I Can Has Unhealthy Obzezzion Wit Kittehs

Do you have things you obsess over? Perhaps things like shoes, tiny collectibles or boy bands? I too have an obsession........

......an obsession with CATS.

Ironically, I'm not a huge cat person. They're alright from time to time. Of course they'll give you the time of day when they want to. When it's "convenient" for them (they're rather selfish in my opinion).

No, my obsession started from a little thing called ICanHasCheezburger. LOLCats are the culprit for my obsession.

How can you not like this............

..............and this...............

...........or this????

As you can see, ICanHasCheezburger features silly pictures of cats with silly captions. Who would of thought that this hilarious site and its sister site, Fail Blog, would have nearly 50 million page views a month (self reported for the network), and over 1 million unique visitors for ICanHasCheezeburger.com (according to Compete.com statistics). *(Data from 2009)

In other words, serious $$cha-ching$$ potential. 

Ben Huh, CEO of the CheezBurger network, explained in a past Inc. article that they have a simple company mission: “making everyone happy for 5 minutes a day.”

Of course, ICanHasCheezburger wasn't a success overnight. It took alot of followers to ignite the flame but it soon spread like wildfire. As the network grew larger so did the launch of new sites. The cool thing about each site is that each pertains to a different niche audience based on their interests.

Here's a list of a few of their other sites:

• Engrish Funny
• Failbooking  
• There, I Fixed It 
• IHasAHotdog 
• ROFLrazzi

So how do they get the ideas for these radical sites? Interestingly, it's the users who are the brains behind these sites and they submit more than 10 thousand submissions of content a DAY.

I believe that the Cheezburger network is a great example of a growing trend in business models - one that focuses on the consumer and builds from customer feedback, recommendations, and interactions.

So yes, because of LOLCats I can't help but imagine a cat in some ridiculous pose with some outrageous caption from every kitteh I see. Thus the reason why I just want to squeeze every kitty to death.

I Can Has Unhealthy Obzezzion Wit Kittehs?


What do you think the future holds for user-inspired content?

Do you think more companies will adopt this type of model?

Money Ain't A Thang

So picture this: I'm sitting at home yesterday couch-ridden due to a sinus-infection and minor bronchitis. Of course there is absolutely nothing on TV so I am forced to watch marathons of The Real Housewives of Orange County and The Millionaire Matchmaker. What do these shows have in common besides millionaires, gaudy jewelry, cocky attitudes and silicon? Surprisingly, it's the presence of two, high-profile, self-made, successful women.

1. It's really hard to see successful a chick on television that has accumulated wealth on her own.

and

2. Especially today when all you see is extremely superficial reality television.

I wanted to stand up and give them the **HELL YEAHs**!

                                         Successful Business Woman #1

Vicki Gunvalson of The Real Housewives of Orange County is a successful business woman who owns here own life insurance company. Out of all of the wives on the TRHOC she is the only one who has found success on her own and is a big advocate for self success.  For example, in season 1, when the housewives go on a jewelry shopping spree, one housewife moans that she doesn't have a man in her life to buy her jewels in the shop; Gunvalson responds by telling her that she doesn't need a man to buy her things because they can earn the money independently and purchase the jewels themselves.

Plus +1 for Vicki!

                                                                                                                                                                                                             Successful Business Woman #2

Patti Stanger founded the Millionaire's Club, a matchmaking service in L.A. because she felt that successful men in the dating arena needed a private, exclusive club where they could come to find their beautiful and "intelligent" wives (I say " " because we all know who they end up going for any...). Amusingly, clients pay megabucks (up to $25,000+)  for her services. Needless to say, she is raking in the cash. So in short, business began booming and soon enough she had her own reality show, The Millionaire Matchmaker. 

Plus +1 for Patti!

Money Ain't A Thang  
After goggling and admiring their self-made wealth and fame I started to realize something. Not only are Vicki and Patti seen as controlling and wound up like a screw-driver (which could put a slight damper on personal relationships); they also appear so consumed in their business and sucess that they don't have time for all the REAL things that matter: ie. relationships, LIFE,  family and time to one's self. Even Patti claims on her show that her business is a 24/7 job.

Ok,  maybe now they have time to do all of that stuff. But I'm sure that in the process of gaining all of that success alot of sacrifices had to be made and many moments were missed out on.

I, myself, would love to be successful. However, I will not do it at the expense of well, for one thing, my sanity, well-being, or time spent with those I care about. We're losing cherished moments in the process of trying to reach this illusionary purpose. An illusion that selfworth is based on obtaining superficial tangibles.

MONEY ≠ SELF WORTH


What do you think?

