Author Archives: ScarletGeek

Apr 20 2010
3 Comments
Client questions answered, social networking

the value of digital to brands today

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had clients try to dictate how a product is sold to a consumer, what the consumer needs to feel and how they need to react to something.

And as I patiently sit there and explain that they no longer make the rules you see a mixture of fear, a dawning of realisation that today in our connected world channels come together on behalf of consumers. As a brand or product they now to need to align themselves around the consumers.

We’ve always said that the customer knows best and therefore they are in control, the difference is that now, they have to mean it. The consumer really is in control. Not only that but it all happens in real-time, seasonality is becoming less relevant, clients need to focus on micro targeting to different consumer needs rather than enforcing a message dictated by them en mass.

With the internet bringing together consumers in so many ways, when will they realise the conversation is happening anyway?

The question I put back to them is do you want to be a part of it?

Tagged , , ,
Apr 20 2010
Leave a comment
Debates and Discussion points, Interesting stuff, new technology

What’s so great about the 4th generation iphone?

Whether through mishap or deliberate misplacement the 4th generation iphone has now been discovered and launch dates are on the horizon with the new and improved spec out there for all to know about.

According to reviews the new improved phone comes with a longer battery life, improved display screen, a ceramic outer shell (reported to improve reception) a torch/flashlight, and most importantly a forward facing camera which suggests video calls and ichat.

So what’s new? Apple aren’t the first to develop this technology, but then they weren’t the first to produce a touch screen mobile so why the hype?

Because even if the technology is the same as what’s out there and the device performs only equal (at best) to Google’s android or the latest HTC, it’ll look a darn sight sexier…

Tagged , , , , ,
Apr 19 2010
Leave a comment
Fun Stuff

dancing dodo launches coca-cola’s 5 alive juice drink

From the creators of comparethemeerkat.com (one of my favourite campaigns of 2009) comes a forerunner for one of my potential favourites for 2010 – maybe I’m just a sucker for 3D fluffy animals… or maybe it’s the soundtrack… I don’t know.

VCCP has launched a campaign starring a dancing dodo to re-launch Coca Cola’s fruit juice drink, 5 Alive, it’s on TV now and it’s making me chuckle again. Check it out here.

Tagged , , , ,
Apr 19 2010
Leave a comment
Interesting stuff, new technology, social networking

Foursquare

The next step in social networking…?

Like all social networks, Foursquare is about interacting with friends, this certainly ticks all the boxes but adds an extra element too.

In the first instance you can invite your friends to join you through the app or use existing networks such as facebook and twitter, you can also find friends in your local area. In addition you can let your friends know where you are and read/ leave recommendations on the activity you’re partaking in.

It doesn’t stop there though, what’s different about Foursquare is that you get a gaming element added in too. As you leave reviews and recommendations you gain points, and as the points add up you work your way to a Mayor badge, which although doesn’t give you any particular power or ability to change local laws, does mean you receive offers and vouchers for your loyalty.

The technology supporting it seems pretty solid but we’re still waiting it for to catch on in the UK at the moment but I get the feeling there’s still a ‘big brother’ nervousness around location based apps (remember www.pleaserobme.com ?) scary or genius?

To learn more visit www.foursquare.com

Tagged , , , , , ,
Apr 18 2010
2 Comments
Charity, General

working with the Brainstrust

I’ve just finished the first draft of a children’s book for the Brainstrust and I’m really excited to be working with these guys as they truly are a brilliant organisation.

Essentially they’re a support service but unlike other charities, they offer pragmatic support and advice at the point of diagnosis and they have a
unique network of advisors in the medical, scientific and nursing community.

Ultimately their work aims to help put those with brain tumours back in control of a very daunting situation. One of the latest things these guys are providing is a Brainbox containing useful tools such as a ‘brain book’  for keeping a record, a pill box, leaflet’s and lots of information about what’s available for you. You can read more about it here.

