http://www.istockanalyst.com/images/articles/testadsx-large.jpg20081231608small.jpg My initial reaction when I saw this story about a public school teacher in California selling ADVERTISING on TESTS was rank horror. I wanted to throttle the teacher.
But then I read the whole story. Turns out that Tom Farber's calculus tests at Rancho Bernardo High School would cost about $500 per year in photocopying. After the Poway Unified School District cut its supply budgets, he was short about $180. So he decided to sell ads.
So who should get throttled? The teacher? The principal, who says reaction has been "mixed"? Or the district? And how much was the embarrassment of having this story hit USA Today and dozens of other outlets worth?
Is this a logical outgrowth of a reduce-taxes-at-all-costs, "get government down to the size where we can drown it in the bathtub" mentality? Yikes.
Hat tip: AEJMC members forum
Ciao,
Bob.
December 03, 2008
December 02, 2008
Liberal Party fires up Twitter...
Canada, you may or may not know, if having a teensy political crisis right now, as the federal government (a minority government) led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper is desperately trying to stop a three two-party coalition (hat-tip Dave Fleet) led by Stéphane Dion, a man of fractured English syntax, to oust them and create a coalition government.
So I was interested to check out a new Twitter follower, LiberalHQ.
When I got there, I found this. I know there's been lots of chat about whether politicians are doing their own tweets or not, but given this one, maybe Dion is actually writing them himself. Bien sur, peut-etre M. Harper should "Take long a walk." And perhaps LiberalHQ should do short a rewrite.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ue3P6aAwgxE/STVSmI2rSrI/AAAAAAAAAi0/CppXulFh6DM/s1600-h/liberaltweet.JPG
For context of "a walk in the snow", check out this CBC Archives feature.
Ciao,
Bob.
So I was interested to check out a new Twitter follower, LiberalHQ.
When I got there, I found this. I know there's been lots of chat about whether politicians are doing their own tweets or not, but given this one, maybe Dion is actually writing them himself. Bien sur, peut-etre M. Harper should "Take long a walk." And perhaps LiberalHQ should do short a rewrite.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ue3P6aAwgxE/STVSmI2rSrI/AAAAAAAAAi0/CppXulFh6DM/s1600-h/liberaltweet.JPG
For context of "a walk in the snow", check out this CBC Archives feature.
Ciao,
Bob.
December 01, 2008
The Onion scores a real scoop on air travel
http://www.theonion.com/content/files/images/American-Airlines-Jump-R.jpg Sure, this is typically excellent Onion humour: a story reporting that American Airlines will start Charging Fees To Non-Passengers.
But part of the reason it's so good is that it's as if it would be just the next logical step for an airline to take. And as an example, if I were to be booking travel for Cathy and I on our flag carrier today to go to Sydney to see my parents over Christmas, I'd be looking at ... more than $2700. That's also a week in Mexico (Ottawa-Cancun, one week at the RIU Lupita, a four-star all inclusive, with lots of spending money left over).
It's kind of sad that this industry has created levels of hatred (is that too strong a word) and cycnicism that this parody really doesn't seem that out of line.
Ciao,
Bob.
But part of the reason it's so good is that it's as if it would be just the next logical step for an airline to take. And as an example, if I were to be booking travel for Cathy and I on our flag carrier today to go to Sydney to see my parents over Christmas, I'd be looking at ... more than $2700. That's also a week in Mexico (Ottawa-Cancun, one week at the RIU Lupita, a four-star all inclusive, with lots of spending money left over).
It's kind of sad that this industry has created levels of hatred (is that too strong a word) and cycnicism that this parody really doesn't seem that out of line.
Ciao,
Bob.
November 28, 2008
Unsafe at any alttitude
http://www.aviationbusinessindex.net/aircraftPictures/aircraft/15366-0-108197.JPG Wow. It was bad enough to fly to Washington to beg for a bailout on your own private jet.
The Gulfstream G-iv, by the way, appears to be just a step or two ahead of your average Air Canada bus-with-wings flight experience (this shot is not of the inside of the GM jet, but I doubt it's far off).
And of course, it wasn't particularly helpful to be singled out for criticism as the worst of the three US automakers to present to the government.
But to immediately thereafter ask the FAA to make flight data private?
That sort of request would indicate a hamfistedness around your public image in trying times that is difficult to describe adequately using words.
http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/General+Motors+Celebrates+Night+Cars+Stars+9WJDADbZWmSl.jpg So well done, Richard Wagoner! You deserve to be as happy as you appear, given your keen ability to manage your, and your c http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/munch/munch.scream.jpg ompany's public image. I declare a PR hat trick! A trifecta! Well done.
Of course, your public relations folk may have an expression more akin to the one pictured at right.
Hat-tip: Peter O'Malley
Ciao,
Bob.
The Gulfstream G-iv, by the way, appears to be just a step or two ahead of your average Air Canada bus-with-wings flight experience (this shot is not of the inside of the GM jet, but I doubt it's far off).
And of course, it wasn't particularly helpful to be singled out for criticism as the worst of the three US automakers to present to the government.
But to immediately thereafter ask the FAA to make flight data private?
That sort of request would indicate a hamfistedness around your public image in trying times that is difficult to describe adequately using words.
http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/General+Motors+Celebrates+Night+Cars+Stars+9WJDADbZWmSl.jpg So well done, Richard Wagoner! You deserve to be as happy as you appear, given your keen ability to manage your, and your c http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/munch/munch.scream.jpg ompany's public image. I declare a PR hat trick! A trifecta! Well done.
Of course, your public relations folk may have an expression more akin to the one pictured at right.
Hat-tip: Peter O'Malley
Ciao,
Bob.
November 27, 2008
UPDATED: United Way Ottawa goes social
http://www.unitedwayottawa.ca/index.php I was at an OCRI event this morning and heard about a cool new idea called 75+75=31. You might think that doesn't add up.
But the United Way Ottawa campaign is hoping it will.
The charity is hoping to get 75,000 new online donors in 75 hours, to help it reach its $31-million goal. It also stands for the 75th anniversary of the United Way in Ottawa.
I love this idea. They have a countdown clock showing how much time is left, they have the funky button on the left...
But I wish they had done two things: first, some blogger outreach would have been great. I decided to blog this after I saw a tweet by local high-tech guy and member of the United Way's "next-generation cabinet" Chris Neil. But I think they could have made more of a splash.
Second, I think the United Way should have put a count-up of the number of online donors and the amount donated as well as the countdown of time remaining. Would have added to the excitement.
Great idea, though, for a very senior charity, and hopefully a good way for them to bring the social-media generation around to donations.
UPDATE: Chris Neil of the United Way Ottawa Next Generation Cabinet tells me that "$85,302 was raised through the 75+75 = $31 million challenge. This final push before the campaign’s wrap-up on Tuesday, December 2 certainly reinvigorated the city, engaged new supporters, brought in all kinds of fresh support through visibility and in-kind help and ultimately, provided an opportunity for people to be part of something positive for our community." Impressive number.
Ciao,
Bob.
But the United Way Ottawa campaign is hoping it will.
The charity is hoping to get 75,000 new online donors in 75 hours, to help it reach its $31-million goal. It also stands for the 75th anniversary of the United Way in Ottawa.
I love this idea. They have a countdown clock showing how much time is left, they have the funky button on the left...
But I wish they had done two things: first, some blogger outreach would have been great. I decided to blog this after I saw a tweet by local high-tech guy and member of the United Way's "next-generation cabinet" Chris Neil. But I think they could have made more of a splash.
Second, I think the United Way should have put a count-up of the number of online donors and the amount donated as well as the countdown of time remaining. Would have added to the excitement.
Great idea, though, for a very senior charity, and hopefully a good way for them to bring the social-media generation around to donations.
UPDATE: Chris Neil of the United Way Ottawa Next Generation Cabinet tells me that "$85,302 was raised through the 75+75 = $31 million challenge. This final push before the campaign’s wrap-up on Tuesday, December 2 certainly reinvigorated the city, engaged new supporters, brought in all kinds of fresh support through visibility and in-kind help and ultimately, provided an opportunity for people to be part of something positive for our community." Impressive number.
Ciao,
Bob.
November 26, 2008
Student politicians learn lesson, example 1.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ue3P6aAwgxE/SS2Qjl86-HI/AAAAAAAAAik/qQW2KOREgDI/s1600-h/cusa+screengrab.bmp
I hope the student council takes a few moments before their next meeting to think about how they make decisions and how they manage their public image. I also think that they better ensure a record showing in Shinerama 2009. Good luck to them.
