I am amazed at how many empty billboards there are across the East Coast. I am quite sure it is like this or even worse across the country, even the globe. While advertising dollars are being spent, its far cheaper to use other mediums. What do you think?

On the other side, many empty stores and businesses are now being used for advertising and marketing purposes. Many empty storefronts are being used as digital billboards, adspace. There are many storefronts in Philadelphia that now have digital advertisements, etc in their windows.

I read this book awhile back and happened to pick it up the other day. I was done with the book within 2 days. I think its a great read!

“Scar Tissue is Anthony Kiedis’s searingly honest memoir of a life spent in the fast lane. In 1983, four self-described “knuckleheads” burst out of the mosh-pitted mosaic of the neo-punk rock scene in L.A. with their own unique brand of cosmic hardcore mayhem funk. Over twenty years later, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, against all odds, have become one of the most successful bands in the world. Though the band has gone through many incarnations, Anthony Kiedis, the group’s lyricist and dynamic lead singer, has been there for the whole roller-coaster ride.”

Many of my friends and family question why I pay $150 for a fresh pair of kicks (sneakers), made by Nike. Many of them also question why I buy so many pairs of them, haha. I am simply addicted to sneakers (kicks). I love everything about them; so I have remained loyal to them over the years.  Yes, I do love shopping and I do love trendy name brand products! However, I have become more aware as a shopper over the years. I read blogs, magazines, consumer guides, etc. With that being said, I firmly believe that “perception of value” plays a vital role in regards to consumer spending/purchasing habits. Read some of this article below to get a better glimpse at why value breeds loyalty.

Study: Value Trumps Price Among Shoppers

New Brand Keys ‘Customer Engagement Loyalty Index’ finds that shoppers will still pay more for top brands provided they feel they are getting good value for their money.

Consumers are not buying based on price alone. Instead, they are relying more on their perception of value when deciding which brands to stay loyal to during the recession.

In fact, consumer expectations regarding brand value went up 20 percent, according to the 2009 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. Those brands that aren’t perceived as being worth it will fall to the wayside, said Brand Keys president Robert Passikoff.

Brand Keys polled 26,000 consumers of 441 brands in 63 categories earlier this year. Among the brands that received the highest marks for meeting or exceeding consumer expectations, “there is a price-value formula consumers use to calculate brand differences and to decide which brands to buy,” said Passikoff. “Shopper consciousness has shifted from just trying to ferret out deals to looking for brands that provide value.”

Read More: Value, Value, Value

Here are some of my favorite brands: Nike, Lucky Brand, Crest, Polo Ralph Lauren, Samsung, Blackberry, Apple, Clarks, Quicksilver, HUF, The Hundreds, Patagonia, New Era, Budweiser, Coca Cola, Haribo, Tumi, Barnes & Noble…

CLIO Video: Mark Cuban

Interactive entrepreneur and CLIO honoree speaks his mind

May 14, 2009

-By Adweek Staff

LAS VEGAS “Advertising is the linchpin to everything right now.”

So said Mark Cuban, chairman and co-founder of HDNet, in a wide-ranging video interview from the 50th annual CLIO Awards, where he was presented with an honorary Emerging Media Award on Tuesday night.

Cuban, an investor, Internet entrepreneur, film producer and owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, discussed the relevance of advertising as both an economic engine and driver of popular culture.

It’s power is felt more than ever in today’s Web 2.0 world, Cuban said, as even titans like Google and YouTube seek to forge successful models over the long haul.

Other topics include why he launched HDNet in 2001 before HDTVs became a standard technology, the importance of advertising creativity and what the CLIOs mean to him. Take a look! Mark Cuban

GE’s Live Video Ad Made Healthcare Technology Conversational

By Kate Kaye, ClickZ, May 13, 2009

GE has positioned itself at the forefront of technological innovation in its environmentally-sound product development, so it comes as no surprise the firm has embraced online ad innovations too. In its latest effort, the company used live, in-banner video to announce the launch of its health-related initiative. For GE, the live, comments-enabled video ad allowed the firm to reach a large audience in its target markets, while fulfilling its mission to incorporate conversational marketing in its overall strategy. Read More: GE LIVE VIDEO AD

One of my favorite bands of ALL time. This band is so accomplished and I have enjoyed every album they have put out to date. This is one of my favorite songs!