Cool Rules Pronto

“There are many methods for predicting the future. For example, you can read horoscopes, tea leaves, tarot cards, or crystal balls. Collectively, these methods are known as ‘nutty methods.’ Or you can put well-researched facts into sophisticated computer models, more commonly referred to as ‘a complete waste of time.’” — Scott Adams, The Dilbert Future

I recently attended a meeting at one of the world’s largest PR agencies. In the midst of a luxurious high-tech conference room featuring an HDTV and a tower of high-quality donuts, the agency told its client — an Internet start-up — that it needed to conduct more research. The client was visibly shocked…

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One company’s tumble is another company’s primo opportunity — if that opportunity is approached creatively. Here’s a brilliant example from this week’s business pages…

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When the economy is singing the hardcore blues — kind of like now — many businesses are tempted to lower their prices. My advice? Don’t…

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“In this very real world, good doesn’t drive out evil. Evil doesn’t drive out good. But the energetic displaces the passive.” — Bill Bernbach, advertising legend

Last week I spoke on a panel at the National Broadcasting Society AERho Convention, addressing a group of college students about careers in the media. We were in the heart of the Disneyland Resort, amidst thousands of tourists wearing Mickey Mouse ears and celebrating America’s greatest media brand. It was the perfect place to discuss the future of media and how these aspiring young professionals could rule it. It also was a great demo of the difference between old school and new school mentalities…

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Who ever imagined that naming a company would become a game of speed and chance?

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A Flash-based website is like a supermodel date: awesome to look at, but after a while, you’ll just want someone who can carry on a conversation…*

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It’s only a penny, but it’s compelling millions of consumers to rush out and stock up before it’s too late…

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During the South Carolina Democratic debate, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were roundly criticized for attacking each other instead of addressing the issues. I, too, was initially irked by their misbehavior — but then it occurred to me that this was classic marketing strategy in action…

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I love checking my blog stats, not just the raw numbers of views, but also such info as where my traffic is coming from. That’s how I discovered that my article on Wal-Mart had been cited by the Wall Street Journal. Woohoo — I’ve got Street cred!

I’m most intrigued by the search-engine terms that lead to Cool Rules Pronto. Who Googled “Freddy Nager blog”? And why is somebody researching “Spicoli origin”?

Here’s the key factoid I learned from looking at these search-engine terms: name dropping works….

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I thought I had left gambling behind in Vegas, but when I got home to L.A., I found TWO letters from companies offering me extended warranties on products I bought last year. One was from my favorite technolust provider, Apple, offering to extend the warranty on my MacBook for three years for $249. Like most Apple creations, the pitch was good, using terms like “peace of mind” (in bright red letters at the top) and “protect your investment.” The only things missing were the free drinks as I laid my bet…

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Frankenstein created a monster. And advertisers created the banner ad. Fortunately, advertisers can still fix their hideous beast before it gets totally toasted by us villagers…

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