♪{Musac BlogRevue} The Dirt on East Coast Dirt♪

Wednesday night I had the pleasure of checking out the beats of Asheville natives, East Coast Dirt at the Preservation Pub. Instantly I was impressed by their funky chaotic instrumentals. Going in not having a clue of what to expect, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It was if I was slapped in the face by elements of rock, roots, and experimental sounds (they cleverly deem this mash of audibles "Sneaker Booglaoo"). As soon as I got a taste I immediately associated it with the experimental jazz sounds of MMW (Medeski Martin and Wood).

Though East Coast Dirt brings a fairly new sound to the mix, band members Wilson Hawes (bass guitar, vocals), Brad Boughton (drums, vocals),  Brian Steele (guitar, bass, vocals) and Will Little (keyboards, guitar, vocals) are no amateurs. Delivering complexity, with a dash of spontaneity and a touch of playfulness, the band's chemistry sends sparks flying all over the stage.

Although the band mostly tours on the east coast, their growing fan base has allowed them to expand geographically. After collaborating in the studios this winter, the band is set to release a new album in Spring 2010. The new album captures the dynamics of their live shows while emphasizing each member's unique writing styles and innovative instrumentals.

Don't miss out on this progressive rock-fusion quartet! It'll be sure to make you put your boogie shoes and party pants on!

* Photos by Kelsey Caran Wiggins                                   


Find a shows near you.
Suprema Lex Music

Whoa Whoa Technology! Slow down! Let me breathe for a Second..

(Note: The topic I have written is strictly a matter of opinion. I do not mean to offend anyone, as these are only observations. In a sense, I could be considered hypocritical as I do, myself, use technology and appreciate it to an extent. I am merely speaking of getting into the hype of technology.)

Technology, to me, is a double-edged sword. Of course technology has revolutionized every single aspect in our lives, whether it be in communication, health, research, transportation, etc but I also see it as a path to destruction. To me, it’s my “how can I live with out you?” to my “bane of my existence.” We, as a society, are so reliant on technology and we seek to eternally expand its advancement. But it’s certain types of technologies that get me…. gadgets per se. From refrigerators and washing machines that tell you “Good morning”, the time of day, and the temperature outside to cell phones telling you where you are, what your pet’s vet records are, and how to say, “Where is the bathroom?” in French.

Sometimes I just wonder, ‘is all of this necessary?’ When is enough enough? And, will we ever live a simplistic lifestyle ever again?

Now, I’m not trying to discount technology. Heck, my industry worships it. The advertising industry is constantly clawing and scratching just to keep up with technology. I’m just trying to take a step back here and reevaluate the impact technology is having on our planet and society as a whole.  We are a society that is so fast-paced and on-the-go, and are constantly seeking the easiest ways to cut the corners of everyday life. I can’t help but fear that either we are on the path to laziness or just completely missing out on life’s simplicities. In simplicities I mean living a life with the absence of technology (i.e. visiting a friend, enjoying the outdoors without constantly talking or texting on the phone, or reading a paperback book instead of a digital on).

I’m all for advancements in finding the cure for diseases and determining more energy efficient usages. But where do our values lie? Apparently in cool gadgets like Amazon Kindle (For me, no thanks - I like to read without straining my eyes from trying to read teeny tiny typeface) and TomToms (Um MAPQUEST THAT SHIT! And yes I realize that Mapquest is just another facet of technology BUT there is one difference: Map quest is FREEEEE. Or are the little things called maps still available?).

I just can’t get that tiny voice of Dr. Mariea Hoy’s out of my head in Advertising Issues class as she pounded our heads with the issues of classical theory (people are innately intelligent enough to actively seek out information before making purchasing decisions) vs. neoclassical theory (people are easily persuaded by the influence of others  - i.e. media, advertising – in making purchasing decisions). One of the discussions that most comes to mind is that of overconsumption. One of our readings commented that overconumption = the world’s apocalypse. Basically, in a nut shell, the world as we know it will end because we as human beings have completely exhausted all of our resources due to our need for overconsumption and will completely wipe out our entire race, all other existing species, and the environment. Ishamel, a novel written by Daniel Quinn speaks of a fundamental difference between two types of people: Leavers and Takers. The Leavers take what they need from the world and leave the rest alone. Living in this manner ("in the hands of the gods"), Leavers thrive in times of abundance and dwindle in times of scarcity. Takers on the other hand, well, take. Takers are people often referred to as "civilized." Takers produce enormous food surpluses, which allows them to thwart the gods when they decide it's the Takers' time to go hungry.

