A Royal Obsession.

Almost every major new stations, magazine, blog, and T.V channel are talking about the Royal Wedding.              All top reporters are already in the scene. 

Today, the seating arrangements have been revealed. Guests range from Elton John and his husband to Guy Richie and Queen Elizabeth. Also, on the radio I heard that Jay-Z may be performing at the wedding. 






I have not been able to walk into a store, turn on the T.V, or surf the web without seeing some sort of publication about the wedding. Many websites are featuring wedding merchandise: 

Also, I have even come across a Papa Johns pizza:

Furthermore, many local and national restaurants have been featuring meals and festivities that revolve around the wedding. I saw a bar downtown that has a party going on during the time of the wedding for people in Minneapolis to join the celebration. 

Finally, few shows have revolved their weeks episode around the wedding. In the T.V show, The Middle, the main plot of the episode is about getting a T.V big enough to enjoy watching the wedding. 

I think it is great that they are getting married; however, I think it shows America's unhealthy obsession with celebrities, especially since this does not regard America at all. There are so many prominent issues in the world right now, and T.V stations and news casters are overwhelmed by covering the wedding. It seems that the wedding is taking precedence over every other thing that is happening in the world right now. Hopefully the wedding will go by smoothly and there will be no troubles so this issue can soon become part of the past. I wonder what couples will try and top the Royal Wedding? 


Royal Wedding 

The New William Hung.

Rebecca Black is the girl to prove that bad publicity is still publicity. This young girl just developed her own pop song and music video. It is the worst song I have ever heard (both vocals and lyrics) but I will admit it is very catchy and I am feeding into giving her the attention. I am not sure what her intentions were with this song...It could have been to get her name out there and have her 15 seconds in the spotlight and become popular or she could actually have a true desire to become a pop star (which is the impression I am getting from reading many articles/interviews with her). Recently I came across this:

I can not believe all the fame this girl is getting for having the worst song EVER. She seems to be proud of her work and still have faith that she can make it in the music industry. However, I have a little feeling that she can make it pretty far because people (unfortunately including me) are drawn to the catchy jingle. She just goes to show that even bad publicity can still make something popular. She has been making millions from this little joke. I just wish I could have thought of this idea first! Kidding... 

I just get irritated that now every time someone says the word "Friday" I think of her before I think of my weekend plans, how depressing. I just hope that this fad dies down soon because she is making Friday not so exciting. 

Ameriquest didn't Judge.

I know these commercials are from 2005, but I wish they were still around because they have a great point and are hilarious commercials. 


They were part of  Ameriquest's Mortgage Companies' campaign expressing the fact that their company does not judge. 
Romantic Dinner
Parking Meter

I think these should come back because they are simple, short commercials that portray the easy image of the company. It shows that people can make mistakes and be caught in bad situations that could effect parts of their lives. But, with Ameriquest's help, they can turn that around. Since the company does not judge it would allow customers to walk in comfortably for help. This is a good tactic for a mortgage company. 

Oh America...Get in shape.

It is no secret that America has become the obese state. Other countries look down on us for all our fatty foods and people. 

I came across this ad tonight and thought it was a perfect motivator to get people off their butts and too the gym! I just say this ad on a website but think it would be very effective if it was placed in popular public places, like the Mall of America. I actually was at the mall just a few days ago and noticed how large our country is getting. If these seats were placed in the food court - I would definitely chose to not each lunch at Taco Bell or McDonalds and would want to find a healthier alternative. This is because I would not want to become the chair... 


After looking further into the internet, I came across this (except this is not aimed at America, but other countries) 

I think this was another funny way to tell people to get active. Who would want this happening to them! I think both of these ads are funny and gentle ways to motivate and tell people to get to the gym. 

Google vs. Yahoo

A few weeks ago, Google launched a creative April Fools joke to get people to join their system.
Google.
I saw this and thought it was a brilliant way to reel people into making an account, since they had to activate one in order to participate in the new "motion mail." Even though it was just a joke, they received lots of attention, mostly positive.