For more background, see my original post.
CBC Ottawa story, 6:05 pm November 25:
"Brittany Smyth, president of the Carleton University's student council, said she is trying to get in touch with the cystic fibrosis foundation because she doesn't want the group to think Carleton students are switching charities for the wrong reason. She said the clause about cystic fibrosis being a white man's disease was not the determining factor in Monday night's vote, but for now the council is sticking to the decision and looking for a different cause to support next fall."
CUSA news release, from Canada Newswire, as of 11:50 am November 26:
"The motion which was approved by the student association contained language which was not appropriate and which has raised considerable concern. I know that Carleton students are fine young scholars who wish to be responsible and considerate. I am sure that they did not intend to offend by the preamble to their motion, but I am also sure that they now understand the effects of that language. I understand that they will be revisiting this issue and that the president of the student association will be putting forward a motion to reconsider the matter. I am convinced that our students will do the right thing and take the appropriate course of action."
Hat-tip for the Runte message to David Reevely.
Ciao,
Bob.
I hope the student council takes a few moments before their next meeting to think about how they make decisions and how they manage their public image. I also think that they better ensure a record showing in Shinerama 2009. Good luck to them.
For more background, see my original post.
CBC Ottawa story, 6:05 pm November 25:
"Brittany Smyth, president of the Carleton University's student council, said she is trying to get in touch with the cystic fibrosis foundation because she doesn't want the group to think Carleton students are switching charities for the wrong reason. She said the clause about cystic fibrosis being a white man's disease was not the determining factor in Monday night's vote, but for now the council is sticking to the decision and looking for a different cause to support next fall."
CUSA news release, from Canada Newswire, as of 11:50 am November 26:
Attention News Editors:
Carleton University Students' Association moves to reverse decision on Shine-A-Rama OTTAWA, Nov. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - Carleton University Students' Association President Brittany Smyth has indicated that CUSA council will revisit the motion to change the orientation program charity from Shine-A-Rama. "It has become clear that there is not an appetite at Carleton to change from Shine-A-Rama" said Ms.Smyth "The responsible thing to do is to reverse the decision." While the motion merely stated the students' association would investigate switching to another charity, students have made it clear that they do not want the change. "I both respect and admire the students' commitment to the cause of raising funds for cystic fibrosis." stated Ms.Smyth "I believe this issue has been blown out of proportion but the motion was never meant to imply that raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis research was not a worthwhile cause. I do apologize for the negative attention Carleton has received". For further information: Brittany Smyth, CUSA President, cell: (613) 261-1668
UPDATE: The CUSA release came after the publication of a message by Carleton President Roseann Runte. Her message said in part:"The motion which was approved by the student association contained language which was not appropriate and which has raised considerable concern. I know that Carleton students are fine young scholars who wish to be responsible and considerate. I am sure that they did not intend to offend by the preamble to their motion, but I am also sure that they now understand the effects of that language. I understand that they will be revisiting this issue and that the president of the student association will be putting forward a motion to reconsider the matter. I am convinced that our students will do the right thing and take the appropriate course of action."
Hat-tip for the Runte message to David Reevely.
Ciao,
Bob.
November 25, 2008
Carleton students tarnish their reputation by dropping Shinerama
http://www.fibrosekystique.ca/content/images/shinerama.jpg I don't write a lot about post-secondary education here, because it's my business, and this is a more general PR blog.
But I have to quickly post about this, because it's a stunningly bad PR move. Carleton University's student union, known as CUSA, has decided to stop participating in a fundraiser for the disease cystic fibrosis called Shinerama.
The text of the motion (emphasis mine):
"Whereas Orientation week strives to be [as] inclusive as possible;
Whereas all orientees and volunteers should feel like their fundraising efforts will serve the their diverse communities;
And Whereas Cystic fibrosis has been recently revealed to only affect white people, and primarily men
Information Transfer
Be it resolved that: CUSA discontinue its support of this campaign
Be it Further Resolved that the CUSA representatives on the incoming Orientation Supervisory Board work to select a new broad reaching charity for orientation week."
Not surprisingly, this is getting coverage from the student paper, the Charlatan, as well as from mainstream media like CTV and CFRA radio and Canwest, and CBC, and Metro. An online poll running on CFRA is running 95 per cent against the CUSA action.
According to Metro, "CUSA president Brittany Smyth defended the move on a city talk radio show this morning, saying that student discussion around the table before the vote focused more on a desire to take on a new charity after 11 years, rather than the line about the race and gender that the disease affects. She called that line the “opinion” of the person who drafted the motion."
Carleton students have raised nearly $1-million for Shinerama in the last 23 years. Shinerama takes place at 60 college campuses across the country, where 35,000 students fan out to shine people's shoes for donations. There are likely about 7 or 8 students at Carleton with CF.
I suspect that the executive of CUSA (reachable by email at admin@cusaonline.com or at 613-520-6688) are about to learn what the term "backlash" means.
Hat-tip: Daimnation
UPDATE: Just found this September news release from Carleton. Imagine! The orientation organizer seems proud of this sexist and racist fundraiser. And the PRESIDENT attended. Gasp.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Kay at the National Post minces no words in his post. Hot Air, a Pajamas Media blog, has picked it up and sent it south of the border. Maclean's magazine's campus blog covers the story pretty comprehensively. CUSA Councillor Michael Monks climbs down and eats crow on a Facebook page set up to protest the decision. CBC Ottawa's web story already has 101 comments as of this posting...
UPPITYDATE #2: Interview of one of the dissenting CUSA councillors on CFRA radio, as well as a comment from Brittany Smyth, CUSA President, and Cathleen Morrison of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Association.
UPDATE #3: CUSA President Brittany Smyth has posted to the Facebook group set up to protest the decision. Her post (which currently has 100+ replies):
I want to clear the air on a couple of things regarding the motion about Shinerama.
Before I do however, I would like to inform you all that I have already written and will be moving a motion to reconsider CUSA's position on the issue at the next CUSA council meeting. I have tried to be a President that listens to Carleton students and trust me, you have been heard.
However, for the record, the intent of the motion was to merely consider other charities. The CUSA executive supported the motion because it has been a discussion we had been having and Councilor Donnie Northrup happened to move a motion separate from that discussion. I completely understand why the whereas clauses have caused so much controversy, however, at CUSA council meetings Whereas clauses cannot be amended because there is no action to them. Only the motion has action. There was a section of the motion that stated CUSA no longer supports the campaign. That part was deleted from the original motion because it was not the case.
We have always been very proud of the hard work of Orientation volunteers and participants to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. It is a very worth while charity. By no means did we intend to imply otherwise.
I hope this clears some things up and I hope to see you at the next CUSA council meeting. I apologize for the confusion and I encourage anyone to contact me if they have ideas or suggestions on how we can fix this together. I can be reached at pres@cusaonline.com
Thank you,
Brittany
There's also apparently a rally/protest that is supposed to be happening at Carleton right now. No idea whether that's gone ahead.
And someone signing their name as Donnie Northrup, the CUSA member who moved the motion, has commented on the Chronicle of Higher Education's blog post, saying:
Hey to all the haters –
You are all bigots! Until you know what it’s like to suffer discrimination, you do not deserve to speak. White people get all of the best medical attention and certainly if there were a couple of dollars more to be spent on medicine that helps minorities, I won’t lose sleep over it.
Ciao,
Bob.
But I have to quickly post about this, because it's a stunningly bad PR move. Carleton University's student union, known as CUSA, has decided to stop participating in a fundraiser for the disease cystic fibrosis called Shinerama.
The text of the motion (emphasis mine):
"Whereas Orientation week strives to be [as] inclusive as possible;
Whereas all orientees and volunteers should feel like their fundraising efforts will serve the their diverse communities;
And Whereas Cystic fibrosis has been recently revealed to only affect white people, and primarily men
Information Transfer
Be it resolved that: CUSA discontinue its support of this campaign
Be it Further Resolved that the CUSA representatives on the incoming Orientation Supervisory Board work to select a new broad reaching charity for orientation week."
Not surprisingly, this is getting coverage from the student paper, the Charlatan, as well as from mainstream media like CTV and CFRA radio and Canwest, and CBC, and Metro. An online poll running on CFRA is running 95 per cent against the CUSA action.
