Well, that's new….

I've heard ads called a number of things over the years, not all them reprint able here…but Skype has come out with a new twist. Obviously in a bid to push advertising (they've got to start making money, somehow) they've introduced display ads on the screen next to your 'video call' screen'. But, wait for it…they've called them "conversation ads'. They see it as an opportunity 'for marketers to connect with hundreds of millions of users where they can have a meaningful conversation about brands in a highly engaging environment'.

Are they serious?

Do they really think that we talk about brands when we're having a chat to our friends or family.  "Must call mum and talk to her about the new diaper ad I just saw…gee it's good!"  or "I'd love you to come to dinner with me, there's something I'd like to ask you...oh wait can you see that tampon ad that I can see…isn't it clever?"

(a creative director needed to say to whoever thought of this:  "get your hands of it")

Please. Brands are important in life, but they are not our life.

Creating talk. Generating Commerce©

Is there a better brand than BBC ONE / David Attenborough?

What do you think?   

http://www.youtube.com/embed/auSo1MyWf8g?rel=0

It's more than just a mark!

We are amazed at the number of people (potential clients and one or two designers) who get confused over 'branding'. They think that branding is simply 'the brand', the trade mark that represents their company.
If only.
But that's not branding that's just a mark. It's an unintelligible scribble until you give it meaning. And it's that meaning that is the real brand.
Want some examples?
In the 70's and 80's when you saw the Volvo trade mark, you immediately thought of safety.
Same as the Nike Swoosh = a determination to be the best (just do it) and the Coke dynamic ribbon means 'refreshment'. A modern brand is an emotion, not an image. It's a promise the consumer can believe in and trust. And with a strong brand, every part of the company's communication works harder, including retail and social media.
Yes, that's right, you need brands in Social Media as well.
From here on in I think we'll stop talking about brands and instead talk about BusinessDNA. That way there's no doubt we're talking about more than just a pretty scribble.
Creating Talk. Generating Commerce©
For more of what we do go here http://www.meandbond.com