CK's Blog

How could I think I could bring light here?

I'm inspired to write on something other than marketing today. Fact is, I just can't find a story or practice to top this gem. Last night my power went out, but only for a little while. When the power goes down in the muggy month of July I first sigh and then I smile--because I know it will come back on. I take it as life's little reminder on how much I take the light (and the air conditioning) for granted.

But light does more than make us merely comfortable; light transforms our lives. Being I get most of my work done at night (inspiration comes at the wee hours, too), I would literally (!) be burning the midnight candle if it weren't for light. But in a 500-person village named Gudda, about 300 miles southwest of Delhi, India, they are experiencing light after dark for the first time.

Ever.

Hanuman Ram, the man credited with the transformation doesn't have a high school degree. But he did attend an institution about an hour away called Barefoot College, established 35 years ago with an emphasis on helping India's rural population find solutions for their problems among themselves. Like most of the Barefoot graduates, he was selected to attend the college by his village elders (there's another thing that can easily be taken for granted--attending college!).

The villagers say that they now feel "empowered", "less reliant on a far-off government." Here's my favorite part of the article, according to Ram, "I never saw light before. How could I think that I could bring light here?"

Full story here.

(I'll get back to marketing tomorrow.)

Yes folks, groovy details are on the way (Blogger Social '08)

August is nipping at our heels and that means we owe you a BIG update on a BIG event. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, the original post is here. All survey results, where, when, registration and other stuff will air on August 15th.

Why August 15th? Because there are actually many logistics, a new website and registration techie thingies that we have to do...so that it's done right.

So check back here, at Drew's or Cam's place on August 15th (and many other blogs will promote the information). Rest-assured, it's going to be special. The bad news? The event isn't until next year.

Oh, you need something to do between now and then? Here's a fab idea: read the amazing new read that is the Age of Conversation.

PS: Big...like BIG!...thanks be going to Cam Beck. Drew and I knew what we were getting into but bless Cam, I just emailed him for a "simple favor"...and wound up giving him so much to do. And Drew McLellan is the best partner in social crime ever. That said, you all rock and everyone who signed-up to volunteer (on the survey we held) will most definitely be pivotal in pulling-off this event.

PPS: Yes, you really have to wait a couple weeks and yes it really will be groovy.

July 28, 2007: a hard day, but one filled with so much humanity

Today is the day that my momma would have been 65 years' young. Her birthday feels very different than Mother's Day felt. I think it's because Mother's Day is for all mommas, but her birthday is just hers (and always will be).

Getting a call while you're walking across a busy NYC street laughing with your friends after just seeing an amazing play...a call that leads to information and a decision...that leads you to a million emotions and a zillion things you have to take care of--but had never thought about because you've never lost a parent before--is really hard to explain. Because you've never had that experience before.

And then getting into a cab because you need to get home to pack to get on the first flight out from NYC to Alabama after you've just had to rush into a coffee shop so you could better hear the Doctor and give the OK not to resuscitate your momma should she flat-line (these were her explicit wishes should she ever be pronounced brain dead) and then needing to make the call to your sister, while you're still in the cab, to deliver the horrifying news and hear her horrifying scream is nothing short of surreal.

You're choking on tears and need to vomit but must somehow compose yourself because you have to make flight arrangements and pack so you can get on the first flight out. All you want to do is to get to your mother's side. But all these obstacles--like finding a flight, packing, calling people, thinking straight, having to remember to pack a black dress for the impending service--are between you and your momma's side.

While you're sitting on flights--or waiting between 3 layovers--you keep calling the hospital to see if she's still alive and they say "She's doing fine." You think this means "She's made a comeback!" But what they actually mean is that she hasn't flat-lined and is still being kept alive by machines. And then you say, "I'm worried she's thirsty, I know she's thirsty, please make sure to give her water and plenty of pain medication as I know she's hurting." And they so kindly say, "Honey, she's lost the ability to swallow, remember that she can no longer breathe on her own, she can't feel any pain...because her brain no longer processes pain."

And right about then--I think I was in Cincinatti Airport--it hits you that the agenda for this trip is nothing short of laying the person you love the most...the person that knows you most...to rest.

Scientifically, I wonder what the grieving person's brain and heart looks like during these moments. But all you can do is take it one moment, one flight and one task at a time. Because when you finally arrive at your momma's side you realize that the worst is nowhere near behind you.

And then 17 weeks go by and it becomes a little less surreal. You're pleased that you celebrated her life in a way that aligned with her true spirit, you're proud you got through Mother's Day and now it's time to get through the "first birthday." And you realize that you miss her as much now as then...and that you will continue to miss her this much for the rest of your life. The act of accepting loss is not one where you stop missing the person, it's accepting you'll continue to miss the person and weave that into your everday life.

