Graphic novels are so hot right now.
If you don't know what a graphic novel is, it's one of those stories that uses pictures to tell the tale it tells. As well, it is as likely as not, to actually have accompanying text. The debate goes on as to where comic books finish off and graphic novels start, but generally accepted is that, they are "super editions" of a comic book, with a beginning, middle and end, rather than a continuing story, released in episodes. These can be a one-off story or a novel-length publication of those characters that can be bought in specialty book stores instead of the paperweight versions found in newsagency editions each week.
In the past decade we have seen a continuing stream of graphic novel characters being brought to the cinema screen in full, living, breathing, actor-filled skin. Their popularity is such that three of the more successful renditions, The Dark Knight, 300, and Spiderman grossed over $1,100,000,000 in America alone. To say nothing of Sin City, Superman, Batman, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Hell-Boy, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Judge Dredd, Ironman, Modesty Blaise, etc etc etc
The graphic novel, while giving you single frames of a movie rather than moving video, leaves your imagination to fill in the blanks. Also it offers descriptions for you to read, but not endless paragraphs that can weary the eyes. I've always been attracted to graphic novels, pouring over 2000 AD comic books as an aspiring designer, marveling at the artistry, wondering how anyone could complete a single frame in a decade let alone the hundreds required for the numerous editions that were released.
Technology is developing such that we can now always carry with us a means of escape. The development of more and more portable forms of entertainment, from personal DVD players, mobile phones, mini computers and gaming devises which allow us to watch movies, TV episodes, video clips and participate in online games. But all these require you to be uninterrupted by the jostling of commuters on the train or bus, the negotiating of a car on your way home from work or the demands of your friends and family.
Does this, then, not open up the rise of popularity of the graphic novel which you can take in in snapshots, small sections at a time and which renders its stories into your mind to take with you as you travel. In the never ending demand on smaller and smaller sections of time of your day, the graphic novel offers up the most enjoyable and convenient form of entertainment.
Check this out: A list of top ten graphic novels as compiled by Time.
Soon to be released: Watchmen by Frank Miller
A must read: Maus - Pulitzer prize winning graphic novel by Art Speigelman
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
"The Subprime Primer" or "Keep It Simply Stupid"
This is a slide show that has been doing the rounds lately that explains something as complex as the current financial crisis in a simple humorous way. Which is exactly the way marketing communication should be.
And as you may know different folks absorb information in different ways. Below is the slide show in original format.
The Subprime Prime Slideshow
For those who like to absorb information aurally, here is a youtube clip with a voiceover.
Subprime Primer Video Clip
And as you may know different folks absorb information in different ways. Below is the slide show in original format.
The Subprime Prime Slideshow
For those who like to absorb information aurally, here is a youtube clip with a voiceover.
Subprime Primer Video Clip
TED - Ideas worth spreading!
Two amazing presentation worth watching
Blaise Aguera y Arcas: Jaw-dropping Photosynth demo
This talk demonstrates technologies revolutionising how we can view images and search using photos from the web and rendering real to virtual 3D space technologies.
Frans Lanting: A lyrical view of life on Earth
Poetic and visually beautiful, Frans Lanting presents a journey through evolution as part of the LIFE series.
Blaise Aguera y Arcas: Jaw-dropping Photosynth demo
This talk demonstrates technologies revolutionising how we can view images and search using photos from the web and rendering real to virtual 3D space technologies.
Frans Lanting: A lyrical view of life on Earth
Poetic and visually beautiful, Frans Lanting presents a journey through evolution as part of the LIFE series.
Dream Conference Agenda
Jenny Williams asked on the Ad Tech blog what topics people would like to see addressed at next year's conference. Here is what I came up with:
My Dream Client Stream
------------------------
Keynote - Who Ate Who?
A speaker who can inform us as to whether traditional media is changing the values of digital media as it encroaches and monetises online, or vice versa. Who’s paradigm is really shifting? Backed up by fact, not PowerPoint (PowerPoint + fact = misdirection)
Session 1 - Digital Disasters
This would be a good session to unravel a lot of the hype that we still see about online, and great opportunity to learn some “don’ts.”
