AT&T is suing Verizon for it's commercial called "There's a Map for That." AT&T believes the commercials are misleading and that customers will believe that they won't get service in the areas the service doesn't have 3G coverage. The map shows white space that indicates where AT&T doesn't have 3G service, but that doesn't mean they don't have service in those areas at all.
AT&T is asking Verizon to simply change the wording of the ad so it isn't as misleading. They don't want them to stop running the ad completely. We will have to wait and see how this case turns out!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Do Something Awards
VH1 has partnered with DoSomething.org to create an award show for young people and social change. VH1 will televise the 2010 Do Something Awards on July 27, 2010. The Do Something organization has honored young world-changers since 1996.
Five nominees will be rewarded a community grant, participation in the live tv show, media coverage, and continued support from Do Something. The winner will receive $100,000.
http://www.dosomething.org/programs/awards
Five nominees will be rewarded a community grant, participation in the live tv show, media coverage, and continued support from Do Something. The winner will receive $100,000.
http://www.dosomething.org/programs/awards
Monday, November 30, 2009
Paranormal Activity
Paranormal Activity is a scary movie made in 2007 that surprised many with its huge success and popularity with almost no advertising or publicity. The film, a movie about a couple haunted by a demon, was shown at a few festivals and then it was released in 13 college towns. It sold out in 12 of the 13 towns. The producer then put the film on eventful.com so people could vote where the film should be released next.
Because of it's success, the producer decided to release it in 20 more towns, where it sold out 33 of the showings. The producer announced he would release it in 40 markets if he got 1,000,000 requests online. He got the desired requests, and the rest is history.
Paranormal Activity grossed $107.1 million in the U.S. and Canada, making it most profitable independent film. This is with literally no advertising or publicity. This story shows how much word-0f-mouth advertising and publicity really matters and how big of an impact it can have in certain markets.
Because of it's success, the producer decided to release it in 20 more towns, where it sold out 33 of the showings. The producer announced he would release it in 40 markets if he got 1,000,000 requests online. He got the desired requests, and the rest is history.
Paranormal Activity grossed $107.1 million in the U.S. and Canada, making it most profitable independent film. This is with literally no advertising or publicity. This story shows how much word-0f-mouth advertising and publicity really matters and how big of an impact it can have in certain markets.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Modern Mousekateers
An article in this month's Time magazine titled "How Disney Builds Stars" talked about Disney's ability to manufacture teen talent. Superstars like Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, and Selena Gomez all got their start from Disney.
Disney not only manufactures these stars, they have developed ways to keep them with Disney for extended periods of time, instead of branching out to other endeavors (like Hillary Duff). The current model for Disney teen stars is attractive, wholesome 14-18 year olds who can act, sing, and dance. These triple threats have helped Disney stay afloat, despite dropping theme park attendance and DVD sales.
Disney is on the forefront of promoting young stars. They start with a 30-minute sitcom, a record deal with their own Hollywood Records, and a concert tour with Disney-owned Buena Vista concerts. Add on tie-in merchandise and heavy song rotation on Radio Disney and Disney movie soundtracks, and you have a winner.
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1930657,00.html
Disney not only manufactures these stars, they have developed ways to keep them with Disney for extended periods of time, instead of branching out to other endeavors (like Hillary Duff). The current model for Disney teen stars is attractive, wholesome 14-18 year olds who can act, sing, and dance. These triple threats have helped Disney stay afloat, despite dropping theme park attendance and DVD sales.
Disney is on the forefront of promoting young stars. They start with a 30-minute sitcom, a record deal with their own Hollywood Records, and a concert tour with Disney-owned Buena Vista concerts. Add on tie-in merchandise and heavy song rotation on Radio Disney and Disney movie soundtracks, and you have a winner.
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1930657,00.html
Monday, October 26, 2009
Food with Integrity
Chipotle, a popular semi-fast food Mexican restaurant, is popular not only for it's enormous burittos. It is popular for it's promise to customers that their food is fresh and not full of unnatural substances, like antibiotics.
Chipotle's motto is "Food with Integrity." These are not just words though. Steve Ellis, the founder and CEO of Chipotle, is dedicated to keeping the products fresh, the farms and dairies sustainable, and the food tasty. The following link to their website further explains their goals and practices.
The great thing about Chipotle from PR perspective is that it lets the world know what a great job it is doing, which in turns help business. Chipotle has huge billboards advertising the fact that their chicken is antibiotic free. Printed on their cups are stories about how Chipotle is making their food safer and how they support family-run farms and dairies.
Chipotle is an excellent example of a restaurant that doesn't keep money as their bottom line. They realize that if they maintain a good relationship with their publics, business will flourish and grow, like it has for Chipotle.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Spit Blood TCU
I saw a link to a website called Spitbloodtcu.com. Obviously, I was intrigued so I decided to check it out. It turns out it is a blog a former TCU student about the TCU football team. It combines humor with legitimate sports knowledge. This blog appeals to fans of all levels because it's not cut and dry statistics like other sports blogs. Any TCU fans should check this blog out.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Up-and-comers
CNN.com published an article titled "40 under 40." It contains a list of the rising stars of the business world. I found it interesting that a majority of the people honored created/owned/ran Internet web sites. The number one spot went to Sergey Brin and Larry Page, the creators of Google. Number two was Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook.
This just goes to show the growing impact of the Internet on every type of business, from social networking to volunteering to stock exchanges. Check out the list for a glimpse at the future of business.
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