I love this little bit of fun for a Friday: Museum of Me.Check it out and enjoy!
10 June 2011
01 June 2011
The Friend Thing: Google Fail!
The Wall Street Journal reports that former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has admitted that Google missed "the friend thing". Well, that's a shocker. Really, Eric?
Not only did Google miss the rise of Facebook, it has a track record of mangling - or at best "sub-optimizing" - initiatives. One of my favorite examples? Dodgeball.com. This service, co-founded by Dennis Crowley of foursquare fame, was an innovative location-based social software service for mobile devices.
Google saw the promise of it, acquired it, and managed it so well that Crowley left two years later after what he called an "incredibly frustrating" experience. Google shut the service down in early 2009. Crowley has since grown his self-proclaimed "sequel to the 'dodgeball' project" - foursquare.com - into a social location-based powerhouse with millions of unique users and enviable growth.
Think the Dodgeball example is an isolated one? Ever hear of Google Latitude? How about Google Buzz? Even if you've heard of them, are either of them any more relevant today for you than MySpace, the one-time king of social media services?
Like many mature businesses, Google is grappling with change and the challenge of perpetuating its success. What should it do as the sizzle of its core area of activity cools? And, like many mature businesses, Google is struggling as it grasps for the great "what next?"
Fortunately, the firm has a very solid, very large, very profitable base business. It's still riding high, but it's looking sluggish. Having missed "the friend thing", will it be able to spot or take advantage of or even come up with "the next thing"? Or, will Google end up like another tech behemoth, Microsoft, admired for its business success while mocked for its apparent lack of innovation?
Not only did Google miss the rise of Facebook, it has a track record of mangling - or at best "sub-optimizing" - initiatives. One of my favorite examples? Dodgeball.com. This service, co-founded by Dennis Crowley of foursquare fame, was an innovative location-based social software service for mobile devices.
Google saw the promise of it, acquired it, and managed it so well that Crowley left two years later after what he called an "incredibly frustrating" experience. Google shut the service down in early 2009. Crowley has since grown his self-proclaimed "sequel to the 'dodgeball' project" - foursquare.com - into a social location-based powerhouse with millions of unique users and enviable growth.
Think the Dodgeball example is an isolated one? Ever hear of Google Latitude? How about Google Buzz? Even if you've heard of them, are either of them any more relevant today for you than MySpace, the one-time king of social media services?
Like many mature businesses, Google is grappling with change and the challenge of perpetuating its success. What should it do as the sizzle of its core area of activity cools? And, like many mature businesses, Google is struggling as it grasps for the great "what next?"
Fortunately, the firm has a very solid, very large, very profitable base business. It's still riding high, but it's looking sluggish. Having missed "the friend thing", will it be able to spot or take advantage of or even come up with "the next thing"? Or, will Google end up like another tech behemoth, Microsoft, admired for its business success while mocked for its apparent lack of innovation?
29 May 2011
Back with a Bad Case of Techno-Lust
Hi everybody. I know, I know... Been way too long since last post. In fact, it's been so long that my intended "hey the Super Bowl was a while ago; remember the ads?" post seems moot. Good thing, in a way, since the game (and the ads "in their natural environment") was deleted from my DVR. I'm not saying the Twinkies did it to make room for more iCarly, but...
At least I'm back now. I'll claim work and other priorities kept me distracted, but all excuses ring hollow. I've just not kept up with blogging, and I miss it. I'll be better. Really! Promise!
Anyhow, the latest object of my techno-lust (cue a clever shiny object theme here) is the Asus Eee Pad Transformer. It's desirable. It's out of stock. I'm having to wait. X-mas to a five-year-old is easier than this act of patience! I want I want I want!
In this, the day of the tablet, iPad still rules. Many others are chasing Apple's "Jesus Tablet" (as it was dubbed pre-launch). I'm not an Apple geek, though I massively respect the firm. Asus may have a solution that at least matches the iPad for value, and likely is a more productive device in a couple ways: a "real" keyboard and even longer battery life (if you count the battery in the keyboard dock, too). Both attributes appeal to me massively.
If and when I do get my hands on the object of my technology desires, I'll be sure to share the joys, delights, and even any disappointments with all of you.