Session 2 - Where Art Thou, Consumer?
It seems we are all talking to the same people. How do we extend digital reach - do we need more fingers, or do we need larger arms? What I am saying is that despite what we say, we still aren’t talking-to 95% of our audience in a meaningful way. If our arms are agendas/ideas, and our fingers are conversations, do we need to make the ideas (arms) larger, or do we need to focus first on the fingers (conversations)? Are we trying to do too much and be too smart? Do consumers actually want to be more deeply engaged, or do they simply want a one night stand with our brands? Not only would this topic be thought provoking, but it could also vie for the most metaphors in one talk.
Session 3 - Measuring success
A lot of brands measure their online success by comparing their digital metrics to their offline counterparts. But if we rephrase the conversation with the presumption that the results from above the line campaigns are for the most part poor, then why would we compare online metrics with a below par baseline. What should be the measures of success online, and at what level? And how do brands do this?
Session 4: Embracing the herd.
Can brands really utilise the wisdom of crowds without undermining their core ethos? If so, what value does the marketer actually play - is there even a need for strategy when chaos and market demand usually win out anyway? Should you fire yourself as a marketer and simply become executionally focussed?
Session 5 Panel: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble
The debate over who understands digital marketing best, digital agencies or traditional agencies, continues unabated. My belief is that it completely depends on the culture of the client, however this is no time for reason. Have the discussion occur with a panel of 3 people on each side, but they can only discuss via text message which is displayed on a screen in the middle of the two teams so everyone can see. The audience can also participate via SMS. Not only does this keep a potential mobile sponsor happy and position adtech as forward thinking, but it will soon become obvious which side embraces the technology. The use of “runners” for this by the panel i.e. 12 year old SMS wizards, would be discouraged. This may seem
like a joke, but it’s not!
Session 6: What Brands Work, and Why
Some brands are more adept at optimising their message for the web, others are to prepondorous and have too much of a legacy to be agile. This would be a session on the key traits that a brand requires to be able to take advantage of digital, and transformation strategies for those who are struggling. This session would be gold for a lot of brand managers.
Session 7: Online Advertising 201
Let’s face it, most campaigns are still utilising interruptive mechanisms such as banners, interstitials etc. No wonder many brand managers are questioning their online media buying strategies. This session compares the various forms of online advertising available, and what cutting edge solutions are commercially available. This session takes for granted that people know what online advertising is, but how can brand managers take advantage of it in better ways?
Session 8: Let Me Hear you Say NBN
This session examines what technologies can be utilised if and when the national broadband network is rolled out. From streaming holograms through to personalised cinematic experiences, this session is designed to leave the attendees feeling inspired about what can be achieved through digital. I
think often at conferences we get so caught up in the minutiae that we forget how wonderful our industry really is, and that our end goal is to give all people a better quality of life. Whether it be more free time (I can hear you all chuckle), create or more authentic buying experience, provide greater access to information or allow for more personal choice, brand managers do far more than be mouthpieces for their companies. We have a chance to reshape how we interact with consumers, and this session does just that.
My Dream Client Stream
------------------------
Keynote - Who Ate Who?
A speaker who can inform us as to whether traditional media is changing the values of digital media as it encroaches and monetises online, or vice versa. Who’s paradigm is really shifting? Backed up by fact, not PowerPoint (PowerPoint + fact = misdirection)
Session 1 - Digital Disasters
This would be a good session to unravel a lot of the hype that we still see about online, and great opportunity to learn some “don’ts.”
Session 2 - Where Art Thou, Consumer?
It seems we are all talking to the same people. How do we extend digital reach - do we need more fingers, or do we need larger arms? What I am saying is that despite what we say, we still aren’t talking-to 95% of our audience in a meaningful way. If our arms are agendas/ideas, and our fingers are conversations, do we need to make the ideas (arms) larger, or do we need to focus first on the fingers (conversations)? Are we trying to do too much and be too smart? Do consumers actually want to be more deeply engaged, or do they simply want a one night stand with our brands? Not only would this topic be thought provoking, but it could also vie for the most metaphors in one talk.