According to Metro, "CUSA president Brittany Smyth defended the move on a city talk radio show this morning, saying that student discussion around the table before the vote focused more on a desire to take on a new charity after 11 years, rather than the line about the race and gender that the disease affects. She called that line the “opinion” of the person who drafted the motion."
Carleton students have raised nearly $1-million for Shinerama in the last 23 years. Shinerama takes place at 60 college campuses across the country, where 35,000 students fan out to shine people's shoes for donations. There are likely about 7 or 8 students at Carleton with CF.
I suspect that the executive of CUSA (reachable by email at admin@cusaonline.com or at 613-520-6688) are about to learn what the term "backlash" means.
Hat-tip: Daimnation
UPDATE: Just found this September news release from Carleton. Imagine! The orientation organizer seems proud of this sexist and racist fundraiser. And the PRESIDENT attended. Gasp.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Kay at the National Post minces no words in his post. Hot Air, a Pajamas Media blog, has picked it up and sent it south of the border. Maclean's magazine's campus blog covers the story pretty comprehensively. CUSA Councillor Michael Monks climbs down and eats crow on a Facebook page set up to protest the decision. CBC Ottawa's web story already has 101 comments as of this posting...
UPPITYDATE #2: Interview of one of the dissenting CUSA councillors on CFRA radio, as well as a comment from Brittany Smyth, CUSA President, and Cathleen Morrison of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Association.
UPDATE #3: CUSA President Brittany Smyth has posted to the Facebook group set up to protest the decision. Her post (which currently has 100+ replies):
I want to clear the air on a couple of things regarding the motion about Shinerama.
Before I do however, I would like to inform you all that I have already written and will be moving a motion to reconsider CUSA's position on the issue at the next CUSA council meeting. I have tried to be a President that listens to Carleton students and trust me, you have been heard.
However, for the record, the intent of the motion was to merely consider other charities. The CUSA executive supported the motion because it has been a discussion we had been having and Councilor Donnie Northrup happened to move a motion separate from that discussion. I completely understand why the whereas clauses have caused so much controversy, however, at CUSA council meetings Whereas clauses cannot be amended because there is no action to them. Only the motion has action. There was a section of the motion that stated CUSA no longer supports the campaign. That part was deleted from the original motion because it was not the case.
We have always been very proud of the hard work of Orientation volunteers and participants to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. It is a very worth while charity. By no means did we intend to imply otherwise.
I hope this clears some things up and I hope to see you at the next CUSA council meeting. I apologize for the confusion and I encourage anyone to contact me if they have ideas or suggestions on how we can fix this together. I can be reached at pres@cusaonline.com
Thank you,
Brittany
There's also apparently a rally/protest that is supposed to be happening at Carleton right now. No idea whether that's gone ahead.
And someone signing their name as Donnie Northrup, the CUSA member who moved the motion, has commented on the Chronicle of Higher Education's blog post, saying:
Hey to all the haters –
You are all bigots! Until you know what it’s like to suffer discrimination, you do not deserve to speak. White people get all of the best medical attention and certainly if there were a couple of dollars more to be spent on medicine that helps minorities, I won’t lose sleep over it.
If you still want to debate what I have done, add me on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=90402020&v= …
I have an essay to write and can’t read this stuff anymore.
— Donnie Northrup Nov 26, 03:25 AM #
I have sent a message to Northrup asking if these indeed were his comments. I certainly hope not.Ciao,
Bob.
The best laid plans, Victoria's Secret edition.
Marketing VOX has a great story about a campaign that, to quote Robbie Burns, has "gang aglay."
Victoria's Secret apparently introduced a line of clothing called "Pink Collegiate" last year (which makes its "A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE" crest a little silly, but I digress...), and started with a list of about 30 US schools.
http://www.vspink.com/images/blog/blog071408.jpg
Then they asked users to vote for their school to be included in their branded merch. But they apparently didn't count on creative computer types at various schools gaming the voting.
Then a dude from Drexel University spent three minutes writing a Perl script, and 12 hours later he'd logged 5 MILLION votes for his school. Then a guy at Texas Tech wrote a script that auto-voted Zion Bible College into the top 10 (Not sure there's a lot of Victoria's Secret being worn at ZBC, although there are likely a few well-pawed catalogues floating around the dorms.)
Then a mass attack from MIT crashed the Pink system. (favorite quote of the whole story, from an MIT student: "at MIT we are motivated by the ridiculous to do this kind of thing..."
AFTER that, Victoria's Secret put a captcha in place to limit voting.
Not hard to see that the lingerie folks were a little naked in terms of IT security. A word to the wise for anyone who's planning on creating an online contest, particularly one encouraging university students (who have time on their hands and a licence to prank) to vote on stuff.
Ciao,
Bob.
Victoria's Secret apparently introduced a line of clothing called "Pink Collegiate" last year (which makes its "A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE" crest a little silly, but I digress...), and started with a list of about 30 US schools.
http://www.vspink.com/images/blog/blog071408.jpg
Then they asked users to vote for their school to be included in their branded merch. But they apparently didn't count on creative computer types at various schools gaming the voting.
Then a dude from Drexel University spent three minutes writing a Perl script, and 12 hours later he'd logged 5 MILLION votes for his school. Then a guy at Texas Tech wrote a script that auto-voted Zion Bible College into the top 10 (Not sure there's a lot of Victoria's Secret being worn at ZBC, although there are likely a few well-pawed catalogues floating around the dorms.)
Then a mass attack from MIT crashed the Pink system. (favorite quote of the whole story, from an MIT student: "at MIT we are motivated by the ridiculous to do this kind of thing..."
AFTER that, Victoria's Secret put a captcha in place to limit voting.
Not hard to see that the lingerie folks were a little naked in terms of IT security. A word to the wise for anyone who's planning on creating an online contest, particularly one encouraging university students (who have time on their hands and a licence to prank) to vote on stuff.
Ciao,
Bob.
November 21, 2008
UPDATED: Angelina Jolie, PR power player?
Interesting New York Times feature on " Angelina Jolie's Carefully Orchestrated Image" today.
Quick summary: Jolie plays hardball with magazines wanting to cover her life, demanding cash (for her charity work) and editorial control -- apparently even guarantees of positive treatment into the future.
I would wager that Harold Hayes, the legendary editor whose tenure at Esquire magazine produced historic profile pieces like " Frank Sinatra has a cold", is spinning in his grave.
My two questions:
To make up for this appalling lack of visual imagery, here's the
Angelina National Forest in Texas, preserved in memory of the approximately one zillion trees killed to print celebrity rags each year.
UPDATE, 1/12/08: Phil Gomes provides his take on the story, and also points to People mag editor Larry Hackett's internal e-mail response to the story, as reported by Just Jared.
Ciao,
Bob.
Quick summary: Jolie plays hardball with magazines wanting to cover her life, demanding cash (for her charity work) and editorial control -- apparently even guarantees of positive treatment into the future.
I would wager that Harold Hayes, the legendary editor whose tenure at Esquire magazine produced historic profile pieces like " Frank Sinatra has a cold", is spinning in his grave.
My two questions:
- This is news?!
- If it is, is it news because they've been able to detail the terms of such agreements, or is the news that Jolie is so http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas/recreation/angelina/ang_rd_sign.jpg apparently good at it?
To make up for this appalling lack of visual imagery, here's the
Angelina National Forest in Texas, preserved in memory of the approximately one zillion trees killed to print celebrity rags each year.
UPDATE, 1/12/08: Phil Gomes provides his take on the story, and also points to People mag editor Larry Hackett's internal e-mail response to the story, as reported by Just Jared.
Ciao,
Bob.
November 20, 2008
What a tewwible, tewwible idea...
http://www.nonstick.com/sounds/Elmer.gif Apparently there's an option in Google's Language Tools options that converts the interface into Elmer Fudd-ese.
I look forward to the entire Warner Brothers Pantheon being included. Ttthufferin' Sthhearchotash!
http://www.animationconnection.com/images/ccc1246l.jpg
Hat-tip: Barbara Nixon
Ciao,
Bob.
I look forward to the entire Warner Brothers Pantheon being included. Ttthufferin' Sthhearchotash!
http://www.animationconnection.com/images/ccc1246l.jpg
Hat-tip: Barbara Nixon
Ciao,
Bob.