Essentially this book is aimed to help both children who have been diagnosed with a brain tumour and their carers, in it is featured ‘the monster’ (brain tumour) and the ‘elephant in the corner’ (Brainstrust’s mascot). The story helps identify symptoms of a brain tumour and what help and support you can get.

It’s only a first draft but I’m really happy to have this chance to help make a difference and raise some awareness. I will be posting updates here so check back to read the latest…

If you or someone you know could benefit from the services that the Brainstrust offers or if you would like to get involved in some way please visit www.brainstrust.org.uk and get in touch.

Tagged , , ,
Apr 18 2010
1 Comment
Client questions answered, Debates and Discussion points

are we Google pawns?

It’s pretty difficult to fully get your head around the epic scale of the ongoing battle between Microsoft, Google and Apple. Ridiculous sums of money at stake, entire business strategies hanging in the air and umpteen routes to a delicate balance between success or failure hang in the balance.

It’s not so much the size of these businesses, in the 90’s monopolisation was defined in the dictionary as ‘Microsoft’. Where there was a computer there was Microsoft.

And then along came Apple, they conquered music, revolutionised mobile phones (sorry to all the blackberry/ HTC/ Android phone lovers), I might be so bold as to say they made the computer industry sexy (gasp). However Apple only really dominate (controversial I know) closed information appliances with lots of third-party apps.

And then there’s Google, all roads lead to the internet, and the internet is pretty much Google.

So are we all just pawns in Google’s worldwide game of chess? Discuss…

Tagged , , , , , ,
Apr 17 2010
1 Comment
Interesting things on the vine, new technology

speccy 6 eyes

So the long awaited 3D TV is on the horizon with anticipated launch dates any time soon (samsung have a 10 day count down on their site as of today)

So what’s the hype all about? The first reviews are in and according to critics the idea is relatively positive and this is really the biggest thing since high definition. Park the flat picture, there’s an incredible depth to the image that sucks you into the drama making you feel a part of it, if you’ve seen Avatar you’ll have an idea of what the effects will be like (although developers are promising that this will be easier on the eye so you won’t get the headache that comes with it – bonus).

You’re looking at around £2-3k for something along the lines of a 50 inch Panasonic TC – P50VT20 but that comes with just one pair of active shutter glasses so everyone else gets the 2D version (unless you fork out an extra £100-£150 for each extra anticipated guest).

The main drawback at the moment is there’s very little 3D content available. Some TV’s will be accompanied by a smart 3D processor, able to take 2D content and convert it to 3D. This doesn’t deliver the clarity that you experience watching a 3D Blu-ray movie but it will mean you can take a step towards the 3D experience, unfortunately though most current experiences will be run from a demo disc… soooo how long until they’re a living room essential?

Tagged , ,
Apr 16 2010
1 Comment
Interesting stuff

Aliens revolt against digital TV

Okay, so you’re probably wondering what on earth aliens find revolting about digital TV…?

Well, I was reading an article recently about SETI (the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) and their ongoing conquest to prove that we are not alone. Fascinating in itself, but what really grabbed my attention is the fact that they blamed digital television for being the reason that aliens couldn’t find us and have a theory that, for similar reasons, we can’t find the aliens.

I thought this was quite interesting so dug a little deeper and thought I would share my findings with you all.

The problem is that digital TV is making Earth invisible.

The process for converting analogue to digital offers more stability, as it is less vulnerable to noise. This means that, whilst we’re happy because we get a nice viewing experience at home, it does make life very difficult for the aliens trying to find us.

In the world of analogue, a digital transmission looks like noise, and radio astronomers have to filter out noise to locate signals indicative of extra-terrestrial life. However, with the complexity of digital signal processing (DSP) to measure or filter continuous real-world analogue signals, this noise is getting crowded and indistinguishable. So, whilst sticking astronomers on a lunar observatory on the moon may help us look for ET, the Digital Switchover could be making it harder for ET to find us.

So, if you don’t want aliens to land on Earth, keep watching digital TV!

Tagged , , , , ,
Newer posts →