Ok…..I’m going off in a tangent here. The point I’m trying to make is that technology is evidence of our need for overconsumption as we constantly seek to upgrade and use up our resources. I feel that perhaps we should focus our technological efforts and spending on more important things like finding the cure for cancer, than on upgrading gadgets that make our go-go lifestyle easier.


(Another food for thought that is not entirely related to the thoughts above.)

Here is my question: Do I have to be into the iPhone, iTouch, e-book, Blackberry to be considered tech-savvy? Can I be up-to-date, “with the times”, “ahead of the curb”, if I myself do not practice getting into the hype of technology? For example, I’m so lame my OLD cell phone (I have to emphasis old because I caved in and bought a new ENV3 with my Verizon upgrade…only because I got an upgrade though) could only dial people the old-fashioned way and text with graphics that resembled that of the Ataris era. Which, honestly, I was ok with. I don’t really need an iPod on my phone when I already have an iPod (and have gone through about 5). Or the T-Mobile G1 that has instant access to Google when I have a computer in front of me about 90% of my lifetime.

So how behind the times am I? Well, as far as social media goes - yes, I use Facebook (I think I could be considered an early adopter in this mass social phenomena). Of course I used Myspace (before it took on its creepy, sketchy-like persona). LinkedIn? Check! Twitter? Check!

Ok, so am I a laggard? I sure as hell hope not because as a young professional I have a technologically-savvy, Gen-Y reputation to uphold.

According to the Innovation Adoption Curve I fall into the early to late majority categories:

Early Majority: Thoughtful people, careful but accepting change more quickly than the average.

Late Majority: Skeptic people, will use new ideas or products only when the majority is using it.

However, I have my own set of definitions. In my own Innovation Adoption Curve I am in the “I Don’t Really Care” to the “I Will Not Conform To Society” curve.

So does anybody else feel this way? Do you feel overconsumption and the need for new gadgets is destroying our society? Can you be cool, hip, and “with it”, if you don’t fall into the hype of new gadgets? DISCUSS….

The Whuffie Factor

Photo credit: sundarganapathy.com

Last September’s AAF Luncheon was a tantalizing one as we explored the different approaches to marketing. Panelists consisted of representatives from all the like of the marketing world - ad agencies, pr firms, in-house operations, freelance, and independent consultants.


Many great in-depth conversations were had. Ranging from media convergence, to how advertisers execute their own Green initiatives, to the often discussed, but still ambiguous, nature of social media.

The topic of convo that most struck my chord (and also threw me for a loop) was casual toss of the term “whuffie”.  Not familiar with this absurd word “whuffie”? That’s ok, neither was I, and by the looks of some perplexed faces amongst the crowd, neither were they.

The definition of “whuffie”, according to The Whuffie Factor author, Tara Hunt, is a social capital, composed of reputation, trust, connections, influence, and other factors. It becomes a kind of currency.


Want to know the 5 Way to Raise You Whuffie, according to author, Tara Hunt? Well, here ya go!

1. Turn the Bullhorn Around. Instead of shouting impersonally at your customers, listen to them. Become a "beacon for constant feedback." Focus on individuals, and understanding the needs of the community. People want to be treated like "special snowflakes."

2. Become Part of the Community You Serve. Get out of your head, and into the community. Collaborate and share with them. Fall in love with what your customers love. Figure out what problem you're solving, and for whom you're solving it, then join them.

3. Create Amazing Experiences. Become remarkable. Solve problems for your customers so seamlessly, it feels like magic. Engage in fun, lightweight activities that encourage user participation, aka "throwing sheep." Lighten up.

4. Embrace the Chaos. You cannot control the message. Get that through your head. Let go of your perceived control, and you'll see good things come back to you.

5. Find a Higher Purpose. Find a way to give back to the community. Whuffie is part of a gift economy. It's only worth something when it circulates, and the more you give away, the more you get. Do well by doing good.



Now, want to know how to completely DESTROY your whuffie?

Here’s a wonderful example that I read from a Fame Foundry blog:

In summary, AT&T customers who had iPhones were very upset about the network’s unreliable service and were determined to be vocal about their issues.

In an attempt to calm the madness and display some sheer dignity, AT&T released “Seth the Blogger Guy” who made his first appearance on the company’s YouTube channel earlier this year to promote the launch of iPhone3GS.

Instead of coming off as sincere, viewers immediately recognized its transparency and saw it for what it was: patronizing and incredible. Seth is far from engaging in genuine dialog and also isn’t some “blogger guy” as he claims, but instead is Seth Bloom, senior vice president at Fleishman-Hillard, AT&T’S PR agency.

