HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

my first issue with the OVAB Guidelines...

Now...not only do we have to understand what 'Average Unit Audience' means...we have to take the arduous time to teach every Tom, Dick and Harry who owns a business that should be advertising.

super.

OVAB releases Audience Metrics for Digital Signage

Everyone in Digital Signage is probably aware that the OVAB released their Audience Metrics Guidelines yesterday at their summit in New York. I have JUST downloaded it...like hell if I'm printing 80 pages for work at home. I am in the process of reading it and will probably have to read it a couple times. Once I'm done, I'll be putting together a summary for the office (and will post it on here too) giving my thoughts on the methods that they are suggesting.

In the meantime...some people a lot smarter than myself have already posted a little on it...so check em out!
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to be frank: Pepsi's new logo sucks.

This is Pepsi's new logo. really? REALLY! Dieline brought it up late last week and Shankman just told us about what he got in the mail. My only thought on the matter is that their brand has been great...I don't think this is going to increase their market share - a new typeface doesn't do that, quality does. (which fyi...the new fonts are terrible...)

Finally, I'd like to leave you with the best representation of what this new logo looks like (something I found last week that has stayed with me)

The Digital Signage Show sounded like a great time!

I just received an update from the folks at The Digital Signage Show that ran last week in NYC. It sounds like it was a hit! With a 35% attendance increase Lawrence and his team have a lot to be proud of. I spoke to Lawrence a couple weeks before the event and was hoping to attend, but as life has it...it happened...life/work that is!

We're staying pretty busy here and that made me have to choose between the two.


While some have argued that there may be too many industry expos...and it does seem like there is one happening every other week...this one looks like it would be worth it. I like that they actually deny non-exhibiting sellers to the floor. They keep it as an open market between the vendors who paid to be there and the buyers who came with pen and check in hand.

Kudos to Lawrence and his team, I'm excited to see what happens next year!

Digital Signage can 'Cut through the clutter'

Anthony Juliano over at Soundbite Back points readers to an article from the Wall Street Journal about marketing in this day and age of constant messages and how to 'stand out'.

Even as customers are constantly bombarded with advertising messages, they are getting progressively better at tuning out the endless stream of come-ons. Companies then typically up the ante and try to out-shout their competitors to draw attention. All of which just leads to more shouting, and everybody is drowned out.

The article follows with five questions and their answers...take a read.

So why do I bring this up? Well, I believe that digital signage is offering another opportunity for a unique message to be brought to the public. Digital signage is being installed in various venues around the world, from malls and athletic arenas to veterinary hospitals and universities. Digital signage is the new billboard (both outside and in a restaurant).

Our industry is offering marketers the opportunity to speak to a consumer in a unique way. Digital is furthering our creativity and even giving people the chance to have fun with advertising.

Am I wrong?

Critiquing your digital signage competition

I struggle with the appropriateness of critiquing a fellow digital signage company - not because I'm afraid of giving criticism...but I'm fearful that my criticism could be seen has harsh or negative and "middle school drama"-esque.

But, this is something I've been wrestling with for the last week or two and I think I'm finally ready to do it.

Great Lakes Narrowcast recently moved into northeast Indiana with the help of a contract for the owner of several malls. It appears that they are using the MediaTile system (though I could be wrong) which is a sturdy system. It has become a bit more robust in the last couple years and is building itself into a very fine company.

GLN is the same way - and I will say that it is nice to see other digital signage companies moving into the area. It can be difficult for people to grasp the advantages of our industry...I know...I've now been with Neoti for nearly a year. My only recommendations to GLN in their mall is the screen locations.

First, there aren't a lot of screens...not as many as I would put (and this is probably controlled by the venue) and they're a bit high...but other than that...they're running well-timed ads that are full screen in an environment that is fast-paced. Malls are difficult beasts and I commend GLN for tackling the monster. ;)

Kudos, GLN...I wish you luck!

Obama is REALLY thinking outside the box in presidential advertising

Barack Obama is running a team that is very comfortable with new ideas in advertising - They've tried digital signage at gas stations, plenty of social media stuff, and now video games.

It's an interesting idea...I don't think it's going to get many policy voters...but it will get him one or two "wow he 'gets' me voters"...keep in mind those are the voters who can't read past a fourth grade level and put off finding a job (living off welfare) so they can play said video game.

Makes sense. Hit your target audience in their potato chip filled beanbag and work at motivating them to move from that spot!

There are better ways to spend your money...but if this shows anything...the Obama camp is comfortable with their budget!

An "Intro to Digital Signage"

Digital Signage Today posted a video a couple days ago that was produced by a company called Black Box Network Services. It's another "intro to digital signage"...it's a really good video. I was waiting for the 'sell'...and it went 5 minutes without one - it was a genuine explanation. And then they made the sell. I don't blame them, I probably would too.

But, I commend them on waiting those 5 minutes before doing it. I'd commend them even more if it was even less. ;)

All-in-all...it was good. Clear, concise and dumbed down. Something I've found we need to do more of when explaining to John Q Public. (I've resorted to just saying, I put TVs in restaurants and run our own TV station)

Here's the vid: http://www.digitalsignagetoday.com/video_gallery.php?v=1636

would you?

If you could hand something off to another person...anything in your life...what would it be? Would you be able to do that? Be happier?

If you were a company and could contract something out...anything at all...what would it be? Would your profits increase? Would your employees be happier?

Advertising should tell a story...

My old college professors will tell you my degree isn't in media communication...but in storytelling.

Advertising should be storytelling...like this ad from Hovis - a bread company in Europe.




Thanks to Aaron for the tip.

Words that every PR guy should hear.

Anthony Juliano took a break recently from his blog to keep up with work...DEFINITELY UNDERSTAND! Well, he came back with one of the best posts I've read in a while. If you have anything to do with public relations...READ THIS.

Alert the media

Shrinking newsroom staff is dramatically affecting the number of camera crews available from any given media outlet, and that means it's harder than ever to secure coverage for your event.

So how do you maximize your chances of getting air time? Well, start by using a media alert--not a release--to generate interest. more...

Needless to say...it gave me a lot to chew on and I'll be looking at things a little differently when I send out my next release/alert.

Let's talk content.

What does it take for a person to stop everything they are doing and watch a tv screen? Pretty colors? Lots of movement? Fancy graphics and effects? Catchy phrases? Nudity?

It's the question that everyone in our industry is asking and it appears everyone has an answer...problem is it seems like every answer is really vague. Probably because they really don't know...Ooops! Did I say that?

I'll admit, I don't know the specifics either, but I know what I would like to see. And that's what I have to base my judgement on right now.

See, every network is different. Some are in medical offices, others are in stadiums, and others are in restaurants. Some have a target audience that is near death, others...shortly after birth...some male, others female...and some animals! And if every network is different, every audience is different and if...oh you get the idea.

The truth is there isn't a formula that fits everyone. If you want to know exactly what your audience wants to see...ask them! OR test out new stuff and see what they respond to...and if you're like most networks right now (spread pretty thin) go with your gut.

Talk to your employees...use them...find out if they like it and if they do...there is a good chance the audience won't hate it. And hopefully that can suffice until you figure out what you really want to show.