19 March 2011
Just Back from SXSW: G's Thoughts on What's Next
I am back in my Upper Midwest home stomping grounds after several days at the SXSW Conference. I loved the energy in Austin while I was there.
Yes, there were some great bands, most of which you've still not heard of. The Types - from Russia, no less - generated jump-up-and-down energy in the audience, The Statesboro Review got folks jamming with their own tunes and a great cover of "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin, TV Torso impressed even the music industry types at the back of the crowd, and Doomtree artists brought down the house on Thursday night.
What I've taken away from the conference, though, is a tremendous sense of optimism and positivity. SXSW is a time and a place for people to come together and discuss how we are making the future better and brighter. Whether it's the joy of music, the artistry of film, or the engagement enabled by interactive technologies, the folks who show up in Austin each year are literally creating the stuff we'll all be talking about for the next few years.
Twitter first hit the radar screen at SXSW in 2007, and I'm curious which aspects of this year's show will reach the tipping point in 2011. My bet is on location based marketing, based on the buzz among attendees and the comments of Dennis Crowley, founder of both dodgeball.com and more recently, foursquare. Even if I'm wrong on the specifics, it's a sure thing that something good is coming.
Yes, there were some great bands, most of which you've still not heard of. The Types - from Russia, no less - generated jump-up-and-down energy in the audience, The Statesboro Review got folks jamming with their own tunes and a great cover of "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin, TV Torso impressed even the music industry types at the back of the crowd, and Doomtree artists brought down the house on Thursday night.
What I've taken away from the conference, though, is a tremendous sense of optimism and positivity. SXSW is a time and a place for people to come together and discuss how we are making the future better and brighter. Whether it's the joy of music, the artistry of film, or the engagement enabled by interactive technologies, the folks who show up in Austin each year are literally creating the stuff we'll all be talking about for the next few years.
Twitter first hit the radar screen at SXSW in 2007, and I'm curious which aspects of this year's show will reach the tipping point in 2011. My bet is on location based marketing, based on the buzz among attendees and the comments of Dennis Crowley, founder of both dodgeball.com and more recently, foursquare. Even if I'm wrong on the specifics, it's a sure thing that something good is coming.
13 March 2011
Japan, Sorrow, and Compassion
Folks, there has been no shortage of tragedy of late. The recent events in Japan seem to be the culmination of a string of unfortunate, sad events.
Having lived through a number of earthquakes - most of them during my years in California - I can tell you there is little as unsettling to the human soul as a furious Mother Nature. The combined blows of earthquake and tsunami wrought destruction on a scale which stretches the imagination. The NY Times provided me the most dramatic representation of the before and after of these events.
While we all go on with our lives, it is worthwhile to be thankful for what we have, to cherish those we love and our time with them, and to lend a hand to those in need. Please consider making a donation to the American Red Cross or another worthy organization whose mission is to help others.
I am relieved my brother, who lives in Japan, is safe and sound. I am sorry for all the many souls who were lost in this tragedy. And, I am hopeful we all take this chance to display the compassion and support humanity can deliver in the most trying of times.
Having lived through a number of earthquakes - most of them during my years in California - I can tell you there is little as unsettling to the human soul as a furious Mother Nature. The combined blows of earthquake and tsunami wrought destruction on a scale which stretches the imagination. The NY Times provided me the most dramatic representation of the before and after of these events.
While we all go on with our lives, it is worthwhile to be thankful for what we have, to cherish those we love and our time with them, and to lend a hand to those in need. Please consider making a donation to the American Red Cross or another worthy organization whose mission is to help others.
I am relieved my brother, who lives in Japan, is safe and sound. I am sorry for all the many souls who were lost in this tragedy. And, I am hopeful we all take this chance to display the compassion and support humanity can deliver in the most trying of times.
05 February 2011
Super Advertising Bowl Eve!
Football? Oh, yeah, there's gonna be football. There's been football for the last five months (regular & post-season only, folks... pre-season doesn't count). And, here in the Land of Cheddarheads there is a lot of excitement building for the actual game to be played tomorrow. The... The... What do they call it? That's right! Super Bowl XLV.
