Butt Kicking Nutcracker Ad Too Violent to Run

Some clients just don't have a sense of humor. Rejected Magazine AD Client: Spokane Symphony Orchestra. Agency: Wendt Advertising. Art Director: Carl Heidle. Writer: Tim Putnam. ACD: Cathy Wimmers. Cause of Death: The ad was designed to run in a magazine targeting kids. The client contact loved it, but the Symphony's Board of Directors felt the ad promoted violence, and gave it the boot. [via Ad Graveyard] --------

by Steve Hall Feb-27-03

Staples Launches New Ad Campaign

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE) Staples, Inc.today announced a new national advertising campaign launching its new brand promise: Staples makes buying office products easy. The new campaign introduces a new tagline Staples. that was easy., with two new commercials that will first appear on Sunday, March 2, during 60 Minutes on CBS.

The commercials highlight the first in a series of long-term operational, merchandising and cultural changes underway at Staples, designed to redefine the customer experience and differentiate the Staples brand. Each spot uses humor and empathy to feature a new customer program, or "easy trigger" that reflects Staples' customer-centric evolution. Each of the new business initiatives featured in the commercials is a key part of Staples' business strategy to provide an easy shopping experience.

"Staples' new advertising campaign illustrates our long-term strategy to truly make buying office products easy," said Shira Goodman, executive vice president of marketing for Staples. "Our new tagline, 'Staples. that was easy' goes far beyond an advertising campaign -- it represents a fundamental shift in our approach to selling office products. It is evolving the Staples brand and guiding every business decision that takes place at the company."

In the first spot, "Ink Cartridge Bingo" Staples introduces an industry-first ink and toner in-stock guarantee program. In the commercial, a crowd of frustrated small business people look for toner, as if finding the one they need is by chance and akin to winning bingo. The scene transitions to a quick encounter at Staples where the prize is quickly, easily and consistently won with the help of a friendly store associate.

"Based on customer research, 84 percent of small businesses surveyed said a critical aspect of shopping for office products is having the toner or ink cartridge they need in stock," said Goodman. "Staples now guarantees in-stock availability of every inkjet and toner cartridge currently stocked in its retail stores."

The second spot, "Meeting Paper Shuffle" begins with a presentation to colleagues gone awry due to grossly disorganized presentation handouts. The scene transitions to Staples' professional copying and printing with the introduction of a three-step quality process at Staples Copy & Print Centers nationwide.

"Our new work for Staples takes an experience that every small business person can relate to and exaggerates it," says John Karlson, senior vice president of strategic development for Martin|Williams Advertising. "It's humorous and memorable, and it differentiates Staples as a brand that makes life easier, saves time and delivers products consumers need and trust."

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by Steve Hall Feb-27-03

Can You Legally "Google" Someone Anymore?

Just like Xerox, Kleenex and Rollerblades wanted us to stop using those terms for the obvious activities they describe, Google's lawyers would like us to stop using Google as a term to describe the act of searching the web for something. It's a losing battle. Read all about it in Jason Kottke's post.
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by Steve Hall Feb-27-03

Google Rolls Out Content Targeted AdWords

Google is expanding its paid listing model beyond search results page and will allow advertisers to have AdWords appear on Google's content sites which include HowstuffWorks, Weather Undergound, and recently aquired Blogger.

Through new program, called "Content-Targeted AdWords," Google can syndicate its listings to Web sites beyond those with which it has long-term deals. The listings appear in the banner or skyscraper space on Web sites, a placement that obviates the need for costly re-designs, and they're tailored to the content on the page. Google's launch comes just days after Overture said it would roll out a similar offering this year.

More...
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by Steve Hall Feb-27-03