A new site for Blue 541

Our friends at Blue 541 in Coeur d'Alene have updated their agency website. It's a nice showcase of their previous work, as well as their interactive capabilities.

Oh yeah, and they've got a cat too.

Technorati tags: blue 541

Headline Roundup for December 30th

2009 Will Be Year Of Comfort Food, Cocktails - via MediaPost

Internet Tops Newspapers As News Source, Still Lags TV - via MediaPost

Why Local Sports May Pay Off for Marketers - via Ad Age

TV Retains Marketing Dollars in Hard Times - via The New York Times


Media Jobs? Depressing - via Ad Age

Technorati tags: mediapost, ad age, new york times

Broken Barker Bash

The Broken Barker Bash, which was originally scheduled back in November, has officially been rescheduled, and by all accounts is proceeding as planned.

From the organizers at Wirestone:

You're invited to a fantastic celebration of life!

Jeff Barker, a dear friend, gifted designer, and all-around great guy, was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident on October 2, 2008. Please join Wirestone and friends as we toast Jeff's new lease on life with a great night of music, a silent auction and tons of fun.

Details about the event are as follows:

Date: Friday, January 23rd, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: The Linen Building, 1402 W. Grove St, Boise, ID
Cost: $10

For tickets or more information, call Brie at Wirestone: 208-343-2868.

Tickets can also be ordered online.

The music begins at 8:00, featuring performances by:
Bill Coffey & Ned Evett
Travis Ward & Hillfolk Noir
Soft Gong
DJs from the Vinyl Preservation Society

All proceeds from the Broken Barker Bash and silent auction will help to pay Jeff's medical and recovery expenses.

Technorati tags: broken barker bash, wirestone, jeff barker, the linen building, bill coffey, ned evett, travis ward, hillfolk noir, soft gong, vinyl preservation society

Job Opening: Web Developer

Zeta Interactive in Boise has an opening for a Web Developer:

In this role you will:
Be hands-on developing and implementing web content and design
Work collaboratively with our creative department and the programming team and take ideas and creative designs to fully working HTML/CSS templates
Manage production and site maintenance
Build sites with CSS only layouts, semantic HTML as well as utilizing JavaScript and AJAX
Experience of SEO issues and CMS environments would be an advantage
Provide advice and guidance best practices in web technologies and emerging trends

Full details can be found here.
(Courtesy of craigslist)

Technorati tags: zeta interactive, web developer job opening, craigslist

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone who reads the Idaho Ad Agencies blog from time to time. I hope you're able to enjoy a little time off during the holiday season.


In the mean time, here are a few holiday sites that have crossed my desk recently:

Blue 541

Davies Rourke

Drake Cooper

and, and oldie-but-a-goodie from our friends at Sullivan Higdon & Sink in Kansas City.

I'm sure there are others - feel free to add links to them in the comments.

Technorati tags: blue 541, davies rourke, drake cooper, sullivan higdon sink

Headline Roundup for December 22nd

IPG: Digital Will Impact 5 Key Areas Next Year - via MediaPost

Networks Brace For Tepid Scatter Market - via MediaPost

Small Businesses Intimidated by Search Marketing - via MarketingVOX

Ford Picks Up PR Points for Declining Auto Bailout - via Ad Age

Technorati tags: mediapost, search marketing, marketingvox, ford, ad age

DIRECTV Taking Shots at DISH Network

Yesterday the news broke that the contract between DISH Network and Fisher Communications expired at midnight on Wednesday the 17th, and no new agreement has been reached yet.

Today, DIRECTV was running radio spots playing off of the fact that DISH Network was no longer broadcasting the local CBS station (in this case KBCI), which meant no CSI, Survivor, NFL Sunday Football, etc. It wouldn't surprise me if similar spots are currently running in other markets where Fisher has stations, such as Lewiston, Idaho Falls, Portland, Seattle, Eugene, and others.

With the exception of Portland and Seattle (ABC), all of Fisher's television markets are CBS affiliates, which likely made production of two spots relatively easy -- the version I heard was generic enough that it could be used in all CBS-related markets.

So let's look at the situation:

1. You've got DISH subscribers, many of whom are upset about losing a local channel.
2. Those subscribers are accustomed to paying a monthly fee for the satellite television service, so no objections to overcome regarding the service or costs (assuming comparable cost).
3. To those customers (and others aware of the situation), DIRECTV offers what appears to be a viable alternative to appease those who are upset, and have moved quickly enough that they may be able to sway customers into a decision based, in part, on frustration and emotion.

