It might be a parody but it is distinctive.

This picture links to google video and will play a film allegedly created by Microsoft as a parody of the branding used by Microsoft. I picked up the story via Adrants The folks at Adrants were slightly critical of Microsoft in the piece. I wonder whether this was justified?

Yes, of course Microsoft's branding is not as aesthetically pleasing (if at all) but it is Microsoft's. The clarity of format, style and even the "mandatories" allow the Microsoft products to be clearly identified on the shelf. Buying decisions are made easier by brands and the heritage and associations of the Microsoft name are well known. In many product choices I am sure Microsoft is the salient brand and parody as this might be, beauty is not a requirement for effectiveness.

A Threat to National Decency

A call from a reporter returned my attention to this Australian Tourist Board advertisement.
This advertisement was not cleared by the Broadcast Clearance Centre
Blooming heck the word "bloody" was considered too strong for television. I believe that there are standards of behaviour, but this antiquated censorship of a term used as an intensive rather than anything more malicious is plainly ridiculous. Why? Every weekend the Sunday papers contain ruder and more vulgar language but nobody censors the material, and the programme makers would often consider the term quite demure in comparison with the more extreme dialogue regularly used.
Rather a coup for the Australian Tourist Board who will get a much greater bang for their buck with the coverage this will receive in my view.

Best for a while Frog vs. Fly

I subscribe to an email newsletter from Eatmail and sometimes the virals are good, sometimes bad and sometimes downright ugly. This week I received one for VW cars that was in the good category. A well-produced clip that reinforces the brand values of the car brand. I guess some animal lovers might complain but it's not getting close to the Lee & Dan inspired creative from a previous year in terms of shock value.
I guess a Frog's favourite car might be a Beetle