There is an annual pre-Super Bowl buzz-buildup and an ensuing flurry of commentary about gameday ads – and all of it is just part of the entertainment.   But, these attention-getting moments on one deep winter’s Sunday evening reflect no true marketing wisdom.  Such flash-in-the-pan attempts at reaching millions of … Read on >

Brands that embrace women as their key consumers and then invest in serving them better get a lot of points in my book.  That’s why the latest campaign launch from Office Max is a bit … Read on >

Yes, we can.  What was it about that phrase that so engaged and inspired voters this past fall?  And, will that attitude be something they bring to their consuming habits in 2009?

Andrea Gardner interviewed me recently on this topic for public radio’s Marketplace Morning Report, and it got me … Read on >

Do gift-giving occasions inspire “doghouse” dread for men because they feel so unlikely to make the right choice?  And, will women only settle for diamond jewelry – even when the vacuum cleaner their mate has bought them has dual bags?

Bewareofthedoghouse, the much-shared video/mini-site promoting JC Penney diamond jewelry … Read on >

I spy a clever ad campaign and a brand that is taking the lead in addressing an industry-wide problem. Sony Electronics is re-using images from the 1970s, of quaint products like turntables and Beta video … Read on >

1) The U.S. Census Bureau projects a minority majority (as it were) by 2042. Much is said/written these days about gender stereotypes, but for marketers the cultural stereotypes may be an even greater challenge. Check out N.C. Aizenman’s article in the Washington Post for more information, and just … Read on >

After my Huffpo piece, “This Blank Ad Space, Brought To You By…,” published a few weeks ago, I heard from Jason Pelletier. He had remembered, and had a copy of a “clean … Read on >

I am officially a sucker for the Olympic Games. Just thinking about them brings back a lot of memories of my brother, sisters, parents and I feeling so proud of the athletes for … Read on >

In the digital age, even a print ad intended very obviously and specifically for the men’s luxury market can get “out” to the rest of the world. More’s the pity for … Read on >

Midst packing for a flight to San Francisco in a few hours, I caught the latest campaign profile from Stuart Elliott of the New York Times in my in-box.  Would that I could write a longer post, but these are my bullet pointed thoughts on the new Timex … Read on >