So I finally broke down and got a cell phone. After weighing my options for ten years I found a plan that makes sense :-). Since I can’t use a phone at work, and I don’t often get calls requesting my assistance with open heart surgery, it was hard for me to justify a lengthy contract. I was almost ready to sign a 2-year Sprint contract when a friend of mine suggested that I consider a prepaid plan. (more…)
Microsoft is taking a decidedly muted marketing approach with Zune, their potential iPod competitor. We’ve been inundated with ads for the incrementally improved iPod Nano and Shuffle, but there doesn’t seem to be an equivalent Zune campaign, despite the imminent November 14 release. Zune Insider offers a peek at some TV ads, and my opinion is mixed. (more…)
Earlier today I came across a Chartreuse editorial that likens Paris Hilton’s fame to that of YouTube and Digg. Ironically, several hours later, I found a Forbes.com article describing a deal between Warner Music Group and YouTube that manifests the comparison. (more…)
When perusing Microsoft’s Coding4Fun community site I came across a blog entry from the VS Express Lead Project Manager describing the Made in [SQL Server] Express contest: “like American Idol, *you* get to choose who wins the Community Award! See below for more information on these fun, cool, and useful applications!”. Pop culture references? Contests? Get your XXTreme flair today, dude! Microsoft is clearly making an all-fronts Web2.0-enabled marketing push. Even the Word Team just started a blog! (more…)
Apple’s marketing has effectively garnered mindshare for over twenty years. GUIdebook posted an early Macintosh ad campaign from a 1984 Newsweek wherein Apple bought all 39 pages of the advertising space. Here’s an Apple to Apple comparison to today’s ad campaigns. (more…)