Author Archives: MortarMark
July 24th, 2008

What I learned at PSFK

Charles Ogilvie, director of in-flight entertainment at Virgin America, has a special Blackberry just for in-flight suggestions. Seriously. They are sent to him directly, every day. So whip out those consoles and start thumb-jabbing. (only bummer is, he’s leaving Virgin for Panasonic, so that may be ending shortly)

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My next in-flight suggestion: I heart you, Charles. Please give me the internets and copious amounts of free booze.

Of course, there were other highlights at the PSFK conference in San Francisco. For example, Jen Bekman’s desire to be the "gateway drug" of the art world by offering cheap limited edition prints to art newbies. Naturally her hope is that like any good drug, she’ll be able to feed their addiction once they get hooked.

Also, whoever thought that Microsoft would be on the cutting edge of branded environments? Hotel Sax in Chicago looks like a yuppie technophile’s dreamland.

For more, check for video coverage and updates on the conference site.

July 22nd, 2008

If Fonts Were People

Brilliant. Can’t believe they didn’t cast Crackhouse, though.

July 17th, 2008

We’re hiring a PR Director!

TURN PR UPSIDE DOWN, INSIDE OUT AND SIDEWAYS.
BONUS POINTS FOR STYLE.

Okay, we’re looking for someone pretty special, so we’ve decided to use a highly-scientific point system on this job posting. Let’s begin.

We are in search of a strategist. A mentor. A raconteur and bon-vivant. Someone who can speak fluently (and passionately) about PR trends, brand strategy, and the convergence of marketing and social media.

Add three points if you think people who use the word “convergence” are complete poseurs.

Of course, you won’t have the luxury of just sitting around thinking. We’re a bit too frenetic for that. Instead, you’ll be one of the loudest voices (figuratively speaking) on our leadership team.

Add five points if you think people who use the term “leadership team” should be placed in re-education camps.

You’ll plan and drive strategy on major accounts, coordinate agency resources, develop your team, and provide laser-accurate guidance for the future. You’ll also contribute regularly to our new business efforts.

Subtract two points if the phrase “develop your team” scares you too much.

We’re Mortar, a San Francisco-based communications agency with a thing for challenger brands. We work across all media. And we offer our clients a different “way in” through unexpected consumer insight. PR has been integral to our success from day one. We believe every program can be magnified by the power of positive coverage. We believe in traditional outreach. But we’re also known for alternative strategies from street-level initiatives to advanced WOM techniques.

Add one point for saying “WOM” out loud.

You’ll need 7-10 years of B2C agency or in-house experience.

Add two points.

An abject hatred of big PR agency politics.

Add fifty points.

And a belief that there must be a better way.

Add twenty-five points.

You’ve worked with brand managers, account planners, creatives, media people, and the occasional intern.

Add ten points.

Substantial WOM experience is key.

Add five points.

Most important, you’re funny, slightly sarcastic, and capable of consuming fishbowl-size margaritas on a regular basis.

Add fifteen points.

Just like you, we’re selective about who we work with. Personality really matters. After all, we want you to feel at home here and help shape our agency for years to come.

OK, add up your score.

100 or above: Grab a fire extinguisher! Your pants are on fire! You are an abject liar, sir-or-madam. Why would you need this job? You invented the Internet! Also, the submarine sandwich!
But seriously, we admire your chutzpah. If you’re not running for Congress, we should talk. (And plan your run for Congress.)

75 to 100: Have you lost weight? New hair? What is it about you? We love it. Send your resume. Or call us, we’ll come pick it up. 

50 to 75: We find you strangely compelling, like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. We know we shouldn’t, but…give us a taste anyway.   

0-49: Have you considered a career in telemarketing?

Start by sending a brief cover letter and resume to our MD, Mark Williams, mark@mortaragency.com.

 Bay Area residents only, please. All responses held in strictest confidence.

July 16th, 2008

The Curious History of Lagomorphs in Advertising.

From the Trix rabbit to the Energizer Bunny, our whiskered, long-eared (and according to David, delicious,) furry friends have had a long and remarkably successful run in the advertising industry. Not to mention popular culture in general. I encourage you to check out a fun list of some of the top lagomorphs of all-time, and enjoy some awesome commercial memories like this one, from 1994:

Thanks SaveABunny.

(A confession – I totally just wrote a blog about another blog that I wrote. I feel… dirty. But kinda proud of myself. Is that wrong?)

July 12th, 2008

AirMe debuts as lead photo app in new iTunes.

OK this counts as a first. Visit the photography tab of the latest version of iTunes to get the new photo sharing app from our client Airme.

Right now AirMe users can post pictures from their iPhone directly to Flickr. AirMe adds location information to the pictures (the new iPhone is GPS enabled) and the AirMe user can include all kinds of extra custom tags like weather. AirMe will be adding scads more social networks very soon.

We like it because you can literally shoot and post without any clumsy emailing or additional needless faffing around. As Craig says, its easy, easy, easy.

You can get AirMe in the Apps section of iTunes.

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