The result: revolutionary.

Infosocial is a term that’s already out there to some extent, but I thought it was a perfect word to describe Obama’s seamless use of the Internet to organize his campaign, disseminate highly targeted information, and publicly raise funds–without taking old school public campaign financing.

The extent of Obama’s campaign success creates one of the biggest post-election questions in my mind: was Obama’s campaign indicative of his vision for how to operate this country? It’s hard to imagine that he would abandon the infosocial infrastructure and strategy that will deliver him the White House. Is this part of “Change We Need” and “Change We Can Believe In?” Will Obama confer with his 300-million person national cabinet on key policy decisions?

It’s an interesting possibility to ponder. An infosocially-powered presidency could be a big catalyst for change. It would be the great equalizer in a democratic system of government where individual voices have long been overrun by the interests of wealthy individuals and corporations. Perhaps the federal budget could be opened up to a binding referendum on each line item. That way, such projects as the infamous “bridge to nowhere” and studying the sex lives of moths would promptly get the axe. In the longer term, it could refocus politicians on tackling issues that citizens really care about–especially if they’re voting with their pocket books, too.

Indeed, the prospects of an Obama presidency are flush with hope, but with it, a lot of wondering about the future.

-AB

Remember that little diddly from childhood? I do. How could I not? The chorus burned itself into my psyche at a very early age. Toyota’s latest TV spot, promoting zero percent financing, is going for that same brand of memorable.

I at once both hate and love this messaging strategy. It’s annoying, yet effective. Also, it might be indicative of a larger trend. Pair it with Subway’s “five dollar…five dollar…five dollar footloooooong” mantra, and you’ve got quite a double threat of brain-swallowing, panic-spend-inducing rhetoric. How many more are inviting themselves to this party in an effort to loosen the vice grip people have on their cash in the Bush economy? As many that can.

It’s not a new trick. Not at all. Some of the best advertising in history had its creators cupping their ears as vehemently as they rung their cash registers. Results are what matter, after all.

As an artiste, I really do hate the spot, but my internal Caesar de Stratego can’t help but give it the thumbs up.

-AB

If copywriting puts food on my table, then I suppose this blog is my dinner party. What would you like to drink?

Web copy? Flash demo scripts? Keyword-driven SEO content? Ad copy? Marketing collateral copy? Verbal branding strategy (product names and taglines)?

Any of ‘em go well with what I’m serving–fresh creative thinking, strategy-driven practices, a clear and conversational writing style, and a nice big helping of empathy and understanding for your business and its challenges.

So. That’s the table I’ve set for you. Have a closer look at the feast over at my main website. In the meantime, this blog is the appetizer. And like most appetizers, what I’ll bring you here will be a bit freeform and whimsical…maybe even a little edgy. Sometimes, I’ll even go off the menu and offer up something that doesn’t quite fit in, but it’s all in the spirit of provoking your thinking.

But right now I’m going to stay on-topic and lay on you what I think about Apple’s latest ad campaign. Now I’m a fan of Apple. I currently own a Macbook, an iPod Nano, and have used Apple’s products for 10 years. We all know Apple’s gunning to bring down the mighty PC, but the shot they’re taking at PC here basically amounts to “take care of your house before you criticize mine,” or “Fix Vista, egghead!”

Good advice. So good you should take it yourself, Apple. I’ve worked on many PC’s (desktop and laptop), but never have I had one crack like this until now. This is bush league, Mr. Jobs. Yeah, it’s a known issue. Hopefully the newest generation Macbooks has addressed the problem. And if it has, why not fess up to it? This isn’t a political campaign, Apple. Your computers, OS, and iPods are great, but your customers still need to know they’re going to get service after the sale and make good on defects. Now THAT is a differentiating message you can sink your teeth into. Lead by example. If you fixed the issue, tell us about it and make a clever TV spot about THAT. This way, if I was an Apple newbie and bought a Macbook for the first time in the last couple years, maybe I’d give you a pass for this impetuous slip in quality, and continue to buy Apple computers when the time comes.

-AB