Session 3 - Measuring success
A lot of brands measure their online success by comparing their digital metrics to their offline counterparts. But if we rephrase the conversation with the presumption that the results from above the line campaigns are for the most part poor, then why would we compare online metrics with a below par baseline. What should be the measures of success online, and at what level? And how do brands do this?
Session 4: Embracing the herd.
Can brands really utilise the wisdom of crowds without undermining their core ethos? If so, what value does the marketer actually play - is there even a need for strategy when chaos and market demand usually win out anyway? Should you fire yourself as a marketer and simply become executionally focussed?
Session 5 Panel: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble
The debate over who understands digital marketing best, digital agencies or traditional agencies, continues unabated. My belief is that it completely depends on the culture of the client, however this is no time for reason. Have the discussion occur with a panel of 3 people on each side, but they can only discuss via text message which is displayed on a screen in the middle of the two teams so everyone can see. The audience can also participate via SMS. Not only does this keep a potential mobile sponsor happy and position adtech as forward thinking, but it will soon become obvious which side embraces the technology. The use of “runners” for this by the panel i.e. 12 year old SMS wizards, would be discouraged. This may seem
like a joke, but it’s not!
Session 6: What Brands Work, and Why
Some brands are more adept at optimising their message for the web, others are to prepondorous and have too much of a legacy to be agile. This would be a session on the key traits that a brand requires to be able to take advantage of digital, and transformation strategies for those who are struggling. This session would be gold for a lot of brand managers.
Session 7: Online Advertising 201
Let’s face it, most campaigns are still utilising interruptive mechanisms such as banners, interstitials etc. No wonder many brand managers are questioning their online media buying strategies. This session compares the various forms of online advertising available, and what cutting edge solutions are commercially available. This session takes for granted that people know what online advertising is, but how can brand managers take advantage of it in better ways?
Session 8: Let Me Hear you Say NBN
This session examines what technologies can be utilised if and when the national broadband network is rolled out. From streaming holograms through to personalised cinematic experiences, this session is designed to leave the attendees feeling inspired about what can be achieved through digital. I
think often at conferences we get so caught up in the minutiae that we forget how wonderful our industry really is, and that our end goal is to give all people a better quality of life. Whether it be more free time (I can hear you all chuckle), create or more authentic buying experience, provide greater access to information or allow for more personal choice, brand managers do far more than be mouthpieces for their companies. We have a chance to reshape how we interact with consumers, and this session does just that.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Translation software failure
Me thinks that Chinese English translation software still has a long way to go. Or at least have error messages in the user's native language.
see more pwn and owned pictures
see more pwn and owned pictures
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Who is using what email client?
Finally a stat we have all been waiting for - what email programs are people using to check their mail?
The report has been created by a group that own an analysis tool called "Fingerprint."
The report can be accessed here.
Some interesting stats though:
BtoB email clients: 36 percent of recipients opened their email in Outlook, with the vast majority using Outlook 2003 and earlier; 33 percent used Hotmail; and 14 percent used Yahoo! Mail.
BtoC email clients: 29 percent of recipients opened their email in Yahoo! Mail; 27 percent used Outlook, with a nearly even split between Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2003 and earlier; and 25 percent used Hotmail.
The report has been created by a group that own an analysis tool called "Fingerprint."
The report can be accessed here.
Some interesting stats though:
BtoB email clients: 36 percent of recipients opened their email in Outlook, with the vast majority using Outlook 2003 and earlier; 33 percent used Hotmail; and 14 percent used Yahoo! Mail.
BtoC email clients: 29 percent of recipients opened their email in Yahoo! Mail; 27 percent used Outlook, with a nearly even split between Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2003 and earlier; and 25 percent used Hotmail.
The world is round. Almost.
The world is round...almost.
