We’re all still trying to figure out the practical uses of Google Wave, but we can’t help but be impressed by this video Whirled Interactive put together. It’s been a crazy year, and what better way to recap than via crazy new technology.
Archive for December, 2009
Social Media Book Club
Monday, December 28th, 2009Okay, so starting a book club might be a bit much, but I thought I would share a few of our favorite Social Media resources to help you start the new year with a new perspective – that is, if you’re interested (and you SHOULD be interested).
Groundswell (by Charlene Li): Written in a way that will appeal to both Social Media novices and well-versed participants, this book is filled with useful information and case studies.
The Facebook Era: Tapping Online Social Networks to Build Better Products, Reach New Audiences, and Sell More Stuff (by Clara Shih): This is a terrific resource for all things Facebook. Clara Shih is the go-to gal when it comes to Facebook and her eloquent style comes through each page.
Trust Agents (by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith): In my humble opinion, Chris Brogan is the man when it comes to understanding Social Media and human connections via online communities. His book is evidence of his expertise and offers tons of great advice and real world examples.
I’m Not Mad – I’m Just Disappointed
Sunday, December 27th, 2009Dear AT&T,
It has come to my attention that lately you’ve been a bit of a grump about the network usage. You say you’d like for my fellow iPhone devotees and me to cool it on the data consumption. Now, while I don’t live in New York or San Francisco, the mere fact that you are taking on your biggest fans has left me, well, displeased.
Here’s the thing: you give us this wonderful toy to play with, loaded with fabulous applications, abilities and magical wonders, and then ask (not even that politely) for us to limit our playtime?! How is that fair? These folks that you’re speaking to – the ones that you say are bogging down your network with their constant usage – they’re the ones passing along the good word about AT&T. They are the ones you should be keeping happy.
What’s the deal guys? If I can’t use the phone/network and all the fantastic things that come with it, then what’s the point of paying for it in the first place?
Sincerely,
Sad & Disappointed in Long Beach
Spark of Genius
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009It’s a holiday miracle!
I just discovered the wonderful world of Image Spark! Gone are the days of stifled creativity thanks in part to this absolutely fabulous community that invites you to share inspiration.
Image Spark allows you to upload and create a library of images that inspire you—from a black and white picture of man on a park bench, to a photo you took of that cute apartment on 2nd street.
Now when you are in need of a creative springboard you can jump onto Imgspark.com and browse through your own library of logos, album artwork, paintings, product typography and more!
WOOHOO! Go. Explore. Create!
(Image to the right is one that I just loved. I found it by browsing through the community uploads.)
The MOTHER of All SPAM Messages
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009Most of us are aware of the dangers of e-mail scams that show up in our spam folders from bogus charities or a Nigerian prince. If you are too smart for that though, you wouldn’t have benefited from Mother London’s version of spam. The London agency sent an e-mail to hundreds of people offering up $10,000 to first person to reply back to them with their name and full bank information. Watch what happens when they bring the money to an individual who actually responded to the e-mail.
How’s that for a happy ending?
Super Bowl Ad Newbies Pull Back the Curtain
Monday, December 21st, 2009Everyone knows that advertising during the Super Bowl is an absurdly expensive proposition – a risk/reward gambit of epic proportions. After all, the $2 million that you spend on 30 measly seconds of airwave while one team’s coach decides whether or not to go for it on fourth and inches can be the stuff of marketing legend – or just forgotten completely.
Newcomer’s HomeAway – who will be launching a Griswold-themed campaign during Super Bowl XLIV – have given AdAge an inside glimpse at what this undertaking entails for first-time Super Bowl marketers that don’t want to fumble badly on the national stage. It’s a fascinating look at the research, planning and finger-crossing that go along with such a costly endeavor.
We (heart) the Holiday Spirit
Friday, December 11th, 2009This year, instead of our traditional employee gift exchange, everybody here at Gunn/Jerkens will be donating a gift to Children Today, a local Long Beach charity that focuses on assisting homeless children. In addition, we’ll be volunteering for shifts at the charity’s gift store, which allows parents in need to “shop” for toys for their children as well as basic care items such as toiletries, towels and blankets. It’s a great program that helps make the holidays special for those that have hit hard times.
The goal of Children Today is “to increase the safety, stability and confidence of children facing homelessness, and provide quality early care and education programs absolutely free of charge.” They’ve opened two programs, Play House West and Play House North, free, licensed child development and daycare centers for children of ages six weeks to six years. As parents work on rebuilding their lives through programs at the Long Beach Multi-Service Center for the Homeless, they can feel confident that their children are being cared for in a safe, nurturing environment at no charge.
We feel very fortunate to be able to reach out to our local community, especially during the holiday season. If you’d like to learn more about Children Today, or if you’d like to make a donation, please visit childrentoday.org.
