Rise of the YouTube Candidate pt.2

Not sure if you missed my original post on the Rise of The YouTube Candidate, but here's another indicator in recent news. Microsoft is teaming with Rock The Vote to register voters via Xbox 360 and Xbox Live.

One small step away from actually voting via connected media.

Dumball Machine

Everyone has "that" question.
It's the same people asking the same question ...over and over and over and OVER again.

You make the answer to "that" question available by every means at your disposal -- You create an informational sheet and distribute it to everyone in the group. You create a document and post it in a Share drive accessible by everyone. You print out a copy and put it in a binder on your desk. You even create a keyword that sends info instantly via text message! BUT, people still come and ask you that damned question rather than using one of the (many!) ways of getting that information themselves.

I've long believed that innovation comes complete dissatisfaction with the way a particular thing is currently done, and from relieving pain. And believe me, that question has become a HUGE pain-in-my-youknowwhat!

Introducing the Dumball Machine!
The Dumball Machine is just like a gumball machine, except that instead of dispensing rock-hard sugary treats whose flavor evaporates after only a few seconds -- this machine dispenses the stock answer to "that" question (to which the answer apparently evaporates just as quickly.)

From this point forward, anyone bugging you with a question you've answered so many times that the words are like razor blades whenever you speak them, can now be directed toward the Dumball Machine. For the low price of 50-cents their question can be answered immediately! You can even include a free toy for that extra incentive needed to make them part with those two shiny quarters.



My Dumball Machine currently provides the answer to the standard sizes, shapes, and positions of web banners that can appear on our radio station websites. What information would YOUR Dumball Machine dispense? Add it to the comments below!

Note: You will soon be able to order your own custom Dumball Machine from www.DumballMachine.com!

Need Ad Impressions? Try Pennies.

Anyone who knows me knows I all but despise banner advertising as a means for reaching an online audience. Some banners advertising can be effective for that generic all-encompassing category of marketing referred to as "branding" -- but if you're actually trying to take advantage of all the tracking and measurability that online advertising can provide (and heaven forbid SELL something!) banners suck.

I found this post from zoomdoggle.com the other day that provides a detailed account of their attempt at "luck-vertising." You've probably all heard that it is good luck to pick-up a penny if it is heads-up. These guys have taken that cliche and are in the process of turning it into gold... well... maybe copper.

I thought it was a clever idea, but when the drew the analogy to cost-per-click advertising -- I knew they were on to something.

"Advertising online starts at about a nickel per click. This cost just one cent per message. The metrics don’t quite add up that way, but the face remains, yesterday (the day we spread the luck) was out best traffic day yet. That said, it was well worth the effort. From here on out we’ll be distributing $5 in pennies per week. That’s 500 hand-labeled coins. If you find one, pick it up. And drop us a line."

If anyone IS considering banner advertising, my advice is to give luck-vertising a shot first. With a well-planned message and landing page, I'll bet you a shiny new penny your conversion rate will be higher than a typical banner campaign.

At least that's my two-cents worth...

See You at the Debates, Bitches!

I don't even LIKE Paris Hilton -- but after seeing this rebuttal video to McCain's "Obama Celebrity" I just might have a little more respect for her sense of humor...

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die