Just the other day when I signed into my Yahoo account, I realized they had a video suggesting their mail contains real confetti into the recipients face.
Yahoo.
Obviously this is not a real creation so I immediately thought they were taking the idea of Google. Too bad I   am not amused because just a few weeks ago I saw a very similar ad! I do not think they will fool anyone by developing such an ad so close to their competitors. Yahoo should try and branch out and try their own ideas!

Miracle for the Whip.

Miracle Whip

One of the greatest techniques I have seen in a while! I think it was very intelligent of Miracle Whip to give a semi-humorous commercial with people both praising and bashing their product. Furthermore, they are telling their audience to decide and cast their votes online. This allows people to feel opinionated and connected with the brand, weather they like it or not! Also, people who have no opinion will want to be heard and will go out and buy the product so they can decide on a stance about the taste. Brilliant. 

Having a celebrity be the one to talk negative about it was key. Usually people will like a product because their idol likes it (even though he is not much of a positive role model figure) but he dislikes Miracle Whip but I think people will still be interested in what he says. It's a great way to put feelings out on the table. I will admit - I HATE Miracle Whip with a passion, but I respect them for this commercial. So even though they are not getting me to buy the product, they are leaving a better impression on me. Instead of downright hating them...I'll just strongly dislike them. 

Ideas by Ikea.

An Ikea store opened near my house (in MN) a few years ago. I never knew Ikea existed until I drove past in and it is placed next door to the Mall of America. Since then, I have seen a few advertisements for the store and I think they are very creative. They way they spell "create" in their    floor plans and help in their mis-built items are genius. Also, making the balconys of an ampartment building into storage boxes created by Ikea is a cleaver way to advertise their brand in the public, but off a billboard. Showing that their products create joy - with the word joy was an interesting tactic. It shows people enjoying the furniture and also shows that the furniture creates joy - literally. Placing Ikea couches and blinds on a bus is bold and risky. It is a cool campaign that can show people that their products are comfortable, durable, and affordable.

There's an App For That.

A girl recently showed my Advertising class the following Bud Light:
Beer App


I have never seen it on T.V until just now and think it is a great commercial. I am not surprised since Bud Light always is on top of their game about funny commercials. This ad sends a message that a party is over once Bud Light is gone since they are the main source of a good time. Thank goodness someone is there with the "new app" that contains more beer. I think this is a good add that would attract the audience to both beer and the iphone. Even though this is not a real app I think some people may still be drawn to the iphone since it is leaving a good image in the consumer's minds. 

Run, Forest, Run.

I came across this ad when looking online. 

I think it is a Nike ad that says, "He was so fast he ran right through the wall." I think this is very catchy and realistic looking (even though it is not possible). Nike is always creating ads that demonstrate their power and quickness since they are so light. This ad depicts this message perfectly. I like how it shows the ad on two buildings so as you keep driving/walking you are still in watching the ad. It is very different, so I will not be forgetting it - leaving the company's image in my memory! 

Start Them Young.

I saw this amazing commercial by Verizon the other night! I think it is so clever. 
Lemonade


It demonstrates all the uses of just a simple phone for someone running their own business. The father gives the phone to his daughter for her lemonade stand. She is managing people to different neighborhoods, looking at charts, and even using it for payments. Verizon does a great job showing the phone performing all it's major functions in both a cute and humorous way. I think the main message of the phone is that it is great for small businesses, but also that is it so simple and easy that even children can manage it! If I was an entrepreneur out of college - I would definitely look into this phone! 

From Smirnoff to Smirn-Off.

While introducing their new fruit flavored drinks, Smirnoff also is introducing peel-able bottles.

I think this  is a great idea! Even though they are a leader in the Vodka market, this will help them boost up even higher. This will appeal to the younger audience. If I was in the liquor store (and of age, of course) I would go for this bottle even if it was more expensive. Just the idea that it is different and has something fun to do with the bottle would catch my attention. However, when I showed this ad to my mom, she thought it was the dumbest idea every. She said she would not get it because she would be wasting time just to open the bottle and it would leave an even bigger mess on the counter than just a plastic wrap.