That's not to say I'm not moving forward nor is it to say I don't have joy. Life has certainly changed but life is, by all counts, still very full. My work is going well (and busy!), my social life is fun, I've a ton of friends old and new (both online and offline), I have a good appetite and sleep well. I've confirmed that I made the right decision to work for myself, to live in this grand city and to be a part of the blogging community. It's just that I really miss my momma.

Many people asked me if I found new faith through my loss. I explain that I found humanity. I will forever remain astounded--absolutely, positively astounded--at the kindness of this community and that of my offline friends, too. Your prayers, poems, posts, thoughts, cards, e-cards, calls, teddy bears, stuffed lion animals, charity endeavors, momma tree (!) and precious eBook dedication to her memory have left me without the right words to express my gratitude. They continue to touch and impress upon me so much and you have all made this process filled with so much humanity...I can't imagine anyone needing any one thing more--and it is truly the one thing that best honors her memory. I've you fine people to thank for that.

PS: That's a classic shot of momma at the top and one of her giggling and swinging with my amazing sister, Melissa, on the right. More great pics of mom and happy stories are right here.

Update (07.29.07): I've just learned that a fellow member of our community, John Moore (of Brand Autopsy Blog) lost his mother on Friday. I thought you would want to know. Sending a world of love, prayers and strength to his family during this difficult time.

Brains + Blogs + Beauties (you go, girls)

These are such nice graphics compliments of Chris Brown (thank you, Chris!). It includes the Top 20 Female PR & Marketing Bloggers (to be sure, I'm not in the top 10). On the left is the top 10, followed by the following 10 on the bottom right. I understand this comes from Todd's "Power 150" List (to be sure, I have no power) and that Kami Huyse highlighed the females (thanks Kami!).

This serves two purposes: it honors a lot of brainy, beautiful women who contribute a lot of smarts and sense to this medium and it introduces me (and you!) to some blogs worth reading...blogs whose authors just happen to be females.

I'm not sure why there aren't more women bloggers but I can say that this one gets so much value out of doing so. But I think I'm most happy that neither males nor females treat me any differently because of my sex (at least I don't feel I'm treated differently in the 'sphere). We've discussed, debated and done a lot of good--and that knows no gender. Best of all, we're just getting started.

I always get a kick out of people assuming I'm male when I comment on other blogs because of my "CK" initials (nope, all girl). And my favorite "female" question came from Philippe who, in our interview asked, "Does it make a difference to be a woman?" To which I answered, "I can't answer this...being I've never been a man." Now it's time for me to be traditional and get in the kitchen...I've got some cookies to bake ;-).

As said above I really want this post to serve to introduce you to new blogs--so here are the blogs of these brilliant--and did I mention beautiful?!--female bloggers. You guys girls rock.

What's Next Blog B L Ochman
Diva Marketing Blog Toby Bloomberg
BlogWrite for CEOs Debbie Weil
Communication Overtones Kami Huyse
Forrester's Marketing Blog Shar, Charlene, Chloe, Christine, Elana, Laura & Lisa
The Origin of Brands Laura Ries
Branding & Marketing Chris Brown
Customers Rock! Becky Carroll
Conversation Agent Valeria Maltoni
Corporate PR Elizabeth Albrycht
The Copywriting Maven Roberta Rosenberg
CK's Blog (CK)
Spare Change Nedra Kline Weinreich
Marketing Roadmaps Susan Getgood
advergirl Leigh Householder
Brand Sizzle Anne Simons
Kinetic Ideas Wendy Maynard
Flooring The Consumer C.B. Whittemore
Presto Vivace Blog Alice Marshall
Email Marketing Best Practices Tamara Gielen

Note: Blogs that have both male and female authors aren't listed. So a BIG shout out to Jackie Huba (Church of The Customer blog) and Ann Handley (MarketingProfs Daily Fix blog). And while I'm at it, a BIG shout to more rockin' females you should know like, Lori Magno (Moda Di Magno blog) and Katie Chatfield (Get Shouty blog). I now fear I've left people out...I didn't mean to if I did.

Another note: I think the male bloggers are beautiful, too. And almost as smart as the girls :-).

How about controlling food and water safety instead?

Oy, does China have a BIG problem. And it ain't diplomacy or all their secrecy (amazing all the resources they employ to block Web pages and online conversations). Problem is, while they've been protecting their empire from external forces and persuasions, it's imploding at their own hands. Because they forgot failed to control a really important aspect of the country: the safety of their food and water.

Ironic that to eat safe Chinese food, we're likely going to have to eat it in foreign countries, eh? Go read this. Or worse, this (yes, it tastes like cardboard because it is cardboard).

