Staying Ahead of the Curve

In a time when just about every company is talking about dialogue, listening to customers and transparency - few actually deliver on their vows. Recently Domino's Pizza put their money where their mouth is. They boldly reinvented themselves, even when things (from all outward appearances) are good. That takes a lot of balls. Humility is very Un-American, except of course when people are walking away. Chevy was really good at saying sorry, only after they were screwed. 

There is a theory in business called the Sigmoid curve - it basically states that there are four phases for any business: growth, maturity, decline, and death. It goes on to suggest that in order to prevent death, you must institute change while you are in maturity and before decline.


Even before I realized it had a name, I had observed this lifecycle in real life. And Domino's is putting the theory to the test. I'm eager to see what happens. 


A very wise man pointed out to me that there are two important rules that the Curve teaches us:  1) Nothing lasts forever under its own momentum.  2) Success contains the seeds of its destruction

Finding The Lowest Common Denominator

Anyone seen the recent Census advertising campaign? I saw this recently on television and it definitely piqued my curiosity, called "Payton Schlewitt's Snapshot of America." It's a Christopher Guest-type tongue in cheek mocumentary - very funny.

I did a little digging and came across this article: http://www.suntimes.com/business/lazare/1996380,CST-NWS-lew18.article.

So far, there's a facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/snapshotofamerica?ref=sgm) and a trailer on Youtube...worth watching.

So here's my question: If this is intended for the true general public, I'm curious to see if they get it. Right or wrong, I generall think of "America" as a lowest common denominator deal, and this definitely isn't.

Wonder what the next 4 ads have in store.

Commentary - The Motard Chasm

The following article caught my attention hyping the new Morini 1200cc Motard - http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/spy-shots-moto-morini-1200cc-motard/

I have a few thoughts on whats happening here:

It seems like the chasm of 'upright bikes' continues to widen. On one hand, the popularity of small bore canyon carving thumpers continues to rise. Bikes like the WR250X, DRZ400SM, Husky 510/610, KTM 690, and so on.






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Meanwhile manufacturers continue to introduce more motard-like bikes with more and more power (and more weight.)

Some say that the evolution of motorcycles is like the evolution of man...continually more upright as we progress. However, this new class of big-bore twins reminds me more of a bodybuilder - good at few things, but can't really move around.

People love Horsepower - it's very American, but the funny this is that most people a) never use the power and b) don't consider the relationship of power and weight. Don't get me wrong, there are benefits to high-HP (thus larger) bikes...easier highway passing, longer distances, more comfortable, (sometimes) less maintenance.

But, the little thumpers of the world often get overlooked due to their 'lack of power.' If you haven't already, give one of these little fellas a try, you'll be surprised at 1) how much fun they are 2) how much faster you turn 3) how cool you feel when you pass a 180HP gixxer in the twisties.

Just something to chew on.

King of the Idiots

On any given weekend in the Santa Monica canyons, there are a host of photographers that capture the thrills and spills of the Los Angeles weekend warriors. Pretty much every weekend there is one crash that is captured - almost always attributed to a rider riding beyond his/her ability in order to capture that perfect photo. I usually peruse the photos the following week to see myself, people I know and the crash de jour.

This one was caught my attention, and for reasons you soon shall see, I have hereby anointed this guy "King of the Idiots."

His session begins with a low speed crash where it looks like he blew the turn:

Thankfully, he manages to ride away with only a busted headlight.

In a desperate attempt of ego recovery, he makes it clear that he'll be back.

For his gran finale, he decides to pull out all the stops for the camera, busted headlight and all:


Only to be humbled by the Gods of Showboating:

Bow down sir, for you have earned your title "King of the Idiots"

Coffee, Tea, Shopping, San Quentin

In case you're ever in the SF area for an extended stay...

Only in America do you get a thoughtful review of the San Quentin Prison store (called the Canteen) on Yelp.

In one very well thought out review, the author provides:

- an explanation of how he scored the store only 1 star

- a historical pricing analysis of products at the store

- advice on bargaining in prison

- a threat to a worker, very heartfelt

- an nod to the corruption in our prison system, all tied together with a zinger finish

I am proud to be an American!

View The Link Here

Ad Don'ts

Avoid these overused ideas that creative people think are original. Things like:

• NEW: Using everyday sounds to create a melody...clanking pans, opening jars, tapping on tables. Stop it, we've seen it. 
• Driving home a point by saying "Yup..." (think Toyota truck advertising)...a deep manly voice makes it a felony.
• Blair Witch Spinoffs...just stop it. Keep your flashlight only for true emergencies.
• Being the "Official Sponsor of ______...fun, men, partying, etc" but, not really sponsoring anything. There should be a government fine for doing that.
• Using a Tip #...this one is my biggest pet peeves. Tip # 32: Don't use tips.
• One script delivered by many people - cheap way to tell a message and represent all demos...boooo
• Claiming to be the definition of anything...that's the definition of weak sauce.
• "Got _____?" Even Milk stopped saying got milk, you stop it too.
• Recessionary spin-offs..."Stimulus Sale..." ugh, stop reminding me.

So, the next time a creative presents a "new" idea that sounds familiar, pull up this list and say...STOP IT. Tell them to take a cold shower, have a shot of tequilla and come up with something original.

Does McCain look better when shit's really heading south?

An Observation:

Motivequest, an online discussion measurement (among other things) company put together this site: http://brandadvocacy08.com/main.html
It basically tallies the volume and sentiment of online discussion regarding Obama and McCain in horizontal discussion forums (and not, political discussion boards where people of one ilk or another gather). 

While I'm sure it has its flaws (e.g. it doesn't account for the fact more young people are online, that young people tend to sway Obama, or the electoral college, etc.), it's makers seem to think that they'll be able to predict the outcome of the election based on their numbers. One has even promised to shave his head if he's wrong.

Interestingly, Obama had the advantage since the site launched end of August -  until today when the stock market tanked.

Perhaps too early to tell, but looks like people look to 'experience' when it gets REALLY scary. Wonder if the score will sway Obama if/when the market improves. 

 

Stay tuned.