Media and the mind make a very interesting connection in this Wimp.com video piece. I watch in awe and wonder how this gentleman’s brain is wired, that he is able to do what he does. Watch for yourself. Comments appreciated.
Creativity can mean less of something
This video was brought to my attention by one of my colleagues. It’s about a group of entertainers who call themselves “Shadowland” for what you will see are very obvious reasons. In a world where it seems we obsess about more of everything, this wonderful group shows us that two dimensions can be more creative than three, that black and white can be more moving than color. Enjoy: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=355595084541603&set=vb.139641396188202&type=2&theater
Is Wheat Thins crazy?
Some of my colleagues have taken offense at a new commercial for Wheat Thins, saying that it typifies an insensitive and unhealthy attitude toward mentally ill persons. Take a look and let me know what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-TMETu1_1Q
Are cars a media form?
I’d never thought of the automobile as a media form before, but this article in the NY Times caught my eye:
It’s all about how the car makers are worried that today’s young people are waiting longer than ever to get driver’s licenses and that the automobile as the über-icon of independence is being replaced by the smart phone and the tablet. The car as social glue is giving way to the online revolution. The article notes, “The shift in attitudes is being spurred by technology, in that many younger consumers are more interested in the newest smartphone or tablet than in the newest sedan or T-top.”
So I guess the car was a form of social media before we had social media. Looked at this way, it makes perfect sense!
CNN shows compassion
Compassion for the rapists in Ohio. No mention of what the poor young woman went through. What in the heck is WRONG with these idiots? What do you think?
Creativity in Advertising vs. Data
For over 30 years now I’ve been hearing what seems to be a never-ending debate between “suits” of the research orientation and creatives about how advertising should be done. Creatives always complain that research has a tendency to kill great advertising. Research people point to case after case of bad creative that would never have run if people listened to what the research was telling them. The latest input comes from Adam Kleinberg at Ad Age. Here’s the link:
So, where are we today? Is “big data” going to be the savior that many claim? Will good creative go the way of the Dodo? I’ve seen this play out so many times that I find myself with a foot in each camp. But when push comes to shove, and you have to make a decision, I think you have to trust your gut. It’s a little like the other big question in business, the ongoing conflict between marketing and finance. I once wrote a biography about a self-made multimillionaire who told me his motto was “No guts, no glory.” Finance tends to be risk-averse (like research) while marketing wants to take risks (like creatives). He’d built seven successful companies by taking risks more often than playing it safe.
“Google Glass” Is it app-tastic?
So today’s Adweek online had a piece on Google Glass, including a short video that’s well worth watching (http://bit.ly/11W14J8) and here’s the thing: Glass is not fully autonomous–it’s a wireless add-on to your smart phone. It relies on your GPS chip and processor and navigation to do what it does. And, of course, you have to wear it, like a pair of glasses. Read the article, check out the video and tell me: Do you think this will really be the next big ad medium?
