John Follis
Shiny Metal Objects
Brand Marketing
Yes folks, it’s that time of year again when hearts go aflutter with visions of shiny metal objects. I’m speaking, of course, of awards season. There are at least 39 [...]
Second Thoughts on Second Life
Brand Marketing
When I first stepped into Second Life, I felt like Dorothy stepping out of her crashed house into Oz. I was blown away. The graphics, the architecture, the wild and [...]
Art & Commerce: Do We Have G Cred?
Brand Marketing
In this hype-happy, what-to-believe world, it comes down to a very basic, fundamental thing: credibility. How does one get it? How does one convincingly communicate it? And is there a [...]
Running On Empty
Brand Marketing
Warning: This column may cause discomfort, queasiness, irritability, sweaty palms and aggressive behavior. The subject? Your agency Web site—is it exciting anyone?OK, I’m guessing half of you just turned the [...]
Survivor: Mad Ave.
Brand Marketing
Like millions of others with nothing better to do on Thursday nights, I’ve munched on snack food while watching half-naked fortune seekers munch dried grasshoppers. I’ve scratched my belly as [...]
Selling God
Brand Marketing
Imagine advertising a product that 1) does everything; 2) costs nothing; 3) is available 24/7; and 4) comes with a lifetime warranty.Yeah, right. Well, listen to this. Three years ago, [...]
Art & Commerce: The Truth Hurts
Brand Marketing
Or, the word fudge wasn’t invented by ice-cream makers I love advertising. Unfortunately, though–and this may come as a shock–it doesn’t always tell the truth. Take Grape Nuts cereal, for [...]