November 18, 2008
Don't rubber the wrong way.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ue3P6aAwgxE/SSOOLd1NCfI/AAAAAAAAAiU/LctfrwrwJyk/s1600-h/IMG00009-20081117-0836.jpg
Okay. I finally got the new BlackBerry up and running today. The other day, I wanted to try its camera and shot this bus shelter ad that I walk past almost every day on my way to work.
I know I'm not in the ad business. But I've got a problem with the LifeStyles "Protect Your Sex" campaign, as illustrated by this ad.
So this cowgirl chick is supposed to symbolize "protect your sex." So why a sexy cowgirl? Why not a cop? Is this some sort of play on words to do with the Cowgirl (NSFW)? Or is it just that the LifeStyles folks wanted a model with really big lips?
But worst of all -- if this is supposed to be sexy, why does it look as if she's ready to do a rectal exam? Is that what she needs the condom for?
I know this is no "Motrin Mom" deal, but geez, come on. Surely there's a better ad strategy than this.
Ciao,
Bob.
Okay. I finally got the new BlackBerry up and running today. The other day, I wanted to try its camera and shot this bus shelter ad that I walk past almost every day on my way to work.
I know I'm not in the ad business. But I've got a problem with the LifeStyles "Protect Your Sex" campaign, as illustrated by this ad.
So this cowgirl chick is supposed to symbolize "protect your sex." So why a sexy cowgirl? Why not a cop? Is this some sort of play on words to do with the Cowgirl (NSFW)? Or is it just that the LifeStyles folks wanted a model with really big lips?
But worst of all -- if this is supposed to be sexy, why does it look as if she's ready to do a rectal exam? Is that what she needs the condom for?
I know this is no "Motrin Mom" deal, but geez, come on. Surely there's a better ad strategy than this.
Ciao,
Bob.
Dept of Copywrongs: Maybe I should get a copyright on "Robert Lutczyk"...
http://www.epochtimes.com/i6/801231527122054.jpg This is just weird. Oshawa city councillor Robert Lutczyk is telling his local weekly paper that he owns a "literary copyright" for ""the set of words that assembled in order read University of Ontario Institute of Technology."
http://www.uoit.ca/images/logo.gif
According to Sharon Groom, an IP lawyer the paper consulted, he can't protect a name that way. According to the president of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, it's a "dead end."
According to the paper, "In 2005, around the same time he obtained the literary copyright on "University of Ontario Institute of Technology," Coun. Lutczyk registered another literary copyright for the titles "Medical School in Oshawa" and "Medical School at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology."
In the meantime, I look forward to him chasing down the 71,000 web hits using "his" phrase and shutting them down, one by one. I'm sure the taxpayers of Durham Region will be behind him all the way. One would think that with the trouble currently facing General Motors in Lutczyk's own city, he'd have something better to do.
Ciao,
Bob.
http://www.uoit.ca/images/logo.gif
According to Sharon Groom, an IP lawyer the paper consulted, he can't protect a name that way. According to the president of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, it's a "dead end."
According to the paper, "In 2005, around the same time he obtained the literary copyright on "University of Ontario Institute of Technology," Coun. Lutczyk registered another literary copyright for the titles "Medical School in Oshawa" and "Medical School at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology."
He then accused his colleague, Councillor John Neal, of stealing his "intellectual property" after Coun. Neal said a medical school at the university would help bring physicians to the community.
Coun. Lutczyk called for the other councillor's resignation over the matter."
In the meantime, I look forward to him chasing down the 71,000 web hits using "his" phrase and shutting them down, one by one. I'm sure the taxpayers of Durham Region will be behind him all the way. One would think that with the trouble currently facing General Motors in Lutczyk's own city, he'd have something better to do.
Ciao,
Bob.
November 17, 2008
Chapeau Blog Awards
I'm quite intrigued by the Chapeau Blog Awards, which put up a site recently offering to crown blogs in a number of categories.
I'm currently in the middle of arranging an interview with Susan Misukanis, the director of the awards, and also of TopRank Online Marketing, which is the company behind the awards. Misukanis is also online as the president of Misukanis & Odden. I think that M&O morphed into TopRank, but both sites are online, so I'm not sure.
If you have questions you'd like to see answered, please let me know via a comment or a tweet to @bobledrew.
Ciao,
Bob.
I'm currently in the middle of arranging an interview with Susan Misukanis, the director of the awards, and also of TopRank Online Marketing, which is the company behind the awards. Misukanis is also online as the president of Misukanis & Odden. I think that M&O morphed into TopRank, but both sites are online, so I'm not sure.
If you have questions you'd like to see answered, please let me know via a comment or a tweet to @bobledrew.
Ciao,
Bob.
November 16, 2008
Fame. I'm gonna live. Forever. (UPDATED NOV 18)
This week, a woman named Paula Goodspeed died in Los Angeles, outside the house of Paula Abdul. It appears that she committed suicide.
Why do I know about this? Why do I care? I know about this because Paula Goodspeed appeared to have a bit of an obsession with Paula Abdul. And because she auditioned for American Idol. So Paula Goodspeed has become part of the pop culture. This week, at least. Next week nobody will remember her.
I'm going to try to not be judgemental here, but shows like the Idols or their sisters like "Making the Band", Popstars, etc. tell us something. They're designed to tell us that there's really no difference between us and the people we idolize. That the singing we do into a hairbrush or into the water cascading down from the shower head is equivalent to the singing they hear -- or used to hear -- on music videos or in concerts.
And what's more, you don't have to train, or work, or take classes, or get experience. Just show up, sing, and between the judges and the celebrity mentors, you'll be FAMOUS! Forget about the record of previous winners (AI: Ruben Studdard, currently dropped from his record label; Fantasia Barrino, focused on Broadway and movies; Taylor Hicks, currently in a supporting role in Grease! on Broadway; Jordin Sparks's album tanked; Canadian Idol: Ryan Malcolm, currently in a band called Low Level Flight; Kalan Porter, apparently recording; Melissa O'Neil, apparently recording, and starred in Dirty Dancing in Toronto; Eva Avila, disappointing record sales, but a contract with Maybellene; Brian Melo, disappointing first album sales and one single on a chart).
And the prefabricated stars that get radio airplay play into this. Technological wonders like ProTools give the producer the option of adding in plugins like AutoTune or PitchDoctor. Those make EVERYONE sing on-key, all the time, on record or in concert. This has gotten to the point where some singers put disclaimers on their albums telling the listener they DIDN'T use pitch correction technology. And to an extent I understand why you'd want this live. When you're dancing around like a stripper on bennies with 20 other people, it might be hard to stay on key.
http://www.repmanblog.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/12/06/curious_2.jpg
And the system makes singers into commodities. I've never seen branding extended in music the way it is now. Britney Spears has six fragrances, four books to her name, seven DVDs, a doll, a video game, a cell-phone game. Christina Aguilera, according to Wikipedia, has done the following:
Since Cathy and I started presenting house concerts last winter, we've spent a lot of time hanging out with musicians. The musicians who we've hosted are not the type who will ever end up on American Idol or its Canadian equivalent. They write their own songs. They accompany themselves on guitar, mandolin, piano, or sing a cappella. They don't tend to go for vocal hyperdramatics like Mariah Carey or Christina Aguilera. They sing in genres that don't get mainstream radio airplay outside of CBC, and often produce their own CDs on their own labels. Without a PA system, or with minor sound reinforcement, they can leave an audience of serious music lovers spellbound in our sunroom. (PS: earlier this year I got offered a concert with one of the former members of Sugar Jones, the all-girl band put together by Global Television's Popstars show. Don't think it'll happen.)
But they'll never, it's probable, be rich. They'll never brand themselves, have a number one single, end up a regular feature on ET, or even ET Canada. And that's OK by most of them, if they could make just a bit more money and keep making beautiful songs.
One of the standard parts of our house concerts is an unpaid opener. Often it's me. I play guitar a little, and sing a little. So I'll work on two or three tunes and open. One is always a Danny Michel tune, because I love the guy's work and dream of a day when he does a show for us.