Will be very interesting to see how this all plays out. Credit does have to go do DIRECTV for moving quickly and taking advantage of the situation/opportunity. Timely and effective, to say the least.

Technorati tags: directv, dish network, fisher communications, abc, cbs

Restore America Poster Design Competition

The American Civil Liberties Union is presenting the Restore America Poster Design Competition, which is open to all designers across the country:

The ACLU (National) is challenging designers to “design a poster that depicts the transformation of America into a country that holds its leaders accountable; that strives to restore eroded civil liberties; that works to change policies that are unconstitutional.”

The winner will receive a $500 cash prize, and will have their design featured as part of the ACLU’s national campaign. Additionally, the ACLU intends to hold an event in Washington DC in January featuring the top designs.

Entries are due by Sunday, January 4, 2009. Full details about the competition are available on the ACLU's Restore America website.

Technorati tags: american civil liberties union, restore america poster design competition, aclu

REMINDER: Coffee Morning

Just a reminder that the December Coffee Morning will be this Friday, December 19th at Java Downtown - 6th & Main in Boise.

Technorati tags: coffee morning, java

Headline Roundup for December 16th

SocNet Ads Less Effective than Others - via MarketingVOX

'Digital Influencers' Get Info from Magazines, TV First - via Ad Age

Context, not Content, Is King - via Adweek

Media and Marketing's Top Innovations of 2008 - via Mediaweek

The Big Squeeze: How agencies can fight back in the world of online media - via Adweek

Technorati tags: social network advertising, marketingvox, ad age, adweek, mediaweek

Job Openings in Southwestern Idaho

Here are a handful of jobs that were recently found on the Boise Craigslist:

Graphic Designer Independent Contractor: looking for a graphic designer for a start up Media company specializing in web page development, virtual tour, and DVD/video productions for the entrepreneur, small business, and organization. KRZ Productions LLC.

Graphic Designer Needed: We need graphic design support for several long-term web projects. This is a contract only position, so only experienced professionals who have clips need apply. We're located in Meridian but could work with anyone statewide, as long as you have the experience and professionalism. Anonymous Listing.

Writer needed for advertising/marketing copy: We need a qualified writer who can edit our advertising copy and feel comfortable with the web. Anonymous Listing.

More details about each of the positions are available by following the respective links.

Technorati tags: craigslist, graphic designer job opening, krz productions, writing job opening

Headline Roundup for December 15th

Viral Video Hits Blur the Authenticity Line - via Adweek

Ad Clutter Hurts Brand Reps, Numbs Users - via MarketingVOX

Pew: Most Will Access Internet Via Mobile By 2020 - via MediaPost

Big Isn't Necessarily Better, Auditor Finds Starcom Buys Best - via MediaPost

Mistakes Made When Targeting TV Ads - via Ad Age

The 'Verbing' of Brands - via Adweek

Technorati tags: viral video, adweek, ad clutter, marketingvox, mediapost, media buying, ad age

Headline Roundup for December 12th

Trendspotter Sees Return To Heartland, Less Greed - via MediaPost

3 Minute Ad Age, December 12, 2008: Return to the Golden Age of Cigarette Advertising - via Ad Age (video)

Bottom Falls Out Of The Ad Market, Literally - via MediaPost

Technorati tags: trendspotter, mediapost, ad age

December Coffee Morning

Yes, there will be a Coffee Morning this month. It's going to be on Friday, December 19th - same Bat-time, same Bat-channel. Or, in English:

Location: Java - 6th & Idaho, Boise, ID
Date: Friday, December 19th
Time: 7:30(ish) AM - 9:30(ish) AM

As usual, anyone and everyone is welcome. Topics of discussion vary from month to month, but there never seems to be a shortage.

Oh, and if you'd like to RSVP for it, you can do so here.