From CNN yesterday: "Eating out in China used to be one of the great experiences of living here. I often thought going out with friends and colleagues for dinner was a bit like the game of "Hungry Hungry Hippos" -- vast quantities of amazing food that made dining a pleasure. Best of all, it was affordable and palatable.

But these days, the joy of anticipation of what the next dish will bring has been replaced with, well, the dread of what the next dish may contain. When ordering at restaurants, I wonder: Is that drug-tainted fish and shrimp? Did that pork come from a pig that was force-fed wastewater? Any melamine added to those noodles?

Those are among some of the recent food scares here. Even drinking a glass of water instills fear: A recent government report found half the bottled watered in this city was counterfeit. The bottom line is: If you're worried about Chinese exports, rest assured the local stuff is without doubt many, many times worse."

China, you've got one big act to clean-up. Wowsa have you got a whopper. Here's an idea, take your control competencies and focus on controlling food and water safety. Instill lots and lots of regulations. Then lots more. And then you need to deliver third-party, objective scorecards benchmarking your progress.

Yes, you'll need marketing but, it's an uphill climb, as your trust is just shot. While right now we're aghast, just wait for the battery of jokes about your food and water that will circulate for months (if not years). But China, please do not focus on how tourism and exports will flatline, focus on ensuring the safety of your own citizens.

PS: last month NYT reported the country needs to invest $100 billion over the next ten years to get standards up to snuff. And that doesn't even include all the marketing they'll need. Oy.

Learning to Love Jaws

The shark species has declined by 90%. Humans killed 100 million of them last year. Who knew? But that's not the sad thing. Who cares? Really, the problem is not only all the killing, it's that no one really cares about all the killing.

Can you blame 'em? It's hard to care when something you fear is on the fall. A shark is the enemy, after all. But as it turns out, man is far more predator than prey. See, people intend to kill sharks. Sharks don't really mean to kill us (and, unlike Jaws 3, it's never personal nor do they carry vendettas).

But still, look at that set of fangs--he's just not cuddly like a panda bear nor is he saggy-baggy cute like an elephant. And we sure have enough problems to worry about on land...but now sharks, too?

Hmmm, how to change hearts and minds? Well, start by giving us a different experience than the one we have so deeply set in our minds. Because we either need to start feeling warm and fuzzy about Jaws or, at the very least, start respecting him. These creatures need to be shown in all their majesty, not all their terror.

Plus, we need to think about how we'd feel if they were gone. While I've never befriended a shark, I do think I'd feel some loss at losing them. I even made a great white shark replica out of clay when I was in junior high for science class and used toothpicks for rows of teeth. (OK, my Dad was the one who made it but I painted the sucker.)

So here's a movie coming out this Fall, titled SharkWater, that's looking to do for sharks what Gore is doing for glaciers.The movie has already teamed-up with Discovery Channel for its upcoming annual SharkWeek feature. To be sure, in order to reverse the decline it will take the international community behind it--because sharks also don't know countries.

It will be an interesting advocacy effort to watch. Oh, and after he frightened us so (and I loved every minute of it), Spielberg needs to be wearing a "Save Our Sharks" or "Respect your fang friends" t-shirt around town, eh? Maybe "shark" needs to be the Halloween costume rage this year, too.

Here's the trailer for the movie (RSS readers go here). I'm looking forward to seeing it...and hope it's playing in IMAX.

Note: the trailer says "Spring 2007" but the website says "Fall 2007" for U.S. release.

New meaning to 'naked' conversations

Proud am I to know such a dedicated co-author that makes us look extra good by going the extra mile...and losing his pants in the process. He and his team are getting cookies (send me your addy Sean and I'll send over the goodies).

Enjoy the video kids (RSS readers go here). And don't forget to go here to buy the book.

Perhaps she needed a chauffeur strapped to her ankle instead (yet ANOTHER opportunity for MADD).

Scanning through the headlines I'm amazed that Lohan was arrested yet again early this morning for drunk driving (after 6 weeks in rehab). While she's been touting her alcohol-detecting ankle bracelet it seems what she--and so many of today's 'it girls' need--are chauffeurs (cuz rehab and jail ain't doing the trick).

I've said it BEFORE and now I'm saying it again: MADD, this is a golden opportunity--and judging by the number of arrests of Lohan, Hilton and Ritchie, the opportunity is being sent by heavenly forces--for an innovative, relevant viral campaign to drive awareness and adoption of your cause. I'd love to see drunk driving down (or designated drivers up, that's where I would focus). And, like I said BEFORE...I'm happy to spend an hour with you on a call and give you free suggestions to help your cause. I'd sure like to see some good come from all the madness.

