Because it’s Wednesday

March 10th, 2010 by Mark Wanczak

German University Students Create Another Ridiculous Thing I’d Like to Have.

March 5th, 2010 by Mark Wanczak

Last week it was MIT, this week it’s somewhere in Germany. Can’t get enough.

Experiencing Abstract Information from Stefan Kuzaj on Vimeo.

Trade Deadline Day Inspiration: Le Magnifique

March 3rd, 2010 by Mark Wanczak

We were struggling and (general manager) Craig Patrick told me ‘Mario wants to talk to you.’ I had nobody to play with. I told Mario, ‘We need a centerman.’ He told me, ‘I might have one for you.’ I said, ‘Who is it?’ And he said, ‘He’s pretty good.’
- Jaromir Jagr, recalling Lemieux’s decision to come out of retirement in 2000.

After 3 p.m. today, no more trades in the NHL. While the Pens look to be finished with their transactions, it’s still one of the most exciting days of the year.

You’ve Written Great Copy When It’s Turned Into a Folk Song

March 1st, 2010 by Mark Wanczak

That Old Spice “I’m on a horse” ad? Excellent. Widely hailed as superb. But no amount of praise equals having your work turned into a folk song:

The Best Topical Ad of the Week

February 26th, 2010 by Mark Wanczak

If you can’t quite see it, the copy on the garage door reads, “*Toyota Owners Only.”

Via

Hump Day Inspiration: The Cessation of Ambition

February 24th, 2010 by Mark Wanczak

Every once in a while something happens and your work isn’t what it should be. The worst thing you can do is accept that.

- George Tannenbaum, Ad Aged

MIT Creates Another Ridiculous Thing I’d Like to Have

February 23rd, 2010 by Mark Wanczak

So how long before you see this technology displaying ads over stadiums and rush hour traffic?

Touche, Women. Touche.

February 19th, 2010 by Mark Wanczak

Dodge’s (W+K) original Super Bowl ad:

Women’s response:

I think the original ad is incredibly well-written, but understand the backlash from those offended by the spot. It’s easy to criticize via the internet, but proving your point by creating a response that may be better than the original ad it targets is much more effective.

Here’s some background on the smart female minds behind it.

What’s in a Tagline?

February 18th, 2010 by Mark Wanczak

This Australian Match.com spot has beautiful animation, convincing copy and a catchy tune, but what really caught my eye was the tagline at the end:

“Where you found me”

Some thoughts:

It’s confident: I love the way it’s presented in the ad, as two separate thoughts, giving it meaning depth.

It’s risky: I can’t comment on the reach of this campaign, but the tagline is easy to misread as one single thought, which is largely forgettable and ineffective. Does it translate to print?

It’s simple: If you’ve stopped by here before, you know that I think simple is better.

There’s still something curious about the tagline that I can’t quite put my finger on.

What do you think?

“Better Together” for Match.com from FriendsWithYou on Vimeo.

Hump Day Inspiration: What Are You Selling?

February 17th, 2010 by Mark Wanczak

It’s easier to sell someone what’s in their mind, than what’s in your mind.

- Dave Trott