joe to the songs jamming on the radio during your morning commute to work!
Skype Lands on the PlayStation Vita With Video Calls
Don’t you hate it when you’re in the middle of saving planet Earth from an alien invasion and you’re interrupted by a pesky phone call? Yeah, it’s a bummer. Well, thanks to the geniuses at Skype and PlayStation, you won’t have to choose between answering a call and saving the planet from complete annihilation. Skype and PlayStation have teamed up, allowing you to pause your planet-saving mission and answer the interrupting phone call. Mission complete.
Scientists Unveil Mind-Controlled Robot
Scientists in Switzerland have unveiled the latest in robotic technology, a robot that is manipulated through one’s thoughts. Through thinking the commands, the robot can be controlled through simple instructions such as which direction to turn. With the hopes of one day serving people with severe immobilizing disabilities, the scientists believe that the robot avatars will eventually help the disabled to interact with their surrounding environments.
Google Street View Investigation by U.S. Declared Closed
With a $25,000 fine and a teeny-tiny slap on the wrist, the federal investigation into illegal and unwanted Google Street View data collection is officially closed. Google came under fire in May 2011 for their unwanted data collection of emails and text messages, passwords, and Internet-usage history through their specially-equipped Google cruisers aimed at collecting information for Google Street View. A $25,000 fine later and a pinky-promise to be good, Google is set free to roam the streets and we’re left wondering if Google is watching.
The Wine Feed Chooses Howard, Merrell & Partners to be Agency of Record
Howard, Merrell & Partners is pleased to partner with The Wine Feed, a specialty online wine retailer and event venue based in Raleigh, N.C., as agency of record. Through this partnership, we provide The Wine Feed with strategic communications, public relations, media relations and social media marketing counsel to help the business increase its national awareness while also strengthening relationships with key local audiences.
We have already helped The Wine Feed to announce its one-year anniversary, garner media attention and build its brand through communication efforts. The agency’s strategic communication initiatives and event planning support have helped recruit new customers and raise visibility for the company’s products, special events and educational offerings.
We’ll continue to offer public relations and social media programs that reinforce The Wine Feed’s presence in the online wine retailer market as well as develop efficient and cost effective ways for the company to build loyalty among current consumers while boosting its media presence in traditional and nontraditional media outlets.
Weekly Wrap Up #27
It’s the time of the year I like to refer to as April Madness, aka NHL playoffs. For those whose dreams are on a roller coaster of fun [editor’s note: don't break my heart, Caps], this wrap up goes out to you. Distract yourself with these gems and the promise of the scent of fresh Apple.
1. Push to add drama
TNT doesn’t just know drama; they know how to make a video that will go viral. A Dramatic Surprise On A Quiet Square hit YouTube April 11 and has already been shared more than 3.1 million times, making it the second-most shared video of all time. Would you press the button?
2. 10 Google tools you (probably) never knew existed
A great roundup of some lesser-known Google tools. My favorite? What Do You Love?, which allows you to read news and blogs, create alerts, search patents, make translations, find books and photos, track popularity and plan events around frozen custard anything you’re interested in–all on one page.
3. Which social network should you use–and when? [Infographic]
Fun snapshot of the demographics and potential marketing highlights for the major social networks. We all know Twitter has the opportunity to be a great customer service tool (this brand killed it), but did you know that Google+ is where the Mad Men of the 21st century hang out? That’s right, almost 70% of people traveling in those circles are male and claim backgrounds in marketing, engineering and web design. It’ll be interesting to see what brands do with this kind of information (paging Dr. Pepper).
4. Seven ordinary things in extraordinary slow motion
Recently Brainpickings shared seven videos that slowed things like ballet, cymbals and a Mad Hatter-style tea party to zen-like speeds, with the end effect “that fascinates, inspires awe, and challenges our most basic assumptions about objects, materials, time, and the fabric of reality.” Truly lovely.
5. For those who really love Apple products
Though not available to consumers (yet …), this gift would be perfect for that Mac addict on your list: Fragrance company Air Aroma and Melbourne-based group Greatest Hits coined a fragrance reminiscent of a fresh-out-of-the-box Apple product. Expect people to camp out overnight if it hits retail.
Fantastic stop motion for Shins video directed by Jamie Caliri
A Promotion for Shavette!
Shavette Purvis has been promoted to Analytics Manager. A member of the Interactive Department, she leads analytics efforts for many of our clients, providing key performance indicators and advising on trends and optimizations. Shavette is responsible for developing integrated marketing analytical solutions across customers and channels to improve client decision-making. She monitors, analyzes and reports on the performance of websites, email campaigns, display advertising, paid search and social media executions.
Prior to joining our agency, Shavette spent 10 years working in the Big Apple as a research analyst at Katz Media Group, The CW Network and Hachette Filipacchi Media. Since joining the agency a little over a year ago, she has brought new levels of sophistication and measurement to our client’s campaigns and made significant contributions in improving campaign results.
For more on Shavette, check out this release.
Weekly Wrap Up #26
We’ve had another exciting week here at HM&P. Like many of you, we spend some time looking at what’s going on these days. Here are 5 articles this week that caught our attention.
1. Instagram Purchased by Facebook for $1B
Yes, you read that correctly. ONE. BILLION. DOLLARS. Just last week we touted Instagram’s 1-million download mark, and one week later, the handful of employees from Instagram are sitting happily on a pile of cash! Instagram, which started in 2010 has grown incredibly and is easily one of the most used photo sharing applications for the iPhone, and now Android.
2. How do we do mobile?
AdWeek shows an infographic on how we use our mobile devices, including tablets. I’ll let the infographic speak for itself:
3. What makes a video go viral?
Mashable sat down with the partners of Seedwell who specialize in the production of viral videos and hit some key notes for a viral production. So what does make a video hit the top ranks on the web? The partners highlight three key points:
- Parody
- “cute as hell”
- Did that just happen?!
And of course… kitties!
4. Drinking Boosts Creativity
No, I don’t mean you can get sloshed before you create a pitch or concept a full-on marketing plan. A couple drinks, however, can help your problem solving skills. Why? Alcohol removes the natural inhibitions that we have reserved and don’t express because of years of “education.” See: How Schools Kill Creativity So enjoy a beer or two, and watch the creative juices flow!
5. Dads are on the rise in Social
With more and more men becoming stay at home fathers, the rise of dads flocking to social media sites and blogs is on its way! Brands are seeing more dads using Pinterest, creating blogs for their day-to-day life at home, and becoming a more vocal part of the social sphere. So how will you leverage these guys?
Weekly Wrap Up #25
The availability of Instagram for Android users was a highlight in media news this week. However, the rising popularity of two websites also makes the top news list. Enjoy!
More »
Weekly Wrap Up #24
1. UPS gets explosive fan reaction from NCAA® Tournament-targeted ad
As part of their “Game Changer” ad campaign, UPS attempts to link the brand’s logistical excellence to the teamwork, planning and execution involved in basketball. In one instance, through the reenactment of a 1992 game winning shot from Duke University player Grant Hill against the University of Kentucky. The ad featured on the UPS blog site evoked the gut-wrenching enthusiasm of the NCAA tournament; however Kentucky fans exploded at the idea of their most heart-breaking loss in the history of their school was being played over and over again. With UPS having dozens of facilities in Kentucky, this unexpected reaction resulted in 482 shares, 181 comments and a wealth of backlash.