Recently a new application was launched, with a crack of a champagne bottle across its bow, in the endeavor of proving that the world (wide web) does infact have three dimensions. This software, exit reality, enables web pages, with a click of a button, after a fairly quick install, to suddenly be rendered before your eyes as a three dimensional space. after deciding on your explorer, you can run, walk and indeed sprint around this virtual world decorating it as you like, as you go. You can invite other like minded explorers over to admire your handiwork, dragging and dropping 3D shapes, music and videos into almost all company lobbies. And you thought Keith Moon was cool for pitching a tent in the lobby of the Hotel Beverly Wiltshire. You can have a whole Rolls Royce.
Recently a new application was launched, with a crack of a champagne bottle across its bow, in the endeavor of proving that the world (wide web) does infact have three dimensions. This software, exit reality, enables web pages, with a click of a button, after a fairly quick install, to suddenly be rendered before your eyes as a three dimensional space. after deciding on your explorer, you can run, walk and indeed sprint around this virtual world decorating it as you like, as you go. You can invite other like minded explorers over to admire your handiwork, dragging and dropping 3D shapes, music and videos into almost all company lobbies. And you thought Keith Moon was cool for pitching a tent in the lobby of the Hotel Beverly Wiltshire. You can have a whole Rolls Royce.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Real Estate Online
One of our sister companies, First Rate, has created an excellent paper on the state of the real estate industry in Australia with regard to natural and paid search, as well as traffic volumes. I am hoping to see a lot more of such papers, as it appears very factual and unbiased. My opinion of real estate sites is that they are very, very generic and lack the excitement that comes with buying/selling/renting a new home. There is definitely a gap in the market for a real estate site that is experiential. No wonder there is almost no brand loyalty in the sector!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Papervision3D - Open Source Flash 3D
The use of 3D in flash is getting bigger and better. Papervision3D is an Open Source 3D library for Flash. Their blog is a frequently visited site of mine. Papervision3d
Some recommended links include:
The Corona Beach - a very smooth and effective use of 3d rather than the common 3D for 3D sake!
Ecoda Zoo - cool 3D flip book, try spinning the book at it flips to see other angles
Visit their blog for more Papervision3d.
Some recommended links include:
The Corona Beach - a very smooth and effective use of 3d rather than the common 3D for 3D sake!
Ecoda Zoo - cool 3D flip book, try spinning the book at it flips to see other angles
Visit their blog for more Papervision3d.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Social chit chat and visualisation
Roktok is a simple flex RIA (Rich Internet Application) mashup between last.fm and twitter pulling the top artists listened to and any comments then displaying them as a particle cloud. Quite nice.
Rok Tok
Rok Tok
An exploration of human emotion, in six movementsWe Feel Fine
Digital Economy Statistics
An excellent snapshot of the digital economy in Australia courtesy of the Federal government. I will make a prediction that won't be a surprise to many - the digital channel will be the least effected by the financial crisis. I wouldn't want to be a print magazine right now.
http://www.digitalagency.com.au/digital_2008.pdf
http://www.digitalagency.com.au/digital_2008.pdf
Study finds only 4.13% of websites are w3c compliant
A recent study by Opera has found that only 4.13% of websites surveyed from approximately 3.5 million pages are actually w3c compliant.
Interestingly also it found that flash was most popular in China, with 67% of surveyed sites in China containing flash.
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20081015-opera-study-only-4-13-of-the-web-is-standards-compliant.html
Interestingly also it found that flash was most popular in China, with 67% of surveyed sites in China containing flash.
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20081015-opera-study-only-4-13-of-the-web-is-standards-compliant.html
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Australia to have a country wide firewall
The Australian government is planning to implement a filtering system that will filter content for all users in Australia without an option to opt-out.
