Union Jack
Originally uploaded by sopheava

Will Australia follow the UK’s push to make it a crime for companies to misrepresent themselves as consumers in their online marketing.

According to the GAWKER online magazine, it’ll be an offense in the UK to blog, use brand ambassadors or seed viral ads while "falsely representing oneself as a consumer."

From my perspective, I am all for the proposed laws. Critics may talk about free speech, but in the end blogging is about trust.

Surely, it must place Australian bloggers who are contracted to set-up fake blogs that hype UK owned products open to prosecution, fines and ultimately, gaol.

So, what of Australia? The fact is I haven’t heard anything in our local press or the blogosphere.

In order to maintain the trust of consumers, we need to start a solid and sensible debate to bring in good laws that fit with the realities of the blogoshere. Rather than wait for a scandal that’ll be used as a political football.

Read the GAWKER online magazine article and if, like me you agree with the UK’s new laws, please write a post on the subject. Lets lead the debate!

In my role as Director of Interactive Media at Sticky Advertising, I spend a hell of a lot of time looking at, creating and advising clients on Viral Campaigns.

Then it is hardly surprising, given what I do that I’m a huge fan of this Art – if its done correctly.

Here’s my top ten viral campaigns. But what’s your favourite?

Enjoy:)

somewhere in chinatown
Originally uploaded by Julalo

Is the Victorian Government wasting money rebranding the Grampians region?

As reported on the ABC’s website: Grampians Marketing says it hopes a major new advertising campaign will rejuvenate the region’s image among potential visitors.

The Victorian Government announced yesterday that $700,000 will be spent on advertising in Victoria and South Australia.

"Its conveying the feeling the Grampians is a great place to get fit, relax, to enjoy the fresh air, to leave the stresses of the modern world behind," he said.

THE loudest cries wins when it comes to place branding, but if the money is only for fancy television and print advertising, then it isn’t the answer! Branding a nation, region or a city is more than pure advertising.

According to Simon Anholt, one of the worlds leading experts on place and nation branding:

"There is the common misconception that branding is simply a communications strategy, a tagline, visual identity or logo. It is much, much more. It is a strategic process for developing a long-term vision for a place that is relevant and compelling to key audiences. Ultimately, it influences and shapes positive perceptions of a place."

What do you think?

After all the glitz and glamour and razzamatazz of Kevin Rudds 2020 Summit, I would like nominate this new energy saving light-bulb idea, showcased in this Greenpeace advert.

I especially like the bike headlight, please enjoy:)

- N – Weird
Originally uploaded by EEY

As reported by our very own Media Hunter, the first Newcastle radio survey of 2008 has seen NXFM soar to unprecedented heights while competitor NEWFM sank to new lows.

NXFM won the survey with a share of 23.5 followed by stablemate KOFM on 18.8. 2HD was third on 15.1, while ABC1233 ran fourth after fall to 10.4. Triple j was fifth with 6.9, beating NEWFM for the first time as they sank to 5.6.

The cumulative audience result were even more stark with NXFM now reaching a massive 189,000 listeners, followed by KOFM 151,000, ABC1233 97,000, 2HD 91,000, and NEWFM 86,000.

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