Jarring advertising

In a time when television advertising is regarded as less and less effective, Volkswagen has found a way for me to gasp out loud when I see their commercial.

The two commercials I have seen feature a car accident resulting in a horrific crashing noise, complete with shattered glass and people shrieking.

This commercial definitely makes me take notice, but not necessarily want to buy a Volkswagen automobile. It just makes me scared of driving and cars in general. Though no one is injured in the commercials, I don't believe that the car made much a difference. A voiceover explaining the new safety features might be more convincing, though I see how a comforting voice would lessen the shock factor of the commercial.

I think the commercial will create buzz for Volkswagen but will not necessarily increase the appeal of Volkswagen cars because of safety features. That was already understood among most automobile consumers anyway.

Blog and podcast advertising

Blog, podcast and RSS feed advertising are the fastest-growing segments in alternative media, according to a study released recently by research firm PQ Media.

I think podcast advertising is going to be a huge force in the advertising market. It seems like everyone has a podcast - politicians, musicians, television personalities, etc. Because podcasts exist for every interest, advertisers have a way to reach very specific demographics.

My favorite podcast is from Tim Gunn, the mentor on Bravo's designer reality show, Project Runway. Gunn's podcast is very serious and I find his voice calming even when I am not particularly interested in what he is saying.

I think that is part of the appeal of the podcasts. As a society, we are listening to traditional radio and television news programs less. Having a regular voice to dispense new information about any new topic we are interested in is comforting as well as entertaining.

Duke boosters begin PR push

Duke University refuses to let one scandal tarnish their image.

A small group of boosters and others close to the Duke University lacrosse team have hired President Clinton's former lawyer, Bob Bennett, as part of an aggressive public relations effort to argue that the players did not rape a woman at an off-campus party.

Bennett is serving as a spokesman for a group calling itself the Committee for Fairness to Duke Families.

I think this aggressive effort in the face of insult shows how important the press has become in recent years. Because of the 24-hour news cycle and the Internet, a story that may have been a minor local scandal have received intense national scrutiny, analysis from political pundits, and columns from columnists and bloggers alike.

Ten years ago, there would have been no need for committees for fairness. The Duke community knew if they didn't take action, they effects of this scandal would be irrevocable.

Scott McClellan resignation

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan announced his resignation today.

McClellan has come under fire for not providing enough information to the public, most notably by White House reporter David Gregory after Dick Cheney shot a friend in the face during a hunting accident.

I think this change will be good for the White House, as Bush’s staff has been criticized recently for losing touch with the Republican community and calls for changes in staff have been numerous.

It is imperative that those who represent the organization are well-liked and provide a positive image. If this is not occurring, a change is necessary.

The White House needed to make a change to improve their image. Hopefully, a new press secretary will mark a new start for an administration with a troubled image.

Mike McCurry, who served as President Clinton's press secretary, offers some advice for the new press secretary.

Mobile advertising

Mobile advertising is a growing phenomenon.

For the last few days, I have noticed thin trucks driving advertising PPO health insurance plans. While these trucks provide a very visible message and seem to run during peak traffic hours, I can't help but think that some mobile advertising is inherently wasteful.

The billboards are hard to ignore, but what about the pollution each truck is releasing into the air? The trucks are also contributing to gridlock during rush hour. Gas prices reaching nearly $3 a gallon may make this method of advertising only available when gas prices are affordable.

Despite my personal feelings, I think mobile advertising will continue to grow. It is an untapped market, especially with recent crackdown on what traditional billboards can and cannot show.

And now I can’t seem to forget that PPO was voted the best health insurance by US News and World Report for the third straight year.