One commenter on the blog said it best, “If AT&T truly cared about repairing its reputation and earning the loyalty of its customers, it would not hide behind a fictional persona but rather would put a legitimate company heavyweight on the front lines of its social media efforts.”


AT&T, you have just filed for Whuffie Bankruptcy.

Blogger Virgin

SOoo this is what blogging is about, huh? I'm not much of an avid blogger. Sure I've written a few for my company's website (DNP - Davis Newman Payne, which I'll include on my blog as well) but never on a consistent basis, yet alone my own blog. I feel like the internet world is calling my name on a professional level and I want to fully dive into the digital pool. I think the topics of this blog will be at random. Probably more industry-related (advertising, marketing, etc.) than anything but I'll probably share my thoughts and feelings on things going on in my world as well - my "Dear Diary".

Can I now say I've been de-flowered as a blogger?

2009 Bonnaroo

*Note: This blog was originally posted on my company's website.

The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is a four-day music festival that is in its 7th year. This event is held in the small town of Manchester, TN and is produced by Superfly Productions and Knoxville’s own AC Entertainment.

Not Just A Jam-Band Festival Anymore
Being that this was my third Bonnaroo, it never ceases to surprise and amaze me. With 80,000 attendees, this festival had something for all ages and demographics: Phish for the hippies, Mars Volta and Coheed for the slightly rougher metal heads, Beastie Boys for those in their mid-30s, Springsteen and David Byrne for the older crowd and last but not least, babies. Yes, even babies had a good time at the Roo.

You Can Still Roll VIP
Can’t stand the heat, nasty port-a-potties, or sitting on the harsh ground during a show? Of course VIP passes are available for those wanting to spend the extra cash. However, special showers and restroom facilities, preferred parking and camping, and bleacher seating during shows may be worth the increased pricing. And don’t worry; there is also a VIP Payment Plan if you can’t dish out the $1,349.50 per pair plus applicable fees.

The Bonnaroo BUZZ
Bonnaroo is all about the one-on-one consumer interaction. This strategy has helped to create the enormous buzz that has been fluttering around the festival for years. Various social media vehicles were apparent everywhere such as the Bonnaroo Fan Page on Facebook, Bonnaroo’s online newsletter, AC Entertainment’s eblasts sent via email, and Bonnaroo’s own Twitter account and Tweetaroo where you can find and follow your favorite Bonnaroo artists. Even Rolling Stone magazine is deeming it as the best festival of the summer.

What’s in a Brand Name?
With Bonnaroo being such a big event it was no shock to see companies promoting throughout Centeroo (area where all the activities, vendors and stages are held). Here are some of Bonnaroo’s partners that I thought weren’t intrusive and promoted their brands tactfully.

Photo credit: http://bonnaroo.com

Fuse Barn
The Fuse Barn gave you a chance to unleash your inner rock star by taking the stage in front of a live rock band, karaoke style. Or test your music trivia IQ by competing against all your friends in the Fuse Game show for prizes. You could even charge your cell phone, update your Facebook status, twitter or check your email from their computer lounge. I used it to give my peeps a quick update on my Facebook status, mostly to rub it in their faces. :p Fuse also broadcasted live throughout the festival as the official TV partner of Bonnaroo.

Photo credit: http://bonnaroo.com

Bonnaroo Salon Hosted by Garnier Fructis
While I was partially fond of my own dirty dread-lock forming hair, Garnier, who is no amateur to the Roo had returned for its third year. Their Salon gave away complimentary hair washing, hair styling, free samples, had a karaoke contest and other giveaways. Now you can dance to the tunes of Of Montreal AND have great hair!

Photo credit: http://bonnaroo.com

Arcade Discotheque Powered by Xbox 360
Not only did the Xbox 360 tent provide a nice cool and shaded area to rest in between sets, it was also the place to rock on stage and test your Rock Band skills. Gamers had the chance to test new Xbox games as they danced along to the Live DJ spinning tunes. They also graciously provided ponchos for the predicted monsoon that was to hit. Luckily I never had to make use of them.

Photo credit: http://bonnaroo.com

The Silent Disco Powered by Vitamin Water
My most unique experience and Bonnaroo’s top attraction was bustin’ a move at the Silent Disco. This wireless dance party provided stereophones that broadcasted Live DJ spins directly to your ears. Not to mention, the refreshing Vitamin Water was a nice touch at the end.

Although Bonnaroo can make quite a dent in the wallet, I encourage anyone who hasn’t gone to take the trip at least once in his or her lifetime. Bonnaroo isn’t just a hippie-fest, but a place for doctors, lawyers, business owners, and families to come together and enjoy a friendly community, fun activities, and most importantly, great music.