New Blog

No more posting at My 2 Cents! Check out The Media Artist for all my musings, rantings and observations.

Megan McCain's Blog is Genius

So before I read this blog, I had no opinion of John McCain. None. I am the most apathetic person when it comes to politics. However, after reading one post, I already felt like I know John McCain - the dad. And since I have a great relationship with my dad, I kinda had good feelings about John McCain. Hmm...could this be intentional? Of course! McCain's campaign people are genius! Having his daughter blogging about life on the campaign trail is intriguing. Has this ever happened before? Not that I recall...

Oh, and the professional photographer and video person help too. That's one well produced blog, for sure! Check it out here: Megan McCain's blog, McCain Blogette.

Oh so clever advertisers have "Jumper" jumping into another commercial

Why are they messing with our heads? At first I thought, "Now that's interesting." and then I got bored. It's way too lengthy at a minute and a half. Cool idea, but they lost me.

Psych is back!

I have to share my sheer happiness that Psych is back airing new episodes. With this writers strike promoting the spread of reality television (ugh), I personally thank execs at USA for giving me television shows I'm not embarrassed to admit to watching (unlike VH1's Rock of Love...I would never watch that crap...ever...I swear).

The blog is changing

Everything else changes, so why not this blog? Plus I'm getting kinda sick of the name and colors. So be on the lookout - a new blog is coming!

Electronic Tearsheets - WTF?

Just a quick rant about electronic tearsheets. In case you don't know what I'm talking about, here's the deal. When you buy advertising in a print vehicle, it is common for us media buyers to require proof that it ran correctly. This means that the magazine or newspaper has to physically tear out a copy of the ad and send it to us (hence the name 'tearsheet').

I don't mean to pick on my favorite newspaper ever, but the Savannah Morning News has decided that electronic tearsheets are an acceptable substitute for the real thing. They think that they can just sent me a pdf of their newspapers layout and that I should have faith that my ad ran correctly. This is such bullshit. Seriously. SMN, great way to reduce the number of makegoods!

Ok, breathe. I'm done now. Just had to use my blog to publicly vent.

It's here again...Christmas Party Pics

Once again, Kidd Group has hosted an unbelievable soirée for it's talented staff (props to us). I personally believe that the health of an organization is reflected in how cool their holiday party is (like many of my beliefs, this is not rooted in any sort of factual information). This years theme was "A Red Carpet Affair" and I think the pictures really speak for themselves...

Facebook Screws Up Again

Will my beloved time-killer ever learn? First news feeds, then the Beacon ad system. Zuckerberg, here's a bit of advice: this is a social network. It belongs to its members. Don't violate their privacy!

I'm back...

Just got back from a fun weekend in New York - and now I'm exhausted! We did a lot of partying, shopping, eating, walking and saw some really interesting sites. Also got to visit a few friends while there (shouts to Zahra, Emily, Nydia and Kevin!). Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get up there in time for AdTech, but who wants to think about work when on vacation? Well, I guess I did think about it a little...(loving the view from my plane seat...who would've thought to put a URL in that spot? Overzealous marketer!).

And a few more photos...I just can't help myself!


(Beertopia at the Village PourHouse)

(Museum of Sex...which was pretty much terrible...don't recommend even though we had a good laugh at the signage).
(Emily and myself at Rosa Mexicana)

Campaign to Target Those That Create Campaigns to Target...

Weird, yes. But very cool. I love seeing campaigns targeting media planners and buyers (and directors - I've been promoted! sweet!). This one from USAToday has been running in the past few issues of Advertising Age. I've seen three in the series so far and I came across one in an Ad Age e-newsletter. I'll scan in the others next week when I get back from my annual trip to NYC (gotta get some big city time in).

I just love it. That's so funny and so dead on - especially the antacid. Definitely had a few late nights fighting with Excel and some Tums would have come in handy. As far as the Media Lounge thing they are promoting...um...I don't really get what it is, to be honest. And I was so excited to learn since the ads were so insightful. Darn.

