Isn't Diesel stupid?

Diesel's latest campaign in the US says: Be stupid. Is it their way of saying 'be crazy' or 'be wild' or perhaps 'be screwed up in your heads'? Dunno for sure. But to finger a Siberian tiger or get squashed by an elephant is not something that appeals to the generation they are talking to. Here are some pics from the campaign, anyway.

Posted by Murali.

The ineffectiveness of digital advertising

It's sad but true. For all the prowess that it promises, internet advertising hasn't really taken off. That's the truth. The reason for this has been attributed to many things. Digital Analytics expert Philip W Sawyer blames creative. And the sheer failure from the digital professionals' part to understand the medium.

Read his argument here.

Posted by Murali.

Remembering Suresh Mullick

Kudos to Ogilvy for putting up a nice e-book on Suresh Mullick, the man behind the anthem 'Mile Sur Mera Tumhara' and many other stellar campaigns of the '70s and '80s. For those who don't know about him, this e-book is a great place to start. He was Piyush's only boss and as Mani Aiyer says, the creative soul of Ogilvy in those days.

Go here to read the e-book. It's surely worth your time.

Posted by Murali.

Alfa Romeo in a shopping trolley

Nice piece of ambient work from Duval Guillaume, Brussels for the automobile brand, Alfa Romeo. It was a campaign that showcased the price reduction of the car - which meant it fitted your pocket, in this case, your shopping trolley quite easily.

Posted by Murali.

The top public service ads of the decade

Campaign Brief magazine has put down a list of top ads (films) which straddled the public service / charity space. These ads, according to the mag not only appealed to the jury but also were great success stories for the causes they represented.

Go have a dekko here.

Posted by Murali.

Top Buzzwords for Social Media

Since most of us are into some form of social media, this article on Adage is worth a read. The author has put down top 20 buzzwords that best encapsulate our daily travels (or should it be travails?) into the social media landscape.

Here we go.

Posted by Murali.

Dave Trott, speaking to Vinny Warren

Even if you haven’t a clue who they are, read the interview. Here.

Posted by Niru.

The people have tweeted!

A testimonial ad with actual peoplespeak. See here.

Posted by Niru.

Save your logo

Not from meddling clients, but from extinction. Many companies that have modeled their logos after powerful, evocative animal symbols, are realizing that those species are probably not going to be around! Some of the more altruistic ones are trying to save these signature creatures. Read the full story here.

Posted by Niru.

A tad too desperate attempt at selling themselves

Barcelona creative shop Iskiam Jara sent this Direct Mailer to prospective clients. It was their way of doing a new-biz pitch. As you would have guessed it's the creatives' blood in those test tubes (not real, yet bizzare). The lengths agencies go to to sell themselves, has hit an all-time high. Or, more appropriately, all-time low?

Courtesy: Copyranter.

Posted by Murali.

The dumbest passwords on Twitter

Now, since everyone is on Twitter, here's something to chew on. Twitter has compiled 370 passwords which according to them is absolutely dumb. So, before you get your account with them (if you haven't already, that is), then you need to go through this list.

Courtesy: Gawker.com.

Posted by Murali.

Vincent - A short film by Tim Burton

Youtube link courtesy: Vinoo Krishnan.

Posted by Murali.

Unemployed brothers from Batesville, Indiana get $1million for their Frito Lay spot which will be aired at Super Bowl

Anyone can now make a spot. Get it aired at Super Bowl. And make tons of money. Ask the now famous brothers from Batesville, Indiana.

Go read how even you can do it.

Posted by Murali.

10 advertising wishes for Twenty 10

May slowdown become an obsolete word.

May clients see better value in their agencies and reward them better.

May agencies see clients as their brand partners and vice versa.

May advertising awards be shorn of tomfoolery.

May the award jury members practice what they preach.

May some honourable men stop making advertising into a song and dance tamasha.

May we progress beyond the 30-second spot and the 60-cc ad.

May we walk the talk when it comes to digital.

May we as an industry get back the sheen to attract brighter talent.

May advertising once again become the profession where you can have most fun with your clothes on.

Posted by Murali.