Technorati tags: coffee morning, java

Headline Roundup for December 11th

Interpublic Chief Paints Media As A 'Commodity,' Says 'The Big Idea' Will Save Madison Avenue - via MediaPost

What the Search Engines Have Found Out About All of Us - via New York Times

Baby Boomers: A Force to Reckon With - via Adweek

Toyota Scion Invites High School Marketing Ideas - via MediaPost
(included is Idaho Falls in the initial list of schools)

Radio Dissonance: More Listeners, Less Revenue - via MediaPost

Report: CMOs Cut Ad Spend, Print Remains Top Medium - via MediaPost

Technorati tags: interpublic group, mediapost, new york times, adweek, toyota, scion, idaho falls, radio, print

The Balancing Act that is Running an Agency

The Ad Age Small Agency Diary should be required reading for anyone in the agency world here in Idaho. Because let's face it - every agency in the state is a small agency. No sense in mincing words there.

A recent piece from Phil Johnson on running an agency helps illustrate why:

A strange truth about the agency business is that it's very difficult to define productivity. An hour on Twitter may lead to a breakthrough idea. Half a day storyboarding a concept may yield nothing useful. These contradictions have led me to conclude that creative agencies operate in two parallel universes. One universe is made up of billable hours and completion of tasks mapped out on a schedule. The other universe looks more like a chaotic playground where people's actions don't seem to add up to anything productive. I've concluded that the art of running an agency is learning how to inhabit both worlds at the same time.

Take the time to read the entire piece: Running an Agency Means Living in Parallel Universes

Technorati tags: ad age, small agency diary, phil johnson, running an agency

Headline Roundup for December 9th

Newspaper Ad Revenues See Historic 18% Drop - via MarketingVOX

Nielsen: Text Marketing on Rise - via Adweek

Madison Avenue Sees Online As Safe Haven Amid '09 Economic Storm - via MediaPost

Slow news day -- either that or I just didn't find that many things that I thought were worth sharing...

Technorati tags: newspaper, marketingvox, text message marketing, adweek, mediapost

Headline Roundup for December 8th

Five Tips to Cope -- or Even Thrive -- Through Downturn - via Ad Age

The Community Organizer - via Adweek

Radio Continues Downward Spiral, Online Only Hope - via MarketingVOX

Rough Patch In Economy Means Return To Basics - via MediaPost

Ads Work Best During Escapist TV - via MediaPost

Technorati tags: ad age, adweek, radio, marketing vox, mediapost

REMINDER: BAF/AIGA Event - Three Ounces + Ice

Don't forget, the BAF/AIGA's Three Ounces + Ice event with guest speaker Patrick Coyne is coming up this Thursday, December 11th.

If you haven't already, be sure to get your RSVPs in now.

Technorati tags: baf, aiga, patrick coyne

Job Opening: Business Development Director

Seen recently on the Boise Craigslist:

We are a full service graphic design and marketing agency looking for the right individual to continue our growth. We need a self motivated, organized and personable individual. Job responsibilities would include: sales, networking, proposal drafting, vendor relations and client management.

Services to be sold are:
Print design, websites, media purchasing, direct mail, marketing research, signage, vehicle graphics, etc.

We are not looking for a designer, we need someone to acquire new accounts and manage them. Experience in the industry is definitely a plus, but not necessary.

Full details about the position can be found here.

Technorati tags: craigslist, business development director job opening

Upcoming Event - Boise Adobe Users and Graphic Design Group

The Boise Adobe Users and Graphic Design Group will be holding their next meetup on Thursday, December 18th.

Jeff Reynolds and Ron Baker of Rizen Creative will be the guest speaker at this meetup, and will touch on the process of translating what the client thinks they want into what will actually work.

There will also be a portfolio presentation by a local artist / designer, and a short technology spotlight.

Here are all the details you could possibly want (well, maybe not all of them):

Date: December 18
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Boise Public Library!, 715 S. Capitol Blvd, Boise ID

RSVPs should be directed to the group's Meetup event page.

UPDATE: Both Jeff Reynolds and Ron Baker will be speaking to the group. Inadvertently left Ron off the first time around.

UPDATE: The correct time for this event is 6:30 pm, not 6:00 pm as originally listed.

Technorati tags: boise adobe users group, boise graphic design group, jeff reynolds, rizen creative, boise public library, meetup

An Idaho Radio News Update

Back in October, Don decided that it was time to close up shop over at Idaho Radio News.

It didn't last long.

He's back at it again, still cranking out regular updates on the ins and outs of the radio world around the state. I'm pretty sure he's got the same disease I do - this whole blogging habit's a hard one to break!

For what it's worth, I say a much-belated "welcome back Don."

