Threshold Blog

Innovate or Die

Google and Specialized Bikes have teamed up to bring us the "Innovate or Die" Contest. They're looking for innovative new ways of channeling pedaling power into everyday energy use. Here's a video of one of their examples:

Get Satisfaction

Satisfaction launched their beta site this week. In it's infancy, it's a little difficult explaining what "people-powered customer service" is before the people are really there yet to power it. But the concept of this open conversation for any and all companies and products is really intriguing - I really hope it catches momentum.

Here's the description from the Satisfaction site:

"Satisfaction is a place for real people to get the most from their products and services, and for companies to get real with their customers. Everyone is welcome in our community, and we invite you to make your mark here."

Still not exactly clear what it's all about? I hear ya. For more insight, read the Community Guidelines.

I'm actually more excited about their use of social-network-portability with hCard supported profiles. Instead of creating yet another unique social network profile and unloading yet another eye-catching thumbnail image from your hard drive, you can start with one you already have from another site that supports hCards. This a great feature! So Web 2.5:

Great NY Times Rick Rubin article on the state of music today...

A good friend sent this over to me and Rick's got lots to say...check it out...

NY Times Rick Rubin article

EAGLE vs. SHARK

The attention to flash animation detail on the new EAGLE vs. SHARK movie site is really exceptional. The content is pretty kick-ass too: like the Kick-Ass Collage, and the Killer Soundboard. I get the feeling this film is the Kiwi equivalent of Napoleon Dynamite. If EAGLE vs. SHARK is half as entertaining as it's site then we're in for a nerd-loving chucklefest.

Flying Colors

Stop what you are doing right now and go explore Red Interactive's new site: http://www.ff0000.com

Once you've set up the super simple ye olde thyme avatar just say "Hello There Good Sir!" to fellow visitors with the chat function. Or, if you are so inclined, you can even put your dukes up and start sparring with 'em. But I prefer just jumping up and flying into the starlit sky.

Word on the street is that this "Red Universe" was in beta form for quite a while where it was carefully refined and perfected by suggestions from invited friends and colleagues. It definitely shows in the final execution. A+

The Break-Up

Looks like Microsoft is stealing back Apple's personification technique in ads. And to great effect. Find out more at http://bringtheloveback.com

Army Restricts Blogging, Blocks Access To YouTube, MySpace, MTV, More...

This is just plain sad....

We've Been Punk'd!

I just picked this new book up today, Punk Marketing: Get Off Your Ass and Join the Revolution. For even the entry level punk rocker it's take-no-prisoners Manifesto (below) states the obvious. But, then again, that's what most effective manifestos usually do. I reckon this insurgent treatise will be a galvanizing rally call to all the ad agencies and brands out there that are already diving head first into the endless possiblities of new media in 2007. Viva La Revolution!

1. Avoid Risk and Die
   In times of change the greatest risk is to take none at all.

2. Why Not Ask ‘Why Not?’
   Assumptions are just that. Anything you assume is usually a half-truth or generalizations that once served a useful purpose but now hinders truly creative solutions.

3. Take a Strong Stand
   Trying to be all things to everyone on the planet inevitably results in meaning little of interest to just about anybody.

4. Don’t Pander
   Customers are important but they are not necessarily right.
   
   
5. Give Up Control
   Consumers now control brands. Smart marketers recognize this and embrace it rather than fight the powerful truth.

6. Expose Yourself
   A relationship of trust between brand and consumer, like that between two people, is built upon honesty.

7. Make Enemies
   All brands need to position themselves against an alternative.

8. Leave Them Wanting More
   Avoid the temptation to reveal all of your assets at once. Or as the masters have said: You don’t teach them everything you know. You teach them everything they know.

9. Outthink the Competition
   Think smarter than the other dude. Do not be led into temptation by the fast buck and don’t try and outspend them.

10. Don’t Be Seduced By Technology
    The media is not the message anymore. The message is the message is the message.

11. Know Who You Are
    If you don’t understand what it is that you are good at you might be tempted to try and be something you are not.

12. No More Marketing Bullshit
    Get to the point. Express it clearly and simply. Einstein said — we believe he meant marketers: “Things should be made as simple as possible, but not any simpler.” 

13. Don’t Let Others Set Your Standards
    Sorry to tell you this but good no longer means anything while mediocre does more harm than doing nothing.

14. Use the Tools Of The Revolution
    Go write your own Manifesto. Remind yourself of its articles whenever you lack resolve.

Find out more at: www.punkmarketing.com

16 Things I Learned at SXSW

Here's my 16 Things I Learned at SXSW PowerPoint presentation posted on SlideShare.

Weird Web Trail: Conspiracy Theory — Or Marketing For Nine Inch Nails LP?

The contents of some conspiracy theorist's personal manifesto? The plot of a rote first-person shooter? The results of a quick jaunt through Snopes.com? Actually, it's all part of the elaborate (and somewhat terrifying) concept behind Nine Inch Nails' upcoming Year Zero album (due April 17), details of which are currently being disseminated through a series of increasingly spooky — and downright odd — Web sites.

NIN Article 1

NIN Article 2