Review: Historic Photos of Tallahassee by Andrew Edel

I was recently sent a book for review on this blog, which was a first that I was really excited about. When I read the title I was even more excited because though I've never alluded to the fact that I'm kind of a history buff, my family and I have this weird fascination with anything ancient. For mom, it's cemeteries. Dad loves war monuments. Sis and I both go for historic sites.

The book is titled, "Historic Photos of Tallahassee" by Andrew Edel and is obviously a collection of old photos of the city I'm currently a resident. Now, I'm no photography expert by any means, but these pictures were pretty cool. Mostly because a lot of the structures are still standing today; it was fun to see what Monroe Street and the Wescott Building looked like back in the day. And who doesn't love old-timey photos of unsmiling families and politicos of the day? But while the unique photos give this book coffee-table-worthy status, it's the captions on the photos that prove an extra 3o words can really say a lot more than the thousand from the picture. I was impressed by the thorough research and appreciate the attention to detail.

Overall, Historic Photos of Tallahassee was enjoyable and surprisingly informative. If you are a Tallahassee native or just love history, I would recommend picking this up. Or if you're just looking for a neat book for your coffee table or guest room, this would be a great option.

You Want to Work in Advertising?!

This is pretty awesome.

Hooters Magazine

I was doing some research on Atlanta magazines and came across Hooters Magazine. Yes folks, it exists. Just thought I'd share.

Hooters Magazine

Check this out

http://bravia.sony.eu/bravia.html

The spots on this site are just so cool. Wish I could have been in the city when it was being shot.

Scored some tickets...

Last night my friend Ashley and I headed out to FSU to see Marcus Roberts in concert. Mr. Roberts is a legendary jazz pianist who also happens to be blind, so it was pretty inspiring to hear him play. And of course it was good to get a little culture! So thanks to my rep for the ticket hook up...

PR Apprentice, Florida State Victory and a Weekend in Jax

Check out www.PRApprentice.com for our PR team's intern competition.

Highlights from this weekend:

My sister and her friend Kim completed their first half marathon. Pretty impressive, huh?

Florida State beat NC State this weekend. 4th win in a row for the Noles.

University of Florida lost to LSU (::devilish grin::). 2nd loss in a row for the Gators.

I got to have a weekend out of Tally and visit a friend in Jacksonville.

So apologies for being a less than stellar blogger... :)

PR Apprentice

Our PR team is holding this amazing competition this spring for their interns. The prize? A job with Kidd PR! How sweet is that?

The site should go live in the next day or so...I'll post a link. It's hilarious!

Sprucing Up House

Time for a Kidd Group update. We've been discussing for the past year and working for the past couple months on how we are going to promote our agency. Of course, while discussing how we will promote the agency, we came across some internal stuff that needed some changing. Some processes that we wanted to fine-tune before we shared them with the world. Kind of like re-decorating an already nice house for company.

Basically, we wanted to be sure that everything we were saying we believed ourselves. Which is what we usually have our clients do. We call it a "Brand Discovery Session." What a cool process. We've hashed-out answers to questions like "why do we do that?" and "how can we do this better?" and probably my favorite part so far, "who is Kidd Group?" It's like being a teenager all over but without braces.

I can't tell you what we've discovered - that's top secret for now - but I can say that I'm excited to promote this agency. More to come. But in the interim, here's a link to a great blog for an even greater agency, Plaid, who has been doing just what I've been talking about. Pretty sweet stuff they have going on and I love that they love their new brand.

Personality Tests

I think it's common knowledge that personality tests typically tell you things about yourself that you already know. I just took the Kiersey tests (available here) as part of an assignment for an Organizational Communication course I'm taking this semester. There's a free mini test you can take and it told me I was a "guardian." The profile definitely fits me. I'm interested in seeing how my professor will relate this to the workplace. I'm sure there is link between certain personality types and how they handle responsibility...