For me, though, the game is mere filler between the real content of concern: the ads. Recall any of them from last year? If not, try refreshing your memories with this past g-thought - "30 Days Later: Remember the Super Bowl Ads?"
You can also build up your personal pre-game ad buzz by reviewing spots from 13 prior Super Bowls at superbowl-ads.com. Who could forget the Budweiser frogs (1998) or e*trade's chimpanzees (2001)?
Regardless whether you're tuning in tomorrow for the game or the ads, enjoy it all... I will. I actually keep notes on every ad, though I only watch the game. How else can I assess whether the spots deliver on the five critical tasks of advertising (engage the viewer, communicate the proposition, link it to the brand, in a memorable way, that is persuasive)? I better sharpen a few extra pencils!
02 February 2011
Blizzaster 2011! The Branding of a Storm
Sitting in Chicago, watching the snow continue to fall, it's struck me that there's a hot competition underway to brand this storm. Why? It's a whopper, that's why!
Through midnight last night, records were being set for snowfall, including a one-day total of 13.6 inches at O'Hare (airport for anyone not familiar with Chicago... and yes, a few flights were cancelled). The accumulation for the storm overall was approaching 2 feet as of 9:30 this morning, and it's still coming down. That's right... It's still coming down!
Here are some of the branding options I've found:
Through midnight last night, records were being set for snowfall, including a one-day total of 13.6 inches at O'Hare (airport for anyone not familiar with Chicago... and yes, a few flights were cancelled). The accumulation for the storm overall was approaching 2 feet as of 9:30 this morning, and it's still coming down. That's right... It's still coming down!
Here are some of the branding options I've found:
- The Great Groundhog Day Blizzard
- Blizzaster 2011
- Snowzilla 2011
- Snow-Mageddon
- Snowpocalypse
- Snowmageddon v. Snowpocalypse: The Great Snowdown of 2011
- Snowmega (same link as Great Snowdown... extra props to Maize n Brew Dave)
- Here are a few options I haven't found associated with Chicagoland yet: Snowsaster, Blizzanation, Winter's Fury 2011, the Snowverdose (although this one is on a blog about Connecticut)
With another 5 inches projected to fall today, truly polar temperatures, and more snow in the long-range forecast, the fun may just be getting underway... So, if you're stuck inside nearby or sitting someplace warmer and mocking us, the unfortunate souls of the Upper Midwest, share your thoughts on the branding options above or contribute a few of your own. I'll be wondering how long my food provisions will hold out before I need to venture into the mounds of freezing white doom!
26 January 2011
The Fun Theory: Customer Experience Driving Behavior Change
Admittedly, I'm a little late on this one... But, I just came across The Fun Theory website. The premise of it? Make something fun and people will change behaviors. So simple, yet how many of us have actually tried this approach with our businesses? Make sure to watch the video of stairs versus an escalator for an example of how the theory turns into effective practice.
The site wasn't created out of purely altruistic reasons. As it states, this is "An initiative of Volkswagen." Even in this regard, though, kudos to the firm. The branding on The Fun Theory site isn't heavy-handed, and clicking through the link to "See how Volkswagen use the fun theory" leads to a page highlighting ways the firm has applied the combination of fun and innovation to the challenge of being more environmentally responsible.
Volkswagen's claim that "every environmentally friendly innovation we create is built on that simple insight" may be a bit of stretch, but I'm willing to give the good folks at VW a bit of creative license. It's delightful to see an approach that isn't derived from "do this or we're all gonna die" doomsday prognostications.
The site wasn't created out of purely altruistic reasons. As it states, this is "An initiative of Volkswagen." Even in this regard, though, kudos to the firm. The branding on The Fun Theory site isn't heavy-handed, and clicking through the link to "See how Volkswagen use the fun theory" leads to a page highlighting ways the firm has applied the combination of fun and innovation to the challenge of being more environmentally responsible.
Volkswagen's claim that "every environmentally friendly innovation we create is built on that simple insight" may be a bit of stretch, but I'm willing to give the good folks at VW a bit of creative license. It's delightful to see an approach that isn't derived from "do this or we're all gonna die" doomsday prognostications.
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