Other times, friends have opened. When my friend Rob suggested I try Lynn Mi les and she agreed, he opened. When regular concertgoer Paul suggested Gregory Hoskins, he opened for him. Gerry Bedard, who I traded songs with in a hospice as our mutual friend Kim spent her last days on earth, opened for Tony D and Andy J. Forest. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ue3P6aAwgxE/SSBmWKuVCMI/AAAAAAAAAiM/sUrA5Iekpqw/s1600-h/bob+and+meredith+m.jpg
And as we've done these shows and talked with musicians, and I've seen friends open for professionals, and I've opened for a few myself (getting to sing one of my favorite Danny Michel songs with Meredith Luce -- priceless), I've developed a theory. I think that when mass media began to be the way to deliver entertainment into people's homes, that people forgot that they were talented. A wall went up between the "audience" and the "performer", and instead of us all sharing what talent we had, it became an all-or-nothing proposition. Are you a "pro?" Then entertain us. But I'm not a pro, so I will never sing for you. And I think that's sad.
So what's the connection between them and Paula Goodspeed, and Paula Abdul? Poor Paula Goodspeed might have had a little talent. She didn't show a lot in her audition video. She squawked her way through Proud Mary, and two of the judges laughed at her. Frankly, I suspect the producers put her in front of the judges because she was already a bit obsessed with Paula Abdul (she brought along a portfolio of drawings of Abdul), because she thought she had a lot of talent, and because she wasn't a good singer at all. Of course, one of the ironies of this woman being obsessed with Paula Abdul is that Abdul herself has been accused of liberal use of pitch-correction technology. A Boston Herald writer says that "Paula Abdul would never survive as an “American Idol” contestant."
So you have a TV program that tells people that tells people talent doesn't matter; a mainstream music industry that values fame FAR more than musical ability; and a culture where people don't perform unless they're "performers", and then someone like Paula Goodspeed comes along.
I don't doubt that there were lots of snickers at her painful audition tape, at the cracks that Simon Cowell made about her braces, about her really bad singing.
But Paula Goodspeed is a symptom of an emptiness at the heart of our society, and it's an emptiness that's created and encouraged to a significant extent by marketing and PR.
So I'm sad for Paula Goodspeed. I'm sad for whatever led her to die in her car outside the house of a celebrity with whom she shared a first name. And I wish people would listen to music that touched them in their hearts, rather than their gonads or their wallets.
UPDATE, November 17: Globe and Mail columnist Lynn Crosbie provides her take on this story today, including a confirmation of the fact that Paula Goodspeed was originally named Susan. This, apparently, is Goodspeed's Myspace blog. Sadder and sadder.
UPDATE 2, November 18: Guardian music columnist Steven Wells takes a rather different view from mine, and (IMO) kinda misrepresents my greater point.
Ciao,
Bob.
Why do I know about this? Why do I care? I know about this because Paula Goodspeed appeared to have a bit of an obsession with Paula Abdul. And because she auditioned for American Idol. So Paula Goodspeed has become part of the pop culture. This week, at least. Next week nobody will remember her.
I'm going to try to not be judgemental here, but shows like the Idols or their sisters like "Making the Band", Popstars, etc. tell us something. They're designed to tell us that there's really no difference between us and the people we idolize. That the singing we do into a hairbrush or into the water cascading down from the shower head is equivalent to the singing they hear -- or used to hear -- on music videos or in concerts.
And what's more, you don't have to train, or work, or take classes, or get experience. Just show up, sing, and between the judges and the celebrity mentors, you'll be FAMOUS! Forget about the record of previous winners (AI: Ruben Studdard, currently dropped from his record label; Fantasia Barrino, focused on Broadway and movies; Taylor Hicks, currently in a supporting role in Grease! on Broadway; Jordin Sparks's album tanked; Canadian Idol: Ryan Malcolm, currently in a band called Low Level Flight; Kalan Porter, apparently recording; Melissa O'Neil, apparently recording, and starred in Dirty Dancing in Toronto; Eva Avila, disappointing record sales, but a contract with Maybellene; Brian Melo, disappointing first album sales and one single on a chart).
And the prefabricated stars that get radio airplay play into this. Technological wonders like ProTools give the producer the option of adding in plugins like AutoTune or PitchDoctor. Those make EVERYONE sing on-key, all the time, on record or in concert. This has gotten to the point where some singers put disclaimers on their albums telling the listener they DIDN'T use pitch correction technology. And to an extent I understand why you'd want this live. When you're dancing around like a stripper on bennies with 20 other people, it might be hard to stay on key.
http://www.repmanblog.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/12/06/curious_2.jpg
And the system makes singers into commodities. I've never seen branding extended in music the way it is now. Britney Spears has six fragrances, four books to her name, seven DVDs, a doll, a video game, a cell-phone game. Christina Aguilera, according to Wikipedia, has done the following:
In 2000, Aguilera was the face for make-up line Fetish where she worked in choosing colors and packaging for the line. She ended her contract the following year. [104] Throughout her career Aguilera has endorsed several brands, including Sketchers, Mercedes-Benz, Verizon Wireless, and soft drink giants Coca-Cola in 2001, and Pepsi in 2006. [105] She became the muse and model for fashion house Versace appearing in a campaign for the 2003 fall line. [106] In 2004 Aguilera earned £200,000 GBP (about $500,000 USD) [107] for opening the summer sale at London's Harrods store which took in record breaking profits during the four week period. [108] Aguilera signed a contract with European cell phone operator Orange to promote the new Sony Ericsson Walkman phone during the 2006 World Cup.
In 2008 jewelry designer Stephen Webster and close friend of Aguilera released "Shattered," a collection of sterling silver pieces, through Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Aguilera, who inspired the collection, was featured as a Hitchcock heroine saying, "Working together on this campaign and collection has been an incredible experience. I am honored to be a part of it all." [109] [110]
Aguilera released two fragrances throughout Europe, the first one Xpose, was released in late 2004 and sold relatively well. [111] [112] Through Procter and Gamble Aguilera released her signature fragrance, Simply Christina in 2007. [113] In Christmas 2007, the fragrance became the number one perfume in the UK, [114] and Germany where it topped sales for the year. [115] The perfume won as the people’s choice for favorite celebrity fragrance at the annual UK Fifi Awards 2008. [116]
She released her third fragrance, Inspire, accompanied with a body care collection, on September 1, 2008. [117] [118] The perfume hit shelves in the US, Canada, Lat in America, Asia and Northern and Eastern Europe. It is Aguilera's first fragrance released outside of Europe. [119] Her worldwide ad campaign included a television ad shot by David LaChapelle and was released in the US through Macy's department stores. The release coincided with Macy's 150th anniversary which featured Aguilera in commemorative photos. [120] [121]
I can remember teen fads when I was a kid. The Bay City Rollers, for example, had a moment of fame that led to lunch boxes, scarves, and the like. The Beatles were pioneers in licencing their image to products. But now it's as if the music is just a vehicle to spark the brand. Then you have to do EVERYthing.Since Cathy and I started presenting house concerts last winter, we've spent a lot of time hanging out with musicians. The musicians who we've hosted are not the type who will ever end up on American Idol or its Canadian equivalent. They write their own songs. They accompany themselves on guitar, mandolin, piano, or sing a cappella. They don't tend to go for vocal hyperdramatics like Mariah Carey or Christina Aguilera. They sing in genres that don't get mainstream radio airplay outside of CBC, and often produce their own CDs on their own labels. Without a PA system, or with minor sound reinforcement, they can leave an audience of serious music lovers spellbound in our sunroom. (PS: earlier this year I got offered a concert with one of the former members of Sugar Jones, the all-girl band put together by Global Television's Popstars show. Don't think it'll happen.)
But they'll never, it's probable, be rich. They'll never brand themselves, have a number one single, end up a regular feature on ET, or even ET Canada. And that's OK by most of them, if they could make just a bit more money and keep making beautiful songs.
One of the standard parts of our house concerts is an unpaid opener. Often it's me. I play guitar a little, and sing a little. So I'll work on two or three tunes and open. One is always a Danny Michel tune, because I love the guy's work and dream of a day when he does a show for us.
Other times, friends have opened. When my friend Rob suggested I try Lynn Mi les and she agreed, he opened. When regular concertgoer Paul suggested Gregory Hoskins, he opened for him. Gerry Bedard, who I traded songs with in a hospice as our mutual friend Kim spent her last days on earth, opened for Tony D and Andy J. Forest. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ue3P6aAwgxE/SSBmWKuVCMI/AAAAAAAAAiM/sUrA5Iekpqw/s1600-h/bob+and+meredith+m.jpg
And as we've done these shows and talked with musicians, and I've seen friends open for professionals, and I've opened for a few myself (getting to sing one of my favorite Danny Michel songs with Meredith Luce -- priceless), I've developed a theory. I think that when mass media began to be the way to deliver entertainment into people's homes, that people forgot that they were talented. A wall went up between the "audience" and the "performer", and instead of us all sharing what talent we had, it became an all-or-nothing proposition. Are you a "pro?" Then entertain us. But I'm not a pro, so I will never sing for you. And I think that's sad.