Facebook Apps Multiply and Bug the Crap Out of People

My sister and I were talking about Facebook last night and she gave me this awesome quote:

"The other day someone sent me a beer on Facebook. What the hell? A virtual beer? I'd like to send them a virtual kick in the ass."

WCTV Preview Party

Susan (new assistant media buyer) and I went to WCTV's (local CBS affiliate) Fall 07 preview party this past Tuesday night. It was definitely fun and entertaining to see what is up-coming for the new season. In the past, I haven't always been as aware of all the new programming as I have this season. So I'll be posting some predictions for the new season this weekend. I bet the 5 of you that read this blog are waiting with bated breath!!!

Oh, click the link to see pics of me and Susan posing with some of the local news anchors at the party. I like that they refer to us as "fans." The reality is that I watch very little local news...unless Mr. Beyer from WTXL is on...

VMAs

Just wanted to say that Sara Silverman's relentless insulting of Britney Spears at this years VMAs was perfect as Brit's performance was pretty terrible. Real strippers are more inspired...

Equal Airtime for Politicians Sucks

Apparently NBC will not be re-running episodes of Law and Order co-staring Fred Thompson b/c then they would have to offer all other political candidates equal airtime. Unfortunately for TNT and USA, Law and Order pulls some of their highest ratings and they can't just not run it.

This whole equal air time thing is such crap. In fact, all political advertising is crap as well. Besides, Fred Thompson's portrayal of District Attorney Arthur Branch is the perfect advertisement - a government man who handles his power and influence in a wise and discerning manner. As a fan of the show, I could easily picture Thompson delivering his state of the union address the same way he delivers his lines on Law and Order. No advertisement can match that, in my opinion.

I think it's time to do away with these laws...I understand why they are there, but it makes my job that much more difficult during election years. Besides, we're in the information age, people! You don't need cash to get your message out anymore...

Good Morning

Who watches the morning news? Anyone under 25? Yea, I didn't think so. Personally, I'm just trying to get in one more hit on the snooze button. However, I watched the morning news yesterday due to a restless night and boy I'm glad I did. Haven't had a crush on a TV personality since middle school, but Tallahassee's ABC affiliate has one cute morning news anchor. I guess I'll have to help those ratings out and watch some AM news! Enjoy, ladies :)

Dell Commercial Song is Awesome

I came across the new Dell Inspiron laptop commercial today. The one with all the colors. Well, the song in that commercial is absolutely perfect and thanks to Yahoo! Answers, I can tell you the band is Flaming Lips and the song is called, "The Wand." I actually really like the commercial but I think if I told any ad friends they would just mock me (apparently we're only supposed to like Apple advertising). Adrants has already proclaimed their disapproval. Oh well. I like it, I think it's cool that they are finally offering colors and I wish my Inspiron 6000 was red.



ps Yea I know the 6000 isn't that current...got it at the start of grad school...

Since when is TP a USP?

Today I heard - quite possibly - the worst radio commercial. Of course, nothing beats car spots but as far as thought-out, properly produced commercials go this one takes the cake.

Poor Paul's Pourhouse, a Tallahassee watering-hole exclusively reserved for people missing incisors, is the proud advertiser. The spot touts a new gimmick to lure drinkers to this fine establishment. Charmin toilet paper will now be stocked in the ladies room on Tuesday night (the weekly ladies night). Yes, only Tuesday night. Any other night of the week you can expect to simply 'shake.'

If that promotion wasn't weird enough (yea, I get that "Penny Pitchers" was already taken, but toilet paper? Seriously?), the rational is that - and I quote - "a dry customer is a happy customer." Ugh. They just lost me as a customer (and they need more of me - what with my teeth and all!). But hey, at least Charmin is getting some free publicity...


If this isn't Charmin, I'm outta here.