If you folks have some suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments.

PS: Yup, that's her (latest) mugshot.

Round #1 Recap: CNN/YouTube Debates

As promised, here's my take on the CNN/YouTube user-generated video debate that aired Monday night (July 23rd). They started off with the challenge of the candidates actually answering the questions posed--which seems was everyone's (very fair) concern along with which videos would be featured (whether real or scripted).

Here's what I liked...

• The idea: I love the program format. Yes, I understand it was used to boost CNN ratings (and against the claims of media bias). But bringing the people--who vote for our country's leaders--into debates can only get candidates and media outlets to start turning back to the people.
• Range: I thought the questions were a great range. From war to healthcare to race reparations to education to gay marriage to Katrina cleanup to sex education, they covered a good amount of ground. Oh, and they seemed to come from all over the country (correct me if I'm wrong here folks).
• Authentic: None of the questions that I saw seemed "scripted" or "staged" (here is a compilation of all the featured videos). All of the videos came across as authentic, user-submitted videos. Agreed?
• Answers: I did like when Cooper pressed the candidates to give a yes/no/firm answer on some of the questions (like he did with Hillary on the Darfur issue as well as others on other questions).
• Validation: I do like what these videos did to help validate the medium. Believe it or not, many of the folks watching this debate have never been on a blog or on YouTube--now, at the very least, know of some of Web 2.0's tools. Perhaps that will pique their curiosity.

...and here's what I didn't like:

• Not equal time among candidates: Some candidates received more air time than others. While many of the user-generated questions were directed at certain candidates--and that's not something that CNN could control--CNN should have done a better job of giving equal time to all the candidates.
• No questions (videos) from outside the country: While some disagreed with me here, one thing that I found exciting about this program were that videos were submitted from all over the world. But those videos weren't represented. Sure, Americans are the ones voting in this campaign but we are a global power and I think it so important to speak to the globe (at least feature a couple videos from other countries).
• No video embeds/no search: To repeat from my first posting, I also don't like that the video questions don't have their own embeds (you had to go to YouTube to view all questions...when the questions could have generated their own convos on many blogs) and I didn't like that you can't search the videos by issue (you have to know the video number).

All told, I'm looking forward to Round #2 (Republican debates this Fall), and I'm very pleased with this format. What do I hope for? That CNN and OTHER media outlets will "listen" to the feedback from the blogs covering this and move to include more viewer questions as a rule, not the exception. I like hearing from the people and I want for others to hear a heck of a lot more from us ;-).

I need to go and make me a video, eh? Hmmm...which issue should I choose?

Reminder: User-Generated Video Debates this Monday

To understand the background for this post: just go here.

Just a reminder that the first of the two CNN/YouTube Debates will air this Monday from 7pm-9pmEST (the Democrats answer user-submitted video questions this Monday, the Republicans answer viewer entries in the Fall). Why am I reminding you of this? Because since I posted on this user-generated content debate format, many have asked me how CNN is determining which questions they'll highlight (as I understand, over 1600 questions, or "video questions," have been submitted so far).

From what CNN has said they are "monitoring which questions (videos) have had the most hits and are mapping those to the leading issues" (e.g. education, war, health coverage). Alas, I won't know how many questions they'll include or how "fair" the format is until the debate airs. I really like the format, being it brings the people closer to the candidates and integrates Web 2.0 technologies with broadcast ones. But I still don't like that the questions don't have their own embeds and aren't share-able--and that you can't search the inventory of questions by issue.

Anyhow, I'll be watching the debate so, for whomever is interested, we can chat the good and bad of this program format on Tuesday (my focus is the format not the politics...but heck, I'll talk either).

Also, from Jeff Jarvis, BuzzMachine: "My fondest hope is that viewers — and candidates and journalists — leave the debate impressed with at least a few of the questions. I hope they see that handing over control to us — or I should say, back to us — makes for a better discussion and, in the end, a better democracy. I hope they see that we do care, we are smart. I hope they learn to involve us in their process more often. I hope we all feel better about the election and the country as a result. That is putting a lot of pressure on two hours of TV, YouTube videos, and politicians. But the YouTube debates are a crack in the wall of control of elections, politics, and media. Bring your chisels."

I concur ;-). Again, the original post is here.

Disclaimer: CK has no ties to CNN, she's just very interested in this debate format--and wanted to remind those who've asked that it airs this Monday night.

Every week should start with a meetup

A BIG shout out to Kris Hoet (from Belgium) and Mark Goren (from Canada) for making NYC a destination of theirs this summer...last Tuesday I had the pleasure of hanging with these fellow bloggers/bookworms/co-authors and, most importantly, friends.