So what's the connection between them and Paula Goodspeed, and Paula Abdul? Poor Paula Goodspeed might have had a little talent. She didn't show a lot in her audition video. She squawked her way through Proud Mary, and two of the judges laughed at her. Frankly, I suspect the producers put her in front of the judges because she was already a bit obsessed with Paula Abdul (she brought along a portfolio of drawings of Abdul), because she thought she had a lot of talent, and because she wasn't a good singer at all. Of course, one of the ironies of this woman being obsessed with Paula Abdul is that Abdul herself has been accused of liberal use of pitch-correction technology. A Boston Herald writer says that "Paula Abdul would never survive as an “American Idol” contestant."
So you have a TV program that tells people that tells people talent doesn't matter; a mainstream music industry that values fame FAR more than musical ability; and a culture where people don't perform unless they're "performers", and then someone like Paula Goodspeed comes along.
I don't doubt that there were lots of snickers at her painful audition tape, at the cracks that Simon Cowell made about her braces, about her really bad singing.
But Paula Goodspeed is a symptom of an emptiness at the heart of our society, and it's an emptiness that's created and encouraged to a significant extent by marketing and PR.
So I'm sad for Paula Goodspeed. I'm sad for whatever led her to die in her car outside the house of a celebrity with whom she shared a first name. And I wish people would listen to music that touched them in their hearts, rather than their gonads or their wallets.
UPDATE, November 17: Globe and Mail columnist Lynn Crosbie provides her take on this story today, including a confirmation of the fact that Paula Goodspeed was originally named Susan. This, apparently, is Goodspeed's Myspace blog. Sadder and sadder.
UPDATE 2, November 18: Guardian music columnist Steven Wells takes a rather different view from mine, and (IMO) kinda misrepresents my greater point.
Ciao,
Bob.
November 11, 2008
Interview techniques from Don Newman's brooooooaaaadcast...
Don Newman's a bit of a legend here in Canada. He's an incredibly experienced political journalist, having covered our Parliament for CBC Television since 1983 -- 25 YEARS!
And he's also been the subject of many loving parodies for his manner of speech, in particular his "Welcome to the broooooaaaadcassst" line at the start of his show Politics.
So this Rick Mercer parody hits home for me:
Hat-tip: The Media Interview.
Ciao,
Bob.
And he's also been the subject of many loving parodies for his manner of speech, in particular his "Welcome to the broooooaaaadcassst" line at the start of his show Politics.
So this Rick Mercer parody hits home for me:
Hat-tip: The Media Interview.
Ciao,
Bob.
November 10, 2008
Wow, Rogers REALLY knows how to sell. (UPDATED)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/01/Palm_Treo_680_Unlocked.JPG/250px-Palm_Treo_680_Unlocked.JPG Here in Canada, Rogers is a huge communications conglomerate that includes cable TV, DVD rental, cell phone, magazines, radio, and high-speed Internet services. Most people, including me, have some interaction with Rogers. To be quite frank, I try to keep mine as limited as possible. Our Internet at home? Rogers. Our home phone is Rogers too. My ancient and loathed work Treo, soon to be replaced by a Blackberry -- Rogers. For now, we still have rabbit-ears on the TV at home, so we don't pay ANYone for TV, and the DVDs we rent are from a local independent video store.
I have a knee-jerk negative reaction to Rogers. But then again, I also have a negative reaction to Bell. That might be because of their INCREDIBLY stupid " ER" campaign.
But man, oh man, I got something today at my house that just drove me to the computer.
When I arrived home, a piece of advertising was rolled up in my door handle. From Rogers. Here it is.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ue3P6aAwgxE/SRn5l9CeQ7I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/kxLQ7_C7pYA/s1600-h/2008_11100003.JPG
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ue3P6aAwgxE/SRje7E5xrWI/AAAAAAAAAZw/MxDEsNHJtTw/s1600-h/2008_11100001.JPG
Let's see if I can ennumerate the ways in which this piece of marketing collateral left me gaping in slack-jawed astonishment.
I've gotten a ton of direct mail from Rogers over the years. We used to joke that we were the white pin in the sea of red, as non-cable-TV people. But I've never seen something as obtuse as this.
Ciao,
Bob.
I have a knee-jerk negative reaction to Rogers. But then again, I also have a negative reaction to Bell. That might be because of their INCREDIBLY stupid " ER" campaign.
But man, oh man, I got something today at my house that just drove me to the computer.
When I arrived home, a piece of advertising was rolled up in my door handle. From Rogers. Here it is.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ue3P6aAwgxE/SRn5l9CeQ7I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/kxLQ7_C7pYA/s1600-h/2008_11100003.JPG
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ue3P6aAwgxE/SRje7E5xrWI/AAAAAAAAAZw/MxDEsNHJtTw/s1600-h/2008_11100001.JPG
Let's see if I can ennumerate the ways in which this piece of marketing collateral left me gaping in slack-jawed astonishment.
- I've lived in my house and this neighbourhood since 2000. I know my neighbours. Some of them come to my house concerts. So why would you (a) give me a piece of mail saying "the previous account holder at this address has requested that the Rogers Cable services be disconnected." (b) and THEN SCRATCH IT OUT.
- Why would you change the terms of the offer by hand? Can I write up my own terms? Do I get to choose too? Is this legally binding?
- On the first image, it appears that FREE as in installation is scratched out. On the second image, something is written over the word FREE in FREE INSTALLATION. Does that mean it's not free, or does it signify an initialing, as in Tech # 0285 is endorsing the free installation?
- I'm ALREADY A ROGERS CUSTOMER! Why not treat me like one?
- Is this a better offer than anything I can get from Rogers online or elsewhere?
I've gotten a ton of direct mail from Rogers over the years. We used to joke that we were the white pin in the sea of red, as non-cable-TV people. But I've never seen something as obtuse as this.
Ciao,
Bob.
October 30, 2008
Groundswell: Young & Free Alberta
Congratulations to Young & Free Alberta, a social networking site created with the support of the Common Wealth Credit Union, which has won a Groundswell Award.
Check out the profile of the initiative here: Groundswell: Young & Free Alberta.
If you want to look at return on investment here, try this from their submission:
Bob.
Check out the profile of the initiative here: Groundswell: Young & Free Alberta.
If you want to look at return on investment here, try this from their submission:
- 63,431 site visits
- 197,529 page views
- 3:14 average visit
- 80,726 YouTube views
- 906 blog comments
- 230 Facebook fans
- 101 Twitter followers
- $179,000 unpaid media
- 2,000,000+ impressions
- 2,316 Y&F accounts
- $3,587,000 new funds
Account openings have been brisk, site traffic has exceeded expectations and media and youth interest in the program has been overwhelming. Since the program launched in October 2007, new account openings have grown by 960% over the same period one year prior in the 19 to 25 year old age group. Traffic and sales have been steady for the entire year even though all supporting traditional media stopped after the first two months of the program."
Ciao,Bob.
October 28, 2008
I'm AN AUTHOR! (Okay, that's overstating)
http://www.drewsmarketingminute.com/images/2008/10/11/picture_7_2.png Apparently tomorrow, 274 of my fellow social media-nauts and I are going to be published!
The Age of Conversation 2: Why don't they get it? comes out for sale via Lulu.
