Thursday, June 23, 2011

Can a cartoon effectively make an emotional connection with its audience?

6/23/11

Michelin, the tire manufacturer, has announced the launch of new ad in its ongoing campaign featuring the Michelin Man cartoon character. The international effort which began airing in 2007 has a notable emotional slant and the new ad, which isn’t posted on YouTube yet, features a father and son navigating hazards together. (Greenberg, 2011)

Here is the previous commercial in the campaign.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbK2mm8L848

What do you think? Does it work? Would they have been better off using live action footage?

Greenberg, K. (2011, June 21) Michelin Man Gets Wet In New Ad. mediapost.com. Retrieved June 22, 2011, from
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=152812&nid=128083

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Will you buy rechargeable batteries from Shaq?

6/16/11

IGo has just announced that they are employing their first celebrity spokesperson. They believe that even though Shaquille O’Neal has announced his retirement, he is still “one of the most talked-about personalities right now” (Baar, 2011)

They also point out that as a frequent traveler he has been a product user for years. Well that’s a good start. But is it enough? The company says that he is known for “championing products that deliver value, durability and functionality.” Did you know that? I thought he played basketball.

So what do you think? Will he be able to sell lots of batteries and headphones?

Baar, A. (2011, June 15) Battery, Headphone Maker IGo (es) With Shaq. mediapost.com. Retrieved June 16, 2011, from
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=152415&nid=127838

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Will losing its sponsorship of the Westminster Dog Show hurt Pedigree sales?

6/9/11

After 24 years, the Westminster Dog Show has announced that they are walking away from their long-term sponsor -- Pedigree and are instead partnering with Purina.

Press releases suggest that the change was made because the show wants to focus completely on “purebred dogs” and distance itself from Pedigree’s strategy of supporting animal shelters. (Irwin, 2011)

Given the fact that Pedigree’s “Dogs Rule” campaign has been so successful, is this a smart move for the Westminster Dog Show? How will it impact Pedigree?

Irwin, T. (2011, June 7). Purina Outbarks Pedigree For Westminster Deal. mediapost.com. Retrieved June 8, 2011, from
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=151921

Thursday, June 2, 2011

HSN combines gaming with shopping – uh oh.

6/2/11

The recently launched HSN Arcade offers users 25 different games to play while they shop. The goal of the games is to keep shoppers on the site longer and turn browsers into buyers. So, items for sale will be streamed next to the game during play. Prizes will be offered for high scorers and tournaments and guest hosts are on the horizon. Easy interaction with others via Facebook is part of the package to encourage sharing.

Given that 60% of the US population (140 million+) currently plays games online, it seems like the idea may be a winner. (Goetzl, 2011)

So what do you think? Do you play online games now? Do you shop HSN? Do you think you will try HSN Arcade? What about your friends, will they play?

Goetzl, D. (2011, May 31) HSN Arcade Plays Games With Female Users. mediapost.com. Retrieved June 1, 2011, from
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=151445

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Did the online video featuring Amy Poehler convince you to eat at Denny’s?

5/26/11
In an effort to attract Gen Y consumers, Denny’s has been airing a series of online videos called Always Open.
http://www.collegehumor.com/videos/playlist/6442159/alwaysopen

Each video features a celebrity interview conducted by David Koechner. Interviewees include Will Forte, Kristen Bell and Sarah Silverman. While the interviews take place in actual Denny’s locations, food is not the topic of conversation.

The goal of the videos is to portray Denny’s as a comfortable and welcoming place where people can enjoy good food and open conversation. (Corr, 2011)
That’s an interesting idea. But, it suggests that twentysomethings are more interested in the atmosphere of the restaurants they frequent than the food that’s served. Do you think this is true? And did you see the videos before you clicked on the link above?

Corr, A. (2011, April 11) To Attract Younger Demo, Denny’s Online Series Lets Comics Talk Freely. mediapost.com. Retrieved May 25, 2011, from
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=148405