Industry News

Gap CMO says “Digital Is Dead”

2012-04-18T21:52:46+00:00

Gap Chief Marketing Officer Seth Farbman announces that digital is dead in an attempt to focus on why technology is being used instead of what the technology is, reports AdAge. This is clearly a move towards a more holistic understanding of the relationship between media and the customer, and could pay off in a big way for the clothing retailer:

http://adage.com/article/special-report-digital-conference/gap-cmo-explains-digital-dead/234176/

The Politics of Privacy

2012-04-11T21:53:22+00:00

NY Times contributor writes an insightful article on how services like Instagram and Twitter affect the role of privacy in our lives. In a social landscape where online is playing an increasily important role, sharing only amongst friends is becoming harder and harder.

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/10/digital-diary-instagram-and-the-illusion-of-privacy/?ref=technology

Brands spending big bucks to go viral probably won’t be so lucky

2012-04-10T21:35:00+00:00

AdAge contributor makes a strong point against companies allocating budget on viral video production. Most companies are spending on much hyped forms of social when the nuts and bolts of their eBusiness are not in place. Or as Garfield says:

"Producing a video with the intention of achieving virality is like going to the racetrack and betting $100,000 on the long shot to win while trotting backward with the jockey juggling barbells. There are wiser investments of client money."

http://adage.com/article/bob-garfield/quit-wasting-time-money-making-viral-videos/234046/

Google’s “Project Glass” Has Users Seeing Ads

2012-04-05T21:39:16+00:00

News of Google's "Project Glass" is spreading, where users' glasses would act as transparent screens and display maps, alerts and information. Most people are already anticipating a slew of advertising and privacy concerns that will accompany the new technology:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthof/2012/04/05/heres-what-google-glasses-will-really-show-ads-of-course/

Best Buy is going to save their way into bankruptcy

2012-03-29T21:48:20+00:00

Critics are claiming it's the beginning of the end for the retail giant Best Buy, as they close 50 stores and lay off employees in an effort to cost cut into profitability, reports Forbes. From today's press release:

"In order to help make technology work for every one of our customers and transform our business as the consumer electronics industry continues to evolve, we are taking major actions to improve our operating performance,” said Brian J. Dunn, CEO of Best Buy. “As part of our multi-channel strategy, we intend to strengthen our portfolio of store formats and footprints — closing some big box stores, modifying others to our enhanced Connected Store format, and adding Best Buy Mobile stand-alone locations — all to provide a better shopping environment for our customers across multiple channels while increasing points of presence, and to improve performance and profitability."

Are people learning the right language?

2012-03-28T21:50:30+00:00

There has been a recent surge in interest for programming and web construction, reports the New York Times. While it is certainly a valuable skill, is having a cursory knowledge of website coding going to help ensure that people are not "left in the dark ages"?

"Seasoned programmers say learning how to adjust the layout of a Web page is one thing, but picking up the skills required to develop a sophisticated online service or mobile application is an entirely different challenge. That is the kind of technical education that cannot be acquired by casual use for a few hours at night and on the weekends."

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/technology/for-an-edge-on-the-internet-computer-code-gains-a-following.html?ref=technology

Are the leaders in your industry “Disruptors”?

2012-03-26T21:40:16+00:00

Forbes contributor writes an energetic piece on the value of the "Disruptor" in an organizational growth:

"In addition the job title on your business card, you need to add the title of Disruptor.

Disruptors challenge assumptions. They shake the status quo. They are curious and creative. They adapt and improvise. Disruptors push the boundaries and love shattering conventional wisdom. They’d rather forge new ground than blindly salute the flag of the past."

http://www.forbes.com/sites/joshlinkner/2012/03/26/your-new-job-disruptor/

Yahoo and AOL should learn the publisher is always right

2012-03-22T21:44:32+00:00

Portals like Yahoo and AOL should unlock their content and open it up to automated bidding, reports AdAge. Zawadski argues that allowing the advertiser to determine the value of the impression with organically balance the supply and demand for content, and will let everybody enjoy greater profits:

http://adage.com/article/digitalnext/yahoo-aol-thrive-rethinking-sell-ads/233437/

Can Ad Agencies adapt to advertising in the Internet Age?

2012-03-20T18:19:42+00:00

Forbes contributor Robert Hof asks a panel of ad agency execs tough questions about siloed marketing strategies, retaining tech talent, and digital integration with traditional media:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthof/2012/03/20/how-ad-agencies-are-morphing-from-mad-men-to-web-wizards/

Should We Teach the Entrepreneurial Method in School?

2012-03-15T21:52:59+00:00

A well written article on the entrepreneurial method that challenges society as a whole to learn from how entrepreneurs work. Sarasvathy argues that if the entrepreneurial method was taught much like the scientific method, it would help fuel societal change:

"For me the most inspiring thing about the entrepreneurial method is that it is something they and folks like them everywhere can learn and use. And I know what they would use it for: to build a world in which all little girls and boys become capable of cooking up their own opportunities from scratch."

http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/03/everyone_should_learn_the_entr.html