Friends indeed...they even (temporarily) got me over my fear of heights by getting me to go to the Top of The Rock in Rockefeller Center where we could see the city in all her glory. So perhaps bungee jumping is next (you never know what you bloggers will get me to do).

' Twas especially cool seeing these guys--and David Reich stopped by, too--during the week of the book launch for our collaborative work, the Age of Conversation. So of course you see us toting the book around with us in both pics. Having been fortunate enough to have met so many in this community I often say how bloggers are just like they are on their blogs. But I stand corrected...you just can't replace the value of face-to-face interaction. Should you guys ever have the chance to meet Kris, Mark or David, you'll be better for it. Yep, that claim comes with a guarantee.

So the question is, however will I have the chance to meet the rest of you rockin' bloggers? Yeah, I've got an answer to that question and will have more info. soon.

PS: The top pic (left to right), is Mark, CK and Kris. The pic on the right, (left to right), is Kris, CK, Mark and David. Thanks guys, for making my week!

While not an iPhone, I do need iNFO (win a cookie!)

Folks, can you help a girl, another girl and a guy out? In sending some value-rich Age of Convo books out Toby, Mario and I will need to track down some info. on CMOs. Just a handful (so far) so we can get correct names and mailing addresses.

Books (well, gifts!) that will be sent out will be sent on behalf of all 103 authors.

If someone--who has access to Hoover's or a like database--wouldn't mind running a few quick searches for us, I'll send them cookies--and yes, I learned my lesson and I will individually wrap each one this time so all 5 cookies don't look like 1 when they arrive on your desk.

(But just ask previous winners, they still tasted great, darn't.)

Thanks so much.

UPDATE (30 minutes later): I'm all set! 'Twas not a bird nor plane...but a super blogger saved the day. And in all of 30 minutes...hey, this bloggie-WOMmie-conversation thingie really does work ;-)

Drinking, Lying, Cheating, Smoking and Making Dreams Come True (Mad Men, the Show)

Did anyone catch last night's premiere of "Mad Men," the new show on AMC about the adveristing industry's evils and excesses in the early 60s? I'm curious as to what people thought of it...and if there are any good discussions on it, please point me to them.

In a nutshell, I thought some was well done and some was waaay overdone. Insofar as characters, I like the lead, the lead's mistress and, most especially, the head secretary--I'm not being politically incorrect, this was 1960 and women in administrative roles were given the title of secretary (and smoking and drinking at work, in the ad industry, is portrayed as not only permitted but very much encouraged...well, at least for the men).

But I can't quite transition the youngest ad man's character, Pete, played by Vincent Kartheiser, from his days being Angel's son Connor (while not a huge fan of Angel, the series served as a quick fix when Buffy left the airwaves).

Overall I give the premiere a 7.5-8 out of 10. Here's the NYT Review.

The press and ad campaigns? Quite good. In fact, it's due to the great signage treatments done at Grand Central (specifically at the GCT/Times Square Subway Shuttle location) that prompted me to watch the show. An interesting comment from the Mad Men blog--which is far from riveting--was that the between-commercial advertising factoids kept one viewer from TiVo-ing over the commercials. And I understand each factoid tied into the commercial that followed it. So they seemed effective for this episode. I personally found the factoids annoying because while trying to fast-forward through the breaks I kept thinking I was missing the show and ended up watching a lot of commercials from pharma companies which claimed "these are not actors" (which just made me say "Am I really supposed to believe that?").

But here's a very interesting factoid: all episodes are available via iTunes the day after they air. So AMC is due a BIG thank you for letting viewers have what they want, how they want it, and, more to the point, not making them wait to have what they want when they want it. While that seems common sense, it's a big move by this network to move this show and AMC's new "original drama series" programming format forward (and at $1.99/episode, gives the cable network a new, near real-time revenue stream). Watch for more to follow.

According to AMC: "Offering our content on iTunes gives consumers the unique ability to view Mad Men episodes when and where they want, providing the show with the ability to have a stronger voice to reach a wider audience," said Charlie Collier, EVP and General Manager of AMC. "We couldn't be more excited about Mad Men. This is an important series for AMC as it marks the first time the network is delving into the original drama series arena. Leading up to the premiere, Mad Men has already received industry wide critical acclaim. We are thrilled by the critics' response and are eagerly awaiting the premiere."

Anyhow, for those that watched it let me know what you thought of the show and the campaigns--and where people are chattin' it up. Thanks ;-).

The "Gift" of Conversation: if we wrote the word...then shouldn't we share our words?

Here's my thought. Well it's more than a thought being it's an action that I'm going to take. Maybe you want to do it, too. Or maybe not.

