QVIews

The Jeep web site featuring fictional Jeep-loving family The Mudds has been admired here, but I think I like Ford’s campaign even more. Instead of inventing a strange group of people, they hooked up with the adorable Norwegian pop group Hurra Torpedo, who play their music on kitchen appliances, zippers, concrete and other everyday non-musical…

I had heard about this campaign but put off posting it here until I found out how it’s working. Apparently, it’s killing. WSJ.com – Betting on the Web Works for AKQA by Christopher Lawton (subscription required) Your phone rings. On the line is a woman called Joanna Dark with a message. The job is done,…

Over at ChiefMarketer, they have a wonderful set of followup stories for some of their most popular stories of 2005. The Mitsubishi story (free gasoline) and the Bluefly story are both particularly sharp and unusual examples of companies drawing their audience closer. ChiefMarketer.com: What Happened Next: Following Up Some of the Year’s Stories by Tim…

Appliance and furniture makers are getting into the hotel business as a way for consumers to try living with their products, and hopefully falling in love with them. WSJ.com: How Much Is That Faucet In the Honeymoon Suite? by Cheryl Lu-Lien-Tan (subscription required Attorney Ashley Young says she became a Viking fan after spending a…

In addition to one of the most beautiful corporate sites I’ve seen recently, Ann Arbor-based Enlighten web agency has a charming viral marketing web site for creating excuses for not attending Xmas parties. In my opinion, the essence of viral marketing is not about promoting the brand, but promoting fun. If the brand is conveyed,…

I wish I could see the beach on wheels, but I doubt they will send it to Houston. However, I think creating a mini recreation of a destination in a trailer is a terrific idea. Maybe we should make a ‘Houston experience’ trailer and send it out. MediaPost Publications – Out to Launch by Amy…

Marketing is such a hard job, and publishing is such a brutally competitive business, it’s nice to see the hard work, patience and willingness to learn at Alfred A. Knopf, where they faced many challenges with the new Christ the Lord book by Anne Rice, who first earned success writing about sexy vampires. I’d like…

The Wall St. Journal has a long and interesting article about whether or not airlines will allow advertisers to promote their products in the cabin. It’s been happening off and on for a long time, but many airlines are worried that it could hurt their brand image. However, in some cases it may be a…

Here’s an innovative approach. Having trouble reaching the youth market? Well, first you could buy their eyeballs, for instance MySpace, but don’t stop there. Instead of advertising your existing products to them, why not develop an entirely new product line for your new captive audience? Highly clever and highly risky at the same time! Fox…