AdWeek picked 10 great ads from this week, per usual. Here is my number on pick from the bunch.
Microsoft has it spot on in my opinion. As a consumer of Microsoft programs, Outlook is a utility in Office that doesn't get much love from the advertising world. Maybe it speaks for itself, in any way it is cool to see what Microsoft has come up with to put Outlook in the top of our mind.
Microsoft has unveiled so many great products and updates this year. Showing their roots a little bit with an spot solely featuring Outlook's new capabilities is smart. Not to mention that not-so-subtle nod supporting marriage equality, how could I not like this one!
Former NBA star Charles Barkley has joined Alec Baldwin as Capital One's spokesperson. The NCAA March Madness focused ads featuring Barkley use Twitter as another connection to viewers. Capital One is using #RallyCry to "tweet your team to the top," which appeals to the majority of viewers. What's the problem with this? Capitol One is hopeful to convince Barkley into creating a Twitter account to promote the "#RallyCry" campaign to his followers.
Barkley previously dissed the social media giant in this video:
Read the original article on the possibility of Twitter hater Charles Barkley joining the social media site.
Visual.ly recently launched a "visual reporting tool" to translate Google Analytics into infographics. Visual.ly is a database that allows users to present visually appealing data. Infographics are typically used to make boring and sometimes confusing information easily understandable.
When translating data into an infographic, it is typically used for presentation purposes. To make data friendly to those non-industry folk.
See the Social Times story here: http://socialtimes.com/visual-ly-launches-tool-to-turn-your-google-analytics-stats-into-an-infographic_b121986
This image is an example of what the Visual.ly tool can do for your data. (from Social Times)
Pinterest announced their new analysis tool for tracking user activity. The social media site has become a mecca for crafty moms, the aspiring wedding planner, and the latest internet memes. But for businesses, it can be just as useful. If you haven't used Pinterest, the simplest way to explain it comes straight from their mouths, "A tool for collecting and organizing the things you love." Pinterest is a user-friendly interface where users find, organize, and store everything from their favorite products, to new recipes, to photography. Users are also able to upload original content to the site via their own accounts. How does this matter for business? Businesses large and small have been utilizing Pinterest as a segue to their site. By clicking on the pin, it directs the user to the business's website where they can find the product that is shown in the specific pin. Through Pinterest's new analysis tool, business who have Pin boards that link to their companies website are able to track the impressions and referral traffic. Read more about this tool here: http://socialtimes.com/pinterest-releases-analytics-tool-defines-metrics_b121168
Currently in the news, there has been quite some chatter about equal opportunities for women. I am hugely passionate about this topic. I recently heard an opinion on feminism that really surprised me. Coming from a woman, she stated that she believes women should receive equal pay for equal work and have the same opportunities as men. But what she disagrees with is that a woman should not be allowed to hold a position of power, such as the presidency.
The conversation arose after bringing up former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and the possibility her run for president in 2016. I personally have always been an admirer of Mrs. Clinton. All political views aside, she is an outstanding role model for women. Showing us all that women can successfully hold a position of power and be confident and effective in that role.
The term feminism has ambiguous meaning for some. Merriam Webster defines feminism as "the theory of political, economic and social equality of the sexes."
I'll admit, before I was educated on the topic of feminism, I had very closed mind view of what being a feminist actually is. When I thought feminist, I pictured a man hating, anti-shaving, protesting, most likely lesbian woman.
How would I ever know any different? The media constantly portrays feminists as just what I described. When in reality, most of us are feminists and don't even realize it. Most people would shudder in disgust at the suggestion that they may hold feminist views, or God forbid the consider themselves a feminist.
By definition there are a lot more feminist then we think. Should women receive equal pay for equal work? Should women be eligible for the same promotions in the workplace as men? Should a woman's vote count as much as a man's? This is a simple question for many people.Of course. We are all people. Americans. Men and women.
Its 2013 and we have many woman in powerful positions in this country, and even in the world. We have come a long way from the thought that a woman's sole responsibly was to keep a tidy home and take care of her children. But we still have a way to go for complete equality between both sexes.
A story out of La Crosse Wisconsin has gone viral this week. WKTB's Jennifer Livingston received a hurtful letter from a viewer pointing out flaws in her physical appearance. Here is the video:
Jennifer's response to this letter is the epitome of class and courage. In her response, she states that as public figure, she is susceptible to a certain amount of public scrutiny and criticism. She mentions her "think skin" in potentially hurtful situations, but this was one critique she couldn't brush off. What this man says about Livingston's personal appearance is not only inappropriate but cruel.
In Livingston's response, she discusses how a mean nature is not innate, but learned. It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children to be kind. She calls upon parents to lead by example. Lead them down the path of kindness and tolerance, not that of hate.
Bullying in a serious issue in today's society. Children, teens and even adults have taken their own lives as a result of being bullied. A change needs to happen and it starts with us. Be conscious about your influence. Whether you realize it or not, you are influencing someone. Think before you speak.
One phrase that Livingston said during her response has really resonated with me. "The cruel words of one, are nothing compared to the shouts of many." This is an inspired thought. Here Livingston is saying that we can make a difference and end bullying once and for all. As a whole, we can be louder and more profound in our response to bullying.
I am so inspired and touched by this new song from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. I am a huge supporter of gay rights, but I don't like to necessarily use the term 'gay rights.' They are simply, rights. The end, that's it. A gay man or a gay woman is just as much a human being and American as a straight person. It hurts my heart to think that there are some Americans out there who cast out so much hate against their fellow Americans.
Many celebrities and musicians are coming out in support of gay rights and marriage equality. It is amazing to see this kind of support for those members of our society who are not treated equally. I will never understand the opposition to this.
Here are the lyrics to this song:
"Same Love"
Ft. Ryan Lewis & Mary Lambert
When I was in the 3rd grade
I thought that I was gay
Cause I could draw, my uncle was
And I kept my room straight
I told my mom, tears rushing down my face
She’s like, “Ben you’ve loved girls since before pre-K”
Trippin’, yeah, I guess she had a point, didn’t she
A bunch of stereotypes all in my head
I remember doing the math like
“Yeah, I’m good a little league”
A pre-conceived idea of what it all meant
For those who like the same sex had the characteristics
The right-wing conservatives think its a decision
And you can be cured with some treatment and religion
Man-made, rewiring of a pre-disposition
Playing God
Ahh nah, here we go
America the brave
Still fears, what, we don’t know
And God loves all His children
Is somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written
35 hundred years ago
I don’t know
And I can’t change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
And I can’t change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
My love, my love, my love
She keeps me warm [x4]
If I was gay
I would think hip-hop hates me
Have you read the YouTube comments lately
“Man that’s gay”
Gets dropped on the daily
We’ve become so numb to what we’re sayin’
Our culture founded from oppression
Yeah, we don’t have acceptance for ‘em
Call each other faggots
Behind the keys of a message board
A word routed in hate
Yet our genre still ignores it
Gay is synonymous with the lesser
It’s the same hate that’s caused wars from religion
Gender and skin color
Complexion of your pigment
The same fight that lead people to walk-outs and sit-ins
