Facebook evolves into mourning community - Features

Facebook evolves into mourning community - Features: "In a matter of hours, groups sprung up on the social networking site, denouncing the shootings, offering condolences and posting names of the dead and wounded. "

Sounds like a post of mine from a few days ago. I just think this is such an interesting topic - and it is a shame that it took such a tragedy for Facebook to evolve from a time-killer to a legit information outlet and means for communication. Advertisers, take note.

I will run miles for beer

It's true - as referenced in this picture. The Palace Saloon 5K is the best race in the whole world.

Candlelit vigil at FSU

This is an amazing photo of FSU students gathering on Landis green to support Virginia Tech.

Grief on Facebook

As I obsessively checked my facebook on Monday afternoon, I noticed I had been invited to a new group: God Be With Va Tech (FSU Chapter). Later that night I was invited to be a part of a candle-lit vigil on our campus's main green the following night. Thousands of students have joined similar groups on facebook and have organized vigils all over the country. And all of this occurred the same day the shootings took place.
I really hope some vigilant grad student (which will not be me, sorry guys) does a study on this. I think it is incredible that so many people can come together so quickly and so decisively through the web. This is the kind of stuff that makes me believe that social networks like facebook have a long future ahead of them.

Tighter Gun Control

Not usually a very political person...but recent events make me want to voice my opinion. Guns are used for killing. There is no other reason. If guns weren't so easy to get a hold of, a lot of people would probably still be alive today. I think it's time for our country to realize that there is possible causation between our lax gun laws and our murder rate. We are a civilized country that no longer needs arms to protect ourselves. This isn't a personal freedom thing. Tell that to the families of those murdered at Virginia Tech.

FSU Ad Team rules

Quick brag post for my alma mater! FSU's Ad Team (Arrowhead Advertising) took home first place in the state and will represent Florida at the National Student Advertising Competition! 2 of our former interns were part of the winning team and we're so proud of them :) Go Ilyas and Jessica!

Boy I miss my days of NSAC meetings and late night scrambles! Good luck to FSU at national competition :)

Photo of the Yahoo! Clique at competition YEARS ago - I'm the one in the middle ;) Hopefully this years team will be a little more focused...

Newspaper Readership Increasing?

I'm skeptical. But according to a study from NAD (Newspaper Audience Data), newspaper circulation is on the rise as over 1,000 newspapers now reach 100 million readers. Here is my favorite quote from the release:
“…newspapers are succeeding in driving new innovations and growing their audiences in both size and value… no better time to launch our 2007 newspaper value campaign than the very day we provide advertisers with audience data spanning the medium’s full portfolio of print and digital products.”

Riiight. I did a little informal survey of my office to see just how many people read the hard copy of the newspaper and/or the online version. The results: 42% read online versions and 21% read the hard copy. Only one person read both! This is nowhere near the "65.8% of adults 18-34 that read the newspaper over the course of the week." And I live in Tallahassee, which isn't a top 50 metro like those cited in the study, but then don't smaller papers usually have a more loyal following?

My thoughts are that the hard copy is NOT driving the online versions, but actually replacing them. Also, many people in my office stated that the online newspaper is just one of many news sources in addition to BBC online, Reuters, CNN and MSN. With the addition of people relying on RSS, I think it's only a matter of time before newspapers become a thing of the past.

Good Quote...

Allison from PR sent this quote out today:

“Green marketing is about making (breakthrough) green stuff seem normal, not about making normal stuff seem green.” - John Grant

I love this quote b/c it 'hit the nail on the head' about the green movement. I think it's important for our clients to realize (ie - for us to inform our clients) that green initiatives should be taken seriously and not just something to use for publicity.

I read an article today (also provided by Allison - she's so on top of things) where Danny Seo, author of Simply Green says, "...For a long time I think people have been saying you gotta go green because it's good for you, because it's good for the planet. But no one wants to do that for that reason alone. You have to make it affordable and stylish and exciting, because at the end of the day, that's what good marketing is."



Above is a wallpaper print from Mod Green Pod, a green home decor company located in Boston. Perfect example of green products that look stylish and modern.

Make green the new "it" thing would be really cool. I see Target-esque TV spots showing hip, enviro-friendly products. And simple, clean packaging. And interesting on-the-street product demonstrations. I think the possibilities are endless!

Kidd PR wins lots of awards!

So our PR crew cleaned up at this year's FRPA Image awards. They took home a total of 6 awards including the grand-daddy of image awards: the Grand All Image award! Congratulations PR - you guys are really making a name for yourselves :)

Ad-ology, you complete me.

Our agency has been an Ad-ology subscriber for a while now, but I always forget to use it. Then I remember it's there, use it, and then think, "gosh, I love Ad-ology. I should use this more." So I'm resolving to turn to Ad-ology a little more often. If you're not familiar with the service, Ad-ology is an agency tool that compiles all kinds of research into reports that can be used by advertising agencies. It reports industry spending levels, cross-references census data, reports agency news, etc. A lot of the info is available from other sources (ex - census website), but Ad-ology puts it together so well. Great for pitches, media plans, new clients, or even just as a refresher.

Ad-ology