University of Oregon Executives in Residence

This past week it was our pleasure to host two brilliant minds from the global media sphere: Rishad Tobaccowala (CEO: Denuo) and Simon Mainwaring (Consultant, Mainwaring Creative).

My takeaways from their advice and conversation were huge. Material to fill many blog posts to come. Both are forward thinkers focusing on the future of advertising and branding. Simon believes that in the future, consumers will "become a moving billboard of meaningful communications," using their purchase power to promote social values. And Rishad emphasized a brand's need to focus on utility, rather than simply engagement, saying, "If you're so good, show me, don't tell me." (A regular ol' Mark Twain, "Don't say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream.")

During their last round of Q&A in the UO Portland Turnbull center, both executives mentioned their experience with Talk, a project that I am working on at Allen Hall Advertising. At the end of the interview we ask each participant to share something they love, have lost, and fear. It was incredibly refreshing to hear these eloquent, brilliant people struggling with, contemplating and replying to the questions just like our university students (staff and faculty).

Rishad lost his fear (a trait of the market) and Simon, his innocence. See how they stack up?

Our dedicated students kept a detailed blog and we also kept up via twitter (#uoeir09).

Thanks again, Simon and Rishad, it was fantastic to host you.

Vicious Cycle of (il)Literacy

A most discussed article from GOOD prompted my speculation.

Nutella News

Alright, it's here in the US of A.
NUTELLA. But not Nutella...

A NUTELLA COMMERCIAL.

There is some great buzz following this stuff, from loyal consumers who are happy to have Nutella's public presence backing their fanfare to health watch-dogs calling out the claim to health benefits. In the commercial a mom reasons feeding Nutella to her kids in the morning because she puts it on healthier foods.

While I love the stuff, I'm gonna call bs. But I'm not here just to add my bloggerty little fingers into the fray. I'm more curious about Nutella's thinking here.

Why would this beloved brand choose to break into American consciousness with a little happy fib? Out of all the angles they could take to promote their product, why choose the sinful mom-cohersion route? Nutella is awesome because it's creamy, it's choclately, it's got a great aftertaste, it has no American equivolent and it looks damn good in a spoon. So say that! Don't beguile the (second) most obese nation in the world into thinking this luxury spread is just a part of a nutritious breakfast. It's like saying Kool-aide is good for you because you're drinking water. Get real.

Fantastic Show of Odds

It may seem that there are a lot of bicycle-related postings on my blog. You're right. There are. You are a faithful reader and I thank you. TODAY! However, is an awe-inspiring reminder that one in a million can happen, and does! But if you're this one of a million... I'm sorry.



A few weeks back I noticed some little wings blowing around on my bicycle lock when I was about to lock up my bike on campus. Upon further inspection, I found that a spider, eating a gnat, had been crushed on my lock. What are the chances of that!?

MY LOGO IS IN THE TOP 13

One day my parents called me up and persuaded me into a logo design contest for a Seattle show:
Ron&Don Nation (KIRO 97.3 FM) So one day I busted out three logos and sent them in. Though I liked one best, they were all the product of my hands, and CS2.

Now, one of my logo's is in the 13 and could win the contest! So give it up and vote for #4! I'd be much appreciative, and my Dad really wants those Seahawks tix...