Blind Date Gone Wrong.

This is a commercial put on by Orkin. 

Termite Date

It is about a women who goes on a blind date with a bug. She says, "you don't look like your picture" and the bug replies, "that was years ago." This is the point when I thought truematch.com or some other popular date site would pop up and explain that their site is secure from such people. However, it was a commercial about keeping away bugs? 

I don't think was effective for this company because you never invite a bug out to dinner and this commercial takes place outside one's home. As I can see their point, you don't know what you are letting into your life, but I think they could have gone about this in a different way. I do think this would be a good ad for a company like truematch.com 

Maybe they should try it?

The Sun Can Drop it Like it's Hot.

I keep seeing commercials for Sun Drop, which I thought was a new beverage coming to the market. I have never heard of or seen such drink in neither stores, nor ads. After watching the stupid, yet hilarious commercials I decided to do a little research. Turns out this drink has been around since 1949. It was only sold in the Midwest, mainly Minnesota and Wisconsin. I find that ironic because now I live in Wisconsin and am from Minnesota and I have never seen the Sun Drop! 

It is from the Dr. Pepper Snapple Company and has recently decided to begin an expansion in 2011. It has partnered with MTV which is probably why I keep seeing the commercial. The drink is known to have close taste/look with Mountain Dew. However, this product has high caffeine levels. I think it is interesting to try and expand such a product that is so closely comparable to a very well-known and populated drink. Also, I feel that not many people will be purchasing it that often since the caffeine levels are so high. On the same note, it might be a reason why some consumer might want the product - for higher caffeine levels. 
I am eager to give the drink a try and buy the product just because the commercial makes me laugh. Also, the company was smart by incorporating a very famous rap song that plays along with the product name. After watching the commercial the song is stuck in my head and I now relate that song to the product - thus, always having the product on my mind. My roommate and I now are on the look out for the drink just so we can see what it is. Many people are interested in new products so I think the Sun Drop will make great sales at first, just because people will be wanting to test it out. However, I don't think it will be around to stay since people are already used to the traditional caffeine beverages. 

Raise Your Hands for AT&T.

AT&T has been known for not the best service; however, this semi-recent campaign helps them relay the message that they are improving their service. Usually costumers join AT&T for the cool phones (iPhone) but now their competitors are increasing their stock with "cool" phones. From these actions, AT&T began to improve their service and promote that message through the following ads: 

All the ads have messages saying that they work "In over 200 countries. Such as (country shown with hands). I think this is very creative and appealing to the eye. It made me stop and look at the ads and give respect to the company for trying a different approach to advertising. 


The idea that all the scenery is painted on the hands is cleave, since hands are what is used for working phones. 


However, I am an AT&T costumer and still don't think their service is very good, but I will admit it has been improving. Hopefully they continue their efforts in increasing service and keep up with the cool ads!

20 in one day? (Searches) Tiger did it.

I know the story of Tiger is getting a little old, but I passed through this commercial while looking around on Google and I like it. I am not sure as too why I liked the commercial? Maybe it was the soft music? Maybe it was because it was for Google and I love Google? Or maybe it was just interesting to think back on to Tiger's actions? 

Is Tiger Feeling Lucky?

Either way, I found this commercial entertaining. It showed Tiger Google searching his multiple problems and getting vast results in minutes. It goes to show that Google can help you solve many serious/ unserious problems within minutes. Also, it will provide you with many solutions. There was also a moment when Tiger was "Feeling Lucky" which is a button on the Google menu to give people an extra hope in their result. He was hoping his affair would not have been the most harsh. 
Also, the end he is showed searching one of his best shots as a bit of motivation and hope that he will be that lucky again. 
All in all, I found this commercial to demonstrate the power of Google. Our technology is truly advancing and Google is as well.