Congratulations to Adam Crowe, Adrian Ho, Aki Spicer, Alex Henault, Amy Jussel, Andrew Odom, Andy Nulman, Andy Sernovitz, Andy Whitlock, Angela Maiers, Ann Handley, Anna Farmery, Armando Alves, Arun Rajagopal, Asi Sharabi, Becky Carroll, Becky McCray, Bernie Scheffler, Bill Gammell, Bob Carlton, Brad Shorr, Bradley Spitzer, Brandon Murphy, Branislav Peric, Brent Dixon, Brett Macfarlane, Brian Reich, C.C. Chapman, Cam Beck, Casper Willer, Cathleen Rittereiser, Cathryn Hrudicka, Cedric Giorgi, Charles Sipe, Chris Kieff, Chris Cree, Chris Wilson, Christina Kerley (CK), C.B. Whittemore, Clay Parker Jones, Chris Brown, Colin McKay, Connie Bensen, Connie Reece, Cord Silverstein, Corentin Monot, Craig Wilson, Daniel Honigman, Dan Goldstein, Dan Schawbel, Dana VanDen Heuvel, Dan Sitter, Daria Radota Rasmussen, Darren Herman, Darryl Patterson, Dave Davison, Dave Origano, David Armano, David Bausola, David Berkowitz, David Brazeal, David Koopmans, David Meerman Scott, David Petherick, David Reich, David Weinfeld, David Zinger, Deanna Gernert, Deborah Brown, Dennis Price, Derrick Kwa, Dino Demopoulos, Doug Haslam, Doug Meacham, Doug Mitchell, Douglas Hanna, Douglas Karr, Drew McLellan, Duane Brown, Dustin Jacobsen, Dylan Viner, Ed Brenegar, Ed Cotton, Efrain Mendicuti, Ellen Weber, Emily Reed, Eric Peterson, Eric Nehrlich, Ernie Mosteller, Faris Yakob, Fernanda Romano, Francis Anderson, G. Kofi Annan, Gareth Kay, Gary Cohen, Gaurav Mishra, Gavin Heaton, Geert Desager, George Jenkins, G.L. Hoffman, Gianandrea Facchini, Gordon Whitehead, Graham Hill, Greg Verdino, Gretel Going & Kathryn Fleming, Hillel Cooperman, Hugh Weber, J. Erik Potter, J.C. Hutchins, James Gordon-Macintosh, Jamey Shiels, Jasmin Tragas, Jason Oke, Jay Ehret, Jeanne Dininni, Jeff De Cagna, Jeff Gwynne, Jeff Noble, Jeff Wallace, Jennifer Warwick, Jenny Meade, Jeremy Fuksa, Jeremy Heilpern, Jeremy Middleton, Jeroen Verkroost, Jessica Hagy, Joanna Young, Joe Pulizzi, Joe Talbott, John Herrington, John Jantsch, John Moore, John Rosen, John Todor, Jon Burg, Jon Swanson, Jonathan Trenn, Jordan Behan, Julie Fleischer, Justin Flowers, Justin Foster, Karl Turley, Kate Trgovac, Katie Chatfield, Katie Konrath, Kenny Lauer, Keri Willenborg, Kevin Jessop, Kris Hoet, Krishna De, Kristin Gorski, Laura Fitton, Laurence Helene Borei, Lewis Green, Lois Kelly, Lori Magno, Louise Barnes-Johnston, Louise Mangan, Louise Manning, Luc Debaisieux, Marcus Brown, Mario Vellandi, Mark Blair, Mark Earls, Mark Goren, Mark Hancock, Mark Lewis, Mark McGuinness, Mark McSpadden, Matt Dickman, Matt J. McDonald, Matt Moore, Michael Hawkins, Michael Karnjanaprakorn, Michelle Lamar, Mike Arauz, Mike McAllen, Mike Sansone, Mitch Joel, Monica Wright, Nathan Gilliatt, Nathan Snell, Neil Perkin, Nettie Hartsock, Nick Rice, Oleksandr Skorokhod, Ozgur Alaz, Paul Chaney, Paul Hebert, Paul Isakson, Paul Marobella, Paul McEnany, Paul Tedesco, Paul Williams, Pet Campbell, Pete Deutschman, Peter Corbett, Phil Gerbyshak, Phil Lewis, Phil Soden, Piet Wulleman, Rachel Steiner, Sreeraj Menon, Reginald Adkins, Richard Huntington, Rishi Desai, Beeker Northam, Rob Mortimer, Robert Hruzek, Roberta Rosenberg, Robyn McMaster, Roger von Oech, Rohit Bhargava, Ron Shevlin, Ryan Barrett, Ryan Karpeles, Ryan Rasmussen, Sam Huleatt, Sandy Renshaw, Scott Goodson, Scott Monty, Scott Townsend, Scott White, Sean Howard, Sean Scott, Seni Thomas, Seth Gaffney, Shama Hyder, Sheila Scarborough, Sheryl Steadman, Simon Payn, Sonia Simone, Spike Jones, Stanley Johnson, Stephen Collins, Stephen Cribbett, Stephen Landau, Stephen Smith, Steve Bannister, Steve Hardy, Steve Portigal, Steve Roesler, Steven Verbruggen, Steve Woodruff, Sue Edworthy, Susan Bird, Susan Gunelius, Susan Heywood, Tammy Lenski, Terrell Meek, Thomas Clifford, Thomas Knoll, Tiffany Kenyon, Tim Brunelle, Tim Buesing, Tim Connor, Tim Jackson, Tim Longhurst, Tim Mannveille, Tim Tyler, Timothy Johnson, Tinu Abayomi-Paul, Toby Bloomberg, Todd Andrlik, Troy Rutter, Troy Worman, Uwe Hook, Valeria Maltoni, Vandana Ahuja, Vanessa DiMauro, Veronique Rabuteau, Wayne Buckhanan, William Azaroff, Yves Van Landeghem.
A big tip of the hat to the instigators of this project too, Gavin Heaton and Drew McLellan. Well done, editors! And finally, kudos to David Armano, whose graphics I LOVE, for doing the cover.
Finally: the proceeds of the book (ALL OF THEM) go to Variety, the children's charity. So how can you NOT buy this book?
Ciao,
Bob.
The Age of Conversation 2: Why don't they get it? comes out for sale via Lulu.
Congratulations to Adam Crowe, Adrian Ho, Aki Spicer, Alex Henault, Amy Jussel, Andrew Odom, Andy Nulman, Andy Sernovitz, Andy Whitlock, Angela Maiers, Ann Handley, Anna Farmery, Armando Alves, Arun Rajagopal, Asi Sharabi, Becky Carroll, Becky McCray, Bernie Scheffler, Bill Gammell, Bob Carlton, Brad Shorr, Bradley Spitzer, Brandon Murphy, Branislav Peric, Brent Dixon, Brett Macfarlane, Brian Reich, C.C. Chapman, Cam Beck, Casper Willer, Cathleen Rittereiser, Cathryn Hrudicka, Cedric Giorgi, Charles Sipe, Chris Kieff, Chris Cree, Chris Wilson, Christina Kerley (CK), C.B. Whittemore, Clay Parker Jones, Chris Brown, Colin McKay, Connie Bensen, Connie Reece, Cord Silverstein, Corentin Monot, Craig Wilson, Daniel Honigman, Dan Goldstein, Dan Schawbel, Dana VanDen Heuvel, Dan Sitter, Daria Radota Rasmussen, Darren Herman, Darryl Patterson, Dave Davison, Dave Origano, David Armano, David Bausola, David Berkowitz, David Brazeal, David Koopmans, David Meerman Scott, David Petherick, David Reich, David Weinfeld, David Zinger, Deanna Gernert, Deborah Brown, Dennis Price, Derrick Kwa, Dino Demopoulos, Doug Haslam, Doug Meacham, Doug Mitchell, Douglas Hanna, Douglas Karr, Drew McLellan, Duane Brown, Dustin Jacobsen, Dylan Viner, Ed Brenegar, Ed Cotton, Efrain Mendicuti, Ellen Weber, Emily Reed, Eric Peterson, Eric Nehrlich, Ernie Mosteller, Faris Yakob, Fernanda Romano, Francis Anderson, G. Kofi Annan, Gareth Kay, Gary Cohen, Gaurav Mishra, Gavin Heaton, Geert Desager, George Jenkins, G.L. Hoffman, Gianandrea Facchini, Gordon Whitehead, Graham Hill, Greg Verdino, Gretel Going & Kathryn Fleming, Hillel Cooperman, Hugh Weber, J. Erik Potter, J.C. Hutchins, James Gordon-Macintosh, Jamey Shiels, Jasmin Tragas, Jason Oke, Jay Ehret, Jeanne Dininni, Jeff De Cagna, Jeff Gwynne, Jeff Noble, Jeff Wallace, Jennifer Warwick, Jenny Meade, Jeremy Fuksa, Jeremy Heilpern, Jeremy Middleton, Jeroen Verkroost, Jessica Hagy, Joanna Young, Joe Pulizzi, Joe Talbott, John Herrington, John Jantsch, John Moore, John Rosen, John Todor, Jon Burg, Jon Swanson, Jonathan Trenn, Jordan Behan, Julie Fleischer, Justin Flowers, Justin Foster, Karl Turley, Kate Trgovac, Katie Chatfield, Katie Konrath, Kenny Lauer, Keri Willenborg, Kevin Jessop, Kris Hoet, Krishna De, Kristin Gorski, Laura Fitton, Laurence Helene Borei, Lewis Green, Lois Kelly, Lori Magno, Louise Barnes-Johnston, Louise Mangan, Louise Manning, Luc Debaisieux, Marcus Brown, Mario Vellandi, Mark Blair, Mark Earls, Mark Goren, Mark Hancock, Mark Lewis, Mark McGuinness, Mark McSpadden, Matt Dickman, Matt J. McDonald, Matt Moore, Michael Hawkins, Michael Karnjanaprakorn, Michelle Lamar, Mike Arauz, Mike McAllen, Mike Sansone, Mitch Joel, Monica Wright, Nathan Gilliatt, Nathan Snell, Neil Perkin, Nettie Hartsock, Nick Rice, Oleksandr Skorokhod, Ozgur Alaz, Paul Chaney, Paul Hebert, Paul Isakson, Paul Marobella, Paul McEnany, Paul Tedesco, Paul Williams, Pet Campbell, Pete Deutschman, Peter Corbett, Phil Gerbyshak, Phil Lewis, Phil Soden, Piet Wulleman, Rachel Steiner, Sreeraj Menon, Reginald Adkins, Richard Huntington, Rishi Desai, Beeker Northam, Rob Mortimer, Robert Hruzek, Roberta Rosenberg, Robyn McMaster, Roger von Oech, Rohit Bhargava, Ron Shevlin, Ryan Barrett, Ryan Karpeles, Ryan Rasmussen, Sam Huleatt, Sandy Renshaw, Scott Goodson, Scott Monty, Scott Townsend, Scott White, Sean Howard, Sean Scott, Seni Thomas, Seth Gaffney, Shama Hyder, Sheila Scarborough, Sheryl Steadman, Simon Payn, Sonia Simone, Spike Jones, Stanley Johnson, Stephen Collins, Stephen Cribbett, Stephen Landau, Stephen Smith, Steve Bannister, Steve Hardy, Steve Portigal, Steve Roesler, Steven Verbruggen, Steve Woodruff, Sue Edworthy, Susan Bird, Susan Gunelius, Susan Heywood, Tammy Lenski, Terrell Meek, Thomas Clifford, Thomas Knoll, Tiffany Kenyon, Tim Brunelle, Tim Buesing, Tim Connor, Tim Jackson, Tim Longhurst, Tim Mannveille, Tim Tyler, Timothy Johnson, Tinu Abayomi-Paul, Toby Bloomberg, Todd Andrlik, Troy Rutter, Troy Worman, Uwe Hook, Valeria Maltoni, Vandana Ahuja, Vanessa DiMauro, Veronique Rabuteau, Wayne Buckhanan, William Azaroff, Yves Van Landeghem.
