This is interesting and scary at the same time if this study is, indeed, a proper study.  The latest I’ve heard about subliminal advertising was that it is an urban myth.  However, this to me doesn’t sound like the advertising was done subliminally, rather as the article suggests our perception of a brand is like that of a person.  And just like people we know, we approach a brand with deep level of connection crafted from years of interaction.

This Brand Makes You More Creative

A Subliminal-Messaging Study From Duke Claims It’s Possible

Gamespot has planned an immersive advertising campaign for the release of GTA IV (Grand Theft Auto IV).  This reminds me of a lite version of the kind of campaign NIN used to promote their last two albums.  Again, this a campaign that is designed to appeal to fans and to get them stirred up as they scourge New York City looking for game pieces.  I love this kind of advertising innovation!  I imagine those folks that participate in this game will have fun, additionally there will be plenty of buzz about the game going around because I imagine the news will be covering this game and the general release of this latest installation of the contraversial GTA series.

Here’s a link to the article.

Here’s an interesting take on soliticing opinions and ideas from consumers.  People express interest in interacting with Chrysler.  Rather than listening to everyone, they instead, will narrow down to a pool of people who will be obligated to participate in an online forum on a regular basis.

Chrysler Ready to ‘Listen’ on New Site

Here is a good discussion about using consumer service interactions as opportunities to advertise to customers.  I imagine if executed properly, this could be a winning strategy.  Too often, though, this kind of interaction feels like going to a fast food restaurant and being asked whether I want fries with that after I’ve completed my order.  In many ways, though, I think that the act of providing excellent customer service is enough to get a customer to be a brand advocate.

The other part of this conversation centers around gathering and using soliticited or unsoliticed customer ideas.  I think the heart of the matter is who owns the idea — as in a company doesn’t want to be sued for using someone’s idea if the contributor feels they are owned some compensation for their idea.  This seems prickly to me, since in today’s world, everybody feels they have a good idea and there is no shortage of good ideas for companies to harvest from the Internet.  My feeling has always been that it’s okay to take customer ideas as long as the customer agrees to give up all rights to the idea and this is strictly enforced by the law.  But what comes of plucking tasty fruits from the Internet?  If it’s posted in the Internet, does that imply that the person or entity has given up all rights to the idea.  To me, this seems like the way the Internet is, though, there is no law that says this is the case.  It’s more like a tacit agreement between yourself and the world that once you post your idea or thought, it becomes everyone’s to do with as they please.  Well, the future will tell once this notion is challenged in a courtroom.

Using Customer Service as a Branding Opportunity