While the Age of Conversation was published to benefit charity it was written for another goal: to explain this grand, global conversation from a wide-ranging group of marketers active in the conversation so as to engage more marketers to...you guessed it!... get into the conversation (and to do so with much care). Being it's still new ground, there are far more marketers OUTside this convo than INside it.

So, the point--to me, anyhow--seems to be that of spreading our message. Ya know, educating and sharing. Which leads me to think that maybe we need to get creative in how we share that message (and ensure it spreads to our target audience). After all, we are marketers and creatively communicating our message is what we do.

Wouldn't it be great, and perhaps quite effective, if as many authors that could afford to do so, would buy and send 1 copy to a CMO of a Fortune 500? It seems that we should send them a hardcover but paperback is good, too.

And this is the point in the post where I put my money where my mouth is:

I'll buy and send books to 5 CMOs. You tell me which 5 Fortune 500 companies; the first 5 comments are the first 5 companies I'll send to (1 per comment, OK?). I will buy the books, have them sent to me, attach a letter, get the CMO's name and address and send them their free book with a letter.

**But even though I'll be sending it to them I will make it clear that this is from all 103 of us (I just happen to be the one sending them their copy).**

And then maybe other authors could send either 1 (or more) out to other CMOs. Or not. Up to you.

It just makes sense to me that we marketers should be sending these to other marketers. It benefits charity but it also benefits advances the medium. Plus it underscores share--and my chapter was on "The Share Economy" so a girl's gotta be consistent.

Anyhow, tell me which 5 Fortune 500 companies and I'll pen a letter on behalf of all of us. I'll also offer to answer any questions they may have by posting their questions on this blog and getting feedback from us all (and I'll offer to post the questions anonymously as some newbies are shy). All told, a book to 5 CMOs, a letter on behalf of all of us and the offer to answer their questions by giving us all the chance to give our perspective.

And that's the thought (and the action).

If you don't want to do it, there's no pressure at all. But if we do it we should try not to have any overlap and I'm not quite sure how to manage that--meaning, we don't want to send the same CMO multiple copies as then they would tune out rather than open up. So there are some logistics involved (keeping a list of those who've already been sent to). Maybe that list should be housed at the Age of Conversation blog. Not sure on logistics just yet but I'll ask Drew and Gavin.

Just working to get the book in the hands of those that would greatly benefit because, again, I see the point of this tremendous initiative as spreading our message. In this sense BOTH the charity and the industry benefits (and, ergo, consumers receive benefit since our book gives so many best practices :-). Of course I'm also hoping that the CMOs refer the book to others...so more money for charity raised through more book sales...and more marketers getting into the conversation.

Thoughts are welcome. Don't know why I just wrote that because in this conversation, and on this blog, thoughts are always welcome (duh). Oh, and if someone is already doing this, forgive me--I'm just doing my best to keep up with all you smarties.

PS: I'm going to wrap their books like a present (yes, there will be a bow!). Just because I'm silly and it would be that much more special for them to open the "gift of conversation." Yes, that's how I'll frame it..."giving the gift of conversation". I'll take a picture for you guys before I send them--and I'll wear a bow, too ;-).

Update (07.19.07): The diva herself, Toby Bloomberg, will be sending the gift of conversation to a Fortune 500 CMO, too!

Update (07.19.07): The community has weighed-in and I'll be sending the gift of conversation to CMOs at Wal-Mart, Sears, Saturn, NBC and United Airlines.

Update (07.20.07): Mario Vellandi will be sending some gifts of conversation, too ;-).

Update (07.21.07): The amazing Arun (out of Oman) is giving 3 copies of ‘The Age of Conversation’ to 3 CMOs of most active digital brands in the Middle East.

Can Brand Beckham Change Hearts, Minds?

I can't fake or feign it...I'm no sports fan. So this is a question to all you Americans: is brand Beckham strong enough to change this nation's hearts and minds on soccer...or will we ship him back home?

I asked my dear ol' Dad and he said "The game is too slow for this country." While half-listening to ESPN earlier they said "Americans can't deal with a game that has no end in sight." (I still don't understand what Dad or the reporter meant.)

According to the Baltimore Sun: "From the fine folks who brought us warm beer and driving on the wrong side of the road comes this latest line of twisted logic: The world's most popular soccer player is charged with finally pushing the sport into the mainstream.

You aren't going to sway a nation that prefers football to futbol by simply sending over the most popular athlete you can muster. If we collectively think the sport is boring to watch, the solution is not to send us someone who's mastered the boredom. That's like a television network airing an hour-long reality show on paint drying -- and encouraging you to watch because the broadcast features the nicest, shiniest paint in the world. American sports fans aren't fooled with dimples and hard abs and a Spice Girl on one arm -- to us, it's still paint drying."