Technorati tags: idaho radio news

Headline Roundup for December 4th

Kraft Takes Stove Top To The Streets, Bus Shelters - via MediaPost

Study Finds Online, Trade Shows Dominate B-to-B Spending - via MediaPost

The Metric behind the Slogan - via Strategy + Business

'Several Cities' Could Have No Daily Paper As Soon As 2010, Credit Rater Says - via Editor & Publisher

Specific Media: Display Ads Lift Searches - via MediaPost

Yes, I missed one yesterday. Sorry about that. I am curious to hear what people think of these Headline Roundup posts. Useful? Not? Interesting? Comment away.

Technorati tags: kraft, mediapost, strategy + business, editor & publisher, display advertising

Latest BAF Podcast Now Available

The latest episode of the Three Courses + Cake Rewind, the Boise Advertising Federation podcast, is now available.

This episode features the presentation given by Hank Blank, of Hank Blank Inc. on October 23rd. Full details about the episode, the podcast, and how to download or subscribe are available on the Three Courses + Cake website.

Technorati tags: baf podcast, three courses + cake rewind, boise advertising federation, hank blank

Call for Entries: CLIO Awards 2009

Entries are now being accepted for the 2009 CLIO Awards.

This marks the 50th anniversary of the CLIO Awards, and this year's Festival will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. From the CLIO website:

We've seen a lot over the past 50 years. But what we really want to see is what the next 50 years hold. So, in the spirit of looking ahead, we're moving west. More specifically, Las Vegas. And we're not stopping there. We're adding new categories, new award shows and a renewed pledge to honor only the most innovative and original thinking. You can help by answering one simple question. What have you done that hasn't been done?

Think your work has got what it takes to win in this competition? Take your best shot, but be sure to enter by January 23, 2009 February 13, 2009.

Technorati tags: clio, clio awards, clio festival, las vegas nevada

Headline Roundup for December 2nd

Most Mobile Users Carry Phone 'At All Times' - via MarketingVOX

New Broadcast Shows Fail To Deliver - via MediaPost

Tricks of the Trade: Bartering for Ads - via Adweek

Closing the Marketing Credibility Gap - via MarketingProfs

Q3 Radio Revenue Slides 9% Despite Off-Air Gains, Political Spend - via MediaBuyerPlanner

Technorati tags: mobile phone data, marketingvox, broadcast television, mediapost, media bartering, adweek, marketingprofs, radio advertising, mediabuyerplanner

Job Openings in Eastern Idaho

The following job openings were found during a quick spin through the Eastern Idaho Craigslist:

Project Manager for Website Service Firm: Located in Idaho Falls, a "fast-growing website service business based in Idaho Falls is seeking a qualified individual to fill a project manager position."

Web Developer & Designer: also located in Idaho Falls, "Our Graphic Design department is seeking an experienced Graphic Designer/Web Developer to join a local Video & Graphics House."

More details about each of these positions can be found by following the respective links.

Technorati tags: craigslist, project manager job opening, web developer job opening, graphic designer job opening

Headline Roundup for December 1st

The Minority Report - via Adweek

Ad Nauseam: Repetition of TV Spots Risks Driving Consumers Away - via Ad Age

Banks Fight Poor Image With Direct Mail Pieces - via MediaPost

Newspaper Online Ads Drop for Second Straight Quarter, NAA Says - via Bloomberg

A Look Ahead At Hispanic Media - via Multichannel

Post-Recession: Big Rebound for Digital, Internet - via MediaPost

Technorati tags: adweek, ad age, mediapost, bloomberg, multichannel

Murie Design Group featured in Idaho Business Review

Boise's Murie Design Group was featured in the December 1st edition of the Idaho Business Review.

A little bit about Murie, from the article:

Founded in 1989, Murie Design Group currently has 19 employees, including some contract workers, and provides design services for Web sites, industrial products, print, packaging, trade shows, direct mail, ad brochures, data sheets, promotionals, and nonprofits on a pro bono basis at the owner’s discretion.

The entire piece can be found on the IBR's website.

Technorati tags: murie design group, idaho business review

REMINDER: Idaho Press Club Event

Just a quick reminder that the Idaho Press Club's event - Hacks and Flacks in Transition is coming up this Thursday, December 4th.

RSVPs should be directed to idpc@mingspring.com or 208-389-2879.

Technorati tags: idaho press club