The Musings Of An Opinionated Sod [Help Me Grow!]

Because Starbucks decided to launch even more ‘Pumpkin Coffee’s’ after I had slagged them off … I can only assume the pervs behind the ad I talked about a few days ago, decided to do exactly the same.

Jesus … there’s 3 of them this time … Michael Jackson’s must be in heaven. Possibly.

The guys over at Diablogue found this wonderful example of yet more Chinese Corporate Theft and/or Ingenuity.

Both genius and shocking at the same time … and another reason why if I was to start a company, the last place I’d do it would be in China.

I love the fact that in Singapore, companies show almost no imagination in their naming strategies – they just seem to follow a standard, simplistic process [probably mandated by the Government] … 

[1st Word]                         A word that represents a positive statement.

[Subsequent Word/s]        What your company fundamentally does/produces.

Infact, I’m surprised Singapore Airlines didn’t name themselves SUPERIOR Singapore Airlines  – but then knowing the mentality of the place, they probably think ‘SINGAPORE’ is the most positive word in the entire English language.

Anyway, I wait with baited breath till the Army is renamed ‘Forceful Fighters’, the Navy become ‘Brilliant Army On A Boat’ and the Police get known as ‘Occasionally Used, Always Outstanding Crime Solvers’.

Yes it shows I am an ego-maniac … but I also find it sooooooooo amusing [and pretty cool] that a dodgy bloke from Nottingham can be be on the cover of Asia’s Ad Industry Mag – especially as I say ‘wank’ in the article.

My poor Mum doesn’t know whether to be proud or disgusted, but my boys at cynic are right, royally chuffed with me – proves we can make a difference to anyone … even the big, global ad agencies!

However, the greatest part about all this is that when a certain gentleman [who absolutely loathes me] sees it, he’ll probably start convulsing with rage … so with abit of luck I’ll have ruined his whole week – which is the least he deserves.

I remember Rupert Howell once saying, “Robert, you are a man driven by hate” and let me tell you, he was so right, hahaha!

OK, here’s a bunch of stuff I noticed in some US mags that I thought were interesting [though you’re within your rights to disagree … if you really want to upset me, ha!]

First up is an ad encouraging a ‘balanced diet’ from Coca-Cola, Cadbury Schweppes and Pepsi.

Putting aside the fact this is obviously a blatant attempt to pre-empt any media attacks once the movie ‘FAST FOOD NATION’ comes out, I just found it funny that Cadbury Schweppes was placed in the middle of the 2 ‘cola’ giants. It looks like it’s trying to break up a fight between the two arch enemies.

Having worked with all 3 of those companies in my time, I daren’t imagine how much arguing there was as to the order the brands appeared.  Wonderful.

I can’t decide if I like this idea for Monopoly. 

I mean, this version is basically the same as all the ‘classic versions’, it’s just the board now reflects today’s property prices and the ‘players pieces’ are based on modern day aspirational icons.

Genius or another excuse for consumer wallet hi-jacking?  I must admit I’m torn as there’s something about it I really think is clever – which is more than can be said about the ad.

Home Depot … the American DIY company … ran two consecutive pages featuring products that will be on sale at their annual exhibition.

However because they know people – even DIY lovin’ people – would find reading two pages of products boring, they interspersed it with things like ‘X-Ray Vision’ [see below] … which not only kept up people’s interest to read through both pages, but also gave the brand, a real engaging personality.

So nice to see a company remember advertising isn’t just about selling product, but selling themselves too.  Tops.

Finally, there’s the good ol’ ‘SCRATCH AND SNIFF’ for Snuggle Fabric Softener.

Sure it smelt pants … but there was something quite magical about doing the scratching then the sniffing.

To be honest, I am quite surprised this idea hasn’t been used much … it’s certainly much more ‘fun’ than those ‘scent strips’ [even though I am not really sure why – though it’s bound to have something to do with when I was a kid]