But some BIG bucks have been invested importing the Beckhams here to prove them all wrong. And poor Posh, her reality show is getting ripped and yielding low ratings. Like Paula Abdul's reality show I watched it. Once.

And I've no intent on watching either again. (Paula's show was too bipolar and I turned off Posh's show after they asked her if Tom Cruise had converted her to Scientology.)

So, marketers, can all the money and image-makers make us love not only this cutie couple...but the game of soccer? I for one am looking forward to all the parodies on Saturday Night Live (and YouTube).

PS: Question for my fine European readers: If we do ship him back home, would you want him back being he's sold-out to the red, white and blue for lots of green?

Crappy Convos (but good lessons)

My what an interesting sh*tstorm happened whilst I was away at play. What's my take? Well, first off, I wouldn't take the diet pill that's at the center of this debate because the side effects are, um, crappy (sorry, couldn't resist, but you really should proceed with caution...and an extra pair of pants.)

But extra pants isn't the point.

The point is: should we encourage our colleagues and friends to comment on blogs that we produce for our clients?

Unless it's a blog that is authentically of interest to others...than no, I don't advise it. And personally, I don't feel right asking any of you fine folks to comment on anything that I'm being paid for. You are so generous and give me so much every day. Heck, because of all your great advice I'm able to do better at work I'm paid to do. (have I said THANK YOU lately? I need to say that more!)

However, if it were a blog on a certain genre of music that I knew my friends liked, or a certain piece of technology that I knew colleagues were interested in than, sure, I would definitely pass it by them.

Why? Because I naturally (authentically) would anyhow.

But in most cases I've found that the blogs produced by clients are not relevant to our friends and colleagues. It's a case of poor targeting...and targeting is a core rule of marketing. While generating comments may be an ice-breaker, if they're not authentic comments than they don't really advance convos. They just add comments. I think in terms of quality vs. quantity (and relationships vs. rankings).

Net/net: it's our job as marketers to create products/services/experiences and blogs that are of high enough value to encourage comments and conversations all on their own...not to generate false interest.

Oh, one exception: If I produced a blog for a nonprofit client that was doing good acts for humankind, animalkind or earthkind (not bottom-line kind), then I might reach out to you fine folks and ask you to check it out and spread the word. Yup, I have a weak spot for good acts.

(and I promise there wouldn't be any unpleasant side effects :-).

Gone Fishin'

Not so much fishin' as taking just a (very) little time off to see loved ones. So you go fishin' too...enjoy all the great blogs out there...all the (hopefully!) great weather...and maybe even some of the posts on this blog that you've not yet read, but are right here waiting for you.

While I'm away, the Age of Conversation will launch (yippie!) so be watching here for updates--and I have a post celebrating its launch on Monday over at The Daily Fix. I am so excited to see this community-wide collaboration realized...and can't wait to dig into the book!

Come Monday, July 16th, you can purchase the book (eBook, paperback or hardcover) right here. And yep, all proceeds benefit a great cause. All of the amazing authors are listed below.

While I'm away I'll try and catch a BIG one for ya (but something tells me I'd stink at fishing).

PS: Katie has the most creative (!) post here regarding the authors of the book. You go, girl.

PPS: And here's a list of ALL the *amazing* authors:

Gavin Heaton Drew McLellan CK Valeria Maltoni Emily Reed Katie Chatfield Greg Verdino Mack Collier Lewis Green Sacrum Ann Handley Mike Sansone Paul McEnany Roger von Oech Anna Farmery David Armano Bob Glaza Mark Goren Matt Dickman Scott Monty Richard Huntington Cam Beck David Reich Luc Debaisieux Sean Howard Tim Jackson Patrick Schaber Roberta Rosenberg Uwe Hook Tony D. Clark Todd Andrlik Toby Bloomberg Steve Woodruff Steve Bannister Steve Roesler Stanley Johnson Spike Jones Nathan Snell Simon Payn Ryan Rasmussen Ron Shevlin Roger Anderson Robert Hruzek Rishi Desai Phil Gerbyshak Peter Corbett Pete Deutschman Nick Rice Nick Wright Michael Morton Mark Earls Mark Blai

CB Whittemore Mario Vellandi Lori Magno Kristin Gorski Kris Hoet G. Kofi Annan Kimberly Dawn Wells Karl Long Julie Fleischer Jordan Behan John La Grou Joe Raasch Jim Kukral Jessica Hagy Janet Green Jamey Shiels Dr. Graham Hill Gia Facchini Geert Desager Gaurav Mishra Gary Schoeniger Gareth Kay Faris Yakob Emily Clasper Ed Cotton Dustin Jacobsen Tom Clifford David Polinchock David Koopmans David Brazeal David Berkowitz Carolyn Manning Craig Wilson Cord Silverstein Connie Reece Colin McKay Chris Newlan Chris Corrigan Cedric Giorgi Brian Reich Becky Carroll Arun Rajagopal Andy Nulman Amy Jussel AJ James Kim Klaver Sandy Renshaw Susan Bird Ryan Barrett Troy Worman S. Neil Vineberg