Flexing my copywriting muscles

So I'll probably never be a copywriter, but when my fellow advertising obsessed friend Heather told me of a just-plain-bad birthday gift she recently received, it reminded me of those wonderful Budweiser radio spots and I had to write one for her. So here ya go Heather:

Bud Light Presents: Real American Heroes
(Real American Heroes)
Today we salute you, Mr. Crappy Birthday Gift Giver.
(Mr. Crappy Birthday Gift Giver)
Every year, you're gift is the one we dread: inspirational message pillows, self-help books and that singing fish wall plaque.
(that fish never shuts up)
Leaving aside all common courtesy and taste, your reckless purchases embarrass and force us to lie to your face.
(“Thank you – I love it!”)
No amount of fancy wrapping can hide that re-gift, used gift card or homemade ash tray.
(Put down that glue gun!)
So crack open an ice-cold Bud Light, O King of the $5 DVD bin. Cause when the giving gets tough, you give up.
(Mr. Crappy Birthday Gift Giver...)

Sonic Commercials

I never knew about Sonic until I moved out of South Florida. I think it's really weird to drive thru and then just sit in your car and eat. Not my dining style, but I LOVE their commercials - especially the ones featuring the couple.




and here are the Sonic guys responding to original commercials posted to YouTube (you know your spots are good when people copy 'em - "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"). I think this is a genius move by Sonic - way to embrace online video. And it fits the characters and feel of the campaign so perfectly.

Music videos from around the world

My sister and I have found a new YouTube obsession: weird music videos from other countries. A lovely mash up of choreographed dance and cliche music video standards that apparently transcend culture and time (ie singing in pouring rain). Here are two favorites:






I'm kinda glad I don't know what they are saying. More to be posted if found worthy :)

Ignited Creates New Media Dictionary

Not going to get into the details of how I stumbled upon this (let's just say it involved a Google search for "Advertising Rockstar"). But this is a really great idea! What a good way to promote your agency.

Ignited New Media Dictionary

Sprint Tells Customers to Take a Hike (seriously)

Keep it up Sprint, and you may have no more customers left to fire.


Read the story here.

this is one crazy house

Came across this from Brandflakes for Breakfast and then followed the links back to the original post. Apparently a bunch of artists saw a house that was scheduled to be demolished and decided to give us a little design treat! Personally, I love the photos of the people pretending to be sucked into the tunnel.

This job comes with benefits

So any new media buyer can expect a few things. Craziness. Sucking up. Having to be a bitch. Spending all day on the phone. Scrambling. Math. Free lunch (sweet). Station swag (hello American Idol umbrella). And my favorite so far - pilot DVDs. Oh yes, Michelle got the hook up this year from the CW and Fox. They sent me this coming season's pilots - which is so much cooler than a free lunch!

Unfortunately, not liking the stuff coming from Fox. Sorry guys, I love your network but I'll just hold out for new episodes of my old fave, Prison Break.

The real surprise was the CW. Their stuff looked first rate and there are 2 shows in particular that are going to completely rock. The first is called "Reaper." This show is about this guy who's parents sold his soul to the devil and now he is basically a bounty hunter for Satan. Of course, this is a comedy and the Devil is hilarious. Also, the main character has a best friend/sidekick that I find ridiculously amusing in the same way my guy friends find doing keg stands and 2-story funnels.

The other show I see having a bright future is Gossip Girl. This one is pretty much Cruel Intentions: NYC. Antics of rich kids in the east side are reported on the blog, Gossip Girl, and the blogger becomes the fly-on-the-wall narrator. I have heard that some of the characters are off (the show is inspired by a book series of the same name), but not being a reader of the series, I like it a lot. It's neat to see a show that incorporates teens using technology in a very sophisticated way. When I was a teen (which wasn't that long ago) we weren't that wired. Anyway, they've got my eyeballs.

Before and After

Before the paint job:


After the paint job and before cleaning:

painting my house

is really not exciting...but I do love choosing colors! There are so many options, it almost gets overwhelming. I chose a bright gold-ish yellow for the living room, kitchen and master bedroom...light yellow to accent the kitchen and halls. Browns and reds for the bathrooms (which have yet to be painted). Next stop: new furniture!