Threshold Blog

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:

Burning Man 2007

Just got back from Black Rock City, it was quite an eventful year: copious dust storms, a lunar eclipse, arson, a suicide, 'splosions and one amazing double rainbow. Felt like the town got a little too close for comfort the weekend of the burn, topping out at 47,097 participants. But you can't deny that it's still the most creative summer's end hoedown in the world.

Burning Man 2007 pictures on Flickr

TV Free Burning Man Videos

70's Style: The Longest "Running" Joke

The good news: Nike has re-released their classic running shoe designs from the 70's. The bad news: they're only available in the faux-aged, pre-worn variety. The Nike Vintage site is amusing though.

TRI-PONG FOR ALL!

Our infamous friend, Secil Boyd, shared he and his wife Melba's, invention with us.  And as Tri-Pong's most ardent supporter, Cheristy can attest that Tri-Pong has proven to be a great stress release.  We gotta get a tourney going soon!  Check out the rules at Wikipedia.

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.

$12.79

'Amateur' TV Ads Set for Super Bowl Splash.

Radio Article

Watch

A Holiday for the Rest of Us...

It's FESTIVUS time, baby!

Start airing your grievances now...

News:  Sales of Festivus poles are going through the roof.  To learn more about this festive holiday, read on:

http://www.festivuspoles.com/pages/Festivuspoles.htm

Print's Not Dead

As I suspected, we could only live in a paperless society for so long. Print is back and this time it's one of a kind:

Blurb Blog Books

QOOP PhotoBooks, Posters & Calendars

Moo MiniCards

Zazzle T-Shirts & Custom Designs

New Markets

This comes as no surprise, but acknowledging the fact may just inspire forward thinking thoughts.

Online video 'eroding TV viewing'