Servant of Chaos

Friday Folly - January 2, 2009

One of the things that we often forget about marketing is that it is based entirely on emotion. After all, we make decisions not based on what we KNOW but on what we FEEL. This is where marketing and psychology or human behavioural analysis cross over.

A quick visit to any online auction site will provide an amazing glimpse into the world in which we live. Take this auction, for example.

Not only does “Hamiltonian_11” miraculously identify a piece of toasted pita bread as Jesus Christ, he continues to feed the story of his “product” via a humourous stream of commentary and answers to serious and oblique questions alike.

This Friday Folly is dedicated to the person who pays more that $65 for a piece of dried up bread.

Friday Folly - December 19, 2008

Just when you think 2008 could not get any sillier, the blogosphere delivers yet another knockout punch. Yes, that’s right … courtesy of Nick Burcher, we have Roller Skating Dwarfs.

Knowing full-well that Getty Images monitor search terms as a way to deliver images that satisfy the trend hunters, a Facebook group was setup with the aim of prompting a special photoshoot. So now, should your campaign call for some specialised stock photography, you can download it here.

Friday Folly - November 21, 2008

You have probably already seen this, but the folly of the week can ONLY be awarded to this lovely piece from Motrin. Though in my opinion, the folly was not in creating or even pulling the ad from circulation - but in NOT capitalising on the situation by engaging in the conversation that was ALREADY happening around the brand.

Friday Folly - November 14, 2008

It doesn't matter whether you work on the agency or client sides, you are bound to have heard the following -- "let's make a viral video". If you are nodding your head, this is for you. Enjoy.

YouTube Contest Challenges Users To Make A 'Good' Video

Friday Folly - October 9, 2008

Normally I reserve the Friday Folly for a piece of advertising that is so questionable, it makes me gasp in awe. This week, however, the honour goes to "Nailing Your Wife". Hat tip to Matt Packer.

 
Nailing Your Wife

Friday Folly: September 19, 2008

How many times have you been in a meeting and you have heard "let's make a viral video"? You know what happens next -- a bunch of half-conceived ideas are thrown onto the table and a hasty decision is made in an effort to "get something out there".

But what happens of some real planning happens with a "viral video"? What happens if the corporate marketing machine gets behind an idea and puts some effort into it? What happens when we take the "social" part of "social media" just a little too far? Watch this ... do you think it could happen?

Via Emily Wearmouth

Friday Folly: September 12

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I know this, really, is from another world -- a time where "transparency" was inconceivable -- but take a look at how this is positioned. Via Weirdomatic.

Friday Folly: September 5, 2008

OK, this one has nothing to do with advertising. It's just ... well, crazy. Does he make it? Does he crash? Probably one for the motorcycle enthusiasts amongst you.

Friday Folly: August 29, 2008

Now, I love the audacity of this, but I wonder who signed off on it ... and who the ad is actually targeted towards. But then, maybe it increased sales in dance venues.

Henderson & Horning - Sexist Advertising

Sometimes I wonder if Wade Millican secretly wears a cape. Not only is he incredibly smart, he also acts as the social conscience of Twitter, regularly pointing out the imbalances in our world. Or perhaps it's just mine (thanks, Wade). So this week's Friday Folly is devoted to Henderson & Horning who are being personally introduced to social media by Wade.

A few weeks ago, Wade pointed out the billboard shown here. He wasn't happy about the depiction and content. He didn't like walking past it each day on his way to work -- so he decided to do something about it. He rang Henderson & Horning to complain. Not gaining satisfaction, he contacted the advertising standards board and lodged an official complaint ... which is now being processed.

Yesterday, Wade provided an update, noticing that a Google search for Henderson and Horning brings up his entry "Sexist Advertising" just below the business' entry. The memory of the long tail is, indeed, forever.

Update: Seth Godin asks us to consider our complicity in bad marketing. Think about the choices we make when we make a purchase decision.