Does anyone else find this scary? meaning all traffic will be monitored by the government.
http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;1399635276
Does anyone else find this scary? meaning all traffic will be monitored by the government.
http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;1399635276
Holographic Presentation
Star Wars technology has now become a reality with this presentation being delivered by a hologram.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sites worth viewing
Here are a few sites I found recently:
An older site but good design knows no time
http://www.jonathanyuen.com/
The Rolling Stones book uses nice take on the cover flow photo gallery
http://www.letitbleedbook.com/photography/
A website design gallery
http://bestwebgallery.com/
Weird coke zero game... weird!
http://trustyourbuds.com.au/
An older site but good design knows no time
http://www.jonathanyuen.com/
The Rolling Stones book uses nice take on the cover flow photo gallery
http://www.letitbleedbook.com/photography/
A website design gallery
http://bestwebgallery.com/
Weird coke zero game... weird!
http://trustyourbuds.com.au/
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Online trends mirror the real world
The Internet is a mirror, a microcosm, of the real world. Check out the search trend for the keyword recession over the past few years. Notice the spikes this year?
http://www.google.com/insights/search/#q=recession&cmpt=q
It's not all doom and gloom. Some industries boom during economic downturns. Have you noticed the carpark at your local hardware store is full lately compared with the retail shopping mall?
http://www.google.com/insights/search/#q=recession&cmpt=q
It's not all doom and gloom. Some industries boom during economic downturns. Have you noticed the carpark at your local hardware store is full lately compared with the retail shopping mall?
Data Curious - The Future, Physical Computing and Data Visualisation
What makes us so curious about widgets, gadgets, WAPS, iPhone apps and all those Web 2.0 data applets? The more access we are given to information to more information we want. What we need and what we and are completely different things. But just because the information is there we will digest it.
It may not be important like an astrology chart applet on a Crochet blog or your favorite sport team's calendar widget midway through the season after they’ve been knocked out. But just having access to this kind of information and its chic designed Web 2.0 animation and graphics gives us a sense of fulfillment.
We can feel a sense of power and efficiency in having the ability of checking the surf, get directions from our home to our place of work on Goggle maps, read recent news on our shares in the Australian Stock Market, or view recently added delicious tags. And there is a great need and urgency for this data, it does cut back time sifting though media and having your own customised data at your disposal, but where is all this going? What impact does it have on society and humanity as a whole? The more time we spend on our digital devices, the more isolated we become… or do we? So what then?
The future is more data more easily digested, more often. But perhaps the solution to avoid isolation is to share this data socially rather than isolate it, along the lines of FaceBook but on a more physical level away from the computer somehow.
Information Interior design concepts like those posted on http://www.beyes.jp/editwall/ visualise data in your lounge room for all visitors to your house see. One piece by Marcos Weskamp from Shibuya, Tokyo, analyses the colours visitors are wearing in a shop and represent it as an artwork on the wall (http://www.marumushi.com/v2/index.cfm?t=works&id=21). This is the future, useful physical computing and data visualization within social environments.
It may not be important like an astrology chart applet on a Crochet blog or your favorite sport team's calendar widget midway through the season after they’ve been knocked out. But just having access to this kind of information and its chic designed Web 2.0 animation and graphics gives us a sense of fulfillment.
We can feel a sense of power and efficiency in having the ability of checking the surf, get directions from our home to our place of work on Goggle maps, read recent news on our shares in the Australian Stock Market, or view recently added delicious tags. And there is a great need and urgency for this data, it does cut back time sifting though media and having your own customised data at your disposal, but where is all this going? What impact does it have on society and humanity as a whole? The more time we spend on our digital devices, the more isolated we become… or do we? So what then?
The future is more data more easily digested, more often. But perhaps the solution to avoid isolation is to share this data socially rather than isolate it, along the lines of FaceBook but on a more physical level away from the computer somehow.
Information Interior design concepts like those posted on http://www.beyes.jp/editwall/ visualise data in your lounge room for all visitors to your house see. One piece by Marcos Weskamp from Shibuya, Tokyo, analyses the colours visitors are wearing in a shop and represent it as an artwork on the wall (http://www.marumushi.com/v2/index.cfm?t=works&id=21). This is the future, useful physical computing and data visualization within social environments.
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