Autistic Actor Plays Real Life Role in SunTrust Ad

SunTrust recently released a new advertisement about "parents who are planning retirement for three." The commercial depicts a middle-aged couple and their live-at-home autistic son. The most interesting aspect of the commercial is that the autistic actor isn't a professional, he is a real performing arts student named Patrick Storey, living with autism. SunTrust consumer marketing director Emmet Burns says it's an example of the company "concentrating on the real-life circumstances, the real challenges that clients face." I think it is quite commendable and refreshing on SunTrust's behalf to step outside the boundaries and use a real life disabled person in their commercial. It makes the advertisement much more effective and has a certain emotional appeal to it. I hope this is the beginning of a new trend in the advertising industry.

Is Google Glass an Invasion of our Privacy?

The new Google Glass seems to be causing a stir among potential consumers who are begging the question of privacy, or better yet, lack there of. Many people are beginning to wonder whether or not this could be some sort of tracking device for Google, allowing the company to know exactly where you are, what you are looking at, or what you may be recording while wearing the glasses. And who knows what the user may be doing with those glasses? The privacy concerns not only affect those wearing the glasses, but the passerby who find themselves in the same vicinity, as well. Apparently, some places have already banned the glasses entirely.

Some have merely deemed this as a "techno panic," arguing that our society suffered similar fears when smartphones and cameras were introduced to the industry as well. A Google spokesperson suggested that since it is still quite early for Google Glass, chances are that social norms and behaviors will adjust to this technological development within due time. I am not quite sure what the future holds for Google Glass. I highly doubt that anything serious will come of these complaints, however, it is a bit unnerving when taking a step back and recognizing the almost limitless capabilities of this new invention. I think that advances in technology such as this will only add to the fact that privacy in today's world is virtually non-existant.

Southwest Airlines Takes New Marketing Approach

Southwest Airlines has recently decided to take a fresh approach in their marketing strategies. Previously recognized for their "fun" take on advertising, Southwest is using the new year to dictate a more mature, polished look by addressing the company's innovativeness. Their new commercial follows a line of "entrepreneurs and mavericks" while simultaneously expressing how proud they are to be the number one domestic carrier in the United States. And rightfully so. I swear by Southwest. They are the only airline that I will fly with (when possible). I would argue that they are the easiest, most reliable air-carrier in the industry, and the company has only continued to grow over the past few years.

Some people may argue that such a blatant change in advertising strategies is a bold move. However, I think that it was a smart decision on the company's behalf. Their loyal customer base already recognizes the fact that Southwest is the entertaining and accommodating airline that it has always been. With that being said, I believe that the company's focus on its innovation will only attract more customers with their "faster-paced, younger, and more energetic" advertising efforts.

Pandora vs. Spotify

Tim Westergren, founder of Pandora radio, announced that the company will be placing a 40 hour per month limit on free mobile listening in hopes of moving Pandora's heaviest mobile listeners to paying subscribers. Westergren said it was a necessary move because ad revenue simply isn't enough to pay royalty fees.  "Pandora One" subscriptions only cost $3.99 a year, that's roughly $36 a year for unlimited music, advertising free.  More than 80% of Pandora music listeners access the site via mobile phone, making it "the most well-indexed major media company on mobile devices" according to AdAge.

It is inevitably clear that the future of free, unlimited online music streaming is coming to an end.  With the music revenue industry now on the rise again, it is only a matter of time until these websites and applications practically force their users into paying some sort of fee in order to avoid advertisements.  I am a subscriber to Spotify Premium, and I would love to see how the two compare. I am currently paying $9.99 for unlimited music that I can access through both my laptop and my mobile phone. Immediately when I found out about Spotify it was a no-brainer to make the switch from iTunes. I have used Pandora in the past and have had no issues with it (apart from the advertisements), but I have to say I personally prefer the easy setup and social interaction aspect of Spotify. It will be interesting to see what the future holds in terms of online music streaming.

St. Jude's Boasts Largest Pool of Facebook Followers

St. Jude's Children Research Hospital was recently announced to have the most loyal Facebook fan followers, with a "Net Promotor Score" of 77.8. The next highest brand was Facebook itself, with a score of 66.6. St. Jude's claims their success comes from successfully reciprocating their fan's loyalty. They stick to a "straightforward but uplifting" theme, and it simply works.

St. Jude's launched their "St. Jude's moments" back in July of 2012, a weekly featuring of a specific patient. Facebook fan engagement sky-rocketed after the launch, with a recent February post netting an impressive 27,000 "likes". Nicole Ziady, St. Jude's director of marketing and communications, calls this an attempt to "un-market" its Facebook fans, that is, appeal to them as actual human beings before aggressively selling products or pushing donations. St. Jude's righteously states that they are "a true reflection of their patients and donors."

I found this article to be extremely refreshing as it made me view Facebook fan pages and "likes" in a new light. To be honest, I have personally never been someone who actively engages in "liking" Facebook pages, even if it may be something of interest or appeal to me. I just never took the time to understand what the point was, or even really care. Now I see that certain companies and organizations can actually use Facebook to do good and make a difference, just as St. Jude's has. The organization has really left an impact on its followers and continues to do so with a sincere and honest approach to marketing.

Under Armour Files Lawsuit Against Nike

Baltimore's native brand Under Armour has filed a lawsuit against top competitor Nike, claiming copyright infringement. Under Armour's associated slogan dates back to 1998, when they famously quoted "I will...protect this house" in one of their commercials.  Ever since, Under Armour has used "I will" in nearly all of its advertising.  Ironically enough, Under Armour just launched its global marketing campaign called "I Will" in association with the recent opening of its new retail stores.  The accused Nike ads include lines such as "I will protect my home court" and "I will finish what I started."  Under Armour claims it is only guarding its phrase, the same way Nike does with their "Just Do It" slogan, and they are asking for monetary compensation.

In my personal opinion, I was shocked to hear this information.  I can't really fathom why Nike, a $25 billion company, would stoop so low as to blatantly mimic Under Armour, which is only a budding $1.8 billion company.  I feel that the imitation was so obvious they really can't deny copyright infringement. I don't think the lawsuit will have too harsh of an effect on Nike, simply because they are so profitable.  However, I don't think a decision like this should be overlooked. It just goes to show that no matter how successful or well-known your company may be, there are no exceptions for lack of creativity or imitation of competing brands just to get ahead in the game.