Magnificence in the downright dirty

I was watching a terrific interview with Mike Rowe the other night, he's the host of Discovery Channel's popular series "Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe" that's now in its third season. How dirty? We're talking downright disgusting jobs ranging having to transport tons of cow dung...to cleaning up roadkill...to cleaning the city's sewers... to many more sticky, icky tasks.

(A promo for the show is here.)

What is so magnificent about this series? Many things, actually:

They listen to the public: as I understand, only about 20 of the 150+ episodes were found by the producers--all the other segments have come in through viewer's suggestions.

A new reality: instead of this being yet another reality show, it's a formula where the host is a guest and does the dirty job on which they're basing a segment (and Mike Rowe is one heck of a relate-able, everyman host).

It's positive: while I can safely say that viewers don't want to live in "a day in the life," the people who live this life are very positive, oh-so real and really funny. Their dirty jobs aren't their "lot in life" but, many times a job where they have a lot of freedom. And even a lot of fun.

It's respectful: I don't know about you, but when I see what many of these workers go through I have a really hard time griping about my workload, being these guys deal with a load of crap (literally). But the show is in no way a mockery, it celebrates the world's dirtiest jobs and the unsung heroes that do them.

It counters a trend: in a time where we are awash with "infotainment" shows celebrating the elite, primped and pretty I'm gaining a newfound respect for the downright dirty. We don't need anymore plastic celebs, we need the real deal these types of shows give us. Oh, and it's given me a new reason to watch Discovery (I otherwise only watch it for Shark Week).

Interesting tidbit: in the interview Mike Rowe told Larry King that he had an uncanny success rate at aligning with unsuccessful shows. But he kept trying new things...decided to get his hands dirty...and now has quite a hit on his hands.

Yep, sometimes you (literally!) gottta step in a lotta sh*t to come out smelling like a rose.

Oh what a way to make 'the wind' human...

Remember how (before everyone started getting annoyed with them) the Mac commercials did so well because they made computers human? And PC guy is still my fave (I riddled about them here). Now this German outfit makes wind human...and makes him feel...useful. It did well with this girl, anyhow.

What do they need to do with "The Wind" next? He needs to be out and about at different events (soccer games? concerts? high-traffic parks where people lunch?) ruffling people's hair, messing with umbrellas and shaking newspapers.

And then get him a girlfriend (good play if this company ever merges with another ;-).

Btw, I can't find a site for this energy company--if you can, please advise. And the comany behind this (award-winning) spot is right here (thanks Ryan!). The spot is just over two minutes. RSS readers go here.

How do we feel about anons?

Anon (a-non/noun): A person who blogs anonymously be it through a character, another name or, just as "anonymous."

I've had this question a good bit lately. And I think the more that people start joining this rockin' convo, the more anons we'll see. A lot of authors write under a pseudonym or alias and that seems OK. And we vote privately and that seems to be able to ensure no bias.

But when we blog as anons it seems to be different...

My view? I don't really mind anons so long as the person is blogging that way in order to blog their authentic views. Sometimes one needs to blog anonymously in order to be able to blog at all (because of employer rules). Heck I'm still amazed that the army let Sgt. Joshua Salmons blog as long as they did (he's since changed blogs, I'll figure out the new one soon). And then sometimes someone blogs as an anon because they're scared (maybe they need my lion?).

I will say that I'm not OK with one assuming another name in order to hurt others. Scratch that, I'm actually not OK with others hurting others when they use their real names. That said, disagreements and constructive debates are necessary and can be very advancing. Now, I don't think one can get as close to their audience sans showing themselves. But I think anons can still advance the convo.

Then again, maybe truth and honesty aren't the same. Dunno, I'm still figuring my way through this question that's been asked of me a lot.

Oh, and being a creative gal, I do think if people are going to blog as anons there should at least be some creativity to it--like, be it animal, mineral or vegetable, choose a name other than "anon"! So, whaddya think? And of course, please answer anonymously.

(Just kidding.)

PS: Lewis has a post exploring this over here that's worth the read. And Lewis just won my heart by posting the first "All Heart Award" (Lewis has a groovy new book on "Leading with your heart" coming out soon enough and I innocently suggested he start an award series to honor marketers who set hearty examples...and he did it. Yippie!).