A big tip of the hat to the instigators of this project too, Gavin Heaton and Drew McLellan. Well done, editors! And finally, kudos to David Armano, whose graphics I LOVE, for doing the cover.
Finally: the proceeds of the book (ALL OF THEM) go to Variety, the children's charity. So how can you NOT buy this book?
Ciao,
Bob.
Canadian hacks behind the Twitter times
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:o0Q1tsWShArWaM:http://jchutchins.net/site/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/twitter_logo.png Just saw this list of journalists using Twitter. which was written about in today's MediaBistro PRNewser.
Pretty sad that there are only two Canadians listed. I know that motorsports writer Jeff Pappone is on Twitter (@jpappone). Surely there are others. Please share your ideas with the class. Anyone. Anyone at all. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
UPDATE: I now have writer access to the wiki in question, so if you have people to add, let me know.
Ciao,
Bob.
Pretty sad that there are only two Canadians listed. I know that motorsports writer Jeff Pappone is on Twitter (@jpappone). Surely there are others. Please share your ideas with the class. Anyone. Anyone at all. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
UPDATE: I now have writer access to the wiki in question, so if you have people to add, let me know.
Ciao,
Bob.
Clever get out the vote tool from the US
I just got sent this CNNBC video from a friend. VERY cool tool, with an obvious left-leaning bent. Gotta hand it to Moveon.org for coming up with something that is well-produced and uses the personalization ability of the technology to its fullest.
And by the way -- I'm SORRY! I'm SO SORRY!
Ciao,
Bob.
And by the way -- I'm SORRY! I'm SO SORRY!
Ciao,
Bob.
October 26, 2008
Wassssaaaaaapppp....
There was a certain demented genius in the original Budweiser ad campaign.
But who would have predicted profundity?
Hat-tip: David Akin.
Ciao,
Bob.
But who would have predicted profundity?
Hat-tip: David Akin.
Ciao,
Bob.
October 23, 2008
Give us your money, blah blah blah....
http://framingham.edu/img/tagline.gif Since I re-joined the post-secondary world, I've been keeping more of an eye on education stories. This one takes the cake.
Framingham State College sent a letter to 6,000 of its alumni looking for a donation. They decided to try something different. This is different ... http://www.thebostonchannel.com/2008/1021/17773727.jpg
Now they did get 40 or so donations, totally about $2,000. But they also had to apologize, saying:
Bob.
Framingham State College sent a letter to 6,000 of its alumni looking for a donation. They decided to try something different. This is different ... http://www.thebostonchannel.com/2008/1021/17773727.jpg
Now they did get 40 or so donations, totally about $2,000. But they also had to apologize, saying:
"Our decision to send you a letter containing the words 'blah, blah' was a misguided and embarrassing attempt to connect with alumni in a different way. A few of you thought the letter amusing; others were offended, and for that I sincerely apologize. The last thing we want to be is disrespectful to you as a valued member of the Framingham State College alumni community. I hope you will forgive our error and continue to be proud of Framingham State College," in a letter from CHristopher Hendry, the college's VP of advancement.
So Framingham has apologized, and likely learned a lesson, and it would be easy to laugh at them. In fact, you have to chuckle. But where I refuse to be TOO mean is in that they tried SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
We're just starting to get a handle on how to really activate our relationship with our alumni. And while I hope we never make a mistake, I have every confidence we will. But if we are so conservative to avoid mistakes that we don't do anything innovative, we run the risk of just boring people.
While I don't think we will steal the copy from their letter, and I hope we don't have to write letters of apology, I do hope we have the chutzpah to shake things up, think outside the box, blah blah blah... er, let me rephrase. :-)
It's easy to be boring. It's hard to be innovative. I hope we can manage to be innovative without offending, and without ruffling feathers. But I doubt we can manage all of that all the time.
Bob.
October 20, 2008
How to fix Vista.
Even if it isn't true, it's damn funny:
Of course, I haven't had to switch to Vista yet. So I can still laugh, unlike others.
Ciao,
Bob.
Of course, I haven't had to switch to Vista yet. So I can still laugh, unlike others.
Ciao,
Bob.
October 16, 2008
Interviewing 101 -- and Answering 101
http://www.tvo.org/TVOOrg/Images/stevePortrait.jpg Canadians outside Ontario may know Steve Paikin from his role as a much-praised moderator of federal election debates in 2006 and 2008, or as a one-time anchor and reporter for CBC, or as an author of three books on politics.
However, Paikin is likely best-known in Ontario as the host of TV Ontario's flagship show The Agenda. The Agenda is an hour-long live current-affairs program that is a rare oasis of in-depth -- and almost entirely civil -- discussion of public issues on television. Sometimes the topics don't get me excited, but that's fine -- I don't expect a show to cater to my tastes exclusively.
But the show is inextricably linked to Paikin's ability to interview, to probe, to nudge, wheedle, and do whatever he must to get a good discussion going among his guests. He comes across as a man of formidable intelligence and seems to have a tremendous command of facts, unlike some others.
I would wager that Paikin has little troubl
However, Paikin is likely best-known in Ontario as the host of TV Ontario's flagship show The Agenda. The Agenda is an hour-long live current-affairs program that is a rare oasis of in-depth -- and almost entirely civil -- discussion of public issues on television. Sometimes the topics don't get me excited, but that's fine -- I don't expect a show to cater to my tastes exclusively.
But the show is inextricably linked to Paikin's ability to interview, to probe, to nudge, wheedle, and do whatever he must to get a good discussion going among his guests. He comes across as a man of formidable intelligence and seems to have a tremendous command of facts, unlike some others.
I would wager that Paikin has little troubl